Explore every episode of the podcast PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Pina St. George’s Coach on AA Prep Hoops | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:42:23 | |
St. George’s head coach and admissions officer Dwayne Pina joins Cory to walk through one of the most complete prep school basketball journeys you will ever hear. Coach Pina shares exactly what he looks for in recruits, how he developed Tyler Kolek into an NBA guard, what changed when St. George’s moved from Class B to NEPSAC AA, and why physical tools now separate many Division I guards from the pack. If you are weighing AA vs single-A vs public school and care about both college placement and life after hoops, this conversation is a must-listen. 💡Key Topics: 📌 Boston College walk-on to scholarship guard and how that shapes his advice to under-recruited players 🏀 About Dwayne Pina: Dwayne Pina is the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and an Admissions Officer at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. A New Bedford native, he played at Boston College, starting as a walk-on before earning a scholarship, then coached at Rhode Island College, Bryant under Max Good, and Brown University. He now leads St. George’s in the NEPSAC AA ranks, developing high-academic, college-bound players and guiding families through the prep school and recruiting process. 🔗 Connect with Dwayne Pina: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-pina-38a13147/ 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Nemo Maric: How Hoosac Prepares Players for College Hoops | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:36:12 | |
Nemo (Nemanja) Maric, head coach at Hoosac School / ISA (AAA), joins Cory to unpack a true Euro–U.S. hybrid approach to prep school basketball development. Maric shares his journey from Serbia and a 13-year pro career to building a multinational roster under one roof—where 20+ countries train, lift, and study within a system that blends European team concepts (spacing, reads, ball movement) with American individual creativity (one-on-one scoring, athletic standards). He explains why multi-sport participation helps athletes’ decision-making and body awareness, how ISA–Hoosac runs open gyms that draw 100+ college programs, and why honest, low-turnover guards who kick out on paint touches translate fastest to college. You’ll also hear candid guidance on playing time (earn it), parent communication (player-led first), college placement across D1/D2/D3/JUCO, and the real benefits of NEPSAC AAA competition for exposure and growth. Maric closes with a forward look at NIL-era pipelines, where schools may formalize multi-level systems from prep to college. Families mapping the prep-to-college pathway: this episode delivers clear, practical next steps—no hype, just what actually works. 💡 Key Topics
🏀 About Nemo (Nemanja) Maric Head Coach, Hoosac School / ISA (AAA). Serbian-born, 13-year European pro, and architect of a Euro-style development system inside a U.S. prep framework. Maric’s teams emphasize spacing, reads, discipline, and skill—while preparing international and domestic athletes for college basketball. 🔗 Connect with Nemo Maric Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hoosac.bb/ 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Alex Gallagher: Why D1-or-Bust Hurts Players and Families | 08 Jul 2025 | 01:04:13 | |
In this episode, Cory welcomes Alex Gallagher, head girls basketball coach and longtime faculty member at Nobles and Greenough School, a top-tier prep school in Boston. With 25 years of coaching and mentoring under his belt, Coach Gallagher shares real-world insights for parents, players, and coaches navigating the prep school basketball journey. You’ll hear his direct take on how youth sports culture has shifted, why love and accountability are cornerstones of his program, and what families need to prioritize when selecting a prep school. He also reveals the hard truths about college placement—including the “D1 or bust” mindset—and explains why culture trumps hype in building lasting success. Plus, you’ll learn about Shooting Touch, an inspiring nonprofit transforming lives through basketball in both Rwanda and Boston. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about basketball development, education, and making the right long-term choices. 🎧 Subscribe and hear what really matters in the prep-to-college basketball pipeline. 💡 KEY TOPICS 📌 Coaching with purpose and building a culture of love, care, and service 🏀 ABOUT COACH ALEX GALLAGHER Alex Gallagher is the head girls basketball coach at Nobles and Greenough School in Boston, where he’s served for over 25 years as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Known for his integrity, culture-driven leadership, and success on and off the court, Gallagher has developed multiple Gatorade Players of the Year and helped countless athletes find the right collegiate fit. He also serves as a board member for Shooting Touch, a global nonprofit using basketball to impact lives in Rwanda and Boston. 🔗 CONNECT WITH ALEX GALLAGHER X | https://x.com/NoblesVGBball X | https://x.com/ShootingTouch Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/noblesrwanda_24/ 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Former Nike Executive Talks Kobe, Lebron and Kevin Durant + Placing His Son in a Prep School | 29 Nov 2021 | 00:56:44 | |
