Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team.
We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.
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Coach Casey Stanley sits down for an in-depth interview about his journey to becoming the new head men's basketball coach at Westminster University in Salt Lake City.
With 18 years of collegiate coaching experience — including 15 seasons at the NCAA Division I level — Stanley has worked alongside some of the biggest names in basketball, including Rick Pitino at Louisville and Richard Pitino at Minnesota. Along the way, he helped develop seven NBA players and 31 international professionals.
Now leading the Westminster Griffins in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) at the Division II level, Coach Stanley shares his defensive philosophy, his commitment to recruiting local Utah talent, and what it means to take on his first collegiate head coaching role. Before arriving at Westminster, Stanley built Layton Christian Academy into a nationally ranked Top 50 prep program, compiling a 66-20 record and winning a state title.
In this interview, we cover:
🏀 His coaching journey from Iona College to D1 staffs across the country
🏀 What he learned working under Rick Pitino and other elite coaches
🏀 Why he's prioritizing Utah recruits and local talent
🏀 His defensive identity and how he plans to build the Griffins program
🏀 The transition from prep coaching to his first college head coaching job
🔔 Subscribe for more Utah basketball interviews and high school hoops coverage!
Utah's Head Coach Alex Jensen on Recruiting, Culture & Restoring Runnin' Utes Basketball
Season 2 · Episode 21
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 36:20
Alex Jensen sits down to talk about his journey from Viewmont High School standout and Utah's Mr. Basketball to the 17th head coach of the University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's basketball program.
Coach Jensen opens up about getting recruited by the legendary Rick Majerus, starring on Utah's 1998 Final Four team, winning the first-ever Mountain West Conference Player of the Year award, and playing professionally overseas. He also shares what he looks for in recruits now that he's back on the other side of the table, the coaching philosophies shaped by nearly two decades in the NBA — including 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz and two with the Dallas Mavericks — and why this upcoming season at Utah has him more excited than ever.
Whether you're a Utes fan, a Big 12 basketball follower, or a hoops junkie who loves a great homecoming story, this one is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with top basketball coaches and players.
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Our First Meeting
0:30 Alex Jensen Moments
1:34 Elite Defender
3:27 Most Difficult to Guard
4:41 Andre Miller
5:10 Getting Recruited to the U
7:20 Role of Assistants during Majerus
8:19 Coach Judkins Memories
9:55 Why Majerus Yelled at Alex
10:37 What the U offers Recruits now
12:07 Picking Coach Jensen's Staff
12:58 Recruiting HS vs Portal vs Europe
14:26 What Really Matters to a College Coach
From 2 Wins to Mr. Basketball - How Tre Smith Rebuilt Cyprus High Hoops
Season 2 · Episode 20
Sunday, April 19, 2026 • Duration 01:03:17
Cyprus High School head basketball coach Tre Smith sits down to talk about his 12-year journey rebuilding the Pirates basketball program from the ground up. A former Cyprus star and University of Utah basketball player, Coach Smith returned to West Valley to transform a program that had won just 2 games the season before he took over. In this interview, we dive into his coaching philosophy, how he builds confidence in young players, the culture shift that turned Cyprus into a competitive program, and what it takes to develop talent at the high school level. Coach Smith also shares stories about his players, what drives his approach to the game, and why coaching at his alma mater means everything to him.
🏀 Topics covered:
00:00 Introduction
00:13 Dress Standards
01:03 Basketball Character
2:50 Building a Program
4:31 You Can Beat Anybody
6:07 Turning Point in Career
7:38 Mr Basketball - Q Meza
9:37 New Cyprus/Old Cyprus
10:32 Coaching Style
12:26 Playing Influence on Coaching Style
13:15 Offense/Defense Philosophies
15:40 Coaching Staff Ideas
19:00 Tryout Expectations
20:30 Practices
21:02 Details Matter
23:56 Picking Captains
25:06 Play Sets
28:13 Scouting Opponents
30:35 Coachisms
31:19 "Try Hards"
35:47 Youth Programs
37:05 Keeping Players at Cyprus
Coach Andre Ashton's First Season at Mountain Ridge
Season 2 · Episode 19
Saturday, April 18, 2026 • Duration 01:08:09
Mountain Ridge Sentinel Boys Basketball head coach Andre Ashton sits down to talk all things basketball after completing a historic first season at the helm.
