In this episode of The Matt Babcock Show, Matt dives into the mindset and habits required for success during the heart of the college basketball season. As conference play intensifies and players fight to solidify their roles and futures, Matt emphasizes the importance of focusing on the fundamentals: playing great basketball, being a good teammate, and developing winning habits. With the rise of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and draft aspirations, it’s easy for players to lose focus on what truly matters. Matt breaks down how ambition, when paired with selflessness and consistent effort, can set players apart. He urges listeners to concentrate on their development and team success rather than getting distracted by external pressures or future plans. Through actionable advice and candid insights, Matt highlights key traits that scouts and decision-makers value: hard work, smart play, and a team-first mentality. Whether you're feeling overlooked or at the top of your game, the message is clear—stay locked in, practice winning habits, and let your on-court performance speak for itself. Because at the end of the day, winners win.For more basketball-related content, visit BabcockHoops.com and follow us on social media @MattBabcock11 and @BabcockHoops.

In this episode of The Matt Babcock Show, Matt takes listeners behind the scenes of his biggest scouting trip of the season—an 11-day adventure in the Bahamas. Starting with a jam-packed schedule of 18 games at the Baha Mar Hoops Championship and the Battle 4 Atlantis, Matt shares his evaluations of top NBA Draft prospects like Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, Chaz Lanier, and Jeremiah Fears. Along the way, he recounts unforgettable moments with his family, scouting camaraderie with his dad, and the unique energy of the tropical basketball scene. From thrilling double-overtime games to hilarious behind-the-bleachers rescues, this episode offers a mix of basketball insights, personal stories, and pure entertainment. Listen now!For more basketball-related content, visit BabcockHoops.com and follow us on social media @MattBabcock11 and @BabcockHoops.

In 2009, I saw my first success by recruiting a star player from the University of Kentucky named Jodie Meeks. That summer our agency also represented Ron Artest! Listen in to hear everything that happened behind the scenes and how I became more involved working with Ron. My role evolved and I began looking for new clients for the agency. The second player I brought to the agency was Samardo Samuels and I was very hands on with him through the pre-draft process and leading up to draft night. What a crazy learning experience! 

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Many kids dream to play in the NBA and in a couple months this will become a reality. Let’s talk about what happens behind the scenes in the months leading up to the draft. Prospects look to boost their stock through the draft combine, team interviews and on-court workouts. This is when analysts and scouts really try to gain as much intel as possible. The more information you have the better! 

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The world of a sports agent isn't for everyone. The year was 2009 when I started to come into my own. Bouncing from one big agency to another can be exhausting. I finally caught my first break when I brought Jodie Meeks to DB hoops. After that signing, I gained both the confidence and skill to take my career to the next level.

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My family first moved to Milwaukee in 1997 when my father, Dave Babcock started working in the front office for the Bucks. My dad has taken on different roles during his time in Milwaukee and has played a pivotal role in the drafting of key players. He's not a big self promoter but I'll take this episode to give him his flowers. Also, I remember when I started getting more involved with the organization at a young age. I did all that I could to maximize my resources and learn as much as possible. Listen in to hear some of the different jobs I took on early in my career. 

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In 2001 I had a firsthand experience watching the Bucks go on a run in the playoffs. This Bucks team was stacked with players like Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Glenn Robinson. This is when I got my first taste of how emotional the playoffs can be. Every series was a war and I remember the questionable officiating. I also remember how disappointed I was when the Bucks lost in the conference finals. So many "what-ifs" with this team. 

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The NBA draft is the most important day of the year for me. I need to travel, review analytics and watch film year-round to get a sense of what these prospects are all about. This year I started off in Las Vegas to see Victor Wembanyama play against Scoot Henderson. It's important to keep a pulse on all prospects and learn everything you can from their play style to their character. Preparation and efficiency are everything when it comes to this job.

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The Milwaukee Bucks hired George Karl in 1998 and I subsequently became more involved with the team and built a friendship with his son Coby. That spring I went on the trip of a lifetime with the Bucks. 

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When my dad accepted a front-office role with the Milwaukee Bucks it was the start of something new. Arriving in Milwaukee - there were many shocks, from the weather to cultural differences it wasn’t an easy adjustment. After years of losing teams in Milwaukee, things started to take a turn with Glenn Robinson and Ray Allen, and the Bucks along with the city of Milwaukee became an important part of my story.