On this PREP Athletics Podcast we welcome former Nike executive and prep school parent to the podcast. Archie McEachern completed a post grad year himself at Maine Central Institute before playing and becoming a 2 year captain at Ithaca College. He then worked his way up the corporate ladder at Nike to at one point being in charge of Global Basketball. Archie was in charge of footwear for Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant and more. He also shares his insight on helping his own son choose the right prep school. This was a great interview! Get behind the scenes on Kobe designing his shoe and more. Connect w/ Archie 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Top 5 Most Important Questions to Ask Prep School Basketball Coaches | 15 Nov 2021 | 00:10:04 | |
In this short podcast we go over the most popular article from the PREP Athletics website: The Top 5 Most Important Questions to Ask Prep School Basketball Coaches. Here they are: 1) How much is this going to cost? Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Former NBA Head Strength Coach Who Also Trained Kevin Durant in HS - feat. Coach Blair O'Donovan | 01 Nov 2021 | 01:05:22 | |
On this week’s episode I had the pleasure to interview former NBA strength and conditioning coach, Blair O’Donovan. Blair has worked in the NHL, NFL, NBA, as well as for the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonalds All American Game. Blair and I coached together at Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC under Gatorade National Coach of the Year, Steve Turner. In this podcast Blair talks about being Kevin Durant’s strength coach in high school, the other future NBA players on the Montrose Christian team, characteristics of an NBA player, the importance of nutrition/sleep, and the exercises he recommends to young athletes. Blair is one of the best in the business and you will learn a lot of valuable information in this episode. What You Will Learn: Connect with Blair Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Beginner's Guide to D3 Basketball feat. D3 Direct's Karl Barkley | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:58:01 | |
On this episode we welcome Karl Barkley of D3Direct. Karl played at Swarthmore College and now helps educate athletes on everything D3. In this episode we discuss the talent at the D3 level, going pro, the benefits, and talk all about financial aid. This was a very informative episode which is a must listen to those who don’t know much about the D3 option. What You Will Learn: Connect with Karl Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Walking On D1, Winning a Prep School Championship, Coaching NBA Players + More feat. IMG's Alex Popp | 04 Oct 2021 | 01:20:40 | |
On this episode we welcome Coach Alex Popp of IMG Academy to the podcast. Alex has played D1 and D2, coached at the D1, D3, G-League, Nike EYBL and prep school level and is now working at IMG Academy to make their basketball program one of the best in the world. In this episode we talk about Alex completing a post grad year at Northfield Mount Hermon, being a walk on at a Big Ten school, finding the right fit for college, coaching Top 100/future NBA players, what guards need to do to succeed, the NIL situation, and much more. Alex came to IMG Academy from NEPSAC AAA prep school Vermont Academy and shares the his thoughts after being away from the New England game for a year. This is a great episode with a lot of knowledge shared. Connect with Alex 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| How Does the PREP Athletics Process of Finding the Right Fitting Prep School Work? | 20 Sep 2021 | 00:12:26 | |
In this mini episode, PREP Athletics Founder, Cory Heitz explains how the PREP Athletics process of finding a right fitting prep school works. This process includes: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| National Championship Winning Prep School Coach Talks Program Building + 7 Footers feat Tom Espinoza | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:51:53 | |
Tom Espinoza is the head prep boys basketball coach at Putnam Science Academy. Tom won National Prep School Championships in 2018 and 2020. He has coached dozens of D1 players to include NBA player Hamadou Diallo. In this conversation we talk about starting a prep school program from scratch, what its like to coach a Top 100 player, his second team, the importance of the open gym recruiting period, coaching multiple 7 footers and more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Tom: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Top Level New England Basketball Prep School Located in the Woods of Maine feat Coach Dan Haynes | 23 Aug 2021 | 01:01:04 | |
