Derek Sloan is entering his 5th season as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach on previous WVWC head coach Nick Patella's staff and was appointed as the interim head coach on Aug. 10, 2021 before taking over the Bobcats’ program officially on September 15, 2021

In 2018, Sloan served as an assistant basketball coach at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind. The Cleveland, Ohio native was a member of the Cleveland State University men's basketball team from 2013-2018 where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

On this episode Mike and Derek discuss why every drill and practice session must embody the pace and principles that you want to see during actual games. Throughout our exchange, we explore Sloan's coaching philosophy, which prioritizes efficiency and energy in practices, ensuring that players not only develop their skills but also understand their specific roles within the team framework. Furthermore, Sloan shares insights regarding the challenges of navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly in light of recent rule changes impacting recruitment and player eligibility. Ultimately, this conversation underscores the profound impact of deliberate practice design and the cultivation of a cohesive team culture on the overall success of a basketball program.

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Prepare to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Derek Sloan, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Website - https://wesleyanbobcats.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - sloan.d@wvwc.edu

Twitter/X - @CoachDSloan

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

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On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss what intrigues them the most about each team scheduled to play on Christmas Day in 2025.

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

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Tyler Coston is the Founder of Savi Performance. He is known as a thought leader in player development, curriculum creation and teaching methodology. Tyler spent 13 years providing leadership as Director of Basketball Development for PGC Basketball. Tyler coached the women’s basketball team at Trinity Western University from 2005-2007, while simultaneously running a skills-development program that produced five Division I (USA) athletes. In 2007, he accepted a position as Assistant Coach at Portland State University. During his first year at Portland State, the Vikings won the Big Sky Conference with an overall record of 23-8. After Portland State captured the Big Sky Conference tournament, they went on to the NCAA Tournament where they lost to the eventual 2008 champions, the Kansas Jayhawks.

As a player Tyler led Lynden Christian High School to the Washington State Championship and earned first-team All-State honors. He went on to play university basketball at Trinity Western University, where he was named to the Canada West All-Rookie team. He transferred to the University of Alberta and led the Golden Bears to Canada West Gold, earning a spot in the national tournament in 2004.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Have pen and paper by your side as you listen to this episode with Tyler Coston from Savi Performance.

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

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Monty Patel is the Head Boys’ Basketball Head Coach at eSTEM High School in Arkansas. Monty also serves as the Head Coach for Team Arkansas TBT and is the Director of the AAU Club Off 2 U. He was previously an assistant coach at Jacksonville, North Little Rock, and Marion High Schools. He won a state championship at Jacksonville in 2020 as an assistant. Monty has helped more than 30 of his players play college basketball at various levels.

On this episode Mike and Monty discuss the impact of relationships—among players, coaches, and parents—on building a successful basketball program. From building trust with players and parents to networking with college coaches, Monty reveals how genuine connections have been key to his success. Patel reflects on his recent successes, including leading his team to a significant victory in the state tournament, while also addressing the challenges faced along the way, particularly the necessity of maintaining accountability and open communication. He candidly recounts his personal health struggles, which underscore the importance of prioritizing well-being amidst the demands of coaching. Our conversation highlights the overarching theme that basketball extends beyond mere competition; it is a vehicle for fostering growth, resilience, and community. Tune in to discover how relationships can elevate a coaching career and impact players' lives beyond the court.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Jot down some notes as you listen to this episode with Monty Patel, Boys’ Basketball Head Coach at eStem High School in the state of Arkansas.

Website - https://www.estemschools.org/documents/athletics/basketball/high-school/14756

Email - coachpatel928@gmail.com

Twitter - @MontyPatel

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

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Matt Goldsmith is entering his first season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Middlebury College. He previously served as the Head Coach at The College of New Jersey for 10 seasons where he piloted the Lions to over 150 victories and Two New Jersey Athletic Conference championships in 2020 and 2024.

Prior to TCNJ Goldsmith worked for Dave Hixon at Amherst College, where he was an assistant coach for three seasons. In his first season at Amherst in 2012-13, he helped guide the Jeffs to a 30-2 record and the second national title in program history.

Goldsmith has spent time as a volunteer assistant coach for USA Basketball and has been a coach and instructor at the Jay Bilas Skills Camp since 2016. He also serves as head coach and general manager of 'The Nerd Team' in The Basketball Tournament.

