On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Michael McDuffie, head men’s basketball coach at Greensboro College. A Greensboro alum and four-year starter, he ranks top five in assists and games started in program history. He began his coaching career at Western Guilford High School, spending six years there before taking over at Caldwell Academy. At Caldwell, he led the team to a 19–7 record and a conference title. He then coached at High Point Christian, guiding them to multiple playoff runs. In 2022, McDuffie returned to Greensboro as an assistant and became interim head coach in 2024. His team found late-season momentum and made the conference tournament. His path through high school and grassroots basketball built a foundation of player development and leadership. In this episode we talk about his first "welcome to coaching" moment, his first 24 hours as interim head coach and how coaching at the high school and grassroots levels helped him be ready for a head college position.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Jason Smith, the Director of Basketball Operations for the Australian Boomers. A former professional player, Smith had a decorated career in the NBL, winning championships with the Sydney Kings and earning league MVP honors in 2005. He represented Australia in multiple Olympic Games and FIBA World Championships, serving as captain and a key leader for the national team. Following his playing career, Smith transitioned into basketball operations, where he now helps guide the strategic and developmental vision of the Boomers. His background includes international playing experience in Italy and Croatia, which shaped his understanding of global basketball cultures. Smith brings a high-level perspective on what it takes to succeed on and off the court. In this episode we talk about the coaching styles he experienced internationally that brought the best out of him as a player, his perspective being on the operational side of the game rather than playing and how Australia works nationally to build their programs and athletes up for success.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach James Kane, assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Dayton. Kane began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida under Head Coach Billy Donovan before joining the Charlotte Bobcats as an intern and then VCU as the video coordinator under Anthony Grant. He followed Grant to Alabama, serving as the director of operations, and later joined Steve Prohm’s staff at Murray State, where he helped recruit and develop Ja Morant. Kane then followed Prohm to Iowa State, playing a key role in multiple NCAA Tournament runs. He rejoined Anthony Grant at Dayton in 2021, continuing his long-standing coaching relationships at one of the top mid-major programs in the country. Known for his energy, scouting precision, and player development, Kane has built a strong reputation in the college basketball world. On this episode we cover what he has learned in his career working alongside two great head coaches in Anthony Grant and Steve Prohm, unique stories working with Tyrese Haliburton and Ja Morant in college and best practices to building a scout to prepare for your next game.