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Reliving my experience at the famed ABCD Camp in 2001. From the invitation to competing with the best talent in the country. Whether it was listening to Sonny Vaccaro or Kobe Bryant, ABCD Camp was an experience ill cherish forever.

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As a kid I wanted to be amongst NBA greats. Getting all the way to the college level my dream was still alive until injury began to hold me back. I had to return home to recover and this was just as tough mentally as it was physically. Were my dreams over? I thought my destiny was to be in the NBA. At the University of Arizona, my focus shifted to how can I work within the game I love? I found a new goal and way to be involved in the NBA.

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Join Matt Babcock as he embarks on his first scouting trip of the season, diving into the familiar routines and challenges of life on the road as an NBA Draft Analyst. In this episode, Matt takes us through his early morning rituals, his reflections on past experiences in Las Vegas, and his in-depth evaluation of Texas freshman standout Tre Johnson. From analyzing Johnson’s skills and mentality to the small details that reveal a player’s potential, Matt offers insights into the art of scouting and the hard work behind each assessment. Tune in for a front-row seat into the scouting grind, where every trip holds new stories and fresh revelations. For more basketball-related content, visit BabcockHoops.com and follow us on social media @MattBabcock11 and @BabcockHoops.

In this episode, I spoke about a basketball market that has been growing in talent and reputation over the years; the country of Japan. I discussed my longtime friendship with Japan-based sports agent Kenjiro Iwano, my introduction to Japanese basketball, and the intricacies of and differences between some of the bigger international basketball markets.

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Taking chances will sometimes provide the most amazing experiences. For me, it was leaving my family behind and moving to Italy. Doing so allowed me to follow my dreams and continue on my journey of working in basketball. Experiencing life abroad taught me a ton both on and off the court; I came back to America with a new perspective on life.

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Let’s turn the clock back to 2006. Fresh out of school and right into the coaching scene. 22 years old and I got my first coaching gig. What an experience it was. When I first landed, I thought I made a mistake. What was I doing here? Listen in to hear how I dealt with this challenge and how it helped my personal development. Don’t ever be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

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The year was 2006, and I was ready for my first job out of College. As an intern at Wasserman Media group, I was responsible for many things. The most important to me, though, ended up being the most exciting. Getting Shelden Williams, Brandon Roy, JJ Redick, and Jordan Farmar ready for the NBA Draft was on the docket for me, and as you're about to find out: it did not disappoint.  

 

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With Arizona in the rearview, I had my sights set on working in the basketball industry. Driving to Los Angeles to join Wasserman as a summer intern. I utilized my family's deep ties in the game to capitalize on opportunities early in my career. Proving at just 22 years old that relationships matter and that it was time to forge my own relationships and career. 

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On today's episode, I take another trip down memory lane and share what I learned from veteran coach Gerald Oliver and how his teachings impacted my approach to basketball and life, even to this day.

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What am I looking for when evaluating players? There isn’t just one thing, I’m looking at everything. We all hear the debate regarding the eye test vs analytics…however, there needs to be balance, and ultimately when evaluating talent you need to be a hybrid of both. Special shoutout to Cerebro Sports!

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After reflecting on a break-out game early on in high school, a lesson about the value of preparation was revealed to Matt Babcock. In today's episode, Babcock outlines that story and shares the lesson he learned.

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In this episode, I outlined my recent trip to Austin, Texas, which brought back many memories, including my first trip there when I met former Longhorn head coach Rick Barnes for the first time and saw a young Kevin Durant. And this most recent trip, I caught up with multiple old friends, including Texas legend TJ Ford, and I also evaluated projected lottery pick, Dillon Mitchell, and much more.

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Over the past few months or so, I've had the opportunity to speak to a few groups of people, including the players at Overtime Elite, Damian Lillard's Formula Zero, and parents that are members of the College Basketball Parents Association. On today's episode, I'll be talking about how signings have shaped the NBA CBA, what scouts look at when determining a player's fit, along with some more personal advice from a scouting perspective. 

