Jared here, and this week I’m joined by Fairfield Assistant Coach Blake DuDonis. Blake is one of my favorite minds (and also one of the most outstanding communicators) in college basketball. During Blake’s time as an assistant under coach Carly Thibault-Dudonis, Fairfield has become a force in mid-major D1 basketball, winning back-to-back MAAC championships and recently earning an invitation to USA Basketball’s 3x3 Nationals.

We dive deep into how Fairfield has built a culture rooted in trust, role clarity, and honest coaching. This includes the staff’s use of real data to define roles and guide player development. On the subject of roles, prepare for a thorough look at their now-famous "Roadrunner" position group, and how their staff balances hard coaching, real relationships, and gold old fashioned meep.

Blake then walks me through Fairfield’s unexpected 3x3 USA Basketball experience— from the invite, to the prep work, to the discovery that Fairfield’s style translated beautifully to the 3x3 game, to the takeaways from the experience. This retrospective ends with a must-hear take from Coach Blake himself on why 3X3 is such an untapped tool for development at every level of the sport.

I close my chat with Blake with some “real talk amongst friends” about the recruiting process, and it’s worth listening to every second if you’re a PSA or parent who wants to stay competitive in a rapidly changing recruiting landscape.

If you’re trying to understand what fit looks and feels like, how elite college programs think, or what really makes a recruit stand out—this episode will answer your questions and then some.

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Click here to obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book!

Watch AMAZING 3X3 hoops from Phoenix!

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

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Jared here. In this episode of The Nail the Recruiting Process Podcast, I’m joined by Katherine Plouffe—one of the top women’s 3x3 basketball players in the world and the leader of Team Canada 3X3. In the midst of her final competitive season, Katherine pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to perform at the highest level.

We talk about the mental shift that came with transitioning from 5-on-5 to 3x3, and why that shift unlocked a whole new level of creativity, freedom, and growth in her game. Katherine shares how the nature of 3x3—its speed, spacing, and nonstop decision-making—requires constant communication, adaptability, and trust. And why players who embrace the chaos, rather than fear it, tend to rise.

But this conversation isn’t just about tactics or stats. It’s about the mindset behind it all. Katherine opens up about confidence, self-doubt, overthinking, and what it really takes to push yourself to that next level—not just as a player, but as a person. Whether it’s learning a new position, managing frustration, or showing up with consistency, her path is a masterclass in humility, work ethic, and growth.

If you’re an athlete (or the parent of one) trying to understand what elite performance looks like—and what kind of mindset gets you there—this episode delivers insight you won’t find in highlight reels.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

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Inside the Evaluation Process with Wisconsin-River Falls Head Coach Shelby Lyman

Jared here. In this week’s episode, we’re pulling the curtain all the way back. I’m joined by Coach Shelby Lyman, head coach at Wisconsin-River Falls. Together, we’re going to walk you through literally every part of an evaluation of a prospective college athlete.

If you’ve ever wondered how college coaches decide who they’re watching, what they’re watching for, and how they follow up—this is the episode for you. We break down what it looks like from a coach’s perspective during live recruiting periods, from what gets an athlete on their radar, to what actually leads to a roster spot or scholarship offer.

When it comes to areas of expertise, Coach Lyman brings a rare combination of experiences to the table. She had an exceptional playing career at Cornell, she’s coached at both the D1 and D3 levels, and she is also coaching an AAU team during UWRF's offseason. Everything she is telling you on this podcast is EXACTLY what she is telling her team of 16U athletes who aspire to play college ball themselves.

We also talk about the strategic side of building a roster at the D3 level—how finances, culture, and growth opportunities play a role—and why the top of Division III isn’t just competitive, but comparable to some scholarship programs.

If you're a recruit, parent, or coach trying to REALLY understand how college staffs evaluate talent, fit, and long-term potential—this episode is a must-listen.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

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In this episode of The Nail the Recruiting Process Podcast, I’m joined by one of the most respected voices in Men’s basketball: Boston University Head Coach Joe Jones. Coach Jones is a three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year and has built BU into a model of consistency, with top-three conference finishes in five of the last six seasons. But this conversation goes far beyond accolades.

Coach Jones opens up about what it means to coach with purpose in an era of rapid change—where NIL, the transfer portal, and shifting timelines have challenged even the most development-focused programs. We talk about what’s getting lost in this new system, what still matters, and why relationships, accountability, and long-term growth have to stay at the center of the college athlete experience.

We also dive into the unique perspective Coach Jones has as both a head coach and a "basketball dad"—his daughter just wrapped up a standout career at Bowdoin, and his son is preparing to play at Penn. The way he navigated both roles—as a recruiter and a dad—offers an honest, grounded take on what young athletes and families should actually be looking for when making college decisions.