As a player at Amherst College, Goldsmith was a member of the Jeffs’ 2007 National Championship team. He continued his playing career after graduation, playing professionally in Germany during the 2008-09 season.

On this episode Mike & Matt discuss his upcoming inaugural season as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Middlebury College. With a commendable history at the College of New Jersey, where he amassed over 150 victories, Goldsmith reflects on his transition back to the NESCAC, a league with which he possesses profound familiarity. He shares insights into the critical elements necessary for success in a competitive landscape, emphasizing the importance of 3 key defensive principles. Furthermore, Goldsmith articulates his vision for cultivating a supportive and engaged team culture, underscoring the significance of community connections and the development of young athletes as exemplary citizens. As we delve into this enlightening conversation, we invite listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Coach Goldsmith and the Middlebury basketball program.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Take some notes as you listen to this episode with Matt Goldsmith, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Middlebury College.

Website - https://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/mbball

Email - mbb@middlebury.edu

Twitter - @CoachMGoldsmith

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Ryan Van Zelst will enter his first season as the Men's Basketball Head Coach at Drew University in 2025-26. Most recently, Van Zelst held the post of associate head coach at Division II Millersville University during the 2024-25 campaign, when he helped Millersville to a 19-12 record.

Van Zelst’s career includes head-coaching stops at both Cabrini University and Penn State Abington. He also served as the associate head coach at Landmark Conference rival University of Scranton, where he spent seven years with the Royals. He picked up additional Division III experience as an assistant coach at both York (Pa.) College and his alma mater, Albright College.

In 2017, Van Zelst was named to the NABC 30 Under 30 Team, and he was a part of the NABC Mentor Circle Program in 2021.

As a student-athlete, Van Zelst played three seasons at Albright and was a member of the 2010 team that captured the MAC Commonwealth Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament.

On this episode Mike & Ryan discuss the importance of building relationships with players and fostering a sense of community within the team. Van Zelst emphasizes his commitment to transparency and enthusiasm, highlighting his desire to ensure that every athlete feels valued and understood as they navigate the challenges of a coaching transition. Additionally, he articulates his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes defensive discipline and ball movement, while also adapting strategies to suit the unique strengths of his players. As he embarks on this new chapter at Drew University, Van Zelst expresses his dedication to maintaining the program's competitive edge and instilling a culture of success and camaraderie.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Be prepared with a notebook and pen as you listen to this episode with Ryan Van Zelst, Men's Basketball Head Coach at Drew University.

Website - https://drewrangers.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - rvanzelst@drew.edu

Twitter/X - @coachryanvz

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Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans to make getting new equipment easier than ever.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price...

Casey Kasperbauer is entering his first season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Upper Iowa University.

Prior to Upper Iowa, Kasperbauer was an Assistant Coach for the University of South Dakota men's basketball team from 2018-2025. During his time with South Dakota he served as Offensive Coordinator for four seasons, Defensive Coordinator for one season and Director of Opps for two seasons

Kasperbauer also spent a season (2017-18) as a skills coach for Pure Sweat Basketball in Des Moines, Iowa, where he developed training programs for various skill levels.

A 2016 graduate of the University of South Dakota, Kasperbauer was a 1,000-point scorer for the Coyotes and is USD's all-time leader in free-throw shooting, with a career percentage of 90.8%. He played professionally for BC Rustavi in the Republic of Georgia (2016-17), averaging 13.5 points per game.

On this episode Mike & Casey discuss the Casey’s journey from player to coach, and the experiences that have shaped his coaching philosophy. He shares the significance of fostering high basketball IQ and competitive toughness among players as essential components for maximizing team potential. Additionally, we examine the vital role of effective communication in establishing relationships with players, ensuring they feel valued and secure within his program. We also discuss the strategic decisions Kasperbauer faces as he transitions into his new role as the head coach at Upper Iowa, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and focus in building a successful basketball program.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

You’ll want to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Casey Kasperbauer, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Upper Iowa University.

Website - https://uiupeacocks.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - kasperbauerc@uiu.edu

Twitter/X - @ckasp12

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Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans to make getting new equipment easier than ever.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.