The Compound Commitment Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:17:53 -0400 http://compoundcommitment.com en-us © 2026 The Compound Commitment yes 4310ceb6-4073-5ec1-9dab-210541c3be2f Mike Nilson episodic false Welcome to the Compound Commitment, where we focus on the small actions that compound over time.  I'm your host, Mike Nilson.  Join me every Tuesday as we build the habits that support wealth, health, and happiness.  

Each week, we share insights on investing, wealth management, and financial planning alongside practical strategies for nutrition, sleep, relationships and happiness.  

Check out compoundcommitment.com to sign up for a complimentary 30-Day Wealth, Health, or Happiness Commitment.  

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Investing, wealth management, money, financial planning, retirement, health, nutrition, fitness, sleep, performance, relationships, happiness Mike Nilson https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5r3vjqp6u0qqw4kpeeidvpp1rlo2?.jpg The Compound Commitment http://compoundcommitment.com Our Hidden Operating System: Understanding Hypnotherapy & the Subconscious Mind w/ Tommy Flick, LMFT, CHt Our Hidden Operating System: Understanding Hypnotherapy & the Subconscious Mind w/ Tommy Flick, LMFT, CHt Episode 025: In this week’s conversation, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Tommy Flick and I dive into the connection between the body and mind and why understanding both is so important for personal growth. We get into how the subconscious shapes what we believe, how we act, and even how we see ourselves—most of the time without realizing it.

Tommy breaks down how tools like hypnotherapy can help us rewrite old patterns and create real change. We also talk about anxiety, why self-reflection matters, and the Trivium—knowledge, understanding, and wisdom—and how those three pieces can help all of us live with more intention and fulfillment

Tommy has over a decade of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, helping individuals and families navigate anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and career challenges. He specializes in EMDR and hypnotherapy to help clients experience meaningful improvements quickly. His results‑focused approach helps people move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

It was a powerful conversation, and I’m excited for you to hear it.

]]> Episode 025: In this week’s conversation, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Tommy Flick and I dive into the connection between the body and mind and why understanding both is so important for personal growth. We get into how the subconscious shapes what we believe, how we act, and even how we see ourselves—most of the time without realizing it.

Tommy breaks down how tools like hypnotherapy can help us rewrite old patterns and create real change. We also talk about anxiety, why self-reflection matters, and the Trivium—knowledge, understanding, and wisdom—and how those three pieces can help all of us live with more intention and fulfillment

Tommy has over a decade of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, helping individuals and families navigate anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and career challenges. He specializes in EMDR and hypnotherapy to help clients experience meaningful improvements quickly. His results‑focused approach helps people move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

It was a powerful conversation, and I’m excited for you to hear it.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18679247 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 3712 25 full false The 721 Exchange: Unlocking Liquidity & Diversification for Real Estate Investors w/ Jeff Walters The 721 Exchange: Unlocking Liquidity & Diversification for Real Estate Investors w/ Jeff Walters Episode 024: In this episode, I interview Jeff Walters from Hines Private Wealth Solutions on 1031 and 721 exchanges. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep more of what you’ve earned while leveling up your real estate strategy, this conversation breaks it all down in a simple, practical way.

We talk through how 1031 exchanges can help you defer taxes when moving from one property to another, and why some investors choose to “retire from being a landlord” by using a 721 exchange to roll into a REIT. We also get into the real differences between private real estate deals and publicly traded REITs—how they work, what kind of control you keep, and how to think about liquidity and diversification.

Finally, we walk through the costs, the timelines, and what investors should understand before jumping into a 721 exchange. Whether you’re just starting to explore these strategies or looking to refine the way you invest, this episode gives you a clear framework to work from.

Key Takeaways

  • Why strong financial coaching matters in real estate investing
  • How a 1031 exchange can help you defer taxes when switching properties
  • What a 721 exchange is—and how it can be a bridge into REITs
  • The specific rules investors must follow to complete a 1031 exchange
  • The role diversification plays in building a more resilient real estate portfolio
  • How a 721 exchange can help investors step out of hands‑on landlord duties
  • Why understanding liquidity and control is so important when comparing investments
  • A typical four‑year timeline for completing a 721 exchange
  • How investors may be able to take their cost basis out tax‑free after a 721 exchange
  • The importance of talking with a financial advisor to explore your options
]]> Episode 024: In this episode, I interview Jeff Walters from Hines Private Wealth Solutions on 1031 and 721 exchanges. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep more of what you’ve earned while leveling up your real estate strategy, this conversation breaks it all down in a simple, practical way.

We talk through how 1031 exchanges can help you defer taxes when moving from one property to another, and why some investors choose to “retire from being a landlord” by using a 721 exchange to roll into a REIT. We also get into the real differences between private real estate deals and publicly traded REITs—how they work, what kind of control you keep, and how to think about liquidity and diversification.

Finally, we walk through the costs, the timelines, and what investors should understand before jumping into a 721 exchange. Whether you’re just starting to explore these strategies or looking to refine the way you invest, this episode gives you a clear framework to work from.

Key Takeaways

  • Why strong financial coaching matters in real estate investing
  • How a 1031 exchange can help you defer taxes when switching properties
  • What a 721 exchange is—and how it can be a bridge into REITs
  • The specific rules investors must follow to complete a 1031 exchange
  • The role diversification plays in building a more resilient real estate portfolio
  • How a 721 exchange can help investors step out of hands‑on landlord duties
  • Why understanding liquidity and control is so important when comparing investments
  • A typical four‑year timeline for completing a 721 exchange
  • How investors may be able to take their cost basis out tax‑free after a 721 exchange
  • The importance of talking with a financial advisor to explore your options
]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18672375 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800 2260 24 full false Next Play Mindset: High Performance Habits w/ Alan Stein, Jr. Next Play Mindset: High Performance Habits w/ Alan Stein, Jr. Episode 023: In this episode, I sit down with Alan Stein Jr. to dig into the heart of his Next Play philosophy—a mindset built around resilience, presence, and the ability to move forward with purpose after any setback. Alan and I talk about how this idea was born on the basketball court, where he spent years as a high‑performance coach working with elite athletes, and how he’s since carried those same principles into the business world.

We explore what “Next Play” really means on both a micro and macro level. On the micro side, it’s about how quickly you can reset after a mistake or disappointment. On the macro side, it’s about stepping back, reflecting, and intentionally choosing what comes next in your life or career. Alan shares how emotional awareness, visualization, and preparation all play a role in making that shift effectively.

A big theme in our conversation is the power of fundamentals—how the basics we often overlook are actually the foundation for high performance, whether you’re running a company or running a fast break. We also talk about the importance of self‑awareness, letting go of unproductive emotions, and embracing the ongoing process of becoming a better version of yourself.

If you’re navigating a transition, feeling stuck, or just looking for a practical way to stay grounded and move forward, this episode offers a ton of insight and encouragement.

Follow along with Alan on social media @alansteinjr 

]]> Episode 023: In this episode, I sit down with Alan Stein Jr. to dig into the heart of his Next Play philosophy—a mindset built around resilience, presence, and the ability to move forward with purpose after any setback. Alan and I talk about how this idea was born on the basketball court, where he spent years as a high‑performance coach working with elite athletes, and how he’s since carried those same principles into the business world.

We explore what “Next Play” really means on both a micro and macro level. On the micro side, it’s about how quickly you can reset after a mistake or disappointment. On the macro side, it’s about stepping back, reflecting, and intentionally choosing what comes next in your life or career. Alan shares how emotional awareness, visualization, and preparation all play a role in making that shift effectively.

A big theme in our conversation is the power of fundamentals—how the basics we often overlook are actually the foundation for high performance, whether you’re running a company or running a fast break. We also talk about the importance of self‑awareness, letting go of unproductive emotions, and embracing the ongoing process of becoming a better version of yourself.

If you’re navigating a transition, feeling stuck, or just looking for a practical way to stay grounded and move forward, this episode offers a ton of insight and encouragement.

Follow along with Alan on social media @alansteinjr 

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18654323 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 3675 23 full false Compounding Impact: How Giving Multiplies Meaning w/ Innovia's Dave Sonntag Compounding Impact: How Giving Multiplies Meaning w/ Innovia's Dave Sonntag Episode 022: Dave Sonntag is the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Innovia Foundation. In this role, Dave develops charitable solutions for people, families, and organizations that align their values with making an impact in their community. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dave to talk about the true power of generosity—and why it’s about far more than money. Dave shares how generosity can be life‑changing not just for the people on the receiving end, but for those who choose to live with a mindset of giving.

We explore why so many people feel like they have to “wait” to be generous, and how that belief often gets in the way of doing good right where we are. Dave challenges the idea that generosity requires wealth or the perfect situation, reminding us that time, attention, encouragement, and effort are often the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

Dave also talks about the importance of forming habits around giving and opening our minds to the many different ways generosity can show up in everyday life. Whether you’re leading a family, a team, or a community, this conversation is a powerful reminder that generosity is accessible to everyone—and when practiced intentionally, it can have a lasting impact well beyond what we see.

 

 

]]> Episode 022: Dave Sonntag is the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Innovia Foundation. In this role, Dave develops charitable solutions for people, families, and organizations that align their values with making an impact in their community. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dave to talk about the true power of generosity—and why it’s about far more than money. Dave shares how generosity can be life‑changing not just for the people on the receiving end, but for those who choose to live with a mindset of giving.

We explore why so many people feel like they have to “wait” to be generous, and how that belief often gets in the way of doing good right where we are. Dave challenges the idea that generosity requires wealth or the perfect situation, reminding us that time, attention, encouragement, and effort are often the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

Dave also talks about the importance of forming habits around giving and opening our minds to the many different ways generosity can show up in everyday life. Whether you’re leading a family, a team, or a community, this conversation is a powerful reminder that generosity is accessible to everyone—and when practiced intentionally, it can have a lasting impact well beyond what we see.

 

 

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18529532 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 2707 22 full false Timeless Principles, Endless Techniques: Life and Happiness in 3D with Dr. Gary Gray Timeless Principles, Endless Techniques: Life and Happiness in 3D with Dr. Gary Gray Episode 021: In this episode, I sit down with Gary Gray for a wide‑ranging conversation on movement, mindset, and what it really means to live well in three dimensions. Gary has spent decades teaching that movement isn’t just something we do—it’s how we learn, grow, and navigate life. And if we don’t understand movement in all three planes, we’re missing the full picture.

We talk about the PST process (Principle–Strategy–Technique) and why understanding the why behind our actions matters just as much off the gym floor as it does on it. That leads us into Gary’s concept of the Triadox—the balance of mind, body, and spirit—and how living in 3D applies to parenting, coaching, leadership, and everyday decision‑making.

We also dig into the role of authentic encouragement and collaboration, and why engagement, empowerment, and encouragement aren’t buzzwords—they’re essential if we want people to truly grow. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Gary reframes emotions like pain, fear, and guilt, showing how they can be transformed into productive drivers instead of obstacles.

We finish by talking about kids, generosity, and teaching the joy of movement early—because movement literacy, generosity literacy, and critical thinking all shape how we show up in the world.

This episode is about moving better, thinking deeper, and living more fully—in every dimension.

Find Gary on social media @grayinstituteofficial

]]> Episode 021: In this episode, I sit down with Gary Gray for a wide‑ranging conversation on movement, mindset, and what it really means to live well in three dimensions. Gary has spent decades teaching that movement isn’t just something we do—it’s how we learn, grow, and navigate life. And if we don’t understand movement in all three planes, we’re missing the full picture.

We talk about the PST process (Principle–Strategy–Technique) and why understanding the why behind our actions matters just as much off the gym floor as it does on it. That leads us into Gary’s concept of the Triadox—the balance of mind, body, and spirit—and how living in 3D applies to parenting, coaching, leadership, and everyday decision‑making.

We also dig into the role of authentic encouragement and collaboration, and why engagement, empowerment, and encouragement aren’t buzzwords—they’re essential if we want people to truly grow. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Gary reframes emotions like pain, fear, and guilt, showing how they can be transformed into productive drivers instead of obstacles.

We finish by talking about kids, generosity, and teaching the joy of movement early—because movement literacy, generosity literacy, and critical thinking all shape how we show up in the world.

This episode is about moving better, thinking deeper, and living more fully—in every dimension.

Find Gary on social media @grayinstituteofficial

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18529413 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 3274 21 full false Owning Businesses, Not Ticker Symbols: The Rule #1 Approach to Investing w/ Phil Town Owning Businesses, Not Ticker Symbols: The Rule #1 Approach to Investing w/ Phil Town Episode 020: Phil Town is an investor, teacher, and bestselling author of Rule #1, known for making long‑term investing more understandable and more approachable. Before becoming a professional investor, Phil lived an unconventional life that included river guiding in the Grand Canyon—an experience that shaped his perspective on risk, decision‑making, and patience. Over the years, he’s helped millions of everyday investors think differently about money by focusing on clarity instead of complexity.

In this episode, Phil walks us through the 4 M’s of investing, a simple but disciplined framework designed to help investors make better long‑term decisions—especially during volatile markets.

The first “M” is Meaning. Phil believes the best investments start with businesses you actually understand. If you can’t clearly explain how a company makes money, what problem it solves, and why customers choose it, it may not belong in your portfolio. Investing isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about knowing why you own what you own.

Next is Moat. Phil breaks down the importance of competitive advantages and why truly great businesses can protect profits over time. Whether it’s brand power, switching costs, network effects, or proprietary systems, moats help companies stay resilient through economic cycles. Without a moat, even strong companies can struggle to compound consistently.

The third “M” is Management. Phil explains why investors should care just as much about who’s running the company as the numbers on the spreadsheet. Ethical leadership, aligned incentives, and a long‑term mindset matter. Great management teams think like owners—and that can make all the difference when times get tough.

Finally, Phil covers Margin of Safety, which he believes is where discipline truly shows up. Buying great businesses is only half the equation—buying them at a price that gives you room for error is what helps reduce downside risk. Phil shares how patience and valuation work together to help protect investors from emotional decisions and overconfidence.

Throughout the conversation, Phil reminds us that successful investing isn’t about being flashy or fast—it’s about commitment, consistency, and staying within your circle of competence. This episode is a powerful reminder that when you focus on quality and discipline, compounding has a chance to work.
 
 Phil Town is hosting his next workshop in March, 2026.  Check him out on social media @ruleoneinvesting to get details.  

]]> Episode 020: Phil Town is an investor, teacher, and bestselling author of Rule #1, known for making long‑term investing more understandable and more approachable. Before becoming a professional investor, Phil lived an unconventional life that included river guiding in the Grand Canyon—an experience that shaped his perspective on risk, decision‑making, and patience. Over the years, he’s helped millions of everyday investors think differently about money by focusing on clarity instead of complexity.

In this episode, Phil walks us through the 4 M’s of investing, a simple but disciplined framework designed to help investors make better long‑term decisions—especially during volatile markets.

The first “M” is Meaning. Phil believes the best investments start with businesses you actually understand. If you can’t clearly explain how a company makes money, what problem it solves, and why customers choose it, it may not belong in your portfolio. Investing isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about knowing why you own what you own.

Next is Moat. Phil breaks down the importance of competitive advantages and why truly great businesses can protect profits over time. Whether it’s brand power, switching costs, network effects, or proprietary systems, moats help companies stay resilient through economic cycles. Without a moat, even strong companies can struggle to compound consistently.

The third “M” is Management. Phil explains why investors should care just as much about who’s running the company as the numbers on the spreadsheet. Ethical leadership, aligned incentives, and a long‑term mindset matter. Great management teams think like owners—and that can make all the difference when times get tough.

Finally, Phil covers Margin of Safety, which he believes is where discipline truly shows up. Buying great businesses is only half the equation—buying them at a price that gives you room for error is what helps reduce downside risk. Phil shares how patience and valuation work together to help protect investors from emotional decisions and overconfidence.

Throughout the conversation, Phil reminds us that successful investing isn’t about being flashy or fast—it’s about commitment, consistency, and staying within your circle of competence. This episode is a powerful reminder that when you focus on quality and discipline, compounding has a chance to work.
 
 Phil Town is hosting his next workshop in March, 2026.  Check him out on social media @ruleoneinvesting to get details.  

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18529310 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 3696 20 full false Training for Life, Not the Season: Workouts and Nutrition After Division 1 Sports w/ Jenn & Lee Wirth Training for Life, Not the Season: Workouts and Nutrition After Division 1 Sports w/ Jenn & Lee Wirth Episode 019: Jen and Lee Wirth are identical twins, former Division I basketball players at Gonzaga, and now powerhouse entrepreneurs. We dive into the lessons sports taught them, the confidence that comes from embracing who you are, and why small, consistent habits are the foundation for long-term wealth, health and happiness. 

Jen and Lee share their journey from athletes to business owners, the importance of sustainability in fitness and nutrition, and how community and accountability can transform your health and mindset. If you’ve ever wondered how to transition from a competitive environment to building a life you love, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

  • Confidence starts with embracing who you are.
  • Small, consistent habits may lead to big results.
  • Investing in your health pays lifelong dividends.
  • Sustainability matters in fitness and nutrition.
  • Surround yourself with people who share your goals.
  • Nutrition is the foundation of well-being.
  • Train for functional strength and mobility.
  • There’s never a perfect time—just start.


]]> Episode 019: Jen and Lee Wirth are identical twins, former Division I basketball players at Gonzaga, and now powerhouse entrepreneurs. We dive into the lessons sports taught them, the confidence that comes from embracing who you are, and why small, consistent habits are the foundation for long-term wealth, health and happiness. 

Jen and Lee share their journey from athletes to business owners, the importance of sustainability in fitness and nutrition, and how community and accountability can transform your health and mindset. If you’ve ever wondered how to transition from a competitive environment to building a life you love, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

  • Confidence starts with embracing who you are.
  • Small, consistent habits may lead to big results.
  • Investing in your health pays lifelong dividends.
  • Sustainability matters in fitness and nutrition.
  • Surround yourself with people who share your goals.
  • Nutrition is the foundation of well-being.
  • Train for functional strength and mobility.
  • There’s never a perfect time—just start.


]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18490525 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 3158 19 full false Your Mortgage Is a Strategy: How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Life, Not Just the Lowest Rate w/ Jay Crowell Your Mortgage Is a Strategy: How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Life, Not Just the Lowest Rate w/ Jay Crowell Episode 018: Jay Crowell has spent more than 22 years in the mortgage world—most of them at Cornerstone—driven by a genuine heart for service and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, he leads Cornerstone’s National Retail Division, but he’s also been recognized among the top 1% of loan originators nationwide for over two decades. 

We dig into the real questions people face when deciding whether to rent or buy, why location matters more than most people think, and how understanding your mortgage options can impact your finances. Jay shares his own journey into lending, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why enthusiasm and clarity can transform not just your career, but your life.

From cash flow on investment properties to the long‑term wealth benefits of homeownership, we cover it all—while also reminding ourselves that there’s nothing better than reconnecting with old friends. If you’re thinking about buying, renting, investing, or just want a fresh perspective from someone who’s been at the top of this industry for years, this episode is packed with insight.