If you’re a recruit, a parent, or a coach trying to make sense of what truly matters in this new landscape, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

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Jared here. This week, I’m joined by UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Matt Ducharme, along with Jane McCauley and Carly Whiteside—two of UMASS Darthmouth’s transfer athletes who just helped the Corsairs capture the program’s first-ever Little East Conference championship.

You’ll hear Jane and Carly describe their journey from Division I to Division III in their own words; a pathway to leadership, growth, and a new chapter of success. This was an experience that didn't just reignite their passion for the game, but also expanded their appreciation for the relationships, sacrifice, and joy that college basketball can provide.

There’s also great insight from Coach Matt, who shares his philosophy on blending transfers with homegrown players. We discuss how he leveraged the transfer portal to strengthen a team culture built on work ethic, professionalism, and shared sacrifice. Four-year development is still clearly Coach Matt’s “why,” but his take on how the portal can elevate both culture and competitiveness is worth hearing.

If you want to understand how the transfer portal can be used as a tool for growth—when both players and coaches are intentional—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
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Jared here, and today I’m joined by Jon Soch — one of the most respected young scouts in men's basketball. Through his work with Suited Scouting, Jon has built deep connections with Division 1 college programs and NBA teams, specializing in evaluating the very best prospects across North America.

We dive into what recruitment actually looks like behind the scenes — from realizing what “hard work” ACTUALLY looks like, to visualizing the concept of “stealing” recruitment. You’ll also learn what separates the top of a scout’s recruiting list from the rest of the pack, including strategies that coaches use to find (and prioritize) the best fits as well as the toughest and most prepared athletes.

In the second half of the episode, I ask Jon to assess my teaching practices, and it results in a back and forth about the transfer portal that you will not want to miss. Be ready to learn A LOT about why mentorship and planning is so important, as well as how to find the right mentor for you.

Whether you’re navigating high school recruitment, eyeing a transfer, or just trying to understand the evolving demands of high-level basketball, this conversation is packed with real-world insights that I truly believe you won't find anywhere else.

If you want to know what it really takes to earn a spot at the next level, you don’t want to miss this one.

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Learn more about Jon:
https://www.suitedscouting.com

Contact Jon with questions via email at btjonsoc@gmail.com

Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
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Jared here. In this episode of The Nail the Recruiting Process Podcast, I’m joined by Coach Kristin Tullo, the founder of Think Strong Play Strong. Kristin is a mental performance coach, and today we dive into the critical intersection of resilience development and athletic development. With a background in strength coaching and social work, Kristin shares her journey to becoming a specialist in the mental aspect of sports—an area she believes is often overlooked.

We tackle the tough stuff: Why resilience is the true differentiator for athletes, how coaches and parents can help build an athlete’s mental toughness, and the power of letting athletes fail in order to grow. Kristin unpacks her philosophy on "controlling the controllables" and provides actionable strategies to help athletes bounce back faster from mistakes—both on and off the court or field.

Kristin’s approach challenges the traditional notion of toughness, focusing instead on building the ability to respond effectively to adversity. This episode is packed wall-to-wall with insights for athletes AND their inner circle. Simply put - if you want to help a young athlete unlock their full potential, you can’t miss this interview.

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SIGN UP FOR THE FREE MENTAL PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP ON 4/24:

https://thinkstrongplaystrong.com/workshops/power-of-control

Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
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SEASON 2 PREVIEW

Welcome back to The Nail the Recruiting Process podcast! Jared here, and I’m excited to kick off season two.

In order to best set up the interviews ahead, we’re going to use today’s episode to dive deep into the single most significant challenge I see in recruiting today: the massive information gap between high school athletes and college coaches. The recruiting landscape is shifting rapidly, and the information gap also impacts the landscape. College coaches are increasingly prioritizing transfers over high school recruits. We’re going to focus on how we can bridge this gap by teaching high school athletes what coaches are really looking for, and how they can show that they “get it.”

Your habits in high school will set you apart. And this season is all about showing you what those habits need to look like if you want to compete at the next level. It’s not just about your skills anymore—it’s about how you handle adversity, make decisions, and show up with consistency. Simply put - You’re going to learn how the best push through their toughest moments, both physically and mentally.

We’re going on a wild hike, and I’m pumped to be your tour guide. Let’s dive into the foundation of everything we will be talking about this season

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Download the NTRP x Athlete Narrative Recruiter App:
https://signup.athletenarrative.com/ntrp2?am_id=ntrp

To obtain more information about my coaching services or to check out the book, visit www.nailtherecruitingprocess.com

Have a question that you’d like answered by me or a guest? Have an idea for an episode topic? Have no suggestions but just want to say hello? Email me at RecruitingGEAR@gmail.com

Follow me on social media!

Instagram - @NailTheRecruitingProcess
TikTok - @JaredTheCoach