On this episode we interview Lee Academy’s Head Prep Basketball Coach Dan Haynes. Dan was a multisport athlete in high school and college before getting into coaching. He has been at Lee since 2016 and shares his insights on such topics as the remoteness of Lee Academy, playing in the NEPSAC AAA, his largely international roster, and more. Dan explains his pitch to players on why it’s a good thing to go to a prep school in Northern Maine, plus much more. Enjoy the interview! What You Will Learn: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Coaching Basketball at an All Boy's Prep School in Pennsylvania feat. Kiski Coach Damien Williams | 16 Aug 2021 | 01:01:33 | |
In this episode we chat with Coach Damien Williams, Head Prep Basketball Coach at The Kiski School. Kiski is located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Coach Williams discusses recruiting against the New England prep schools, college recruiting, the advantage of prep school open gyms, how to email a college basketball coaching staff and much more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Damien: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Zion Williamson + Steph Curry played in the League of This Southern Prep School feat. Roger Cox | 09 Aug 2021 | 01:02:20 | |
In this episode we interview Coach Roger Cox who is the head boy’s basketball coach at the Rabun Gap School. Roger shares why not being in New England is not a disadvantage for his school, the league they play in that has included Zion Williamson and the Curry brothers, the benefits of a multi-cultural school, Rabun Gap’s circus program and more. What You Will Learn; Connect with Roger: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Hanno Möttölä: NBA Pioneer & International Coach on What It Takes to Go Pro | 24 Jun 2025 | 01:20:34 | |
This week, Cory sits down with Hanno Möttölä—Finland’s first NBA player, University of Utah Hall of Famer, and current assistant coach for the Finnish national team. Hanno’s journey spans from dominating youth basketball in Europe to starring for Utah in the NCAA championship game, breaking into the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, and later shaping European and Finnish basketball as a coach. In this episode, Hanno delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for families navigating the prep school and college basketball pipeline. He breaks down what truly separates future pros: the will and skill to practice, finding the right fit (not just the biggest name), and the importance of honest coaching over empty promises. Hanno also tackles the impact of NIL and transfer rules, why immediate playing time matters more than program prestige, and how European development models differ from the U.S. system.
🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Veteran Prep School Basketball Coach Kevin Kehoe Shares His Wisdom | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:53:05 | |
In this episode we interview the Winchendon School’s Head Boys Basketball Coach, Kevin Kehoe. Kevin has won a NEPSAC prep school title and coach of the year award. In our conversation we discuss the benefits of playing at a prep school, how to choose between colleges that are recruiting you, the single statement that if a guard does it will get them a scholarship, and much more. Kevin is a personality who also discusses the NCAA transfers, the new NIL ruling and raising triplets. What You Will Learn: Connect with Kevin: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| 3 Things I Wish I Would Have Done as a High School Basketball Player | 26 Jul 2021 | 00:07:10 | |
In this mini episode I discuss the three things I would tell my high school self to do if I could go back into a time machine. While this is not realistic, current high school players and coaches might get some insight into the benefits of these suggestions. Here they are: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: About Me 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Beginner's Guide to D2 Basketball feat. Regis University Coach Brady Bergeson | 19 Jul 2021 | 00:51:17 | |
Brady Bergeson is the head coach of Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He played at D3 Chapman University before coaching D1 at Sacramento State. He then became head coach at D2 Western Oregon before becoming the head coach at Regis in 2015. In this episode Brady will tell us about the benefits of playing at the D2 level, how scholarships work at all levels, the differences between each, and more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Brady: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Prep School Coach Who has Worked for the Pacers, D2, D1 + Coached an NBA Player - feat Mike Mannix | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:51:22 | |
Wilbraham and Monson Head Boys Basketball Coach, Mike Mannix has coached at the D2, D3 and NBA levels. He has been at Wilbraham and Monson since 2009. In this episode Mike talks about working for the Indiana Pacers as a video scout, being the director of basketball ops at Drexel, why the NEPSAC AA prep school league is so special, coaching current NBA player Wenyen Gabriel, and much more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Mike: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Former D1 Assistant + IMG Coach, John Mahoney, Discusses the World of Basketball Academies | 21 Jun 2021 | 00:56:19 | |