Coach Ashton and his players led the Sentinels to the winningest record in school history, capping off the remarkable year with a run to the state quarterfinals.
In this conversation, he reflects on building a winning culture, the key moments that defined the season, and what's ahead for Mountain Ridge basketball.
Whether you're a Sentinels fan, a high school hoops enthusiast, or someone who loves a great coaching story, this one's for you.
Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.
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Utah 6A Coach of the Year: Kyle Straatman on Building a Winning Team
Season 2 · Episode 18
Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 01:16:10
What does it take to build a championship-level high school basketball team?
In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Kyle Straatman, head coach of the Bingham Miners and Utah 6A Coach of the Year, to talk about Bingham’s incredible season that ended with a state runner-up finish.
Coach Straatman shares insights into building team culture, developing players, leading a competitive program, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of high school basketball.This conversation is valuable for players, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the mindset, preparation, and leadership behind a successful basketball program.
In this interview we discuss:
Bingham High School’s run to the state finals
What it takes to build a successful basketball program
Leadership and culture in high school sports
Player development and team chemistry
Lessons from a Utah 6A Coach of the Year
Subscribe for more interviews with basketball players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in high school basketball.
Time Codes:
0:00 Winning Coach of the Year
0:50 Memories of This Year
2:28 Tournament Run
4:08 Bingham Style
7:23 Defensive Philosophy
9:03 Style Dependent on Athletes
11:38 Teaching Reads
15:33 Tryouts & Conditioning
19:43 Cultural Expectations
24:28 Communicating with Players
26:22 Accountability and Care
The Rise of Luke West | Bingham Basketball Standout
Season 2 · Episode 17
Thursday, April 16, 2026 • Duration 28:34
What does it take to succeed as a high school basketball player?In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Luke West, standout guard from Bingham Miners, to talk about his basketball journey and what it takes to compete at a high level.
Luke shares insights into the work behind the scenes — the training, mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to succeed in competitive high school basketball.
If you’re a basketball player, coach, or parent of a young athlete, this interview provides valuable insight into how players develop and what separates good players from great ones.
Subscribe for more interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.
The Mindset of Elite High School Basketball Player - Crew Fotheringham
Season 2 · Episode 16
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 17:19
What does it take to become a great high school basketball player?
In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Crew Fotheringham, standout player from Lone Peak Knights, to talk about his basketball journey, development, and what it takes to compete at a high level.
Crew shares insights into the work behind the scenes — the training, mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to succeed in one of the most competitive high school basketball programs in Utah.
If you're a basketball player, coach, or parent of a young athlete, this conversation offers valuable insight into how great players develop and what separates good players from elite competitors.
Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.
Time Codes:
0:00 Intro
0:22 Love of Basketball
0:52 Work Routine
2:43 Crew's Strengths
3:20 Favorite Moments This Season
3:51 What it Takes to Win
4:21 Expectations
5:27 Battling Perfectionism
6:35 Bad Shot, Good Shot, Great Shot
7:58 Favorite Places to Play
9:03 Best Players Played With
10:13 Rivals
10:53 Role of Family
13:12 GOAT
13:40 Favorite Basketball Gear
14:08 Game Day Traditions
15:20 Coach Ingle
16:01 Advice to Self
Inside Lone Peak High School Basketball: Coach Izzy Ingle
Season 2 · Episode 15
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • Duration 45:27
🏀 Go inside Lone Peak High School Basketball with Head Coach Izzy Ingle as he shares his coaching philosophy, team-building strategies, and what it takes to develop championship-level players.