]]> Episode 018: Jay Crowell has spent more than 22 years in the mortgage world—most of them at Cornerstone—driven by a genuine heart for service and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, he leads Cornerstone’s National Retail Division, but he’s also been recognized among the top 1% of loan originators nationwide for over two decades. 

We dig into the real questions people face when deciding whether to rent or buy, why location matters more than most people think, and how understanding your mortgage options can impact your finances. Jay shares his own journey into lending, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why enthusiasm and clarity can transform not just your career, but your life.

From cash flow on investment properties to the long‑term wealth benefits of homeownership, we cover it all—while also reminding ourselves that there’s nothing better than reconnecting with old friends. If you’re thinking about buying, renting, investing, or just want a fresh perspective from someone who’s been at the top of this industry for years, this episode is packed with insight.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18490344 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 2737 18 full false Recruiting Kids These Days: How to Engage with Generation Y w/ Gonzaga Basketball's R-Jay Barsh Recruiting Kids These Days: How to Engage with Generation Y w/ Gonzaga Basketball's R-Jay Barsh Episode 017:  In this episode, I sit down with Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach, R-Jay Barsh, to talk about something that goes way beyond X’s and O’s—building real relationships in coaching. R-Jay shares incredible insights on why authenticity is non-negotiable, how listening can be just as powerful as speaking, and why understanding generational differences matters when connecting with athletes.

We dive into his personal journey, from growing up with seven brothers (which taught him how to relate to all kinds of personalities) to coaching at the highest levels. R-Jay opens up about creating a family atmosphere in programs, the role parents play in athlete development, and how recruiting isn’t just about talent—it’s about character.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for coaches, parents, and anyone who wants to lead with impact. We even touch on how coaching principles can apply to parenting—because at the end of the day, it’s all about communication and trust.

If you’re curious about what it takes to build a culture where players and alumni feel connected, this episode is for you.

]]> Episode 017:  In this episode, I sit down with Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach, R-Jay Barsh, to talk about something that goes way beyond X’s and O’s—building real relationships in coaching. R-Jay shares incredible insights on why authenticity is non-negotiable, how listening can be just as powerful as speaking, and why understanding generational differences matters when connecting with athletes.

We dive into his personal journey, from growing up with seven brothers (which taught him how to relate to all kinds of personalities) to coaching at the highest levels. R-Jay opens up about creating a family atmosphere in programs, the role parents play in athlete development, and how recruiting isn’t just about talent—it’s about character.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for coaches, parents, and anyone who wants to lead with impact. We even touch on how coaching principles can apply to parenting—because at the end of the day, it’s all about communication and trust.

If you’re curious about what it takes to build a culture where players and alumni feel connected, this episode is for you.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18411924 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800 2447 17 full false Wealth Resolutions That Work: Starting 2026 with Intention w/ Daryl Geffken, PhD Wealth Resolutions That Work: Starting 2026 with Intention w/ Daryl Geffken, PhD Episode 016: What if your New Year’s resolutions weren’t just about getting in better shape—but also about getting your finances in shape? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Daryl Geffken for a powerful conversation about why wealth resolutions might be even more impactful than health resolutions.

We talk about the emotional side of money—like why losing a dollar feels 2 times worse than gaining one—and how automation can help remove those roadblocks. Daryl shares his journey from ministry to financial advising, and why understanding your “why” is the foundation for both life and financial success.

You’ll hear practical strategies for setting realistic goals, balancing today’s enjoyment with tomorrow’s security, and why accountability matters. Plus, Daryl gives actionable tips to make 2026 your best financial year yet—like increasing your giving, tracking your spending, and setting up systems that work while you sleep.

If you’re ready to start the year with intention and build wealth that lasts, this episode is for you.

Listen now and let’s make 2026 the year you compound your wealth, health, and happiness.

]]> Episode 016: What if your New Year’s resolutions weren’t just about getting in better shape—but also about getting your finances in shape? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Daryl Geffken for a powerful conversation about why wealth resolutions might be even more impactful than health resolutions.

We talk about the emotional side of money—like why losing a dollar feels 2 times worse than gaining one—and how automation can help remove those roadblocks. Daryl shares his journey from ministry to financial advising, and why understanding your “why” is the foundation for both life and financial success.

You’ll hear practical strategies for setting realistic goals, balancing today’s enjoyment with tomorrow’s security, and why accountability matters. Plus, Daryl gives actionable tips to make 2026 your best financial year yet—like increasing your giving, tracking your spending, and setting up systems that work while you sleep.

If you’re ready to start the year with intention and build wealth that lasts, this episode is for you.

Listen now and let’s make 2026 the year you compound your wealth, health, and happiness.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18412047 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800 3115 16 full false The Power of Daily Commitment: How One Mile a Day Changed the Putney Family The Power of Daily Commitment: How One Mile a Day Changed the Putney Family Episode 015: In this episode of The Compound Commitment, I sit down with Damian and Ann Putney to talk about what it really means to stay committed. These two have been running a mile every single day for five years - rain, snow, sick days, all of it. We dive into the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and why having a strong “why” behind your commitments matters so much.

We also chat about how small daily actions may compound into big results, the difference between commitment and motivation, and why doing hard things is worth it. Plus, Damian and Ann share how these habits have shaped their family life and what they’re looking forward to in 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build resilience, teach your kids the value of commitment, or just stick to a goal when life gets messy, this one’s for you.

Damian and Ann also share their incredible journey from small-town roots to running Putney Building Company in Spokane. They’ve gone from restoring a single fixer-upper to designing and building beautiful homes—all while raising three kids in a 100-year-old house they’ve lovingly restored.

Check out their work:
 Website: www.putneybuildingcompany.com
Instagram: @putneybuildingcompany

]]> Episode 015: In this episode of The Compound Commitment, I sit down with Damian and Ann Putney to talk about what it really means to stay committed. These two have been running a mile every single day for five years - rain, snow, sick days, all of it. We dive into the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and why having a strong “why” behind your commitments matters so much.

We also chat about how small daily actions may compound into big results, the difference between commitment and motivation, and why doing hard things is worth it. Plus, Damian and Ann share how these habits have shaped their family life and what they’re looking forward to in 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build resilience, teach your kids the value of commitment, or just stick to a goal when life gets messy, this one’s for you.

Damian and Ann also share their incredible journey from small-town roots to running Putney Building Company in Spokane. They’ve gone from restoring a single fixer-upper to designing and building beautiful homes—all while raising three kids in a 100-year-old house they’ve lovingly restored.

Check out their work:
 Website: www.putneybuildingcompany.com
Instagram: @putneybuildingcompany

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18359537 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 2813 15 full false The Multifamily Mindset: Finding, Financing & Managing Your First Multifamily Property w/ Peter Clark The Multifamily Mindset: Finding, Financing & Managing Your First Multifamily Property w/ Peter Clark Episode 014: In this episode of Compound Commitment, I sit down with Peter Clark to talk about his journey from sports performance to multifamily real estate investing. 

We dive into what makes multifamily different from single-family, why location matters, and how property management can make or break a deal. Peter shares practical tips on evaluating properties, understanding cap rates, and the tax advantages that come with real estate ownership. We also cover some wins and lessons learned along the way—because in this game, education and having the right team are everything.

Peter’s story is rooted right here in Spokane. He grew up in North Spokane, earned his B.A. from Whitworth and his M.A. from Gonzaga, and spent eight impactful years with Gonzaga Athletics. On top of that, he owned Deliberate Strength for five years and launched a youth sports performance facility in the Tri-Cities. 

Today, Peter runs the Spokane/CDA region for Multifamily Mason, bringing together his business experience, local knowledge, and passion for helping people succeed. He’s a family man with a wife and two kids, an avid hunter, and someone who’s constantly working to master his craft—whether that’s in the gym or in real estate.

]]> Episode 014: In this episode of Compound Commitment, I sit down with Peter Clark to talk about his journey from sports performance to multifamily real estate investing. 

We dive into what makes multifamily different from single-family, why location matters, and how property management can make or break a deal. Peter shares practical tips on evaluating properties, understanding cap rates, and the tax advantages that come with real estate ownership. We also cover some wins and lessons learned along the way—because in this game, education and having the right team are everything.

Peter’s story is rooted right here in Spokane. He grew up in North Spokane, earned his B.A. from Whitworth and his M.A. from Gonzaga, and spent eight impactful years with Gonzaga Athletics. On top of that, he owned Deliberate Strength for five years and launched a youth sports performance facility in the Tri-Cities. 

Today, Peter runs the Spokane/CDA region for Multifamily Mason, bringing together his business experience, local knowledge, and passion for helping people succeed. He’s a family man with a wife and two kids, an avid hunter, and someone who’s constantly working to master his craft—whether that’s in the gym or in real estate.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18318637 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 3045 14 full false Beyond the Apology: How Forgiveness Transforms Teams and Lives w/ Jennifer Ferch, MS Beyond the Apology: How Forgiveness Transforms Teams and Lives w/ Jennifer Ferch, MS Episode 013: Jennifer Ferch is the Chief Operating Officer at NBC Camps with a master's degree in counseling psychology and a strong background in leadership. She's also a speaker for sports leadership ministries and a passionate advocate for personal growth and community development. 

She's made a lasting impact in both my personal and professional life. Early in my marriage, Rhiannon and I learned from Jen a powerful framework for asking forgiveness. Before that, I didn't even know that there was a difference between saying I'm sorry and asking forgiveness. But that lesson became a cornerstone of our marriage. 
 
 And later on, when U-District Physical Therapy wanted to strengthen our kindness culture, we brought in Jennifer to help us integrate forgiveness into the workplace. I'm so excited for you to hear from her today, and even more importantly, to gain the courage to practice forgiveness in your own life. 

Follow Jenn on LinkedIn and NBC Camps on Instagram.  

]]> Episode 013: Jennifer Ferch is the Chief Operating Officer at NBC Camps with a master's degree in counseling psychology and a strong background in leadership. She's also a speaker for sports leadership ministries and a passionate advocate for personal growth and community development. 

She's made a lasting impact in both my personal and professional life. Early in my marriage, Rhiannon and I learned from Jen a powerful framework for asking forgiveness. Before that, I didn't even know that there was a difference between saying I'm sorry and asking forgiveness. But that lesson became a cornerstone of our marriage. 
 
 And later on, when U-District Physical Therapy wanted to strengthen our kindness culture, we brought in Jennifer to help us integrate forgiveness into the workplace. I'm so excited for you to hear from her today, and even more importantly, to gain the courage to practice forgiveness in your own life. 

Follow Jenn on LinkedIn and NBC Camps on Instagram.  

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18127659 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 3033 13 full false Purpose Over Presents: Finding Meaning in a Budget-Friendly Christmas w/ Maddy Underwood CFP Purpose Over Presents: Finding Meaning in a Budget-Friendly Christmas w/ Maddy Underwood CFP Episode 012: Maddy is a Financial Advisor and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional at TEN Capital. Driven by a deep passion for financial literacy and a genuine commitment to educating and supporting others, she guides her clients to feel secure and ready for what lies ahead. 

In this conversation, Maddy explores the complexities of holiday gifting, financial planning, and the emotional aspects tied to money during the Christmas season. She discusses the importance of communication, setting expectations, and creating a budget that aligns with personal values. 
 
 Maddy shares insights on how childhood experiences shape our views on money and gifting, and they emphasize the significance of meaningful gifts over materialism. The discussion also touches on teaching children about money and the spirit of giving, as well as the importance of community and support in financial literacy.

Follow Maddy on social media at @maddyunderwood

]]> Episode 012: Maddy is a Financial Advisor and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional at TEN Capital. Driven by a deep passion for financial literacy and a genuine commitment to educating and supporting others, she guides her clients to feel secure and ready for what lies ahead. 

In this conversation, Maddy explores the complexities of holiday gifting, financial planning, and the emotional aspects tied to money during the Christmas season. She discusses the importance of communication, setting expectations, and creating a budget that aligns with personal values. 
 
 Maddy shares insights on how childhood experiences shape our views on money and gifting, and they emphasize the significance of meaningful gifts over materialism. The discussion also touches on teaching children about money and the spirit of giving, as well as the importance of community and support in financial literacy.

Follow Maddy on social media at @maddyunderwood

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18127638 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 2404 12 full false Recovery Tools for Aging Athletes: How to Stay Active, Reduce Injury & Bounce Back Faster w/ Dr. Laura Fralich Recovery Tools for Aging Athletes: How to Stay Active, Reduce Injury & Bounce Back Faster w/ Dr. Laura Fralich Episode 011: Dr. Laura Fralich is a dual board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician and the owner of Northwest Sports and Exercise Medicine in Spokane.  In this episode, she discusses her journey from being a young athlete to a sports medicine physician, emphasizing the importance of active recovery, understanding common injuries in aging athletes, and strategies to counteract the effects of aging.  
 
This interview highlights the significance of movement, proper nutrition, and mental health in maintaining an active lifestyle as we age. The discussion also covers the role of technology in training and recovery, as well as the importance of social connections for overall well-being. 

Dr. Fralich completed her Family Medicine residency in Spokane and Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Massachusetts.  Her medical expertise includes ultrasound-guided procedures and diagnostics, treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, and sports performance for athletes of all ages and abilities. 
 
 For over a decade, Dr. Fralich has served as a team physician at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and has led medical teams for several local and national events including the USA Special Olympic Games and Boston Marathon. She serves on the WIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, is a frequent speaker at medical conferences, and is an Assistant Professor at WSU’s College of Medicine as well as a Clinical Instructor at UW’s School of Medicine.  
 
Dr. Fralich is the founder and co-director of the Sports Performance and Leadership Summit for high school student-athletes, created the Spokane County Medical Society's Women in Medicine conference in 2023, and is host of the podcast “What’s Right With Healthcare,” highlighting the people, programs, and technologies improving our quality of life and the manner in which healthcare is delivered and received.     

]]> Episode 011: Dr. Laura Fralich is a dual board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician and the owner of Northwest Sports and Exercise Medicine in Spokane.  In this episode, she discusses her journey from being a young athlete to a sports medicine physician, emphasizing the importance of active recovery, understanding common injuries in aging athletes, and strategies to counteract the effects of aging.  
 
This interview highlights the significance of movement, proper nutrition, and mental health in maintaining an active lifestyle as we age. The discussion also covers the role of technology in training and recovery, as well as the importance of social connections for overall well-being. 

Dr. Fralich completed her Family Medicine residency in Spokane and Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Massachusetts.  Her medical expertise includes ultrasound-guided procedures and diagnostics, treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, and sports performance for athletes of all ages and abilities. 
 
 For over a decade, Dr. Fralich has served as a team physician at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and has led medical teams for several local and national events including the USA Special Olympic Games and Boston Marathon. She serves on the WIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, is a frequent speaker at medical conferences, and is an Assistant Professor at WSU’s College of Medicine as well as a Clinical Instructor at UW’s School of Medicine.  
 
Dr. Fralich is the founder and co-director of the Sports Performance and Leadership Summit for high school student-athletes, created the Spokane County Medical Society's Women in Medicine conference in 2023, and is host of the podcast “What’s Right With Healthcare,” highlighting the people, programs, and technologies improving our quality of life and the manner in which healthcare is delivered and received.     

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18125474 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 2521 11 full false Plan Before You Need It: The 6 L's of Smart Financial Planning w/ Dave Gordon, CFP Plan Before You Need It: The 6 L's of Smart Financial Planning w/ Dave Gordon, CFP Episode 010: Dave Gordon started his career in Wealth Management in 2006 and is now the Director of Advanced Planning at TEN Capital.  In this episode, Dave delves into the critical importance of planning in achieving financial stability and enjoying your wealth.

From understanding cash flow to navigating the six L's of financial planning, Dave shares practical advice and personal anecdotes that highlight how intentional planning can empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to help you align your financial resources with your life's purpose. Tune in to discover how a well-thought-out plan can be your roadmap to financial freedom.

]]> Episode 010: Dave Gordon started his career in Wealth Management in 2006 and is now the Director of Advanced Planning at TEN Capital.  In this episode, Dave delves into the critical importance of planning in achieving financial stability and enjoying your wealth.

From understanding cash flow to navigating the six L's of financial planning, Dave shares practical advice and personal anecdotes that highlight how intentional planning can empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, this episode offers valuable insights to help you align your financial resources with your life's purpose. Tune in to discover how a well-thought-out plan can be your roadmap to financial freedom.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-18141420 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 2514 10 full false Transforming Anxiety Into Understanding: Reframing Stress as a Signal For Growth w/ Max Manix LMHC Transforming Anxiety Into Understanding: Reframing Stress as a Signal For Growth w/ Max Manix LMHC Episode 009: Max Manix combines foundational mental performance strategies with a deep passion for sports and mental health to enhance performance, resilience, and overall well-being. In this conversation, Max Manix explores the journey from sports to mental health coaching, discussing the challenges athletes face during transitions, the nature of anxiety, and practical strategies for managing it. 

Max emphasizes the importance of self-talk, visualization, and community support in overcoming mental hurdles. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on mental health and the significance of building connections with others. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Max provides valuable lessons on resilience and personal growth.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), former NCAA D1 athlete, and Seattle Mariners front office alum, Max brings real-world athletic insight, leadership experience, and clinical expertise to support athletes and high-performers. Whether navigating pressure, building confidence, or improving performance, Max helps clients show up at their best — in sport, business, and life.

If you want to learn more about Max and performance counseling, check him out at udistrictpt.com.

]]> Episode 009: Max Manix combines foundational mental performance strategies with a deep passion for sports and mental health to enhance performance, resilience, and overall well-being. In this conversation, Max Manix explores the journey from sports to mental health coaching, discussing the challenges athletes face during transitions, the nature of anxiety, and practical strategies for managing it. 

Max emphasizes the importance of self-talk, visualization, and community support in overcoming mental hurdles. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on mental health and the significance of building connections with others. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Max provides valuable lessons on resilience and personal growth.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), former NCAA D1 athlete, and Seattle Mariners front office alum, Max brings real-world athletic insight, leadership experience, and clinical expertise to support athletes and high-performers. Whether navigating pressure, building confidence, or improving performance, Max helps clients show up at their best — in sport, business, and life.

If you want to learn more about Max and performance counseling, check him out at udistrictpt.com.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17850867 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800 2572 9 full false College Rentals 101: What We've Learned From Buying & Managing Gonzaga Houses w/ Marc Nilson College Rentals 101: What We've Learned From Buying & Managing Gonzaga Houses w/ Marc Nilson Episode 008: Marc Nilson has been working in the Spokane real estate market since 2004 and has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell their homes. In this conversation, Marc shares his long standing experience in college rentals, particularly around Gonzaga University. 

He explores the journey of investing in college housing, the pros and cons of this market, and share valuable insights on managing properties, common mistakes new investors make, and advice for those looking to enter the real estate market. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding cash flow, tenant relationships, and strategic decision-making in real estate investments.