John Mahoney is a former D1 assistant coach at programs such as West Virginia University and Michigan. After coaching in college he took over the national post grad team at IMG Academy. Recently John started 212º Sports Academy. In this episode John talks about knowing what college coaches are looking for and how to develop his players so they will be attractive to coaches at the next level. Now as a founder of his own academy, he is taking all he learned and applying it to his program. We dig into the world of basketball academies and their advantages over a traditional brick and mortar prep school. I have been a vocal critic of basketball academies and having John on the podcast was very informative. Not all of these places are equal and John will share why his is different. What You Will Learn: Connect with John: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| ESPN National High School Basketball Scout Adam Finkelstein | 15 Jun 2021 | 00:41:54 | |
Adam Finkelstein is the founder of the New England Recruiting Report as well as a national high school scout for ESPN. Adam has experience coaching at the D3 (Western Connecticut State), D1 (University of Hartford), and prep school (Choate Rosemary Hall) levels. In 2012 I reached out with questions to Adam about the prep school world and he was kind enough to take the time to lead me in the right direction. In this episode Adam talks about scouting, going where the players are, his role with ESPN, and much more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Adam: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Discover the Recruiting Secrets of a Prep School Coach Who Has Coached 19 Eventual NBA Players | 07 Jun 2021 | 00:57:21 | |
Coach Raphael Chillious has coached at numerous programs during his tenure. He played collegiately at Lafayette before coaching at West Nottingham, then onto South Kent. After sending multiple players to the NBA and D1, he took his talents to the University of Washington. He has also coached at UCONN, Villanova, and East Carolina before heading back to the helm at the South Kent School. During his career Coach Chillious has coached 19 players who have played in the NBA. In this podcast he talks about how to be a good teammate, his secret to recruiting future pros, how to be a successful student/player both in and out of the gym, and much more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Raphael: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Gatorade National High School Coach of the Year - feat Gonzaga College HS Coach Steve Turner | 01 Jun 2021 | 01:19:56 | |
Coach Turner has been the head coach at Gonzaga College High School in downtown Washington, DC since 2004. Coach Turner was honored with the 2017 Gatorade National Coach of the Year Award. He has coached players who have played at Duke, UNC, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Harvard, Michigan, Cornell, Brown, Miami, and many more programs at all levels. I was an assistant on Coach Turner’s staff for two years and during those years had the privilege to coach eventual NCAA Tournament Legend, Villanova’s Kris Jenkins. In this episode Coach Turner discusses coaching in the best high school basketball conference in America, sending his son to prep school, the Gonzaga student section, recruiting junior high players, and much more. 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Coaching Future NBA Players, Evolving During Covid, and Being a Part of the South Sudan National Team | 24 May 2021 | 00:45:22 | |
Joe Mantegna is the head coach at Blair Academy where he has been since 1999. Coach Mantegna has coached five NBA players and works with USA Basketball and the South Sudan National Team. In this podcast we discuss his background, the characteristics that his eventual NBA players shared, changes he would make to the NCAA, and hearing from the actor also named Joe Mantegna. What You Will Learn: Connect with Joe: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Prep School Coach Who Completed a Post Grad Year, Played D1, + Coached D3 + D1 - Feat Ben Farmer | 18 May 2021 | 00:49:03 | |
Coach Ben Farmer is the head coach at the Williston Northampton School. Coach Farmer is a former D1 player, as well as an assistant at Wesleyan and the University of Hartford. He completed a post grad year at St Thomas More for Coach Jere Quinn, before playing for Marist. His older brother Jeff also played D1 basketball. In this episode he will discuss his background, how both he and his brother made it to D1, the benefits of working in a prep school’s admission office and more. What You Will Learn: Connect with Ben: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletic 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Daniel Poneman: Top NIL Agent on Recruitment & Player Fit Episode | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:47:02 | |