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In this episode of The Matt Babcock Show, Matt Babcock outlines key strategies for aspiring NBA players to maximize their potential. From talent development to daily habits, Matt offers practical advice on what it takes to increase your chances of turning dreams into reality.

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I recently traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, a place I’ve become very familiar with over the years. On this episode I talk about the first time I went to Indianapolis, where I learned a very spicy lesson. But this is a Basketball Podcast, so I went over my latest scouting trip, covering some very exciting prospects. https://www.instagram.com/mattbabcock11/

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On my latest trip to the state of Illinois, I was reminded of my time there watching Michael Jordan Play with the Chicago Bulls in the 90's. Listen in as I recap some important college games with prospects like Terrence Shannon Jr., Coleman Hawkins, and Matthew Mayer taking center stage. It takes a lot of planning and organization to see as many players as possible, so I'll be going over a few things that make my life easier as a scout.

 

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As an NBA Draft Analyst it’s my job to know each NBA prospect before you hear their name called on Draft night. I track over 150 players annually domestically and internationally. I share my thought process and what goes into analyzing the next generation of talent, plus upcoming travel to watch some of the top prospects in the country!

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Welcome to the Matt Babcock podcast. Today’s episode introduces you to my family, and how much they have and still influence me to this day. We’ll go over what the show is about, as well as a look at the start of the season and how well the 2022 draft class is doing.

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My family has worked in the NBA since before I was born, and although I initially didn't have a choice whether I was around basketball, I fell in love and committed to the game early in my life. I grew up as a player, coached for a professional team in Europe, and served as an agent for over a decade, where I represented players in the NBA and worldwide. I'm now an NBA Draft Analyst, media member, scout, and advisor to various people and entities operating within basketball. I have seen the game from many angles, and I guess you could say I'm a basketball lifer. I'm Matt Babcock, and this is The Matt Babcock Show. Join me as I share thoughts, stories, and opinions as I continue to explore everything the game has to offer.

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In this episode of The Matt Babcock Show, Matt reflects on memorable scouting trips from recent years. From Zion Williamson’s electrifying performance at Duke to Ja Morant’s breakout at Murray State, Anthony Edwards’ game-changing second half in Maui, and Victor Wembanyama’s surreal skills in Las Vegas, Matt recounts his firsthand experiences scouting these NBA stars before they became household names. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Matt also previews the next wave of top prospects and shares his excitement for what’s ahead. Tune in to follow his scouting journey!

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Matt Babcock honors the legacy of Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA legend celebrated for his defensive dominance and humanitarian work—a true giant on and off the court.

 

 

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In this episode, Matt reflects on one of the most surprising moments in sports history: Michael Jordan's unexpected retirement in 1993. At the height of his career, Jordan walked away from basketball to pursue baseball, leaving fans and the NBA stunned. Matt shares his personal reaction as a young fan and explores the twists and turns that followed, including Jordan’s eventual return.

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Over the past couple weeks, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to attend two mini-camps held by USA basketball. I got to see young stars from the U16 and U19 teams that have some serious talent. For a lot of these young players, it is their first opportunity to represent their country. For myself, it is a great chance to see some of the country’s top prospects in a competitive setting. Listen in to hear about some of the players that caught my eye from both of these squads. I wouldn’t be surprised if a handful of these guys ended up in the NBA. 

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The draft combine just wrapped up and the NCAA early entry withdrawal deadline is just around the corner so there are some big decisions that need to be made by these young NBA hopefuls. Should you stay in school or go pro? With the way contracts are broken down, if you are projected in the first round then it is a reasonable decision to stay in the draft. There is definitely a greater financial risk if you are drafted in the second round as contracts are fully negotiable and you are missing out on potential NIL compensation that you could receive if you return to college.

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I'm currently in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine. This is a familiar setting and I remember being back in high school when I worked here as a volunteer. The combine has definitely changed since then but I still remember some of the great relationships I forged through this event. The 2003 combine stands out for me as I remember watching players like Luke Walton, James Jones and Kendrick Perkins. Also, listen in to hear my 2015 Draft Combine experience when I represented Jordan Mickey as his agent. I'm thankful that I can reflect on all these experiences and still be able to work in the industry I love after all these years.

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