Marc has a passion for real estate, and more than 80% of his business is from referrals from past clients; this is because he treats his clients as a priority.  Marc has been recommended by Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine as a standout Real Estate Agent. But, my favorite quality of Marc’s is that he’s a great younger brother!

You can find out more about Marc on his website, searchspokanehomes.com

]]> Episode 008: Marc Nilson has been working in the Spokane real estate market since 2004 and has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell their homes. In this conversation, Marc shares his long standing experience in college rentals, particularly around Gonzaga University. 

He explores the journey of investing in college housing, the pros and cons of this market, and share valuable insights on managing properties, common mistakes new investors make, and advice for those looking to enter the real estate market. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding cash flow, tenant relationships, and strategic decision-making in real estate investments.

Marc has a passion for real estate, and more than 80% of his business is from referrals from past clients; this is because he treats his clients as a priority.  Marc has been recommended by Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine as a standout Real Estate Agent. But, my favorite quality of Marc’s is that he’s a great younger brother!

You can find out more about Marc on his website, searchspokanehomes.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17842883 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 2353 8 full false Beyond Calories: The Case For Slowing Down & Mindful Eating w/ Jessica Durgan, RD Beyond Calories: The Case For Slowing Down & Mindful Eating w/ Jessica Durgan, RD Episode 007: Jessica Durgan is a Registered Dietitian, graduating from Washington State University in 2001 with a BS in Human Nutrition. Today, we delve into the transformative practice of mindful eating and all the benefits that come along with it.  

Discover how slowing down and savoring each bite may enhance digestion, prevent overeating, and foster a healthier relationship with food. Jessica shares practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into your meals, whether you're at home or on the go, and explains why this approach is key to long-term wellness. Tune in to learn how mindful eating can be a game-changer for your health and happiness.

In addition to being a Registered Dietitian, Jessica played volleyball at WSU where she also met her husband, Ryan. They have 3 wonderful kids and too many dogs. While she's been an RD for 24 years, she still loves it and is passionate about helping people.  

You can connect with Jessica on social media @whatsfordinnerspokane or email her at jessldurgan@gmail.com

]]> Episode 007: Jessica Durgan is a Registered Dietitian, graduating from Washington State University in 2001 with a BS in Human Nutrition. Today, we delve into the transformative practice of mindful eating and all the benefits that come along with it.  

Discover how slowing down and savoring each bite may enhance digestion, prevent overeating, and foster a healthier relationship with food. Jessica shares practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into your meals, whether you're at home or on the go, and explains why this approach is key to long-term wellness. Tune in to learn how mindful eating can be a game-changer for your health and happiness.

In addition to being a Registered Dietitian, Jessica played volleyball at WSU where she also met her husband, Ryan. They have 3 wonderful kids and too many dogs. While she's been an RD for 24 years, she still loves it and is passionate about helping people.  

You can connect with Jessica on social media @whatsfordinnerspokane or email her at jessldurgan@gmail.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17842757 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 3112 7 full false Turning Passion Into Profits: How Jess Rona Built an Empire One Dog at a Time Turning Passion Into Profits: How Jess Rona Built an Empire One Dog at a Time Episode 006: Jess Rona might be the most influential dog groomer today, having built a cult-like following on social media with her signature musical slow-mo blowout videos and her impressive celebrity clientele.  

Join us as we explore her inspiring journey as she transformed her passion for dog grooming into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. From her humble beginnings at PetSmart to grooming celebrity pets and launching her own beauty brand for dogs, Jess shares her story of resilience, creativity, and the power of visualization. 

Discover how she navigated challenges, embraced her path, and built a business that combines her love for dogs with her flair for design. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the art of balancing passion with practicality. 

Bio: Jess Rona spent her 20s and 30s grooming dogs during the day, and doing improv at night. Now her two worlds are colliding in a multi-dimensional grooming empire. She is known as a critically acclaimed groomer & instructor, a content creator, and comedian. Several brands have tapped Jess to promote and create original content including Apple, Valentino, Paul Mitchell, Bissell, The Standard Hotel, Ouai, Outdoor Voices, The Hoxton Hotels, Kove, Casper, and more.

You can find Jess at her iconic salon in LA or at home with her husband, actor Eric Edelstein and her two rescue pups.
 
 Check Jess out at jessronagrooming.com

]]> Episode 006: Jess Rona might be the most influential dog groomer today, having built a cult-like following on social media with her signature musical slow-mo blowout videos and her impressive celebrity clientele.  

Join us as we explore her inspiring journey as she transformed her passion for dog grooming into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. From her humble beginnings at PetSmart to grooming celebrity pets and launching her own beauty brand for dogs, Jess shares her story of resilience, creativity, and the power of visualization. 

Discover how she navigated challenges, embraced her path, and built a business that combines her love for dogs with her flair for design. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the art of balancing passion with practicality. 

Bio: Jess Rona spent her 20s and 30s grooming dogs during the day, and doing improv at night. Now her two worlds are colliding in a multi-dimensional grooming empire. She is known as a critically acclaimed groomer & instructor, a content creator, and comedian. Several brands have tapped Jess to promote and create original content including Apple, Valentino, Paul Mitchell, Bissell, The Standard Hotel, Ouai, Outdoor Voices, The Hoxton Hotels, Kove, Casper, and more.

You can find Jess at her iconic salon in LA or at home with her husband, actor Eric Edelstein and her two rescue pups.
 
 Check Jess out at jessronagrooming.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17844743 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 2783 6 full false Habits of Happy Couples: Daily, Weekly & Yearly Actions That Build Strong Relationships w/ Shann Ray Ferch, PhD, MFA Habits of Happy Couples: Daily, Weekly & Yearly Actions That Build Strong Relationships w/ Shann Ray Ferch, PhD, MFA Episode 005: Czech American artist and American Book Award winner Shann Ray Ferch teaches leadership and forgiveness studies at Gonzaga University and poetry at Stanford.  In this insightful episode, we delve into the transformative power of daily, weekly, and yearly relationship habits. Discover how small, consistent actions can help build a foundation of love and understanding that grow a thriving partnership. 

From the significance of daily greetings and partings to the impact of weekly emotional and physical connections, and the rejuvenating effect of yearly getaways, Shann explore practical strategies to nurture and sustain a healthy relationship. Tune in to learn how these habits may enhance your bond and create a lasting legacy of love. 

Shann Ray Ferch's Bio: 
Through his research in forgiveness and genocide Shann has served as a visiting scholar in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, and as a poetry mentor for the PEN America Prison and Justice Writers Program. He has delivered poetry engagements at Cambridge and the Center for Contemplative Leadership at Princeton Theological Seminary, and values mutual work involving art, leadership, and the reconciliation of people and nations. 

Having collaborated as a visiting poet with painter Makoto Fujimura on a United Nations grant entitled Intercultural Dialogues through Beauty as a Language of Peace, Ray is also an International Book Award winner, a three-time High Plains Book Award winner, Bread Loaf Fellow, Bakeless Prize winner, and winner of the Foreword Book of the Year Readers’ Choice Award. 

His work comprises a libretto and 17 books, of which 12 are poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction including Atomic Theory 7, The Garment of Praise, Forgiveness and Power in the Age of Atrocity, Balefire, American Masculine, Sweetclover, Blood Fire Vapor Smoke, American Copper, The Souls of Others, and Transparent in the Backlight. His poems and prose have been featured in Poetry, Esquire, Narrative, McSweeney’s, Prairie Schooner, Poetry International, Big Sky Journal, and the American Journal of Poetry.

You can learn more about Shann Ray Ferch on his website, shannray.com


]]> Episode 005: Czech American artist and American Book Award winner Shann Ray Ferch teaches leadership and forgiveness studies at Gonzaga University and poetry at Stanford.  In this insightful episode, we delve into the transformative power of daily, weekly, and yearly relationship habits. Discover how small, consistent actions can help build a foundation of love and understanding that grow a thriving partnership. 

From the significance of daily greetings and partings to the impact of weekly emotional and physical connections, and the rejuvenating effect of yearly getaways, Shann explore practical strategies to nurture and sustain a healthy relationship. Tune in to learn how these habits may enhance your bond and create a lasting legacy of love. 

Shann Ray Ferch's Bio: 
Through his research in forgiveness and genocide Shann has served as a visiting scholar in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, and as a poetry mentor for the PEN America Prison and Justice Writers Program. He has delivered poetry engagements at Cambridge and the Center for Contemplative Leadership at Princeton Theological Seminary, and values mutual work involving art, leadership, and the reconciliation of people and nations. 

Having collaborated as a visiting poet with painter Makoto Fujimura on a United Nations grant entitled Intercultural Dialogues through Beauty as a Language of Peace, Ray is also an International Book Award winner, a three-time High Plains Book Award winner, Bread Loaf Fellow, Bakeless Prize winner, and winner of the Foreword Book of the Year Readers’ Choice Award. 

His work comprises a libretto and 17 books, of which 12 are poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction including Atomic Theory 7, The Garment of Praise, Forgiveness and Power in the Age of Atrocity, Balefire, American Masculine, Sweetclover, Blood Fire Vapor Smoke, American Copper, The Souls of Others, and Transparent in the Backlight. His poems and prose have been featured in Poetry, Esquire, Narrative, McSweeney’s, Prairie Schooner, Poetry International, Big Sky Journal, and the American Journal of Poetry.

You can learn more about Shann Ray Ferch on his website, shannray.com


]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17840910 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 3790 5 full false The Psychology of Money: Why Math Isn't Enough w/ Jake Timm The Psychology of Money: Why Math Isn't Enough w/ Jake Timm Episode 004: Jake Timm is the President of TEN Capital Wealth Advisors where his primary role is the design and implementation of each facet of the retirement and financial planning process.  In this conversation, Jake shares his journey into financial advising, emphasizing the importance of understanding behavioral finance and the emotional aspects of money management. 

He discusses common emotional traps people fall into, personal experiences that shaped his financial mindset, and the significance of effective communication in financial planning, especially for couples. Jake also highlights the importance of teaching children about money and the strategies for building and retaining wealth. 

Jake concludes with advice for those feeling overwhelmed by their financial situation, encouraging them to take small steps towards regaining control.

Bio:  TEN Capital’s mission to deliver planning tools and technology in a manner that places each client’s specific goals and aspirations at the center of the process is what drives Jake Timm each day.

Jake started his career in the financial services industry thirteen years ago and quickly discovered that finding solutions for clients that created confidence and reassurance was his calling. Although investment management is an integral part of that process, Jake found that focusing on each client’s broader financial picture and crafting solutions, to meet their long-term needs, both investment and otherwise, was his true passion.

An Alumni of Florida State University, Jake studied Marketing and Economics after spending the formative years of his life on a small wheat farm in eastern Washington State. Growing up in a small farming town taught Jake the value of working hard and taking care of the people around you, the same values he brings to Financial Life Management.

After spending the first part of his career in banking as a Corporate Trainer and Practice Management Consultant for a large regional bank out of Seattle and a Financial Advisor for a global investment firm, Jake decided it was time to come back to his roots in Eastern Washington.

Jake joined TEN Capital at its inception in 2012. The firm was created to be independent, client focused and avoid the conflicts of interest that can all too often arise in the industry. In addition to TEN Capital, Jake is an active member in the community, while also serving in leadership positions with numerous non-profits and volunteer organizations. He calls Spokane his home and enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Jamie, daughter Nya, son CJ and his dog Hercules.

If you want to learn more about Jake, you can find him at tencapital.com

]]> Episode 004: Jake Timm is the President of TEN Capital Wealth Advisors where his primary role is the design and implementation of each facet of the retirement and financial planning process.  In this conversation, Jake shares his journey into financial advising, emphasizing the importance of understanding behavioral finance and the emotional aspects of money management. 

He discusses common emotional traps people fall into, personal experiences that shaped his financial mindset, and the significance of effective communication in financial planning, especially for couples. Jake also highlights the importance of teaching children about money and the strategies for building and retaining wealth. 

Jake concludes with advice for those feeling overwhelmed by their financial situation, encouraging them to take small steps towards regaining control.

Bio:  TEN Capital’s mission to deliver planning tools and technology in a manner that places each client’s specific goals and aspirations at the center of the process is what drives Jake Timm each day.

Jake started his career in the financial services industry thirteen years ago and quickly discovered that finding solutions for clients that created confidence and reassurance was his calling. Although investment management is an integral part of that process, Jake found that focusing on each client’s broader financial picture and crafting solutions, to meet their long-term needs, both investment and otherwise, was his true passion.

An Alumni of Florida State University, Jake studied Marketing and Economics after spending the formative years of his life on a small wheat farm in eastern Washington State. Growing up in a small farming town taught Jake the value of working hard and taking care of the people around you, the same values he brings to Financial Life Management.

After spending the first part of his career in banking as a Corporate Trainer and Practice Management Consultant for a large regional bank out of Seattle and a Financial Advisor for a global investment firm, Jake decided it was time to come back to his roots in Eastern Washington.

Jake joined TEN Capital at its inception in 2012. The firm was created to be independent, client focused and avoid the conflicts of interest that can all too often arise in the industry. In addition to TEN Capital, Jake is an active member in the community, while also serving in leadership positions with numerous non-profits and volunteer organizations. He calls Spokane his home and enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Jamie, daughter Nya, son CJ and his dog Hercules.

If you want to learn more about Jake, you can find him at tencapital.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17842523 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 2923 4 full false Creatine Explained: Brain, Body & Performance Benefits w/ Brad Dieter, PhD Creatine Explained: Brain, Body & Performance Benefits w/ Brad Dieter, PhD Episode 003: Brad Dieter, PhD, is an exercise physiologist, molecular biologist, biostatistician, scientist and entrepreneur whose goal is to bring science and industry together to improve human health and optimizing human performance. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of creatine, exploring its crucial role in energy production and the myriad benefits it offers. 

Join us as we uncover how creatine supports short bursts of energy, making it essential for activities like weightlifting and sprinting. Discover why creatine is gaining popularity beyond sports performance, with emerging research highlighting its potential neurocognitive benefits, especially as we age. 

Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to enhance your daily energy levels, this episode provides valuable insights into why creatine might be a good option for you. Tune in to learn more about this powerful supplement and how it can contribute to your overall well-being.

Bio:  Brad Dieter holds a master’s degree in biomechanics, doctoral degree and post-doctoral fellowship in translational science at Providence Medical Research Center, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. His research has spanned the translational spectrum utilizing basic science, human trials, and machine learning in large data sets to identify and develop novel therapies and technologies. 

If you want to learn more about Brad, you can find him at:

Chief Operating Officer at Macros Inc (Macrosinc.net)

Editor-in-chief at Science Driven Nutrition (Sciencedrivennutrition.com)

Scientific Adviser at Outplay Inc (Lactigo.com)

]]> Episode 003: Brad Dieter, PhD, is an exercise physiologist, molecular biologist, biostatistician, scientist and entrepreneur whose goal is to bring science and industry together to improve human health and optimizing human performance. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of creatine, exploring its crucial role in energy production and the myriad benefits it offers. 

Join us as we uncover how creatine supports short bursts of energy, making it essential for activities like weightlifting and sprinting. Discover why creatine is gaining popularity beyond sports performance, with emerging research highlighting its potential neurocognitive benefits, especially as we age. 

Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to enhance your daily energy levels, this episode provides valuable insights into why creatine might be a good option for you. Tune in to learn more about this powerful supplement and how it can contribute to your overall well-being.

Bio:  Brad Dieter holds a master’s degree in biomechanics, doctoral degree and post-doctoral fellowship in translational science at Providence Medical Research Center, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. His research has spanned the translational spectrum utilizing basic science, human trials, and machine learning in large data sets to identify and develop novel therapies and technologies. 

If you want to learn more about Brad, you can find him at:

Chief Operating Officer at Macros Inc (Macrosinc.net)

Editor-in-chief at Science Driven Nutrition (Sciencedrivennutrition.com)

Scientific Adviser at Outplay Inc (Lactigo.com)

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17841857 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700 1777 3 full false Keep More, Invest More: LLCs and Tax Write Offs for Athletes w/ Kyle Jordan, CPA Keep More, Invest More: LLCs and Tax Write Offs for Athletes w/ Kyle Jordan, CPA Episode 002: Kyle Jordan is a licensed Certified Public Accountant based in Spokane, Washington, with over 13 years of experience in public accounting. In this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the complexities of navigating taxes for college athletes, especially in light of the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. 

Kyle shares the importance of understanding tax obligations, the benefits of forming LLCs or S-Corps, and strategies for managing finances effectively. He also shares insights on common misconceptions athletes have about taxes, the significance of write-offs, and the benefits of working with financial professionals to help athletes grow their wealth. The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to think of themselves as businesses and to plan for their financial futures.

Kyle is the owner of a CPA firm that employs a team of 17 professionals and serves more than 3,000 clients across a broad range of tax and accounting services. A lifelong athlete and former high school basketball coach, Kyle has combined his knowledge in accounting with his passion for sports to build a specialized focus in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. 

His deep understanding of both the athletic and financial landscapes has played a key role in the firm’s growing reputation as a trusted advisor to collegiate and professional athletes navigating complex tax matters. A team is never just one individual. Kyle has a terrific team of accountants and CPAs working alongside him and collectively they are all in on helping athletes navigate tax and financial related matters.

If you want to learn more about Kyle, check him out at: gameplantax.com  or email him at kyle@gameplantax.com 

]]> Episode 002: Kyle Jordan is a licensed Certified Public Accountant based in Spokane, Washington, with over 13 years of experience in public accounting. In this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the complexities of navigating taxes for college athletes, especially in light of the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. 

Kyle shares the importance of understanding tax obligations, the benefits of forming LLCs or S-Corps, and strategies for managing finances effectively. He also shares insights on common misconceptions athletes have about taxes, the significance of write-offs, and the benefits of working with financial professionals to help athletes grow their wealth. The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to think of themselves as businesses and to plan for their financial futures.

Kyle is the owner of a CPA firm that employs a team of 17 professionals and serves more than 3,000 clients across a broad range of tax and accounting services. A lifelong athlete and former high school basketball coach, Kyle has combined his knowledge in accounting with his passion for sports to build a specialized focus in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. 

His deep understanding of both the athletic and financial landscapes has played a key role in the firm’s growing reputation as a trusted advisor to collegiate and professional athletes navigating complex tax matters. A team is never just one individual. Kyle has a terrific team of accountants and CPAs working alongside him and collectively they are all in on helping athletes navigate tax and financial related matters.

If you want to learn more about Kyle, check him out at: gameplantax.com  or email him at kyle@gameplantax.com 

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17843031 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700 2171 2 full false The Power of Compounding: The Most Important Principle in Wealth, Health & Happiness The Power of Compounding: The Most Important Principle in Wealth, Health & Happiness Episode 001: In the first ever Compound Commitment episode, I share my personal journey from a struggling strength coach to an entrepreneur and financial advisor. The biggest lesson I took from all of it is the power of compounding daily habits. 

I’ve seen over and over in my life the importance of small, consistent actions in achieving goals.  Nothing shows this better than bamboo.  It’s a perfect illustration of how growth often happens beneath the surface before becoming visible. My hope is you follow along with me on this journey to building wealth, health and happiness.  