Daniel Poneman, one of the most influential agents in college and professional basketball, joins this podcast. Daniel, a Chicago basketball mainstay, got his start as a teenage scout and has since built a reputation as a top NIL and NBA agent, helping hundreds of players navigate the complex journey from high school to college and beyond. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique perspective on player development, the shifting landscape of prep school basketball, and the realities of college recruitment in the NIL era. He offers practical advice for families and players, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit, focusing on real improvement over hype, and understanding the true value of NIL deals. If you’re looking for direct, actionable insights on how to maximize your prep school basketball experience and make smart decisions about your future, this episode is a must-listen. #DanielPoneman #NILAgent #PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruitment #PlayerDevelopment #PREPAthletics #BasketballPathway 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| My Personal Experience Transferring High Schools and How it Helped Me Go D1 | 14 May 2021 | 00:10:02 | |
Cory recorded this mini episode based on all the transfers that are happening at the college, prep school, high school and AAU levels. In this mini episode Cory tells his personal story of transferring high schools in the early 1990s. It was not as common at the time but this move changed Cory's basketball trajectory and without it he would not have played in a D1 program. Check out his story and why he doesn't begrudge transferring. 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| AAU 101: All You Need to Know About This World From 3 AAU Experts | 12 May 2021 | 01:26:54 | |
This episode is a recording of a special Zoom roundtable PREP Athletics held w/ three AAU experts. We discuss how to pick the right team, if tournaments matter, and do you need to play AAU to play in college, plus much more. This was very informative and a must listen for families trying to navigate this sometimes shady part of the youth basketball world. Website | https://www.prepathletics.com 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Prep School Program Where 2 Current NBA Head Coaches Played - feat. Coach Jamie Sullivan | 26 Apr 2021 | 00:38:48 | |
Coach Sullivan grew up around Worcester Academy and has been with the school since 1998. As head coach since 2011, he has sent players to all levels of college basketball. In this episode Coach Sullivan describes not only his basketball program and his search for international players, but the local community and how his players can make an immediate impact. Each year he looks for players with the same passion he has where he can build a relationship not only on the court but off the court. What You Will Learn: Connect with Jamie: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Basketball at One of the Most Elite Prep Schools in the World - feat. Coach Jay Tilton | 19 Apr 2021 | 00:58:04 | |
In this episode you will hear from Coach Jay Tilton who is the boy’s varsity basketball coach at Phillips Exeter Academy. Hear exclusive details on: What You Will Learn: Connect with Jay: Connect with Cory: Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| How a Prep School Consultant Can Help Players Find the Best Fit at the Best Price - feat. Chris Overbye | 12 Apr 2021 | 01:08:41 | |
Chris Overbye is a senior partner of Hunnewell Education where he is a prep school consultant. Chris has his own experience attending Indian Mountain School and Salisbury School before going to Allegheny College. He has worked in everything in the prep school world from being a teacher, coach, director of admissions, director of development and head of financial aid. He has worked at the Meadowbrook School, Salisbury School, and Lawrence Academy. With over 20 years of experience, Chris knows the ins and outs of the prep school world and in this interview shares valuable information for prospective student athletes. [3:06] Why hire an educational consultant? 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Getting Vulnerable: My Personal Story of Going to Prep School and Playing in a D1 Program | 06 Apr 2021 | 00:21:20 | |
Why should you listen to anything I say about the prep school basketball world? For one, I attended a prep school for a post grad year. This led me to getting an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where I played on the basketball team. In this episode I share my experience with choosing a prep school, my college recruitment and what I gave up to play in a Division 1 program. Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Is IMG Academy Worth The Price? Find Out Why It Is. - feat. Coach Chad Myers | 30 Mar 2021 | 00:34:10 | |
Coach Myers is originally from Roanoke, VA. He grew up in the gym under the watch of his father who was a coach. He is familiar with the post grad year as he went to Hargrave Military Academy before playing at Shepard College. Coach Myers started his coaching career at Hargrave, before becoming a D1 assistant at Radford University. Massanutten Military Academy was his next coaching job before becoming the camp director at Hoop Group Elite. He also was the post grad coach for Elev8 Academy. Coach Myers is currently the head Post Grad Coach at IMG Academy. In this episode Coach Myers talks about his experience as a post grad player prepared him and eventually his players for the college game. Plus you never know who is in the gym watching. What You Will Learn: [1:05] Coach Myer’s background and why he chose basketball. Connect with Chad: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Drop and Give Me 20! Inside a D1 + NBA Producing Military Basketball Prep School - feat. Coach Thomas Messinger | 24 Mar 2021 | 00:33:46 | |
