BJ Ivey | Navigating Youth Sports & the GOAT Debate with a Three-Time Championship Title Coach #51

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Today on Two Taps & Friends, we’re joined by BJ Ivey — Head Coach and Athletic Director at Sarasota High School, and one of the most respected leaders in Florida high school basketball.

Since taking over the Sailors in 2022, Coach Ivey has led the program to a 73–13 record, multiple district titles, a regional championship, and a Final Four appearance — while also building one of the top academic basketball programs in the state. Over his career, he’s amassed more than 350 wins, coached on the Nike EYBL and Adidas circuits, and even served at the college level with FGCU.

What makes BJ’s story truly unique is that he’s lived the game from every angle — he played in the City of Palms Classic as a high school athlete, and later guided multiple programs back to that same national stage as a head coach. Beyond the wins, he’s an award-winning educator, mentor, and leader whose impact reaches far beyond the court.

We’re excited to dive into basketball, leadership, development, and legacy with Coach BJ Ivey — let’s get into it.

⏰ Timestamps ⏰
00:00 🎬 Teaser
01:02 – 👨‍👧 Introducing BJ Ivey
03:35 – 🔄 From Player to Coach: What Made the Transition Natural
06:15 – 🧠 The Three Levels of Leadership in a Program
09:39 – 🔍 How Coaches Really Evaluate Talent
13:44 – 📈 The Unforgiving Reality of Recruiting Levels
16:25 – 🗣️ Honest Conversations with Parents
20:36 – 💼 Running a High School Athletic Department
25:46 – ⚖️ Club Teams, Fundraising, and Gray Areas
30:52 – ❤️ Instilling True Love for the Game
35:00 – 🐐 MJ, LeBron, Kobe: Mindset & Greatness
44:17 – 🙏 Closing & Brotherhood

What’s one leadership lesson from Coach BJ that you’re applying (or wish you had applied) in your own team, family, or life?

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