Follow along on my journey on social media @compoundcommitment.

]]> Episode 001: In the first ever Compound Commitment episode, I share my personal journey from a struggling strength coach to an entrepreneur and financial advisor. The biggest lesson I took from all of it is the power of compounding daily habits. 

I’ve seen over and over in my life the importance of small, consistent actions in achieving goals.  Nothing shows this better than bamboo.  It’s a perfect illustration of how growth often happens beneath the surface before becoming visible. My hope is you follow along with me on this journey to building wealth, health and happiness.  

Follow along on my journey on social media @compoundcommitment.

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17842942 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 1061 1 full false FINAL HOOP COMMITMENT EPISODE! Keep More, Invest More w/ Kyle Jordan, CPA FINAL HOOP COMMITMENT EPISODE! Keep More, Invest More w/ Kyle Jordan, CPA Episode 125: In the final Hoop Commitment Podcast episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the complexities of navigating taxes for college athletes, especially in light of the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.  He shares the importance of understanding tax obligations, the benefits of forming LLCs or S-Corps, and strategies for managing finances effectively,

Kyle shares insights on common misconceptions athletes have about taxes, the significance of write-offs, and the benefits of working with financial professionals to help athletes grow their wealth.  The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to think of themselves as businesses and to plan for their financial futures. 

If you want to learn about compounding wealth, health and happiness, follow along at compoundcommitment.com, join one of the 30-Day Commitments and listen to my new podcast, The Compound Commitment.  The first episode launches Tuesday, October 7th!

Kyle Jordan is the owner of a CPA firm that employs a team of 17 professionals and serves more than 3,000 clients across a broad range of tax and accounting services. A lifelong athlete and former high school basketball coach, Kyle has combined his knowledge in accounting with his passion for sports to build a specialized focus in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. 

His deep understanding of both the athletic and financial landscapes has played a key role in the firm’s growing reputation as a trusted advisor to collegiate and professional athletes navigating complex tax matters. A team is never just one individual. Kyle has a terrific team of accountants and CPAs working alongside him and collectively they are all in on helping athletes navigate tax and financial related matters.

If you want to learn more about Kyle, check him out at: gameplantax.com  or email him at kyle@gameplantax.com 

]]> Episode 125: In the final Hoop Commitment Podcast episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the complexities of navigating taxes for college athletes, especially in light of the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.  He shares the importance of understanding tax obligations, the benefits of forming LLCs or S-Corps, and strategies for managing finances effectively,

Kyle shares insights on common misconceptions athletes have about taxes, the significance of write-offs, and the benefits of working with financial professionals to help athletes grow their wealth.  The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to think of themselves as businesses and to plan for their financial futures. 

If you want to learn about compounding wealth, health and happiness, follow along at compoundcommitment.com, join one of the 30-Day Commitments and listen to my new podcast, The Compound Commitment.  The first episode launches Tuesday, October 7th!

Kyle Jordan is the owner of a CPA firm that employs a team of 17 professionals and serves more than 3,000 clients across a broad range of tax and accounting services. A lifelong athlete and former high school basketball coach, Kyle has combined his knowledge in accounting with his passion for sports to build a specialized focus in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. 

His deep understanding of both the athletic and financial landscapes has played a key role in the firm’s growing reputation as a trusted advisor to collegiate and professional athletes navigating complex tax matters. A team is never just one individual. Kyle has a terrific team of accountants and CPAs working alongside him and collectively they are all in on helping athletes navigate tax and financial related matters.

If you want to learn more about Kyle, check him out at: gameplantax.com  or email him at kyle@gameplantax.com 

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-17932594 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 2249 125 full false Injury Reduction and Ankle Sprains - There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat Injury Reduction and Ankle Sprains - There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat Episode 124: Last month I shared that I helped co-author a book called, There’s More Than 1 Way to Skin A Cat.  We’ve got 2 NBA, 3 Division 1 and  5 European Basketball performance coaches contributing to chapters on mobility, stability, power, agility, periodization and recovery.  I received my copies of the book last month and they turned out awesome.  For anyone wanting to buy a copy, make sure you reach out to @silk_man on Instagram, and Luka will take care of you.   

And so Today’s episode is another sneak peak into our book, where I interview the 9 coaches and ask, “what’s your thought process on reducing ankle sprains.”  And then you get to hear exactly how the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Kansas Jayhawks and Louisville Cardinals do it here in the states.  And you’ll also get to hear how professional teams in Istanbul, Brescia, Jerusalem, Slovan and Maccabi do it in the European Leagues.  My goal for this episode is to prove that there really is more than one way to train & condition basketball players. Here's a list of contributors: 

Luka Svilar has a PhD in Sport Science with a master’s in Kinesiology and brings a wealth of experience from working with esteemed teams such as Bayern, Baskonia, Turk Telekom and Croatia’s NTs.

Ramsey Nijem is the Director of Performance for the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Program.  He holds a Doctorate of Science in Human and Sport Performance and a Master of Science in Kinesiology.  Before joining the Jayhawks, he spent 5 season s with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. 

Jure Drakslar is the Head Strength & Conditioning coach and rehabilitation specialist at BC Zenit Saint Petersburg.  He has over two decades of experience in professional basketball and hold’s a masters degree in sports science.   He’s also a personal off-season strength & conditioning coach for many top-level basketball players, including my son’s favorite NBA player, Luka Doncic, who he worked with for 3 off-seasons. 

Matt Comer is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance while holding a master’s degree in biomechanics and a bachelors in athletic training.  He began his basketball  strength & conditioning career working in the G-League before getting promoted to the NBA. 

Roberto Iezzi holds a master’s degree in sport science and has almost 20 years of experience in basketball.  He’s currently the head of performance at Brescia Basketball, responsible for the players performance and rehabilitation. 

Kostas Chatzichristos is the Head of Performance at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul,  He holds a masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a current PhD candidate at Democritus University.  Kostas also serves as the director of the Euroleague Strength & conditioning Coaches association. 

Adam Petway is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Louisville basketball and leverages extensive NBA experience with the 76ers and wizards.  He holds an MBA in sport management and earned bachelors and PhD degrees in Sport Science. 

Reggie Fanan is a graduate of the Zinman School of Coaches at Wingate and has served as Maccabi’s Head Strength & Conditioning coach for over a decade.  He is a former Euroleague player, which gives him a unique perspective as a basketball performance coach.

Claus Souza, He holds a master’s degree in applied sciences, a bachelors degree in physical education, and is an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.   He has over 15 years of strength & conditioning experience, working with the NCAA, WNBA and private sector.   

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  &

]]> Episode 124: Last month I shared that I helped co-author a book called, There’s More Than 1 Way to Skin A Cat.  We’ve got 2 NBA, 3 Division 1 and  5 European Basketball performance coaches contributing to chapters on mobility, stability, power, agility, periodization and recovery.  I received my copies of the book last month and they turned out awesome.  For anyone wanting to buy a copy, make sure you reach out to @silk_man on Instagram, and Luka will take care of you.   

And so Today’s episode is another sneak peak into our book, where I interview the 9 coaches and ask, “what’s your thought process on reducing ankle sprains.”  And then you get to hear exactly how the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Kansas Jayhawks and Louisville Cardinals do it here in the states.  And you’ll also get to hear how professional teams in Istanbul, Brescia, Jerusalem, Slovan and Maccabi do it in the European Leagues.  My goal for this episode is to prove that there really is more than one way to train & condition basketball players. Here's a list of contributors: 

Luka Svilar has a PhD in Sport Science with a master’s in Kinesiology and brings a wealth of experience from working with esteemed teams such as Bayern, Baskonia, Turk Telekom and Croatia’s NTs.

Ramsey Nijem is the Director of Performance for the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Program.  He holds a Doctorate of Science in Human and Sport Performance and a Master of Science in Kinesiology.  Before joining the Jayhawks, he spent 5 season s with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. 

Jure Drakslar is the Head Strength & Conditioning coach and rehabilitation specialist at BC Zenit Saint Petersburg.  He has over two decades of experience in professional basketball and hold’s a masters degree in sports science.   He’s also a personal off-season strength & conditioning coach for many top-level basketball players, including my son’s favorite NBA player, Luka Doncic, who he worked with for 3 off-seasons. 

Matt Comer is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance while holding a master’s degree in biomechanics and a bachelors in athletic training.  He began his basketball  strength & conditioning career working in the G-League before getting promoted to the NBA. 

Roberto Iezzi holds a master’s degree in sport science and has almost 20 years of experience in basketball.  He’s currently the head of performance at Brescia Basketball, responsible for the players performance and rehabilitation. 

Kostas Chatzichristos is the Head of Performance at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul,  He holds a masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a current PhD candidate at Democritus University.  Kostas also serves as the director of the Euroleague Strength & conditioning Coaches association. 

Adam Petway is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Louisville basketball and leverages extensive NBA experience with the 76ers and wizards.  He holds an MBA in sport management and earned bachelors and PhD degrees in Sport Science. 

Reggie Fanan is a graduate of the Zinman School of Coaches at Wingate and has served as Maccabi’s Head Strength & Conditioning coach for over a decade.  He is a former Euroleague player, which gives him a unique perspective as a basketball performance coach.

Claus Souza, He holds a master’s degree in applied sciences, a bachelors degree in physical education, and is an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.   He has over 15 years of strength & conditioning experience, working with the NCAA, WNBA and private sector.   

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  &

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-15430338 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0700 3209 124 full false Testing For Basketball - There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat Testing For Basketball - There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat Episode 123: Today’s episode is a sneak peak into our new book, There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat, where I interview nine basketball strength coaches and ask, “What’s your approach to testing and what’s the most common test you use?  And then you get to hear exactly how the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Kansas Jayhawks and Louisville Cardinals do it here in the states.  And you’ll also get to hear how professional teams in Istanbul, Brescia, Jerusalem, Slovan and Maccabi do it in the European Leagues. 

My goal for this episode is to prove that there really is more than one way to train & condition a basketball player.  Here's an overview of the nine basketball performance coaches I interviewed:

Luka Svilar has a PhD in Sport Science with a master’s degree in Kinesiology.  He brings a wealth of experience from working with esteemed teams such as Bayern, Baskonia, Turk Telekom, Unics and Croatia’s NTs. 

Ramsey Nijem is the Director of Performance for the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Program.  He holds a Doctorate of Science in Human and Sport Performance and a Master of Science in Kinesiology.  Before joining the Jayhawks, he spent 5 seasons with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. 

Jure Drakslar is the Head S&C Coach and Rehabilitation Specialist at BC Zenit Saint Petersburg and has over two decades of experience in professional basketball.  He hold’s a masters degree in sports science and has got to train my son’s favorite NBA player, Luka Doncic, for 3 off-seasons. 

Matt Comer is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance while holding a master’s degree in biomechanics and a bachelors in athletic training.  He began his basketball  strength & conditioning career working in the G-League before getting promoted to the NBA. 

Roberto Iezzi holds a master’s degree in sport science and has almost 20 years of experience in basketball.  He’s currently the head of performance at Brescia Basketball, responsible for the players performance and rehabilitation.

Kostas Chatzichristos is the Head of Performance at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.  He holds a masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a current PhD candidate at Democritus University of Thrace.  Kostas also serves as the director of the Euroleague Strength & conditioning Coaches association.   

Adam Petway is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Louisville basketball and leverages extensive NBA experience with the 76ers and wizards.  He holds an MBA in sport management and earned bachelors and PhD degrees in Sport Science.  He’s also author to the latest book I’m reading right now titled, Basketball Mechanics. 

Reggie Fanan is a graduate of the Zinman School of Coaches at Wingate and has served as Maccabi’s Head Strength & Conditioning coach for over a decade.  Reggie is a former Euroleague player, which gives him a unique perspective as a basketball performance coach. 

Claus Souza holds a master’s degree in applied sciences, a bachelors degree in physical education, and  is an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.   He has over 15 years of strength & conditioning experience, working with the NCAA, WNBA and private sector. 

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 123: Today’s episode is a sneak peak into our new book, There Is More Than One Way To Skin A Cat, where I interview nine basketball strength coaches and ask, “What’s your approach to testing and what’s the most common test you use?  And then you get to hear exactly how the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Kansas Jayhawks and Louisville Cardinals do it here in the states.  And you’ll also get to hear how professional teams in Istanbul, Brescia, Jerusalem, Slovan and Maccabi do it in the European Leagues. 

My goal for this episode is to prove that there really is more than one way to train & condition a basketball player.  Here's an overview of the nine basketball performance coaches I interviewed:

Luka Svilar has a PhD in Sport Science with a master’s degree in Kinesiology.  He brings a wealth of experience from working with esteemed teams such as Bayern, Baskonia, Turk Telekom, Unics and Croatia’s NTs. 

Ramsey Nijem is the Director of Performance for the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Program.  He holds a Doctorate of Science in Human and Sport Performance and a Master of Science in Kinesiology.  Before joining the Jayhawks, he spent 5 seasons with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. 

Jure Drakslar is the Head S&C Coach and Rehabilitation Specialist at BC Zenit Saint Petersburg and has over two decades of experience in professional basketball.  He hold’s a masters degree in sports science and has got to train my son’s favorite NBA player, Luka Doncic, for 3 off-seasons. 

Matt Comer is currently working on his PhD in Health & Human Performance while holding a master’s degree in biomechanics and a bachelors in athletic training.  He began his basketball  strength & conditioning career working in the G-League before getting promoted to the NBA. 

Roberto Iezzi holds a master’s degree in sport science and has almost 20 years of experience in basketball.  He’s currently the head of performance at Brescia Basketball, responsible for the players performance and rehabilitation.

Kostas Chatzichristos is the Head of Performance at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.  He holds a masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a current PhD candidate at Democritus University of Thrace.  Kostas also serves as the director of the Euroleague Strength & conditioning Coaches association.   

Adam Petway is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Louisville basketball and leverages extensive NBA experience with the 76ers and wizards.  He holds an MBA in sport management and earned bachelors and PhD degrees in Sport Science.  He’s also author to the latest book I’m reading right now titled, Basketball Mechanics. 

Reggie Fanan is a graduate of the Zinman School of Coaches at Wingate and has served as Maccabi’s Head Strength & Conditioning coach for over a decade.  Reggie is a former Euroleague player, which gives him a unique perspective as a basketball performance coach. 

Claus Souza holds a master’s degree in applied sciences, a bachelors degree in physical education, and  is an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.   He has over 15 years of strength & conditioning experience, working with the NCAA, WNBA and private sector. 

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-15151862 Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 -0700 3606 123 full false Basketball Pre-Game Meals w/ Sports Dietitian Jessica Isaacs, RD, CSSD Basketball Pre-Game Meals w/ Sports Dietitian Jessica Isaacs, RD, CSSD Episode 122:  Learn everything you need to know about basketball pre-game meals from one of the best in the business.  Jessica Isaacs, RD, CSSD is a Los Angeles-based Sports Dietitian with an eclectic career working with elite-level athletes, creating engaging social media content, and is a highly sought-after speaker and mentor.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Purdue University and is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. In her career working as a Sports Dietitian, she has supported thousands of athletes from youth to professional level, serving as the Sports Dietitian at Kobe Bryant's MAMBA Sports Academy, the Basketball Performance Dietitian at UCLA, and spent two seasons as the Lead Sports Dietitian for the LA Clippers.

To learn more about Jessica, check her out on social media @jessicathesportsrd

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 122:  Learn everything you need to know about basketball pre-game meals from one of the best in the business.  Jessica Isaacs, RD, CSSD is a Los Angeles-based Sports Dietitian with an eclectic career working with elite-level athletes, creating engaging social media content, and is a highly sought-after speaker and mentor.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Purdue University and is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. In her career working as a Sports Dietitian, she has supported thousands of athletes from youth to professional level, serving as the Sports Dietitian at Kobe Bryant's MAMBA Sports Academy, the Basketball Performance Dietitian at UCLA, and spent two seasons as the Lead Sports Dietitian for the LA Clippers.

To learn more about Jessica, check her out on social media @jessicathesportsrd

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-14988083 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0700 2627 122 full false How to Create a Year-Long Training Plan for Basketball w/ Dr. Andy Galpin How to Create a Year-Long Training Plan for Basketball w/ Dr. Andy Galpin Episode 121: Dr Andy Galpin has his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Linfield college, a masters degree in human movement science from the university of Memphis and his PhD in human bioenergetics. 

He considers himself a scientist, teacher and coach, with his full-time job being a professor at Cal State Fullerton..  As a scientist, he’s the co-Director of the Center for Sports Performance where he conducts research on anything that is relevant to human performance.  He’s also the founder and director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. 

As a teacher, he’s written countless articles, created an awesome YouTube page and teaches grad classes in strength & conditioning, program design, muscle physiology and nutrition at Cal State Fullerton.  And as a coach, he’s worked with professional athletes for over 15 years that include NBA All-stars and Hall of Famers in multiple sports. 

So with a resume like this, I thought Dr Galpin would be the perfect person to share the big picture principles of designing a year long training program while also providing actionable specifics that we can apply starting next week

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 121: Dr Andy Galpin has his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Linfield college, a masters degree in human movement science from the university of Memphis and his PhD in human bioenergetics. 

He considers himself a scientist, teacher and coach, with his full-time job being a professor at Cal State Fullerton..  As a scientist, he’s the co-Director of the Center for Sports Performance where he conducts research on anything that is relevant to human performance.  He’s also the founder and director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. 

As a teacher, he’s written countless articles, created an awesome YouTube page and teaches grad classes in strength & conditioning, program design, muscle physiology and nutrition at Cal State Fullerton.  And as a coach, he’s worked with professional athletes for over 15 years that include NBA All-stars and Hall of Famers in multiple sports. 

So with a resume like this, I thought Dr Galpin would be the perfect person to share the big picture principles of designing a year long training program while also providing actionable specifics that we can apply starting next week

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-14599442 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:00:00 -0800 2709 121 full false Athlete Mentorship Groups w/ Boise State Basketball's Tyler Whitmer Athlete Mentorship Groups w/ Boise State Basketball's Tyler Whitmer Episode 120: Tyler Whitmer oversees the Olympic Sports Performance department at Boise State, works with their men's basketball program, and started an athlete mentorship group for their athletic department.  Prior to joining the Broncos, He earned his masters of science in Education with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas and coached at Treasure Valley & Oral Roberts. 

Boise State was in town last month and I was lucky enough to reconnect with Tyler.  We hung out for almost an hour and the funny thing is, we talked about almost everything BUT strength & conditioning.  When I asked him what he was passionate about, he started telling about a mentorship group that he helped create for male athletes. 

As he was explaining his mentorship program, Get Reps, I knew the Hoop Commitment community needed to hear about it.  For anyone who has lost faith in high level athletics, it will warm your heart to know there are programs investing in areas that really matter.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 120: Tyler Whitmer oversees the Olympic Sports Performance department at Boise State, works with their men's basketball program, and started an athlete mentorship group for their athletic department.  Prior to joining the Broncos, He earned his masters of science in Education with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas and coached at Treasure Valley & Oral Roberts. 

