In this episode of Purpose Over Points, host Nick Crossan sits down with longtime friend, mentor, and one of the most respected basketball officials in the Pacific Northwest, Michael Smith. With over 25 years of officiating experience spanning high school, community college, NCAA Division III, Division II, NAIA, and Division I women’s basketball, Michael has seen the game from nearly every angle imaginable.

But this conversation goes far beyond officiating.

Michael shares his powerful journey—from growing up in Lakewood as a military brat, to falling in love with basketball, to being humbled early in his officiating career and choosing growth over ego. Along the way, he opens up about failure, accountability, leadership, communication, and why the way you treat people in the hardest moments matters more than any call ever will.

Now serving as an observer and evaluator for collegiate officials and as the owner of One Pivotal Move, Michael continues to impact the game by developing people—officials, coaches, players, and parents alike.

In This Episode:

The moment that changed Michael Smith’s career—and reshaped how he views leadership

What officials really think during the most intense moments of a game

Why tone, respect, and communication decide outcomes more than most people realize

The truth about missed calls—and how great leaders respond when they get it wrong

What separates elite players beyond talent: obsession, preparation, and humility

How players, coaches, and parents can positively impact the game—starting today

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnick_ebc/

EBC Training Centers: https://www.ebconefamily.com/

Basketball didn’t define Allen Tate, character did.

In this episode, Nick sits down with one of the pillars of EBC—trainer, mentor, and brother Allen Tate—for a raw conversation about identity, accountability, and what truly lasts beyond the game.

Allen reflects on his journey from Hobbs, New Mexico to the Pacific Northwest, winning a state championship, navigating college basketball, and ultimately finding his purpose in developing people—not just players. From losing his father at a young age to becoming a present father himself, Allen shares how loyalty, fundamentals, faith, and service have shaped the way he coaches and lives.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Allen’s upbringing shaped his loyalty, work ethic, and leadership style
• Why real development requires patience, fundamentals, and consistency
• The dangers of chasing exposure instead of growth
• How coaches can teach accountability and resilience
• What athletes gain when basketball is no longer the centerpiece
• Why Allen believes being present for family is the ultimate win
• Advice for trainers and athletes who want to build something that lasts
• How to respond to failure and adversity the right way

Connect with Nick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnick_ebc/

EBC Training Centers: https://www.ebconefamily.com/

What happens when the game that defined you… suddenly ends?

For many athletes, that moment is terrifying. For Aaron Nettles, it became the start of the most important chapter of his life.

In this episode, Nick sits down with someone who has been part of his world since childhood—Seattle Prep legend, former Division I guard, and now a leader at EBC Training Centers: Aaron Nettles.

Aaron opens up about the pressure of being "the kid with the gym," the reality of growing up biracial in Sammamish, the discipline that shaped him, and the injury that unexpectedly ended his basketball career. But more importantly, he shares how he rebuilt his identity, healed from years of silent struggles, and stepped into his true purpose: developing people, not just players.

This is one of the most honest conversations ever shared on Purpose Over Points—and a must-listen for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating who they are beyond performance.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Sammamish and navigating what it meant to feel “different” in every room

• The real grind behind a D1 path—early mornings, late nights, pressure, and discipline

• The injury and surgery that cut his career short, and why he now sees it as a pivotal turning point

• Letting go of achievement-based identity and learning who he is outside of basketball

• Stepping into leadership at EBC and pouring into the next generation

• The simple habits that keep his mind, body, and emotions grounded today

• What “Purpose Over Points” truly means to him now

Connect with Aaron:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronnettless/

Connect with us:

Website: https://www.ebconefamily.com

EBC's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebconefamily/

Nick's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachnick_ebc/