On this episode of the Canada Basketball CoachingPodcast, Mike MacKay sits down with Mike Meeks, the Assistant General Manager of Men's High Performance at Canada Basketball. Coach Meeks, who shares his journey in basketball from a young athlete to a successful coach. They discuss the influence of coaches, the differences between North American and European coaching styles, and the importance of developing young athletes through the Junior Academy. Meeks emphasizes the need for a long-term approach to athlete development and the significance of building a supportive environment for aspiring players. The conversation highlights the evolution of coaching and the collaborative effort required to nurture talent in basketball.

Topics Discussed:

• Basketball opening doors.
• Influential coaches shape future athletes.

• Coaching is about giving back to the community.
• European coaching focuses on business and precision.
• Long-term development is crucial for young athletes.
• Creating a love for the game is essential.
• Building trust among athletes, parents, and coaches is key.
• Holistic training approaches are becoming more common.
• A supportive environment fosters growth and success.

The Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast is all about having conversations that help to connect, inspire, and build a betterbasketball for the future.