Boise State was in town last month and I was lucky enough to reconnect with Tyler.  We hung out for almost an hour and the funny thing is, we talked about almost everything BUT strength & conditioning.  When I asked him what he was passionate about, he started telling about a mentorship group that he helped create for male athletes. 

As he was explaining his mentorship program, Get Reps, I knew the Hoop Commitment community needed to hear about it.  For anyone who has lost faith in high level athletics, it will warm your heart to know there are programs investing in areas that really matter.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-14411669 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:00:00 -0800 2331 120 full false Sleep & Breathwork w/ NY Times Best-Selling Author Ben Greenfield Sleep & Breathwork w/ NY Times Best-Selling Author Ben Greenfield Episode 119: Ben Greenfield is a New York Times best-selling author, health & fitness biohacker, and fellow podcaster who is extreme about practicing what he preaches.  I don’t know anyone who pursues mental, physical and spiritual health more passionately than Ben. 

His book, Boundless, is a health encyclopedia that combines timeless wisdom with up-to-date science and then he wraps it with a nice bow by giving simple, actionable solutions for the reader to implement. 

Today I chose two chapters in his book to focus on that don’t require any complicated technology or expensive supplementation to improve on.  Everyone listening to this podcast sleeps and breathes every day, and with Ben’s help, we can optimize the way we do it.

Check out Ben on social media @BenGreenfieldFitness and his website www.bengreenfieldlife.com


Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 119: Ben Greenfield is a New York Times best-selling author, health & fitness biohacker, and fellow podcaster who is extreme about practicing what he preaches.  I don’t know anyone who pursues mental, physical and spiritual health more passionately than Ben. 

His book, Boundless, is a health encyclopedia that combines timeless wisdom with up-to-date science and then he wraps it with a nice bow by giving simple, actionable solutions for the reader to implement. 

Today I chose two chapters in his book to focus on that don’t require any complicated technology or expensive supplementation to improve on.  Everyone listening to this podcast sleeps and breathes every day, and with Ben’s help, we can optimize the way we do it.

Check out Ben on social media @BenGreenfieldFitness and his website www.bengreenfieldlife.com


Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-14206037 Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0800 3689 119 full false Lifestyle Performance with Portland Basketball's Bryant Ferate Lifestyle Performance with Portland Basketball's Bryant Ferate Episode 118:  Lifestyle Performance with Portlands Bryant Ferate.  Bryant is the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at the University of Portland and works with their women’s basketball program.  We’ve had some awesome battles over the last few years, going back & forth during the regular season and WCC tournament championships.  And so this podcast was a great excuse to reach out to him and build our friendship.

Bryant's mission is to cultivate curiosity through performance coaching, writing and podcasting.  Before joining the Portland Pilot’s staff, he had experience at Washington state, Kentucky, Iowa, UT Arlington and the Minnesota Twins. 

Outside of coaching, Bryant writes a weekly newsletter, the Ferate 5, where he explores and shares something he’s curious about in less than 5 minutes.  He also has a podcast that focuses on health, sport and lifestyle performance… which is what we’re going to dive into today.

I hadn’t heard the term lifestyle performance, but it makes total sense that our lifestyle habits drive our performance.  And so today, I got to pick Bryant’s brain on how he helps athletes improve the way they eat, sleep, study and have fun. 

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 118:  Lifestyle Performance with Portlands Bryant Ferate.  Bryant is the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at the University of Portland and works with their women’s basketball program.  We’ve had some awesome battles over the last few years, going back & forth during the regular season and WCC tournament championships.  And so this podcast was a great excuse to reach out to him and build our friendship.

Bryant's mission is to cultivate curiosity through performance coaching, writing and podcasting.  Before joining the Portland Pilot’s staff, he had experience at Washington state, Kentucky, Iowa, UT Arlington and the Minnesota Twins. 

Outside of coaching, Bryant writes a weekly newsletter, the Ferate 5, where he explores and shares something he’s curious about in less than 5 minutes.  He also has a podcast that focuses on health, sport and lifestyle performance… which is what we’re going to dive into today.

I hadn’t heard the term lifestyle performance, but it makes total sense that our lifestyle habits drive our performance.  And so today, I got to pick Bryant’s brain on how he helps athletes improve the way they eat, sleep, study and have fun. 

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-14042107 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0800 3180 118 full false Easy vs. Hard Easy vs. Hard Episode 117: There is huge value in doing hard things.  A challenging task can make normal, everyday life seem easier.  If you paddle boarded for 8 hours straight in the ocean, it makes going to the gym for a 30-minute run seem like a walk in the park.  It also raises your pain threshold and gives you confidence that you can try new things.  So many of us focus on how we can do less and less, how we can make our life more convenient, to a point that when difficult times arise, we’re unsure if we can make it through. 

While I see tremendous value in doing hard things, my current passion is finding out how people continue to do the easy thing, every day.  It’s not that I’m against doing the hard thing, it’s just that I believe most people, including me, would benefit way more from consistently doing the easy thing, day in and day out.  Instead of spending a massive amount of energy on doing a 5k underwater with a 70-pound boulder, it would be more beneficial for our conditioning and health to commit to 5 minutes of cardio work every day.  Instead of planning and spending a massive amount of money on a 1 time extravagant get-away with our spouse, most of our relationships would benefit way more from committing to giving our partner a compliment and asking them a good question every day. 

Check out this episode if you want to learn the power of small, easy, daily commitments.

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]]> Episode 117: There is huge value in doing hard things.  A challenging task can make normal, everyday life seem easier.  If you paddle boarded for 8 hours straight in the ocean, it makes going to the gym for a 30-minute run seem like a walk in the park.  It also raises your pain threshold and gives you confidence that you can try new things.  So many of us focus on how we can do less and less, how we can make our life more convenient, to a point that when difficult times arise, we’re unsure if we can make it through. 

While I see tremendous value in doing hard things, my current passion is finding out how people continue to do the easy thing, every day.  It’s not that I’m against doing the hard thing, it’s just that I believe most people, including me, would benefit way more from consistently doing the easy thing, day in and day out.  Instead of spending a massive amount of energy on doing a 5k underwater with a 70-pound boulder, it would be more beneficial for our conditioning and health to commit to 5 minutes of cardio work every day.  Instead of planning and spending a massive amount of money on a 1 time extravagant get-away with our spouse, most of our relationships would benefit way more from committing to giving our partner a compliment and asking them a good question every day. 

Check out this episode if you want to learn the power of small, easy, daily commitments.

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-13868881 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1108 117 full false Toughness with ESPN's Jay Bilas Toughness with ESPN's Jay Bilas Episode 116: Today’s guest needs no introduction.  Anyone listening to the Hoop commitment podcast knows who Jay Bilas is.  And I feel so lucky that I was able to pick his brain on what it means to be tough.  If you’re like me, you read his legendary ESPN article and immediately shared it with your players and coaches.  It was the first time that someone defined toughness in a way that inspired me.  

Toughness isn't about pounding your chest after a routine play or getting in an opponent’s face.  It isn't about being physically intimidating.  Jay defined toughness as setting good screens, running to a teammate when they need help up and talking on defense. I loved the article so much that I bought his book, and in preparation for this interview, I just read it again.  

It is full of amazing stories from when he played at Duke, when got drafted in the NBA, when coached alongside Coach K, and when got his law degree.  There’s very few people that are more qualified to write a book on toughness than Jay Bilas.  He lives it every day with the amount of preparation he does as an ESPN announcer and the humility he shows as he lifts up those around him.  If you want to learn what it means to be tough on & off the court, you’ll love this interview.

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]]> Episode 116: Today’s guest needs no introduction.  Anyone listening to the Hoop commitment podcast knows who Jay Bilas is.  And I feel so lucky that I was able to pick his brain on what it means to be tough.  If you’re like me, you read his legendary ESPN article and immediately shared it with your players and coaches.  It was the first time that someone defined toughness in a way that inspired me.  

Toughness isn't about pounding your chest after a routine play or getting in an opponent’s face.  It isn't about being physically intimidating.  Jay defined toughness as setting good screens, running to a teammate when they need help up and talking on defense. I loved the article so much that I bought his book, and in preparation for this interview, I just read it again.  

It is full of amazing stories from when he played at Duke, when got drafted in the NBA, when coached alongside Coach K, and when got his law degree.  There’s very few people that are more qualified to write a book on toughness than Jay Bilas.  He lives it every day with the amount of preparation he does as an ESPN announcer and the humility he shows as he lifts up those around him.  If you want to learn what it means to be tough on & off the court, you’ll love this interview.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-13675073 Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0700 2505 116 full false Optimizing Fascia w/ Dr. David Tiberio Optimizing Fascia w/ Dr. David Tiberio Episode 115: And now to part 3 of the Dr. Dave Tiberio Trilogy! I’ve been excited for this interview because I’m learning how important training fascia is, but I’m not sure I’ve been optimizing it with my players.  As always, DT does an amazing job of taking the complicated and making it understandable. 

Click here if you want to watch the 22-part Fascia Series on Youtube 

Keep listening if you want to learn what fascia is, why it is important, and how to optimize it during your training.

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]]> Episode 115: And now to part 3 of the Dr. Dave Tiberio Trilogy! I’ve been excited for this interview because I’m learning how important training fascia is, but I’m not sure I’ve been optimizing it with my players.  As always, DT does an amazing job of taking the complicated and making it understandable. 

Click here if you want to watch the 22-part Fascia Series on Youtube 

Keep listening if you want to learn what fascia is, why it is important, and how to optimize it during your training.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-13484698 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0700 2811 115 full false Training Proprioceptors w/ Dr. David Tiberio Training Proprioceptors w/ Dr. David Tiberio Episode 114: This is part 2 with Dr. David Tiberio and he spends the entire episode talking about proprioceptors… what they are, where they’re located, how they communicate with the body, and how we can tweak exercises to improve  performance on the court.  You’re going to love learning the science behind activating specific proprioceptors by training in different ranges, at different speeds, and in different environments. 

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]]> Episode 114: This is part 2 with Dr. David Tiberio and he spends the entire episode talking about proprioceptors… what they are, where they’re located, how they communicate with the body, and how we can tweak exercises to improve  performance on the court.  You’re going to love learning the science behind activating specific proprioceptors by training in different ranges, at different speeds, and in different environments. 

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-13249615 Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0700 4534 114 full false How to Activate Muscles w/ Dr. David Tiberio How to Activate Muscles w/ Dr. David Tiberio Episode 113: Dr. David Tiberio is the dean of the Gray Institute’s 40-week mentorship program, which is known for training, treating and conditioning athletes in all 3 planes of motion.  Dr. Tiberio has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and is professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut.  In 2007, Dr. Tiberio  received the Kendall Award from the American Physical Therapy Association for "outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy." 

Dr. Tiberio was kind enough to come on the podcast to answer the seemingly simple question, how do you activate muscles?  As a strength coach, I’ve always been confused on how to effectively cue athletes without telling them to, "squeeze their glutes" or, "focus on their core."  And what started as a simple question not only turned into an hour long episode, but Dr. Tiberio was nice enough to come on the show again to record parts 2 and 3 and talk about proprioception and fascia.   

If you’re a trainer or coach that wants to effectively train athletes to perform better on the court, Dr. Tiberio is going to give you a combination of timeless wisdom and the latest in scientific findings on how to activate muscles. 

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]]> Episode 113: Dr. David Tiberio is the dean of the Gray Institute’s 40-week mentorship program, which is known for training, treating and conditioning athletes in all 3 planes of motion.  Dr. Tiberio has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and is professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut.  In 2007, Dr. Tiberio  received the Kendall Award from the American Physical Therapy Association for "outstanding and enduring contributions to the practice of physical therapy." 

Dr. Tiberio was kind enough to come on the podcast to answer the seemingly simple question, how do you activate muscles?  As a strength coach, I’ve always been confused on how to effectively cue athletes without telling them to, "squeeze their glutes" or, "focus on their core."  And what started as a simple question not only turned into an hour long episode, but Dr. Tiberio was nice enough to come on the show again to record parts 2 and 3 and talk about proprioception and fascia.   

If you’re a trainer or coach that wants to effectively train athletes to perform better on the court, Dr. Tiberio is going to give you a combination of timeless wisdom and the latest in scientific findings on how to activate muscles. 

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-12954213 Wed, 31 May 2023 10:00:00 -0700 3838 113 full false Basketball Footwork w/ Gonzaga's Drew Timme Basketball Footwork w/ Gonzaga's Drew Timme Episode 112: Now I’ll admit that I’m a little biased, but I don’t remember ever seeing a college basketball player with better footwork than Drew Timme.  He is unguardable in a 1-on-1 scenario because of his creativity and endless moves.  

Last year Drew was named the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year and this year became Gonzaga’s All-Time Leading Scorer. Every ESPN announcer that has ever covered the Zags is in awe of his footwork and feel for the game.  

And so I decided to dedicate this entire episode to finding out how he does it.  I asked Timme about the set-up work he does before even receiving the entry pass, how he uses his eyes and hips to feel the defense, how he decides what move to use and what drills he did to become such a great finisher.  

If you want to learn more about Drew, follow him online at @drew_timme2

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]]> Episode 112: Now I’ll admit that I’m a little biased, but I don’t remember ever seeing a college basketball player with better footwork than Drew Timme.  He is unguardable in a 1-on-1 scenario because of his creativity and endless moves.  

Last year Drew was named the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year and this year became Gonzaga’s All-Time Leading Scorer. Every ESPN announcer that has ever covered the Zags is in awe of his footwork and feel for the game.  

And so I decided to dedicate this entire episode to finding out how he does it.  I asked Timme about the set-up work he does before even receiving the entry pass, how he uses his eyes and hips to feel the defense, how he decides what move to use and what drills he did to become such a great finisher.  

If you want to learn more about Drew, follow him online at @drew_timme2

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-12497097 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0700 1930 112 full false Small-Sided Games w/ Tyler Leclerc Small-Sided Games w/ Tyler Leclerc Episode 111: This interview is about finding better ways of having your practice time transfer to game success.  As a strength coach, I’m always thinking about how the exercises we do in the weight room impact my player’s ability to move and handle contact on the court.  Just because someone can add more weight onto a barbell, doesn’t mean  they’ve become a better basketball player.  

And what today’s guest shares is that just because your ball handling or shooting has improved in a drill, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to do it during a game.    

Tyler Leclerc is a gym owner and player development coach located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Tyler uses the constraints-led approach and small-sided games to get results that transfer for players of all ages.

Today I got to pick his brain on why a games-based approach to training produces superior results and is more fun than doing traditional 1-on-0 drills.  If you’re looking for new training ideas that are based in motor learning science, you’ll love what Tyler has to share. 

You can find Tyler on social media @tjltraining

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]]> Episode 111: This interview is about finding better ways of having your practice time transfer to game success.  As a strength coach, I’m always thinking about how the exercises we do in the weight room impact my player’s ability to move and handle contact on the court.  Just because someone can add more weight onto a barbell, doesn’t mean  they’ve become a better basketball player.  

And what today’s guest shares is that just because your ball handling or shooting has improved in a drill, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to do it during a game.    

Tyler Leclerc is a gym owner and player development coach located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Tyler uses the constraints-led approach and small-sided games to get results that transfer for players of all ages.

Today I got to pick his brain on why a games-based approach to training produces superior results and is more fun than doing traditional 1-on-0 drills.  If you’re looking for new training ideas that are based in motor learning science, you’ll love what Tyler has to share. 

You can find Tyler on social media @tjltraining

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-12348572 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0800 2282 111 full false Systems Approach to Coaching w/ Justin Ochoa & Mike Nilson Systems Approach to Coaching w/ Justin Ochoa & Mike Nilson Episode 110: Now this month’s podcast is a little unusual, since my guest is the host of another basketball performance podcast, and in this episode, he actually interviewed me.  

We hit it off and so I wanted to share our episode and encourage you to check him out online.  Justin Ochoa is the owner of PACE Fitness Academy located in Indianapolis, working with basketball players from youth to pros in the weight room and on the court. 

We connected through his Gem sessions podcast, which bridges the gap between trainers, coaches, athletes and families in the basketball community.  Today he was kind enough to interview me about the 3 levels on basketball nutrition, 3 levels of basketball training, and the 3 levels of basketball leadership. For anyone who enjoys a systems approach to training, I think you’ll enjoy the conversation!

You can find Justin on social media at @justinochoa317

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]]> Episode 110: Now this month’s podcast is a little unusual, since my guest is the host of another basketball performance podcast, and in this episode, he actually interviewed me.  

We hit it off and so I wanted to share our episode and encourage you to check him out online.  Justin Ochoa is the owner of PACE Fitness Academy located in Indianapolis, working with basketball players from youth to pros in the weight room and on the court. 

We connected through his Gem sessions podcast, which bridges the gap between trainers, coaches, athletes and families in the basketball community.  Today he was kind enough to interview me about the 3 levels on basketball nutrition, 3 levels of basketball training, and the 3 levels of basketball leadership. For anyone who enjoys a systems approach to training, I think you’ll enjoy the conversation!

You can find Justin on social media at @justinochoa317

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-12069904 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0800 5103 110 full false Reducing Knee Pain & Inflammation w/ UCLA Basketball's Tyler Lesher Reducing Knee Pain & Inflammation w/ UCLA Basketball's Tyler Lesher Episode 109: Tyler Lesher the Head Athletic Trainer for UCLA men’s basketball program.  He’s a certified orthopedic physician extender and certified strength & conditioning specialist.  Before joining UCLA’s staff, he worked in the NBA and G League. 

Tyler earned his doctorate in Health Science and exercise leadership, focusing on reducing systemic inflammation through nutrition & exercise.  With his extensive basketball & medical experience at the college and pro level, I thought he would be the perfect person to chat with about reducing knee pain & inflammation.   

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]]> Episode 109: Tyler Lesher the Head Athletic Trainer for UCLA men’s basketball program.  He’s a certified orthopedic physician extender and certified strength & conditioning specialist.  Before joining UCLA’s staff, he worked in the NBA and G League. 

Tyler earned his doctorate in Health Science and exercise leadership, focusing on reducing systemic inflammation through nutrition & exercise.  With his extensive basketball & medical experience at the college and pro level, I thought he would be the perfect person to chat with about reducing knee pain & inflammation.   

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-11858343 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0800 2318 109 full false Functional Training For Basketball w/ Oregon's Cliff Spiller Functional Training For Basketball w/ Oregon's Cliff Spiller Episode 108:   Cliff Spiller is the Director of Strength & Conditioning for Men’s Basketball at the University of Oregon.  Prior to joining the Duck’s staff, he was an assistant with the NBA’s Utah Jazz. 

We became friends through the Gray Institute’s 40-week Fellowship in Applied Functional Science, so I couldn’t think of anyone better to talk about functional training for hoops.  In this episode, Cliff shares how he designs programs in the spectrum between traditional and functional, the importance of variability, and how he’s preparing his college players for the next level. 

