EP 21: De’Vion Harmon | The Player’s Perspective—Inside Impactful Coaching

Pro basketball player De’Vion Harmon joins the show as the first athlete guest on The Strength in Numbers Podcast. Having played at three Power 5 programs (Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas Tech) and with two NBA G-League organizations (New York and Indiana), De’Vion brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

We dig into what types of coaching have helped him the most, how coaches can make a lasting impact, and what he would change about his own development if given the chance. De’Vion also shares how he would approach building a college roster and creating team chemistry while navigating the dynamics of NIL.

This episode flips the script, giving us a chance to learn directly from the athletes we coach—and the ones we aim to impact most.

This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.

Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.

👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to De'Vion Harmon

04:08 The Importance of Coaching Relationships

06:39 Navigating Feedback and Self-Improvement

09:18 Adapting to the Changing Landscape of College Basketball

11:53 Building a Cohesive Team in a Transfer Portal Era

14:42 Understanding Roles and Expectations

17:19 Advice for High School Recruits

19:50 Reflecting on Recruitment Experiences

22:33 Transitioning from High School to College Basketball

28:05 Lessons from the G League Experience

30:35 The Impact of Structure on Player Development

33:12 Finding Balance: Coaching and Player Autonomy

36:46 The Importance of Work Ethic and Ownership

38:56 Lasting Lessons from Coaches

41:50 Building Strong Foundations for Success

45:17 The Role of Parents in Athlete Development

48:55 The Value of Playing Pickup Basketball