Meet Coach Thomas “Tom” Messinger, who is the men’s basketball coach at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. In this episode Tom talks about growing up in an athletic family and his journey to working at Hargrave Military Academy. Tom tells us about their military structured program and the benefits of a post grad year. Hargrave has sent 27 players to the NBA in the last 25 years. What You Will Learn: [2.13] Coach Messinger’s background and why he decided to play basketball. Connect with Thomas Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Beginner's Guide to Junior College Basketball - feat. JUCO Advocate's Brandon Goble | 16 Mar 2021 | 00:58:02 | |
Meet Brandon Goble, the CEO of JUCO Advocate and junior college basketball scout. JUCO Advocate, helps players gain exposure to junior colleges and their coaches. Listen in to learn the benefits of playing at a junior college and when it makes sense to go this route over a prep school. You will also learn the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a player. What You Will Learn: [1:00] Brandon narrates how he fell in love with the junior college process and wanting to help kids tell their own stories. Connect with Brandon: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Parents, Let the Coaches Coach - feat. Coach Mike Hart | 08 Mar 2021 | 00:57:53 | |
Meet Coach Mike Hart, the athletic director and basketball coach at St. Andrew's School outside Providence, Rhode Island. He’s been at St. Andrew's since 1994 and has been named New England Prep School Coach of the Year 6 times. In this episode, he talks about St. Andrews School, the under-the-radar kid they’re focused on, and the diverse environment they provide for basketball players. He explains the importance of trust between college and prep school coaches which enables successful college recruiting. Listen in to learn the importance of parents allowing coaches to coach their children and other valuable tips. What You Will Learn: Connect with Coach Mike Hart: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Alex Popp of Winchendon School Talks NEPSAC Basketball, Player Development, and College Recruitment | 27 May 2025 | 00:39:35 | |
Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball’s most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today’s transfer portal and NIL era? Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment. 💡Key Topics: 📌 Choosing the right prep school for basketball and academics (prep school basketball, NEPSAC, player development) 🏀 About Alex Popp: Coach Alex Popp is the head boys’ basketball coach at The Winchendon School, bringing a wealth of experience from his time leading Vermont Academy and five years at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top basketball programs. A former NEPSAC post-grad player and McDonald’s All-American nominee, Popp is known for his direct, relationship-driven approach to player development and college placement. His track record includes coaching future D1 and NBA athletes and building programs that prioritize both athletic and academic growth. 🔗 Connect with Alex Popp: Email | apopp@winchendon.org 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| "If I Didn't Play at a Prep School, I Would Not Have Played in the NBA" feat Brad Miller | 02 Mar 2021 | 00:37:56 | |
Welcome to the show NBA veteran, Brad Miller. He attended a prep school in Maine for his senior year of high school before playing for 4 years at Purdue University. He later played 14 years in the NBA to include two times in the All-Star game. In this episode, Brad recalls career moments from the very beginning of high school to the height of his NBA career. He explains why not getting drafted into the NBA worked in his favor and other events that shifted his career to become an NBA player. Listen in to learn how prep school basketball impacted Brad by giving him a solid foundation for the rest of his career. What You Will Learn: Connect with Brad Miller: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Virtues of Being a Young Prep School Head Coach - feat Coach Andrew Gale | 26 Feb 2021 | 00:37:48 | |
Meet Andrew Gale, the head coach of New Hampton School in New Hampshire. He worked at Vermont as a lead student manager and assistant coach for 4 years, before joining New Hampton in 2016 as an assistant coach and then head coach. In this episode, he talks about the New Hampton school, which is focused on developing kids into the top 100 players even though they do not always recruit top players. He explains how COVID-19 is impacting NCAA basketball recruiting this year and how they’re navigating it to ensure their players make the right choices. Listen in to learn how to showcase your basketball skills and differentiate yourself from the rest when presenting to a prep school coach. What You Will Learn: [0:49] Coach Gale explains his background in basketball before becoming a coach. Connect with Coach Gale: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Smartest High School Basketball Team in the Country? Just Look at any Recent Ivy League Roster - feat Coach John Carroll | 15 Feb 2021 | 00:51:19 | |