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]]> Episode 108:   Cliff Spiller is the Director of Strength & Conditioning for Men’s Basketball at the University of Oregon.  Prior to joining the Duck’s staff, he was an assistant with the NBA’s Utah Jazz. 

We became friends through the Gray Institute’s 40-week Fellowship in Applied Functional Science, so I couldn’t think of anyone better to talk about functional training for hoops.  In this episode, Cliff shares how he designs programs in the spectrum between traditional and functional, the importance of variability, and how he’s preparing his college players for the next level. 

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-11417251 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0700 2499 108 full false Speed For Basketball w/ Eastern Washington University's TJ Conley Speed For Basketball w/ Eastern Washington University's TJ Conley Episode 107: TJ Conley is the Head of Sports Performance for EWU Men's & Women's Basketball.  He's a former NFL player turned strength & conditioning coach who joined me on the podcast to talk about the importance of speed in basketball.

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside TJ Conley for years at U-District PT and Gonzaga, and I don’t know if I’ve seen a coach pay more attention to detail.  He is meticulous with his coaching cues and creates a motivating, high energy environment for his players to learn and train in.   

With his extensive football background, I wanted to pick TJ’s brain on how he incorporates speed training with his basketball players.  And so in this episode, we chat about why basketball players need speed, the best exercises and drills to use and how to avoid common mistakes that coaches make in the weight room.

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]]> Episode 107: TJ Conley is the Head of Sports Performance for EWU Men's & Women's Basketball.  He's a former NFL player turned strength & conditioning coach who joined me on the podcast to talk about the importance of speed in basketball.

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside TJ Conley for years at U-District PT and Gonzaga, and I don’t know if I’ve seen a coach pay more attention to detail.  He is meticulous with his coaching cues and creates a motivating, high energy environment for his players to learn and train in.   

With his extensive football background, I wanted to pick TJ’s brain on how he incorporates speed training with his basketball players.  And so in this episode, we chat about why basketball players need speed, the best exercises and drills to use and how to avoid common mistakes that coaches make in the weight room.

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-11197533 Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0700 2836 107 full false The Best Youth Basketball League On Planet Earth The Best Youth Basketball League On Planet Earth Episode 106: The Hooptown Youth League will launch in Spokane, WA in the fall of 2022.  Our schools, private businesses, coaches and basketball experts have all come together to create the best youth basketball league on planet Earth. 

If you want to learn more, go to hooptownusa.com.  Our website will be updated with information by mid-July.

If you want to help or have suggestions to improve the league, please email me at mike@hoopcommitment.com

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]]> Episode 106: The Hooptown Youth League will launch in Spokane, WA in the fall of 2022.  Our schools, private businesses, coaches and basketball experts have all come together to create the best youth basketball league on planet Earth. 

If you want to learn more, go to hooptownusa.com.  Our website will be updated with information by mid-July.

If you want to help or have suggestions to improve the league, please email me at mike@hoopcommitment.com

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-10887060 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:00:00 -0700 1818 106 full false Pre-Game Routines For Basketball w/ Brandon Davis, MS Pre-Game Routines For Basketball w/ Brandon Davis, MS Episode 105: Brandon Davis is a mental performance consultant at U-District PT and holds a masters degree in Sport & Performance Psychology.  In addition to his formal education, he also has real life experience playing collegiate and professional basketball.

Brandon joined me on the show today to talk about pre-game routines.  He shares how to use tools like visualization, meditation and neutral thinking to be your best on the court.

You can learn more about Brandon on Instagram @bdsportpsych

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]]> Episode 105: Brandon Davis is a mental performance consultant at U-District PT and holds a masters degree in Sport & Performance Psychology.  In addition to his formal education, he also has real life experience playing collegiate and professional basketball.

Brandon joined me on the show today to talk about pre-game routines.  He shares how to use tools like visualization, meditation and neutral thinking to be your best on the court.

You can learn more about Brandon on Instagram @bdsportpsych

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-10712570 Tue, 31 May 2022 09:00:00 -0700 2278 105 full false Sustain Your Game w/ Alan Stein Sustain Your Game w/ Alan Stein Episode 104:  Author & keynote speaker, Alan Stein, joined me on the podcast to share ways to manage stress, beat stagnation and avoid burnout. 

Alan started his career as a basketball performance coach, working with NBA greats like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Kobie Bryant.  He now works in the corporate world, taking the lessons he learned in sports and applying them to business.

If you want to sustain your game, you'll love this episode!

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]]> Episode 104:  Author & keynote speaker, Alan Stein, joined me on the podcast to share ways to manage stress, beat stagnation and avoid burnout. 

Alan started his career as a basketball performance coach, working with NBA greats like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Kobie Bryant.  He now works in the corporate world, taking the lessons he learned in sports and applying them to business.

If you want to sustain your game, you'll love this episode!

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-10533967 Sat, 30 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0700 3701 104 full false Movement Preparation w/ FC Bayern Basketball's Luka Svilar Movement Preparation w/ FC Bayern Basketball's Luka Svilar Episode 103: Luka Svilar is an author, lecturer and the Head of Physical Performance at FC Bayern Basketball in Germany.  He has a masters degree in kinesiology and in 2018, he successfully defended his PhD project called, Load Monitoring and Management in Elite Basketball. 

Luka was kind enough to share his basketball textbook with me, The Essentials of Physical Performance in Elite Basketball, and I was blown away with how complete of a training guide it is.  The book covers testing, training, periodization, recovery and more , but today I picked his brain on creating a basketball-specific movement preparation routine. 

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]]> Episode 103: Luka Svilar is an author, lecturer and the Head of Physical Performance at FC Bayern Basketball in Germany.  He has a masters degree in kinesiology and in 2018, he successfully defended his PhD project called, Load Monitoring and Management in Elite Basketball. 

Luka was kind enough to share his basketball textbook with me, The Essentials of Physical Performance in Elite Basketball, and I was blown away with how complete of a training guide it is.  The book covers testing, training, periodization, recovery and more , but today I picked his brain on creating a basketball-specific movement preparation routine. 

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-10335236 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0700 3776 103 full false Sleep, Stress Management & Recovery w/ Precision Nutrition's Brian St. Pierre Sleep, Stress Management & Recovery w/ Precision Nutrition's Brian St. Pierre Episode 102:  Brian St. Pierre is the director of nutrition at Precision Nutrition, the coauthor of PN’s Level 1 Certification textbook, and the mastermind behind the Precision Nutrition Calculator. He holds a master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Maine.

He’s also a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). 

During his time at Precision Nutrition, Brian has provided nutrition coaching and performance meal planning to professional and Olympic athletes and also served as a nutrition consultant for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets.

Today I got to pick his brain on Precision Nutrition’s latest certification on Sleep, Stress Management & recovery coaching that I’m in the process of completing.  And Brian was kind enough to give our athletes some ideas on how to keep their bodies feeling right. 

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]]> Episode 102:  Brian St. Pierre is the director of nutrition at Precision Nutrition, the coauthor of PN’s Level 1 Certification textbook, and the mastermind behind the Precision Nutrition Calculator. He holds a master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Maine.

He’s also a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). 

During his time at Precision Nutrition, Brian has provided nutrition coaching and performance meal planning to professional and Olympic athletes and also served as a nutrition consultant for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets.

Today I got to pick his brain on Precision Nutrition’s latest certification on Sleep, Stress Management & recovery coaching that I’m in the process of completing.  And Brian was kind enough to give our athletes some ideas on how to keep their bodies feeling right. 

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Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-10101049 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800 2960 102 full false 4 Pillars of Performance w/ Hong Kong's Will Lo 4 Pillars of Performance w/ Hong Kong's Will Lo Episode 101: Will Lo is a basketball strength & conditioning coach, business owner and basketball podcaster in Hong Kong.  He joined me on the podcast to talk about building better basketball players through the 4 Pillars of Performance.

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]]> Episode 101: Will Lo is a basketball strength & conditioning coach, business owner and basketball podcaster in Hong Kong.  He joined me on the podcast to talk about building better basketball players through the 4 Pillars of Performance.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-9946967 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0800 2731 101 full false Defining Success w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Mark Few Defining Success w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Mark Few Episode 100: Gonzaga Men's Basketball Head Coach, Mark Few, shares his definition of success on and off the court.

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]]> Episode 100: Gonzaga Men's Basketball Head Coach, Mark Few, shares his definition of success on and off the court.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-9114092 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2881 100 full false Essential Physical Qualities For Basketball Players w/ Golden State Warriors' Carl Bergstrom Essential Physical Qualities For Basketball Players w/ Golden State Warriors' Carl Bergstrom Episode 099: Carl Bergstrom is the Director of Performance for the Golden State Warriors.  Today he shared essential physical qualities for basketball players and how he trains them in the weight room.

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]]> Episode 099: Carl Bergstrom is the Director of Performance for the Golden State Warriors.  Today he shared essential physical qualities for basketball players and how he trains them in the weight room.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-9077433 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2303 99 full false Hooptown USA's Hoopcast w/ Mike Nilson, Matt Santangelo & Bo Brack Hooptown USA's Hoopcast w/ Mike Nilson, Matt Santangelo & Bo Brack Episode 098: Hooptown USA's Hoopcast.

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]]> Episode 098: Hooptown USA's Hoopcast.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-9040073 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2190 98 full false Intermittent Fasting for Basketball w/ Amy Yeoman, RD Intermittent Fasting for Basketball w/ Amy Yeoman, RD Episode 097: Amy Yeoman is a registered dietician and came on the show to discuss intermittent fasting for basketball athletes. 

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]]> Episode 097: Amy Yeoman is a registered dietician and came on the show to discuss intermittent fasting for basketball athletes. 

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-9003852 Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2328 97 full false Never Quit w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Stephen Gentry Never Quit w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Stephen Gentry Episode 096: Gonzaga Men's Basketball new Assistant Coach, Stephen Gentry.

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]]> Episode 096: Gonzaga Men's Basketball new Assistant Coach, Stephen Gentry.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8965675 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2394 96 full false Boxing For Basketball w/ Cem Eren Boxing For Basketball w/ Cem Eren Episode 095: Cem Eren is an entrepreneur and gym owner who also trains Damian Lillard in boxing during the off-season. 

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]]> Episode 095: Cem Eren is an entrepreneur and gym owner who also trains Damian Lillard in boxing during the off-season. 

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8928257 Tue, 27 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2322 95 full false The Art of Assists w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Josh Perkins The Art of Assists w/ Gonzaga Basketball's Josh Perkins Episode 094:  Gonzaga has had some unbelievable point guards over the last few decades, with John Stockton being the most notable player.  But John isn’t the all-time leader in assists at GU… It’s actually Josh Perkins.  In the history of Gonzaga Basketball, no one has assisted their teammates more than Josh.  

And so today, I wanted to pick his brain on the mindset of a pass-first player, and learn the drills and tricks he’s added to his toolbox over his playing career.  I asked about how he uses his eyes to talk to teammates and how he balances taking chances, with taking care of the ball.  And my favorite thing about Josh is that he’s not only great at assisting people on the court, he also serves his friends, family and community off the court.

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]]> Episode 094:  Gonzaga has had some unbelievable point guards over the last few decades, with John Stockton being the most notable player.  But John isn’t the all-time leader in assists at GU… It’s actually Josh Perkins.  In the history of Gonzaga Basketball, no one has assisted their teammates more than Josh.  

And so today, I wanted to pick his brain on the mindset of a pass-first player, and learn the drills and tricks he’s added to his toolbox over his playing career.  I asked about how he uses his eyes to talk to teammates and how he balances taking chances, with taking care of the ball.  And my favorite thing about Josh is that he’s not only great at assisting people on the court, he also serves his friends, family and community off the court.

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8891756 Tue, 20 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2282 94 full false Repetition Without Repetition Repetition Without Repetition Episode 093: Learn the 9 ways I help players get repetition without repetition. 

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]]> Episode 093: Learn the 9 ways I help players get repetition without repetition. 

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8854625 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0700 991 93 full false Basketball Plyometrics w/ Memphis Grizzlies' Eric Schmitt Basketball Plyometrics w/ Memphis Grizzlies' Eric Schmitt Episode 092: Memphis Grizzlies's strength & conditioning coach shares how he uses basketball plyometrics to improve the explosiveness of his athletes. 

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]]> Episode 092: Memphis Grizzlies's strength & conditioning coach shares how he uses basketball plyometrics to improve the explosiveness of his athletes. 

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8817217 Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2952 92 full false Mindset Of A Professional Basketball Player w/ Gonzaga's Eric McClellan Mindset Of A Professional Basketball Player w/ Gonzaga's Eric McClellan Episode 091:  Former Gonzaga star, Eric McClellan, joined me on the podcast to give us insights into the mindset of a professional basketball player.

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]]> Episode 091:  Former Gonzaga star, Eric McClellan, joined me on the podcast to give us insights into the mindset of a professional basketball player.

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8780470 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2698 91 full false Basketball National Championship w/ Baylor's Rem Bakamus Basketball National Championship w/ Baylor's Rem Bakamus Episode 090: Now today’s interview was bitter sweet because although Rem Bakamus is a Zag at heart, he was part of the Baylor Men’s basketball team that beat us in the National Championship game. 

Rem played for the Zags and was part of our 2017 Final Four team that played North Carolina in the National Championship game.  I thought it would be fun to learn the common success traits that both teams shared, and hear some of the differences in their strength & conditioning program and practice design. 

And I’m so happy for Rem because he just joined Tommy Lloyd’s staff at the University of Arizona!

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]]> Episode 090: Now today’s interview was bitter sweet because although Rem Bakamus is a Zag at heart, he was part of the Baylor Men’s basketball team that beat us in the National Championship game. 

Rem played for the Zags and was part of our 2017 Final Four team that played North Carolina in the National Championship game.  I thought it would be fun to learn the common success traits that both teams shared, and hear some of the differences in their strength & conditioning program and practice design. 

And I’m so happy for Rem because he just joined Tommy Lloyd’s staff at the University of Arizona!

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8743034 Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700 1835 90 full false World's Largest 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament w/ Rick Betts World's Largest 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament w/ Rick Betts Episode 089: Rick Betts is the founder of Hoopfest, the world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament.  Today we explores what it takes to create a successful basketball tournament and why sports are so important for our youth. 

Hoopfest was started in 1989 and had 512 teams participate. Now, around 7,000 teams signup to play in the famous tournament held on the streets of downtown Spokane. Hoopfest gives people of all ages and skill level an opportunity to have fun and compete.

In this episode I asked Rick:

  • The origins of Hoopfest
  • How to make a successful tournament
  • The importance of youth sports
  • What it takes to succeed in Hoopfest

If you liked this episode check out How to be resilient

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]]> Episode 089: Rick Betts is the founder of Hoopfest, the world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament.  Today we explores what it takes to create a successful basketball tournament and why sports are so important for our youth. 

Hoopfest was started in 1989 and had 512 teams participate. Now, around 7,000 teams signup to play in the famous tournament held on the streets of downtown Spokane. Hoopfest gives people of all ages and skill level an opportunity to have fun and compete.

In this episode I asked Rick:

  • The origins of Hoopfest
  • How to make a successful tournament
  • The importance of youth sports
  • What it takes to succeed in Hoopfest

If you liked this episode check out How to be resilient

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8704679 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700 3067 89 full false Basketball Off Season Training w/ South Carolina's Molly Binetti Basketball Off Season Training w/ South Carolina's Molly Binetti Episode 088: In this episode I am joined by South Carolina’s Molly Binetti. We talk about Off-season Training for basketball and how impactful it can be for a player’s season.

Molly Binetti joined the University of South Carolina staff in June 2018 as the Performance Coach for the women’s basketball team, under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Prior to her arrival in Columbia, Molly served four years at the University of Louisville and one year at Purdue University coaching a diverse range of athletes from 11 different sports. 

She is a proud graduate of Marquette University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, and the University of Minnesota where she obtained a Master of Education degree in Applied Kinesiology. 

The Eau Claire, WI native is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, where she holds the CSCS and RSCC, and SCCC certifications, respectively. She has contributed to two publications, both in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, focused on the mechanical and physical determinants of elite women’s basketball players.

Here are some of the questions I asked in the interview:

  • Brief overview of how she became the SC strength coach
  • How she builds a connection with her players
  • How she evaluates her players physically before the season
  • How a player can better their shot of making the team

If you want to learn more about Basketball conditioning, checkout my interview with Willie Cruz

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]]> Episode 088: In this episode I am joined by South Carolina’s Molly Binetti. We talk about Off-season Training for basketball and how impactful it can be for a player’s season.

Molly Binetti joined the University of South Carolina staff in June 2018 as the Performance Coach for the women’s basketball team, under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Prior to her arrival in Columbia, Molly served four years at the University of Louisville and one year at Purdue University coaching a diverse range of athletes from 11 different sports. 

She is a proud graduate of Marquette University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, and the University of Minnesota where she obtained a Master of Education degree in Applied Kinesiology. 

The Eau Claire, WI native is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, where she holds the CSCS and RSCC, and SCCC certifications, respectively. She has contributed to two publications, both in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, focused on the mechanical and physical determinants of elite women’s basketball players.

Here are some of the questions I asked in the interview:

  • Brief overview of how she became the SC strength coach
  • How she builds a connection with her players
  • How she evaluates her players physically before the season
  • How a player can better their shot of making the team

If you want to learn more about Basketball conditioning, checkout my interview with Willie Cruz

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8661157 Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2371 88 full true How To Be Resilient w/ Gonzaga's Craig Fortier How To Be Resilient w/ Gonzaga's Craig Fortier Episode 087: Gonzaga Women's Basketball coach, Craig Fortier, shares his personal story and how to be resilient.  From being cut from his high school team, to failing at his Guinness Book Of Wold Records attempt, Craig always found a way to dust himself off and get back up.

In today's interview, Craig shared:

  • That you can't know what "enough" is until you've done too much
  • How he became an all-league player without being a starter
  • Why being resilient is one of the most important skills
  • What he wants to pass on to his players

If you want to learn more about being resilient and prepared for setbacks, check out: Making It Through The Dip. 

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]]> Episode 087: Gonzaga Women's Basketball coach, Craig Fortier, shares his personal story and how to be resilient.  From being cut from his high school team, to failing at his Guinness Book Of Wold Records attempt, Craig always found a way to dust himself off and get back up.

In today's interview, Craig shared:

  • That you can't know what "enough" is until you've done too much
  • How he became an all-league player without being a starter
  • Why being resilient is one of the most important skills
  • What he wants to pass on to his players

If you want to learn more about being resilient and prepared for setbacks, check out: Making It Through The Dip. 

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Facebook  HoopCommitment
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8620978 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2550 87 full false Applied Functional Science w/ Pat McCloskey Applied Functional Science w/ Pat McCloskey Episode 086: Pat McCloskey is the Director of Training Development at 1 to 1 Fitness in Washington D.C. and helped create the Gray Institute's Certification in Applied Functional Science. 
 
Applied Functional Science was created by converging the principles of the physical, biological and behavioral sciences.  I became a Fellow of Applied Functional Science in 2009 and it has been the impactful part of my education.

