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.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Danny Peters, a former Division I assistant coach with experience across several high-level programs. He began his coaching career at Arizona, where he served under Sean Miller as a graduate manager and assistant director of basketball operations. Peters then spent four seasons as an assistant at Ball State, helping lead the program through a successful rebuild. He returned to Arizona as a full-time assistant coach before joining Xavier for the 2021–22 season, where he was part of a staff that won the NIT Championship. Most recently, he served as an assistant at Georgia State under Jonas Hayes. A former player at Ohio State, Danny brings a strong basketball pedigree and deep understanding of program building. In this episode we talk about what he learned from growing up in a basketball household, advice when looking to rebuild a program over the first few years and what he has learned and some advice for coaches being in between jobs.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Brian Adams, assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama. Coach Adams brings a wealth of experience across the NBA, G League, and college levels. He began his coaching career with the Boston Celtics which then led him to Harvard as the Director of Basketball Operations before moving to Marist as an assistant coach. He then joined the LA Clippers organization, where he served as a player development coach and later became the head coach of the Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League. Adams also spent time as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and most recently held a position with the Detroit Pistons. In 2024, he joined Nate Oats’ staff at Alabama, bringing NBA-caliber development and defensive insight to the program. In this episode we talk about what he has learned from some of the best head coaches he has worked with in his career, his advice for navigating career moves and his defensive philosophy.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Connor McCaffery, assistant men’s basketball coach at Butler University. A former standout guard at the University of Iowa, Connor played under his father, Coach Fran McCaffery, while also earning his degree and playing baseball for the Hawkeyes. After his playing career, he joined the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant under head coach Rick Carlisle, gaining valuable NBA experience. In 2023, he was hired by Thad Matta to join the Butler coaching staff, bringing a strong foundation of basketball IQ, leadership, and communication skills. Known for his poise and competitive edge, Connor has quickly earned respect as a rising coach in the college ranks. His experience learning from elite basketball minds has shaped his coaching philosophy early on. On this episode we talk about how to balance listening and learning while also trying to grow your own coaching voice as a young coach, 3 things that would be in Coach McCaffery's "Starter Pack" as a young coach and the skills he has learned working with legendary coaches in Rick Carlisle, Fran McCaffery and Thad Matta.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Marty Richter, the head men’s basketball coach at USC Upstate. Coach Richter began his coaching journey at Simpson College before moving on to South Dakota and then Bowling Green under Dan Dakich. He gained junior college experience at Chipola College and international coaching experience with Budivelnyk in Ukraine. After a return stint at Chipola, he was then later a part of the historic “Dunk City” run at FGCU. He then served as the head coach at Florida SouthWestern, compiling a 56–10 record in two seasons. From there, he joined Drake University as an assistant, helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2024, he was named the head coach at USC Upstate. In this episode we talk about what made the FGCU "Dunk City" team so special, how to know if you are ready for a head coaching position as an assistant and what he learned as a first year head coach at a JUCO position.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Desaree Festa, the team psychologist for the Buffalo Bills. She earned her PhD in Sport and Counseling Psychology from Florida State and began her career working with athletes at William & Mary during her internship. Dr. Festa then led a private practice in Charlotte, consulting with UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State, the Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR teams. In 2020, she joined the Bills full-time, becoming one of the few embedded psychologists in the NFL. Dr. Festa plays a vital role in player development, rookie success programs, and in-game mental performance. She’s also heavily involved in coach support and the team’s draft evaluation process. Her experience bridges the gap between clinical care and performance enhancement. In this episode we talk about her definition of mental toughness, the psychological impact of how coaches talk to their players and a couple simple mental training techniques coaches can integrate into practice.