Connor Harr is the Video Coordinator for the Osceola Magic, managing all film-related tasks and supporting player development, coaching, and team strategy. Harr previously spent five years at NCAA Division II West Liberty University, where he served as both Assistant and Head Assistant Coach.

Known for its uptempo style, West Liberty boasts the highest winning percentage in NCAA men’s basketball since 2009. Harr also served as Head Assistant Coach at Great Lakes Christian College. Harr contributed to multiple #1 nationally ranked teams, five Regular Season Conference Titles, three Conference Championships, six National Tournament Appearances, and one National Championship Runner-Up.

Connor has also developed a basketball strategy channel on Twitter and YouTube, aiding thousands of coaches in improving their craft.

On this episode Mike & Connor discuss the crucial importance of understanding one's role within a basketball team, emphasizing that not every decision made on the court will be perfect, but rather, it is the collective effort and commitment to the team's overarching goals that are paramount. We delve into Connor's journey through various coaching positions, highlighting his experiences at Columbus State and West Liberty University, where the emphasis on teamwork and accountability shaped his coaching philosophy. He articulates the significance of building connections with players, fostering an environment where they not only learn the game but also enjoy the camaraderie that basketball fosters. As we explore the intricacies of coaching at the G League level, Connor shares insights on navigating challenges and the continuous pursuit of excellence in player development.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

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Grab your notebook before you listen to this episode with Connor Harr, Video Coordinator for the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.

Website - https://substack.com/@connorharr

Email - connorharr1999@gmail.com

Twitter/X - @harrconnor

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop...

On this episode Mike and Jason discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. They analyze the game's key moments, standout performances, and the incredible comeback by the Pacers. They look back on the Pacers' playoff run that now includes 4 ridiculous comebacks topped off by clutch shots by Tyrese Haliburton. Finally, they attempt to make sense of this Pacers win and how it impacts the eventual outcome of the series.

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

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Tom McKeown is the author of This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory, a classic underdog story of a high school basketball team's quest for glory and a young man's journey of growth, family, and determination. Set against the vibrant backdrop of mid-1970s Long Island, New York the book captures the excitement, challenges, and camaraderie of a small-town varsity basketball team and its dreams of triumph. Told from Tom’s vantage point in the eighth grade, he and the Village of Babylon follow their varsity basketball team, the Panthers, as they fight their way forward in hopes of claiming the first ever Long Island Championship.

On this episode Mike and Tom discuss why the 1970s marked a pivotal era for basketball on Long Island, characterized by the emergence of local talents and the establishment of a championship that would forever change the landscape of high school sports in the region. This episode delves into the compelling narrative of Tom McKeown’s memoir, "This Is Panther Country," which chronicles the inspiring journey of a small-town high school basketball team striving for glory against formidable opponents. Through McKeown's perspective as a young eighth grader, we explore the camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs that defined the season leading to the first-ever Long Island Championship. The discussion highlights not only the athletic prowess displayed but also the profound impact of that period on the community and the personal growth of those involved. Join us as we reflect on this extraordinary chapter in sports history, infused with the spirit of determination and the essence of youth.

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Have your notebook handy as you listen to this episode with Tom McKeown, author of This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory.

Website - https://www.tommckeownbooks.com/

Email – tom@tommckeown.net

Twitter/X - @tommckeown

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On this episode Mike and Jason discuss the upcoming NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder., the firing of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, and the overall performance of the Knicks during the season. The conversation touches on the Indiana Pacers' surprising run to the finals and their potential challenges on both sides of the ball. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both the Pacers and Thunder, focusing on key players, matchups, and strategies that could influence the outcome. The conversation also touches on the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the potential return of LeBron James, exploring how Lebron's second return could shape the NBA landscape.

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

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Sean Rossi is the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Montclair State University where he has been on Head Coach Justin Potts’ staff for six seasons helping guide the Red Hawks to a .628 overall winning percentage during their tenure together.

Rossi previously served as an assistant at Moravian, where he helped guide the Greyhounds to two 20 win seasons and back to back Landmark Conference championships (2017-18 & 2018-19.

Prior to Moravian, Rossi was the graduate assistant men's basketball coach at Misericordia University. Before joining the staff at Misericordia, Rossi spent the 2014-2015 season as the head men's basketball coach at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School where he led the team to a 20-5 record. In his first coaching job Rossi spent one season as the assistant men's basketball coach at Keystone College.