Today I got to sit down with Pat and find out:

  • What are the big rocks to consider when designing training programs?
  • When should coaches apply the principle of 3D?
  • How can trainers create optimal training environments for basketball players?
  • What are the biggest myths of training?

 If you want to learn more about Applied Functional Science, check out Basketball Movement w/ Doug Gray.


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]]> Episode 086: Pat McCloskey is the Director of Training Development at 1 to 1 Fitness in Washington D.C. and helped create the Gray Institute's Certification in Applied Functional Science. 
 
Applied Functional Science was created by converging the principles of the physical, biological and behavioral sciences.  I became a Fellow of Applied Functional Science in 2009 and it has been the impactful part of my education.

Today I got to sit down with Pat and find out:

  • What are the big rocks to consider when designing training programs?
  • When should coaches apply the principle of 3D?
  • How can trainers create optimal training environments for basketball players?
  • What are the biggest myths of training?

 If you want to learn more about Applied Functional Science, check out Basketball Movement w/ Doug Gray.


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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8582759 Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2835 86 full false Mental Toughness Training For Basketball w/ Collin Henderson Mental Toughness Training For Basketball w/ Collin Henderson Episode 085: Collin Henderson is an author, speaker, podcast host and mental skills trainer and he joined me on the podcast to talk about mental toughness.

As you might know, I take my teams through an 18-week leadership program every year. They’re going to be with their teammates almost every day in all sorts of environments, so giving them leadership skills to practice during the season allows so many opportunities to practice them.  

But years ago, when I first started coaching my son’s AAU team, I asked coach Mark Few some advice on being a good coach.  His response was, "If you want to be a good coach, get good players."  A team of great players working together will always beat a team of average players. 

And so that’s why I’ve been implementing mindset training with my kids during the off-season.  When they’re alone in the gym, working on their physical skills, it’s the perfect time to improve their mental skills.  And so when season rolls around and they’re back with their squad, they’ll bring to the team a better version of themself.

If you want to learn more about mindset for basketball, check out my interview with Dr. Kamphoff, Finding Flow On The Basketball Court.

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]]> Episode 085: Collin Henderson is an author, speaker, podcast host and mental skills trainer and he joined me on the podcast to talk about mental toughness.

As you might know, I take my teams through an 18-week leadership program every year. They’re going to be with their teammates almost every day in all sorts of environments, so giving them leadership skills to practice during the season allows so many opportunities to practice them.  

But years ago, when I first started coaching my son’s AAU team, I asked coach Mark Few some advice on being a good coach.  His response was, "If you want to be a good coach, get good players."  A team of great players working together will always beat a team of average players. 

And so that’s why I’ve been implementing mindset training with my kids during the off-season.  When they’re alone in the gym, working on their physical skills, it’s the perfect time to improve their mental skills.  And so when season rolls around and they’re back with their squad, they’ll bring to the team a better version of themself.

If you want to learn more about mindset for basketball, check out my interview with Dr. Kamphoff, Finding Flow On The Basketball Court.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8537002 Tue, 18 May 2021 05:00:00 -0700 3536 85 full false Basketball Recruiting w/ Boise State's R-Jay Barsh Basketball Recruiting w/ Boise State's R-Jay Barsh Episode 084: Boise State Men's Basketball Coach, R-Jay Barsh, joined me on the podcast to share the basketball recruiting process.  Starting in 7th grade, boys become recruitable athletes and are able to communicate with Division 1 programs.

How is it possible to tell how good a 13-year old will be in college?  Do kids really need to travel to exposure camps and tournaments?  Can student athletes get discovered just by playing for their high school?  Instead of just wondering, I reached out to my long time friend, Coach Barsh.

Prior to arriving in Boise, R-Jay spent the previous seven seasons as the head coach at Southeastern University, leading them to three National Tournament appearances. In his second season, SEU reached the NAIA Fab Four, ultimately earning R-Jay a nod as a finalist for the Don Meyer National Coach of the Year Award.

But my favorite thing about R-Jay is his heart for developing and mentoring players.  You’ll hear in the interview how much thought goes into leading his players on and off the court.  Learning how they run their program will restore your faith in the importance of athletics.

Here are some of the questions I ask R-Jay:

  • When does the basketball recruiting begin?
  • At what age is it appropriate to go to an exposure tournament?
  • What qualities do you look for when recruiting?
  • Does a bad attitude prohibit you from giving a player a scholarship?

If you want to learn more about basketball recruiting, check out How To Get Recruited To Play College Basketball w/ Brant Minor


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]]> Episode 084: Boise State Men's Basketball Coach, R-Jay Barsh, joined me on the podcast to share the basketball recruiting process.  Starting in 7th grade, boys become recruitable athletes and are able to communicate with Division 1 programs.

How is it possible to tell how good a 13-year old will be in college?  Do kids really need to travel to exposure camps and tournaments?  Can student athletes get discovered just by playing for their high school?  Instead of just wondering, I reached out to my long time friend, Coach Barsh.

Prior to arriving in Boise, R-Jay spent the previous seven seasons as the head coach at Southeastern University, leading them to three National Tournament appearances. In his second season, SEU reached the NAIA Fab Four, ultimately earning R-Jay a nod as a finalist for the Don Meyer National Coach of the Year Award.

But my favorite thing about R-Jay is his heart for developing and mentoring players.  You’ll hear in the interview how much thought goes into leading his players on and off the court.  Learning how they run their program will restore your faith in the importance of athletics.

Here are some of the questions I ask R-Jay:

  • When does the basketball recruiting begin?
  • At what age is it appropriate to go to an exposure tournament?
  • What qualities do you look for when recruiting?
  • Does a bad attitude prohibit you from giving a player a scholarship?

If you want to learn more about basketball recruiting, check out How To Get Recruited To Play College Basketball w/ Brant Minor


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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8496978 Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2599 84 full false Success In Basketball w/ Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop Success In Basketball w/ Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop Episode 083: Sports Illustrated Senior Sports Writer, Greg Bishop, joins me on the show to talk about success in basketball.

Greg's feature subjects have ranged from Ricky Williams to Adrian Peterson to Aaron Rodgers. He spent time as the Jets beat writer for the New York Times and the Seahawks beat writer for the Seattle Times.

I became friends with Greg while he was researching for his cover stories on Gonzaga Basketball.  I found him to be a thoughtful and kind person and we immediately hit it off.  

Since Greg has interviewed some of the top performers in the world, I wanted to pick his brain on common threads of successful athletes.  Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • How do you find the story in the story?
  • What's unique about Gonzaga basketball?
  • What are the common threads of successful athletes?
  • How can players prepare for success and fame?
  • What is the most impactful story you've covered?

If you want to learn more about success in basketball, check out the article Personal Growth w/ Brett Ledbetter

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]]> Episode 083: Sports Illustrated Senior Sports Writer, Greg Bishop, joins me on the show to talk about success in basketball.

Greg's feature subjects have ranged from Ricky Williams to Adrian Peterson to Aaron Rodgers. He spent time as the Jets beat writer for the New York Times and the Seahawks beat writer for the Seattle Times.

I became friends with Greg while he was researching for his cover stories on Gonzaga Basketball.  I found him to be a thoughtful and kind person and we immediately hit it off.  

Since Greg has interviewed some of the top performers in the world, I wanted to pick his brain on common threads of successful athletes.  Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • How do you find the story in the story?
  • What's unique about Gonzaga basketball?
  • What are the common threads of successful athletes?
  • How can players prepare for success and fame?
  • What is the most impactful story you've covered?

If you want to learn more about success in basketball, check out the article Personal Growth w/ Brett Ledbetter

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8455166 Tue, 04 May 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2495 83 full false Sample Day Of Eating For Basketball Sample Day Of Eating For Basketball Episode 085: Today I lined out a sample day of eating for basketball players.  There's so much confusion about the best way to fuel your body on the court, and so I simplified things by sharing sample breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options to optimize performance.

Click here to get your FREE Copy of the Basketball Nutrition Game

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]]> Episode 085: Today I lined out a sample day of eating for basketball players.  There's so much confusion about the best way to fuel your body on the court, and so I simplified things by sharing sample breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options to optimize performance.

Click here to get your FREE Copy of the Basketball Nutrition Game

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8409875 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0700 1104 82 full false Basketball For A Lifetime w/ Jess Walter Basketball For A Lifetime w/ Jess Walter Episode 081: Even if you're don't end up being a coach or going pro, you can still enjoy basketball for a lifetime.  In today's interview, Jess Walter shares how his love of hoops has helped him as a writer.

Jess Walter is the author of nine books, most recently the national bestseller The Cold Millions and #1 New York Times bestseller, Beautiful Ruins.  His book, The Zero, was a finalist for the National Book Award; and Citizen Vince, was the winner of the Edgar Award. His work has been published in 32 languages and his short fiction has appeared three times in Best American Short Stories.

And I think you’ll love this interview because Jess shares how the same principles that helped him create a successful writing career, things like preparation, routine and hard work, are the same valuable traits he still uses to this day on the basketball court.

In addition to exploring what it looks like to play basketball for a lifetime, I asked Jess these questions:

  • How did playing basketball help your writing career?
  • How has writing helped you on the court?
  • What is your writing process like?
  • Do you believe in early specialization?
  • Why are you still playing hoops after all these years?

If you want to learn more ways to play basketball for a lifetime, check out my interview with John Stockton, where he shares his Sunday basketball routine.

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]]> Episode 081: Even if you're don't end up being a coach or going pro, you can still enjoy basketball for a lifetime.  In today's interview, Jess Walter shares how his love of hoops has helped him as a writer.

Jess Walter is the author of nine books, most recently the national bestseller The Cold Millions and #1 New York Times bestseller, Beautiful Ruins.  His book, The Zero, was a finalist for the National Book Award; and Citizen Vince, was the winner of the Edgar Award. His work has been published in 32 languages and his short fiction has appeared three times in Best American Short Stories.

And I think you’ll love this interview because Jess shares how the same principles that helped him create a successful writing career, things like preparation, routine and hard work, are the same valuable traits he still uses to this day on the basketball court.

In addition to exploring what it looks like to play basketball for a lifetime, I asked Jess these questions:

  • How did playing basketball help your writing career?
  • How has writing helped you on the court?
  • What is your writing process like?
  • Do you believe in early specialization?
  • Why are you still playing hoops after all these years?

If you want to learn more ways to play basketball for a lifetime, check out my interview with John Stockton, where he shares his Sunday basketball routine.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8368217 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0700 3446 81 full false Lead From The Middle w/ Bill Robinson Lead From The Middle w/ Bill Robinson Episode 080: When Gonzaga Basketball senior guard, Corey Kispert, was asked about his leadership style, he replied, "I like to lead from the middle."

Bill Robinson is the president emeritus of Whitworth University and has written multiple books on leadership, including, "Leading People From The Middle."  His style of leadership brings teams and organizations together by flattening the traditional hierarchal structure.

We became friends when he was doing consulting with the Hoopfest Board and he was invaluable in helping me at my first ever stint as board chair.  It was easy to see from the first time we met that Bill practices what he preaches.

Bill was kind enough to join me today to talk about leading from the middle, on and off the court.  If you want to be more impactful as a player, coach or parent, you’ll love his message. Here are some of the questions we discussed:

  • What's the definition of leadership?
  • How can players lead from the middle?
  • Can coaches & parents lead from the middle?
  • Are kids able to become anything they want?
  • Does leadership in sport transfer to leadership in career?

If you want to learn more about leadership, check out the 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership

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Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 080: When Gonzaga Basketball senior guard, Corey Kispert, was asked about his leadership style, he replied, "I like to lead from the middle."

Bill Robinson is the president emeritus of Whitworth University and has written multiple books on leadership, including, "Leading People From The Middle."  His style of leadership brings teams and organizations together by flattening the traditional hierarchal structure.

We became friends when he was doing consulting with the Hoopfest Board and he was invaluable in helping me at my first ever stint as board chair.  It was easy to see from the first time we met that Bill practices what he preaches.

Bill was kind enough to join me today to talk about leading from the middle, on and off the court.  If you want to be more impactful as a player, coach or parent, you’ll love his message. Here are some of the questions we discussed:

  • What's the definition of leadership?
  • How can players lead from the middle?
  • Can coaches & parents lead from the middle?
  • Are kids able to become anything they want?
  • Does leadership in sport transfer to leadership in career?

If you want to learn more about leadership, check out the 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8324718 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0700 3009 80 full false Clean Eating For Basketball w/ Gonzaga's Jeremy Jones Clean Eating For Basketball w/ Gonzaga's Jeremy Jones Episode 079: Jeremy Jones was a member of Gonzaga's 2017 Final Four team and is now a professional basketball player.  He joined me on the podcast to talk about eating clean and taking care of your body.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 079: Jeremy Jones was a member of Gonzaga's 2017 Final Four team and is now a professional basketball player.  He joined me on the podcast to talk about eating clean and taking care of your body.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8279475 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2012 79 full false Prehab for Hoops w/ Brian Cronin, MPT Prehab for Hoops w/ Brian Cronin, MPT Episode 078: Instead of waiting to get injured and doing rehab, use prehab to keep you healthy on the court.  Physical Therapist, Brian Cronin, joined me on the show to share the exercises that he uses with his athletes to reduce the chance of injury.

In 2004, Brian co-founded U-District Physical Therapy with myself and our third partner, Jeff Hart.  It has now grown to three locations and over 60 team members.

Brian earned his BA from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University. He specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, combining his unique sports medicine education, his sports background as a player and coach, and his passion for the game to provide cutting-edge therapy and performance training.

Brian has been an adjunct professor teaching in EWU’s Physical Therapy Department since 2007. He was elected a board member for the Private Practice SIG in 2016 and he also proudly serves on the U-District Foundation Board.

In addition to being a physical therapist, he has provided community educational talks to Washington Trust Bank, SNAP, Wa. State Dept. of Transportation, Leadership Spokane, SYSA, Washington State Employees Credit Union, NE Kiwanis, Morning Star Boys Ranch, Avista, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lee & Hayes, Gonzaga’s Business School, EWU Exercise Science Department, and Washington Alliance for Physical Education.

Brian is Certified as an Emergency Medical Responder and in Applied Functional Science by the Gray Institute.  We sat down and discussed:

  • Why Prehab is so important to athletes
  • How to safely return to the court after an ankle sprain
  • Exercises to reduce the chance of an ACL tear
  • Can you train confidence?
  • His 12-month leadership program

If you want to learn more about prehab, check out my interview with Logan Schwartz: Building Healthy Basketball Players

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 078: Instead of waiting to get injured and doing rehab, use prehab to keep you healthy on the court.  Physical Therapist, Brian Cronin, joined me on the show to share the exercises that he uses with his athletes to reduce the chance of injury.

In 2004, Brian co-founded U-District Physical Therapy with myself and our third partner, Jeff Hart.  It has now grown to three locations and over 60 team members.

Brian earned his BA from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University. He specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, combining his unique sports medicine education, his sports background as a player and coach, and his passion for the game to provide cutting-edge therapy and performance training.

Brian has been an adjunct professor teaching in EWU’s Physical Therapy Department since 2007. He was elected a board member for the Private Practice SIG in 2016 and he also proudly serves on the U-District Foundation Board.

In addition to being a physical therapist, he has provided community educational talks to Washington Trust Bank, SNAP, Wa. State Dept. of Transportation, Leadership Spokane, SYSA, Washington State Employees Credit Union, NE Kiwanis, Morning Star Boys Ranch, Avista, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lee & Hayes, Gonzaga’s Business School, EWU Exercise Science Department, and Washington Alliance for Physical Education.

Brian is Certified as an Emergency Medical Responder and in Applied Functional Science by the Gray Institute.  We sat down and discussed:

  • Why Prehab is so important to athletes
  • How to safely return to the court after an ankle sprain
  • Exercises to reduce the chance of an ACL tear
  • Can you train confidence?
  • His 12-month leadership program

If you want to learn more about prehab, check out my interview with Logan Schwartz: Building Healthy Basketball Players

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8237951 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2365 78 full false Personal Growth For Basketball w/ Brett Ledbetter, Lisa Fortier & Travis Knight Personal Growth For Basketball w/ Brett Ledbetter, Lisa Fortier & Travis Knight Episode 077: Doing the work of personal growth off the court will lead to gains on the court. 

Performance consultant, author and speaker, Brett Ledbetter joined me on the podcast to share how his work is helping players and coaches grow as people.  He focuses on character development, priority alignment, behavior management and self-awareness.

Brett has authored four books: What Drives Winning, What’s Really Important, What Drives Winning Teams and What Drives Winning Environments.  He has also given three TEDx talks: What Drives Winning, Building Your Inner Voice and How to Stop Comparing and Start Competing.

Brett currently works with several Division 1 athletic departments––including Gonzaga, Oregon, Florida and Oklahoma State to name a few––that hire him as a thinking partner for athletic directors, coaches and athletes. He also applies his high-performance training within education, military, sport and business sectors.

Gonzaga Women's Basketball Head Coach, Lisa Fortier, also joined us to share how working with Brett has helped her create clarity in her priorities.  Gonzaga Men's Basketball Strength Coach, Travis Knight, joined us to share how Brett has helped create his weekly Personal Growth Monday meetings with the team.  

Here are some of the questions I asked Brett:

  • What is intrinsic motivation and can you foster it?
  • What is a coach's role in personal growth of their players?
  • How can strength coaches assist the basketball staff with development?
  • How do you handle players that don't buy into the process?

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 077: Doing the work of personal growth off the court will lead to gains on the court. 

Performance consultant, author and speaker, Brett Ledbetter joined me on the podcast to share how his work is helping players and coaches grow as people.  He focuses on character development, priority alignment, behavior management and self-awareness.

Brett has authored four books: What Drives Winning, What’s Really Important, What Drives Winning Teams and What Drives Winning Environments.  He has also given three TEDx talks: What Drives Winning, Building Your Inner Voice and How to Stop Comparing and Start Competing.

Brett currently works with several Division 1 athletic departments––including Gonzaga, Oregon, Florida and Oklahoma State to name a few––that hire him as a thinking partner for athletic directors, coaches and athletes. He also applies his high-performance training within education, military, sport and business sectors.

Gonzaga Women's Basketball Head Coach, Lisa Fortier, also joined us to share how working with Brett has helped her create clarity in her priorities.  Gonzaga Men's Basketball Strength Coach, Travis Knight, joined us to share how Brett has helped create his weekly Personal Growth Monday meetings with the team.  

Here are some of the questions I asked Brett:

  • What is intrinsic motivation and can you foster it?
  • What is a coach's role in personal growth of their players?
  • How can strength coaches assist the basketball staff with development?
  • How do you handle players that don't buy into the process?

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8192209 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2869 77 full false NBA Basketball Conditioning w/ Houston Rockets' Willie Cruz NBA Basketball Conditioning w/ Houston Rockets' Willie Cruz Episode 076: Do you want to know learn more about NBA basketball conditioning and getting your players in optimal shape on the court? 