Meet Coach John Carroll, the Head Coach for the Boys' Basketball team at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. He was a NMH student-athlete before joining them as the head basketball coach in 2001, making this his 20th year with NMH. In this episode, he describes Northfield Mount Hermon as a prep school where kids achieve highly in basketball and academics, with many making it to Ivy League basketball. He talks about the success of the 2 teams model he adopted in 2020 and why he plans on keeping it going forth. Listen in to learn why he thinks “Go where you are wanted” is not the way to pick a college and other insightful gems. What You Will Learn: [1:32] Coach Carroll explains the benefits of a prep school basketball podcast in helping families figure out the process better. Connect with Coach John Carroll 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| How a Post Grad Year Prepares You For Life, Coaching Andre Drummond, + more - feat. Coach Jere Quinn | 12 Feb 2021 | 00:47:25 | |
Meet Coach Jere Quinn, the prep school basketball coach for the NEPSAC AAA St Thomas More team in Oakdale ,Connecticut. He’s been coaching for 43 years since he was age 22. He’s coached hundreds of Division I college basketball players, with many of them going pro. In this episode, he talks about his experience at St Thomas More preparing kids for college basketball recruiting and life in general. He explains the creative ways they’re navigating to help kids place in good teams during the pandemic. Learn about the qualities of kids who fit in a prep school, plus the benefits of prep schools in preparing players beyond the sport. What You Will Learn: Connect with Coach Jere Quinn 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| What do Jim Boeheim, Dwayne Wade + Jamal Mashburn Share in Common? They Sent Their Sons to Brewster Academy - feat. Coach Jason Smith | 01 Feb 2021 | 00:38:52 | |
Meet Coach Jason Smith, the head coach at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. He’s been a coach for over 20 years and started his coaching career at the young age of 19. In this episode, he talks about his experience at Brewster Academy, which is a Basketball Prep School that’s more concerned with the potential of kids rather than having a ‘typical’ kid. We discuss what really makes a future NBA star different from the others and whether they are born or made. Listen in to learn what has changed in Prep School Basketball over the last 20 years that Jason has been in the scene. What You Will Learn: [1:30] Coach Jason describes his love for basketball, which he played in high school. Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brewsterhoops/ 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| The Prep School Coach Who Got Bobby Knight to Send His Son to His Program feat. Coach Whit Lesure | 13 Jan 2021 | 00:49:56 | |
PREP Athletics is proud to have New England Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Whit Lesure on the podcast. Whit is the Bridgton Academy head basketball coach and shares his life experiences and advice on the prep school basketball scene. Connect with Coach Lesure: Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| How Much Does Prep School Cost + Are There Basketball Scholarships? | 13 Jan 2021 | 00:12:28 | |
Are there scholarships for basketball players at prep schools? It depends. Listen to this mini podcast to learn more information about merit versus need based aid, and more. Connect with Cory: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Former UK Basketball Player Tom Heitz Guarded 2 NBA Lottery Picks Every Day in Practice for 5 Years | 04 Jan 2021 | 00:48:20 | |
PREP Athletics is proud to have former UK Wildcat basketball player Tom Heitz on the podcast. Tom played at UK from 1979-1984. He backed up two lottery picks in Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin. Tom was on the UK 1984 Final Four team that lost to Patrick Ewing and Georgetown. He was drafted in later rounds by the Indiana Pacers. Tom also happens to be my uncle! On this podcast he discusses being on the same recruiting trip to UK as Ralph Sampson, getting kneed in the groin while taking a charge on Charles Barkley on national tv, and being runner up to Mr Basketball in the state of Indiana. Connect with Tom: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| How Marcellus Barksdale Went from Lexington, Ky to a D1 Program + Inspired This Podcast! | 29 Dec 2020 | 01:01:28 | |
