About the Guest(s):

Steve Yang is an experienced college basketball coach with a rich history in the sport spanning over 18 years. He has a diverse coaching background, having worked across various levels, including high school, NAIA, JUCO, and Division 1 institutions.

Yang's journey has taken him from coaching at Georgetown, George Mason, Illinois Springfield, Winthrop, Missouri State, and McCook Community College to his current position at California Baptist University (CBU), where he is known for his dedication to the game and developing young athletes.

Episode Summary:

This episode of "It's Just Different" podcast delves into the insightful world of college basketball recruiting with guest Coach Steve Yang.

Host Ashley Roberts discusses key aspects of navigating through the complexities of college sports with the first college coach to recruit some of her kids.

Coach Yang shares his expertise on recruitment, the importance of building relationships in coaching, and the changing landscape of basketball with the introduction of the transfer portal.

In the conversation, Coach Yang emphasizes the role of hard work, dedication, and sincerity in the path to a successful basketball career.

He advises on how athletes and parents can best approach the recruitment process, the significance of asking thoughtful questions to potential coaches, and the importance of selecting the right AAU team.

Yang's perspective on the evolving dynamics of college athletics, especially with the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies and social media, provides a contemporary understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sports today.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletes should focus on playing hard and improving their skills rather than solely relying on exposure in tournaments.

• The college recruitment process is increasingly complex with the addition of the transfer portal, which now includes a significant focus on monetary aspects.

• Understanding the intentions and values of college and AAU coaches is crucial for athletes to find the right fit for their academic and athletic aspirations.

• Coach Yang highlights the joy and pride in team achievements, like winning championships and participating in the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

• The wisdom shared by Coach Yang underscores the importance of genuine connections beyond the court, which can impact players' and coaches’ lives profoundly.

Looking for mentorship or film review services? Send us an email at coachroberts@cebasketball.org to find out more information!

Looking for Different Merch? Check out www.ashleynroberts.com

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