As a player, Rossi was a four-year starter at Ithaca College where he led the nation in assists his first three seasons and is the NCAA Division III all-time leader with 957 assists. Rossi finished his career with 1,147 points and was a D3hoops.com second-team All-American honoree as a senior. A team captain for both his junior and senior seasons, Rossi led the Bombers to 75 wins in his career and two straight Empire 8 Conference titles (2010-11 & 2012-13) while leading the team to the Sweet 16 of the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

On this episode Mike & Sean discuss how to establish a culture rooted in habits, where we emphasize that "first you make your habits, then your habits make you." Rossi shares the importance of cultivating a cohesive team environment, fostering relationships among players and between players and coaches, which is essential for sustained success. He shares insights from his own coaching journey, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence and the impact of mentorship in developing young athletes. Ultimately, this episode serves as a compelling exploration of the intricate balance between coaching, personal sacrifice, and the profound fulfillment derived from guiding players toward their achievements.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Make sure you’re ready to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Sean Rossi, Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Montclair State University.

Website - https://montclairathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - rossis@montclair.edu

Twitter/X - @Sean_Rossi

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Darris Nichols was hired as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University on March 11, 2025. Nichols most recently served as the head coach at Radford University, where he amassed two 20-win seasons in four years (68-63), including a 20-13 record during the 2024-25 season.

Nichols' coaching experience includes stints as an assistant coach at Florida, Louisiana Tech, Wofford, and Northern Kentucky. He was named as a member of ESPN.com's prestigious 40 Under 40 list in the summer of 2020 as one of the most influential people in the game of men’s college basketball.

Nichols was a four-year standout as a player at West Virginia. He helped the Mountaineers to a 26-11 record and a to the 2008 NCAA Sweet 16 as a senior. He scored 993 career points and dished out 399 assists while shooting .375 from 3-point range. Nichols was also twice a recipient of the Big East Academic All-Star and Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, he played professionally overseas in Hungary until a knee injury cut short his playing days and launched him into a career in coaching.

On this episode Mike & Darris discuss the significance of adaptability in coaching philosophy, which is particularly relevant in an era where player transfers are increasingly common. He underscores the necessity of fostering competitiveness and toughness within his team, both on and off the court. Furthermore, Nichols articulates his approach to building team chemistry and how he aims to instill a culture that values effort and improvement over mere statistical outcomes. As he embarks on this new chapter at La Salle, his commitment to nurturing players and creating a winning environment stands at the forefront of his vision for the program.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Take a few notes as you listen to this episode with Darris Nichols, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at La Salle University.

Website - https://goexplorers.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - nicholsdd@lasalle.edu

Twitter/X - @DarrisNichols

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching...

On this episode Mike and Jason discuss Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. They touch on the lack of defensive intensity in the series and whether that is a result of the Pacers style of play. Next, they look at the performances of Karl-Anthony Towns and Tyrese Haliburton, and how their contributions affect their teams' chances of success. Mike and Jason analyze the psychological factors affecting teams down 3-1in the playoffs and whether the Knicks or Wolves can extend their series past Game 5. Finally, the discussion turns to the MVP performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Western Conference Finals and why the Wolves need more from Anthony Edwards. The conversation culminates in predictions for the upcoming NBA Finals, highlighting the contrasting styles of play between the potential finalists, Indy and OKC.

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The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Playmaker Planner

Playmaker Planner is looking for forward thinking program directors and athletic directors...

If that's you... Playmaker Planner will lessen your workload while doubling the efficiency, confidence, and ability of your student-athletes over the next 12 months!

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

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Nick Williams is heading into his first season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at McNeese State University. Williams spent the previous three seasons as an assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2022-2025. Before joining the staff at Southern Miss he worked for 3 season at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Prior to Northwest, Williams spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons as a graduate assistant at Ole Miss under head coaches Andy Kennedy and Kermit Davis.

Williams began his coaching career while playing two seasons professionally overseas in Brazil and Canada and coaching high school basketball in his hometown of Mobile, Ala., at Mattie T. Blount and LeFlore High Schools.

A former standout 6-foot-4, 210 pound shooting guard, Williams played his college ball at Indiana (2008-09) before closing out his final three seasons at Ole Miss (2010-13).

Williams averaged 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and led Indiana in free throw percentage in 29 starts as a freshman. He'd go on to help the Rebels to 70 combined wins, three straight postseason berths and, as a senior, he was instrumental in helping Ole Miss reach the NCAA Tournament, claim an SEC Tournament title and win the most games in a single season in school history.

On this episode Mike & Nick discuss the impact that basketball has had on Nick’s life, emphasizing its capacity to serve both as a transformative force and a means of personal development. He reflects on his journey from being a late-blooming player to a dedicated coach, underscoring the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success within the sport. Throughout the discussion, we delve into the nuances of coaching, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges associated with fostering both competition and camaraderie among players. Ultimately, Williams conveys a heartfelt appreciation for the game of basketball, asserting that if one is committed to the sport, it will reciprocate with as much positivity.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Grab pen and paper before you listen to this quick hitting episode with Nick Williams, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at McNeese State University.

Website - https://mcneesesports.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - nwilliams19@mcneese.edu

Twitter/X - @Nick_Williams20

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