PREP Athletics is proud to have the Kentucky Basketball Commission's Marcellus Barksdale on the podcast for our first, ever interview. I was on the KBC Podcast this summer with Marcellus where he gave me the idea and helped in the formation of the PREP Athletics podcast. Marcellus shares insights about his playing high school playing days at Tates Creek High School in Lexington Kentucky, getting recruited, playing D1 at IUPUI, and advice for kids and parents in the youth basketball world today. How to connect with Marcellus: Twitter l https://twitter.com/MXBarksdale 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Welcome to the PREP Athletics Podcast: Credentials (Intro) | 23 Dec 2020 | 00:13:13 | |
Welcome to the first PREP Athletics podcast. My name is Cory Heitz and I am the founder of PREP Athletics. In this intro episode, I give a short overview of me and my family's basketball background. I also include the benefits of attending a prep school for basketball. [0:00] My goal of playing Division 1 and the five members of my family who played at this level. 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Curtis Peery of Massanutten Reveals D1 Recruiting Truths & Navigating Transfer Portal Era | 13 May 2025 | 00:27:30 | |
In this revealing episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Curtis Peery, Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program. Coach Peery, a former D1 assistant at Maryland Eastern Shore, shares a major program update - Massanutten's basketball players no longer participate in military drills, making it significantly more appealing to recruits. Peery provides an insider's look at what Division I coaches actually discuss in recruiting rooms, emphasizing how small details like hustle and effort often determine scholarship offers. With his team finishing third in the Elite Prep League and reaching the Elite Eight nationally, Peery breaks down his development system that has players in the gym three times daily and gaining up to 23 pounds of muscle in a single season. Perfect for families considering the prep school route as a college basketball pathway. #CurtisPerey #MassanuttenBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #ElitePrepLeague #D1Recruiting #BasketballDevelopment #MilitaryAcademy 💡Key Topics: 🏀 About Curtis Peery: 🔗 Connect with Curtis Peery: 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Cary Herer of CATS Academy: Exposure & College Pathways | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:53:22 | |
This week, host Cory Heitz sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AA’s fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If you’re navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| Shavar Bernier of Taft School: Finding Your College Fit | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:53:57 | |
In this compelling episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Shavar Bernier, head basketball coach at the prestigious Taft School. Bernier shares his unique journey from being a first-team all-state player in New Hampshire to taking a gap year, attending Bridgton Academy, and eventually finding his way to Connecticut College before becoming a successful prep school coach. With remarkable candor, Bernier discusses his coaching philosophy centered on hard work, grit, and love for the game, while offering invaluable insights into how Taft prepares student-athletes for college basketball. Parents and players will appreciate his honest perspective on the importance of morning workouts, player development strategies, and how the right prep school environment can transform a young athlete’s future. This episode delivers practical wisdom for families navigating the complex prep-to-college basketball pathway. 💡Key Topics: 📌 Shavar’s personal journey through gap year, prep school, and college basketball 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||
| What D1 Programs Really Want: Coach Craig Carter of South Kent School on Basketball IQ & Decision Making | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:52:47 | |
In this week’s episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, I sit down with Craig Carter, the new head coach at South Kent School who took over for Raphael Chalias last August. Coach Carter shares his journey from the playgrounds of Brooklyn to playing at Rutgers and coaching at the D1 level for both men’s and women’s programs. He offers valuable insights on basketball development, the recruiting landscape in today’s environment, and how he’s transforming the South Kent program with his “Trust and Believe” philosophy. ✅ Coach Carter’s basketball journey from Brooklyn playgrounds to Rutgers University Craig Carter grew up in Brooklyn where he developed his game on the playgrounds before playing college basketball at Rutgers University in the Atlantic 10 Conference. His coaching career includes D1 experience with both men’s and women’s programs, including stints at Rutgers, University of Wisconsin, and Florida State. Coach Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to South Kent School with his “TAB - Trust and Believe” philosophy, focusing on developing complete student-athletes while helping them reach their collegiate goals. Under his leadership, South Kent continues its tradition of sending players to top programs like Kansas, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Harvard, and many others. 🔗 Connect with Cory: | |||