In this interview, Coach Ingle breaks down his approach to creating winning basketball programs, developing player talent, and building the team culture that makes Lone Peak Basketball one of the premier high school programs.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction: Meet Coach Izzy Ingle
0:16 - Winn Leprechaun
0:43 - Suit Coat Relationship
2:40 - Building a Program at a New School
4:33 - Balancing Opinions
6:18 - Core Principles
7:31 - What Makes Great Players?
9:19 - Balancing Accountability and Friendship
10:50 - Offensive Philosophy
13:30 - Defining Good Shots vs Bad Shots
14:26 - Tryouts
17:20 - Building a Winning Team
19:10 - Skill Work vs Team Concepts
20:31 - Coachisms
21:18 - Deciding on Plays
22:36 - Relationship with Officials
24:16 - Technical Philosophies
25:42 - Building Trust Quickly
27:26 - Proud of Players This Year
29:10 - Separating Record from Self Worth
30:55 - Advice to New Coaches
32:21 - Picking a Staff of Assistants
34:04 - Coaching Tree
How to Actually Train a High School Basketball Player (Legendary Coach Explains)
Season 2 · Episode 14
Monday, March 16, 2026 • Duration 01:43:22
What does it actually take to train and develop great basketball players?
In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with legendary performance coach Bob Medina to talk about the science and philosophy behind training basketball players — especially at the high school level.
Coach Medina shares decades of experience developing athletes and explains what most players, parents, and even coaches misunderstand about basketball training. From strength and conditioning to skill development, mindset, and long-term athlete growth, this conversation dives into the real process behind building elite players.If you're a high school basketball player, a parent supporting a young athlete, or a coach trying to develop your program, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how great players are built.
In this conversation we discuss:
• The right way to train high school basketball players
• Common mistakes in youth and high school basketball development• Strength training vs skill development• How to build athleticism for basketball
• The role of mindset and discipline in player development
• What separates good players from great ones
Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.
Time Codes:
0:00 Teaser
0:34 Intro
1:02 Biggest Training Myth
3:04 What Age to Start Strength Training
8:02 Training for Different Body Types
13:31 Loyalties Switching Programs
15:18 Differences Between Athletes
16:58 Where to Start Without Experience
Zach Gagon Interview - Skyridge Basketball
Season 2 · Episode 13
Friday, February 20, 2026 • Duration 18:28
We sit down with Zach Gagon - senior guard for the Skyridge Falcons, and we talk about the varsity basketball experience.
Zach is a tough, tenacious defender and senior leader. He shares his perspective on the preparation for guarding some of the best players in the state and his reflections on his career.
Subscribe to Making the Team for real conversations with players and coaches about growth, mindset, and the journey of basketball.
Be sure to check follow the Skyridge Falcons Instagram page:
✅ Coach Ingle's approach to building championship teams
✅ How to develop individual players within a team system
✅ Strategies for creating strong team culture
✅ Leadership principles that translate beyond basketball
✅ What it takes to compete at the highest high school level
✅ How Lone Peak Basketball prepares athletes for the next level
✅ Coaching insights applicable to any competitive program
👨🏫 ABOUT COACH IZZY INGLE:
In his first year as Head Coach of Lone Peak High School Basketball, Coach Ingle has built a reputation for developing talent, fostering team-first mentality, and creating a winning culture. His approach emphasizes character development, work ethic, and basketball IQ alongside skill development.
📊 WHO THIS VIDEO IS FOR:
✓ Lone Peak High School Basketball fans and supporters
✓ High school basketball players looking to improve
✓ Aspiring basketball coaches at any level
✓ Parents of student-athletes
✓ Basketball enthusiasts interested in program development
✓ Athletes wanting to learn about team culture and leadership
✓ Coaches seeking new strategies and perspectives
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Making the Team for exclusive interviews with coaches, athletes, and sports professionals sharing the strategies, mindsets, and philosophies that lead to success in competitive sports.
💬 QUESTIONS FOR YOU:What's the most important quality in a great basketball coach? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