Conditioning is a lot more than just running until you're tired.  There's an art and science to getting players ready for a long season and keeping them in shape through playoffs.  

Willie Cruz is the Director of Performance for the Houston Rockets and joined me on the podcast to share how he gets and keeps his players in peak shape.  

Prior to joining the Rockets, Willie spent two years with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an Athletic Performance Coach and two years at Fordham University as their Director of strength and conditioning for mens basketball. He is certified as a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Willie has a M.S. in Exercise Science from Edith Cowan University, M.S in Media Management from Fordham University, and completed his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University majoring in Sports Management.

He also earned a full-ride scholarship to play Division 1 basketball at Eastern Kentucky University.  In addition to being a great basketball strength coach, he's also a baller.  

In his free time, Willie is committed to serving his community, empowering the next generation, and impacting lives through performance coaching.  We sat down and discussed NBA basketball conditioning and how to best get players in shape for a long season.  

Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • Do your players get most of their conditioning through playing basketball?
  • How much running do you do during season?
  • Are bench players performing extra conditioning work after games?
  • What do you do for mental conditioning?
  • How do you handle players that aren't motivated?

If you want to learn more about basketball conditioning, listen to Episode 008: Basketball Conditioning w/ Joel Jamieson

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 076: Do you want to know learn more about NBA basketball conditioning and getting your players in optimal shape on the court? 

Conditioning is a lot more than just running until you're tired.  There's an art and science to getting players ready for a long season and keeping them in shape through playoffs.  

Willie Cruz is the Director of Performance for the Houston Rockets and joined me on the podcast to share how he gets and keeps his players in peak shape.  

Prior to joining the Rockets, Willie spent two years with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an Athletic Performance Coach and two years at Fordham University as their Director of strength and conditioning for mens basketball. He is certified as a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Willie has a M.S. in Exercise Science from Edith Cowan University, M.S in Media Management from Fordham University, and completed his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University majoring in Sports Management.

He also earned a full-ride scholarship to play Division 1 basketball at Eastern Kentucky University.  In addition to being a great basketball strength coach, he's also a baller.  

In his free time, Willie is committed to serving his community, empowering the next generation, and impacting lives through performance coaching.  We sat down and discussed NBA basketball conditioning and how to best get players in shape for a long season.  

Here are some of the questions I asked:

  • Do your players get most of their conditioning through playing basketball?
  • How much running do you do during season?
  • Are bench players performing extra conditioning work after games?
  • What do you do for mental conditioning?
  • How do you handle players that aren't motivated?

If you want to learn more about basketball conditioning, listen to Episode 008: Basketball Conditioning w/ Joel Jamieson

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8149103 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2578 76 full false Coaching Youth Basketball w/ NBA's Dan Dickau Coaching Youth Basketball w/ NBA's Dan Dickau Episode 075: Dan Dickau joined me on the podcast to talk about coaching youth basketball.  When I speak at summer camps, I always use Dan as an example of someone who held his dreams close to his heart and put in work.

Holding your dreams tight and putting in work are two qualities I want to teach my kids.  I tell them to hold your dreams tight because there will always be people telling you that you’re not tall enough, not talented enough or not good enough.  If you’re not holding yourr dream tight, you might actually start believing them.

But dreaming isn’t enough, you also have to put in work.  And that’s what Dan did such an incredible job of.  He was always the first to the gym and the last to leave.

If you don’t know much about Dan, he was a First Team All-American at Gonzaga University and played six years in the NBA.  After he finished his playing career, the Portland Trailblazers hired him as a player development assistant.  Dan is currently an on-air broadcaster and the host of multiple basketball podcasts.

Since we’re both parents to kids who love hoops, I wanted to see how he’s handling the balance between helping his kids with sports vs. just being a fan.  In this interview I asked how his parents helped him on the court, his take on coaching youth basketball and what he’s specifically doing to help his kids become their best.

Here are some of the questions I asked Dan:

  • How important is winning in youth basketball?
  • Where do you find balance between being a dad and a coach to your kids?
  • Do you focus on skill training or running plays in practice?
  • What's realistic to expect of your kid's when it comes to practicing on their own?
  • How do you handle sport-specialization in your house?

If you want to learn more about coaching youth basketball, check out Episode 007: Basketball Player, Coach, Parent w/ Matt Santangelo

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 075: Dan Dickau joined me on the podcast to talk about coaching youth basketball.  When I speak at summer camps, I always use Dan as an example of someone who held his dreams close to his heart and put in work.

Holding your dreams tight and putting in work are two qualities I want to teach my kids.  I tell them to hold your dreams tight because there will always be people telling you that you’re not tall enough, not talented enough or not good enough.  If you’re not holding yourr dream tight, you might actually start believing them.

But dreaming isn’t enough, you also have to put in work.  And that’s what Dan did such an incredible job of.  He was always the first to the gym and the last to leave.

If you don’t know much about Dan, he was a First Team All-American at Gonzaga University and played six years in the NBA.  After he finished his playing career, the Portland Trailblazers hired him as a player development assistant.  Dan is currently an on-air broadcaster and the host of multiple basketball podcasts.

Since we’re both parents to kids who love hoops, I wanted to see how he’s handling the balance between helping his kids with sports vs. just being a fan.  In this interview I asked how his parents helped him on the court, his take on coaching youth basketball and what he’s specifically doing to help his kids become their best.

Here are some of the questions I asked Dan:

  • How important is winning in youth basketball?
  • Where do you find balance between being a dad and a coach to your kids?
  • Do you focus on skill training or running plays in practice?
  • What's realistic to expect of your kid's when it comes to practicing on their own?
  • How do you handle sport-specialization in your house?

If you want to learn more about coaching youth basketball, check out Episode 007: Basketball Player, Coach, Parent w/ Matt Santangelo

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-8105052 Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0800 2337 75 full false Heart Surgery & Podcast Updates Heart Surgery & Podcast Updates Episode 074: I'm almost back!  Thanks to everyone who called, texted, DM'd me on social media, and kept me in their prayers.  This is just a short episode to give you heart updates and let you know I've got 4 great episodes lined up at the end of the month.  

I'll see you in a couple weeks!

Mike

]]> Episode 074: I'm almost back!  Thanks to everyone who called, texted, DM'd me on social media, and kept me in their prayers.  This is just a short episode to give you heart updates and let you know I've got 4 great episodes lined up at the end of the month.  

I'll see you in a couple weeks!

Mike

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-7749172 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0800 221 74 full true Lateral Thinking w/ Stanford's Ali Kershner Lateral Thinking w/ Stanford's Ali Kershner Episode 073: Ali Kershner is the sports performance coach for Stanford’s Women’s Basketball.  They spent 6 weeks as the #1 ranked team in the nation until finally being knocked off this past weekend. 

Ali has a master’s degree in Exercise physiology from Kansas, where she was an assistant sports performance coach.  She’s also the host of a great podcast called, Ride the Grey, which is an exploration of lateral thinking. 

What’s lateral thinking you might be asking...  well, we’re gonna dig into that today, along with the pros and cons of being a specialist vs. a generalist.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 073: Ali Kershner is the sports performance coach for Stanford’s Women’s Basketball.  They spent 6 weeks as the #1 ranked team in the nation until finally being knocked off this past weekend. 

Ali has a master’s degree in Exercise physiology from Kansas, where she was an assistant sports performance coach.  She’s also the host of a great podcast called, Ride the Grey, which is an exploration of lateral thinking. 

What’s lateral thinking you might be asking...  well, we’re gonna dig into that today, along with the pros and cons of being a specialist vs. a generalist.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-7363840 Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0800 2340 73 full false Art Of Coaching Basketball Players w/ Brett Bartholomew Art Of Coaching Basketball Players w/ Brett Bartholomew Episode 072: Brett Bartholomew is a keynote speaker, performance coach & consultant, best-selling author, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.

Brett is also a self-published, best-selling, author of Conscious Coaching: The Art & Science of Building Buy-in. 

Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports worldwide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.

Brett was kind enough to join me on the podcast and talk about the art of coaching basketball players.  Here's what we discussed:

  • How to define your coaching philosophy
  • Why you need to make an emotional connection with athletes
  • The different athlete archetypes and how to coach them
  • What's wrong with coaches who look down on selling and marketing


If you want to learn more about coaching leadership in a team environment, check out my FREE Leadership Course

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/72

]]> Episode 072: Brett Bartholomew is a keynote speaker, performance coach & consultant, best-selling author, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.

Brett is also a self-published, best-selling, author of Conscious Coaching: The Art & Science of Building Buy-in. 

Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports worldwide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.

Brett was kind enough to join me on the podcast and talk about the art of coaching basketball players.  Here's what we discussed:

  • How to define your coaching philosophy
  • Why you need to make an emotional connection with athletes
  • The different athlete archetypes and how to coach them
  • What's wrong with coaches who look down on selling and marketing


If you want to learn more about coaching leadership in a team environment, check out my FREE Leadership Course

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/72

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-7004287 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0800 3097 72 full false Assisted w/ Utah Jazz's John Stockton Assisted w/ Utah Jazz's John Stockton Episode 071:  John Stockton has assisted more teammates than anyone in the history of basketball.  He's a Hall of Famer, Dream Teamer, and is the NBA's all time leader in steals and assists.

But in his book, Assisted, he talks about the coaches, family and friends that have assisted him along the way.

And today’s interview was no different.  He talks about people like his grade school coach and college athletic trainer, and shares how even to this day, the game of basketball continues to teach him life lessons.  

I was lucky enough to play with John Stockton every preseason while I was in college at Gonzaga.  He'd ride his 10-speed bike to the gym to play pick-up with the team & prepare himself for training camp.  Even though he was the only NBA player in the gym, no one ever worked as hard as John.  Theres not a doubt that his influence has helped shape of the program.

Shortly after I finished my playing career in Germany, Stockton started a weekly Sunday run that's been going on for over 15 years.  We play on Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Easter.  The only Sunday we don't play is Hoopfest weekend, which is the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The highlight of my week is watching him continually assist his friends on and off the court.

Listen to John Stockton's interview and learn:

  • Why servant leadership isn't always soft and friendly
  • How nutrition is more than just fuel
  • What he does every Sunday to keep his competitive edge
  • Why he's hesitant to take drugs without exploring natural remedies first
  • Why he titled his book, Assisted

If you want to learn more about John Stockton's leadership style, read my article, 6 Ways John Stockton Assists.

Click here you want purchase a copy of his autobiography, Assisted.


Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/71

]]> Episode 071:  John Stockton has assisted more teammates than anyone in the history of basketball.  He's a Hall of Famer, Dream Teamer, and is the NBA's all time leader in steals and assists.

But in his book, Assisted, he talks about the coaches, family and friends that have assisted him along the way.

And today’s interview was no different.  He talks about people like his grade school coach and college athletic trainer, and shares how even to this day, the game of basketball continues to teach him life lessons.  

I was lucky enough to play with John Stockton every preseason while I was in college at Gonzaga.  He'd ride his 10-speed bike to the gym to play pick-up with the team & prepare himself for training camp.  Even though he was the only NBA player in the gym, no one ever worked as hard as John.  Theres not a doubt that his influence has helped shape of the program.

Shortly after I finished my playing career in Germany, Stockton started a weekly Sunday run that's been going on for over 15 years.  We play on Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Easter.  The only Sunday we don't play is Hoopfest weekend, which is the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The highlight of my week is watching him continually assist his friends on and off the court.

Listen to John Stockton's interview and learn:

  • Why servant leadership isn't always soft and friendly
  • How nutrition is more than just fuel
  • What he does every Sunday to keep his competitive edge
  • Why he's hesitant to take drugs without exploring natural remedies first
  • Why he titled his book, Assisted

If you want to learn more about John Stockton's leadership style, read my article, 6 Ways John Stockton Assists.

Click here you want purchase a copy of his autobiography, Assisted.


Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/71

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6925676 Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0800 4396 71 full false Making It Through The Dip Making It Through The Dip Episode 070:  Are you planning for The Dip in 2021?  If you are, you're already ahead of the game.

On January 1, everyone is excited to start their New Years Resolution, but we know that most people won't make it through The Dip.  Author Seth Godin defines The Dip as the long grind between starting and mastery.

When you first start something, it’s fun and exciting. It feels good when you tell people that you’re learning a new language, and people will congratulate you for starting a workout routine. Just telling people what you’re doing is rewarding.  And whatever your new thing is, it’s easy to stay engaged because it’s fresh and the progress comes fast and easy. And then The Dip happens.

I’ve experienced The Dip every single year I’ve made a commitment.  I start out the year so excited with all the new books I’ve purchased and the courses I’ve signed up for.  There’s something about buying a new book that just makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something already.

It’s the same feeling I get with buying new workout shoes.  It’s almost like putting on the new shoes and walking out of the store already makes me feel like I’ve started my workout routine.  And for me, the feeling always lasts the first month or two.  But somewhere after four months or six months or eight months, I realize that whatever I’m studying can’t be mastered in a short amount of time and I get a little discouraged.

And that’s about the time when other shiny objects start grabbing my attention.  It might be popular book that my friends are all reading or a training technique that another strength coach is using with their athletes.  It really doesn’t matter what it is, it’s just that it starts to seem a little more interesting than my commitment, or it might seem more pressing at the moment.  That’s The Dip that everyone hits and this is where almost everyone fails… but not you!  Because you know The Dip is coming.

You see, The Dip is the exact worst moment to quit.  You’ve already done so much of the hard work, and invested money and time, but you haven’t reaped the real benefit yet.  And If you can just hold on & make it through the rest of the year, it will all be worth it.  But if you quit when The Dip comes, it would’ve been better to not start at all and you would’ve saved your time and money.  Seth Godin says, if you can’t make it through the dip, don’t start.

If you want to ensure the 2021 is the most impactful year of your life, listen to this episode and follow my Top 3 Things to get you through The Dip!

If you're looking for even more motivation on creating a New Year's Resolution, check out my article, New Years Commitment.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 070:  Are you planning for The Dip in 2021?  If you are, you're already ahead of the game.

On January 1, everyone is excited to start their New Years Resolution, but we know that most people won't make it through The Dip.  Author Seth Godin defines The Dip as the long grind between starting and mastery.

When you first start something, it’s fun and exciting. It feels good when you tell people that you’re learning a new language, and people will congratulate you for starting a workout routine. Just telling people what you’re doing is rewarding.  And whatever your new thing is, it’s easy to stay engaged because it’s fresh and the progress comes fast and easy. And then The Dip happens.

I’ve experienced The Dip every single year I’ve made a commitment.  I start out the year so excited with all the new books I’ve purchased and the courses I’ve signed up for.  There’s something about buying a new book that just makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something already.

It’s the same feeling I get with buying new workout shoes.  It’s almost like putting on the new shoes and walking out of the store already makes me feel like I’ve started my workout routine.  And for me, the feeling always lasts the first month or two.  But somewhere after four months or six months or eight months, I realize that whatever I’m studying can’t be mastered in a short amount of time and I get a little discouraged.

And that’s about the time when other shiny objects start grabbing my attention.  It might be popular book that my friends are all reading or a training technique that another strength coach is using with their athletes.  It really doesn’t matter what it is, it’s just that it starts to seem a little more interesting than my commitment, or it might seem more pressing at the moment.  That’s The Dip that everyone hits and this is where almost everyone fails… but not you!  Because you know The Dip is coming.

You see, The Dip is the exact worst moment to quit.  You’ve already done so much of the hard work, and invested money and time, but you haven’t reaped the real benefit yet.  And If you can just hold on & make it through the rest of the year, it will all be worth it.  But if you quit when The Dip comes, it would’ve been better to not start at all and you would’ve saved your time and money.  Seth Godin says, if you can’t make it through the dip, don’t start.

If you want to ensure the 2021 is the most impactful year of your life, listen to this episode and follow my Top 3 Things to get you through The Dip!

If you're looking for even more motivation on creating a New Year's Resolution, check out my article, New Years Commitment.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6994744 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0800 1224 70 full false Become A Better Defender w/ Jerusalem's Roberto Iezzi Become A Better Defender w/ Jerusalem's Roberto Iezzi Episode 069: Do you know how to train to become a better defender?  I brought on the strength & conditioning coach for Jerusalem Basketball to talk about the mobility, strength, agility and conditioning drills that he does to help players become lock-down defenders.

Roberto Iezzi is currently the strength coach of Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball and is responsible for player performance and rehabilitation.

Previously he worked with several professional teams (Veroli BC, Pallacanestro Verona, Pallacanestro Moncalieri) as well as some of the best youth programs in Italy (Stella Azzurra Roma, Pallacanestro Moncalieri).

In 2018, Roberto was also the strength coach of the Italian under 18 national team which competed in the European Championship in Latvia.

In addition to his full-time post, Roberto is the host of the Sport Vitamins podcast, sharing experience of leading experts from around the world in the sports performance field.

Today I picked his brain on how to become a better defender for basketball.  Listen to the show and learn...

  • How to teach close-outs on defense
  • Why progression is so important
  • How to structure your pre-season training blocks
  • When to do mobility work
  • How to adjust your agility drills to become conditioning drills

If you want to learn more about becoming a better athlete on the court, check out the article, Get Quicker For Defense

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 069: Do you know how to train to become a better defender?  I brought on the strength & conditioning coach for Jerusalem Basketball to talk about the mobility, strength, agility and conditioning drills that he does to help players become lock-down defenders.

Roberto Iezzi is currently the strength coach of Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball and is responsible for player performance and rehabilitation.

Previously he worked with several professional teams (Veroli BC, Pallacanestro Verona, Pallacanestro Moncalieri) as well as some of the best youth programs in Italy (Stella Azzurra Roma, Pallacanestro Moncalieri).

In 2018, Roberto was also the strength coach of the Italian under 18 national team which competed in the European Championship in Latvia.

In addition to his full-time post, Roberto is the host of the Sport Vitamins podcast, sharing experience of leading experts from around the world in the sports performance field.

Today I picked his brain on how to become a better defender for basketball.  Listen to the show and learn...

  • How to teach close-outs on defense
  • Why progression is so important
  • How to structure your pre-season training blocks
  • When to do mobility work
  • How to adjust your agility drills to become conditioning drills

If you want to learn more about becoming a better athlete on the court, check out the article, Get Quicker For Defense

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6958631 Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2203 69 full false Movement Assessment For Basketball Players w/ Dr. Gary Gray Movement Assessment For Basketball Players w/ Dr. Gary Gray Episode 068:  Before you can help basketball players in the weight room, you need a movement assessment that will quickly show a player's strengths and deficits. Dr. Gary Gray, founder of the Gray Institute and creator of 3DMAPS, joined me on the podcast to share how in just 6 movements you can assess 66 vital motions of the human body.  

Dr. Gary Gray is the smartest movement scientist in the world and I'm grateful to call him a friend and mentor.  I remember when I first got exposed to Dr. Gray's work… It was 2004 and we’d just started U-District Physical Therapy.  My business partners told me that I had to watch this series called the Functional Video Digest, so I went home and popped the tape into the VCR.

I was immediately in awe of Gary's ability to see and explain how the body was one big chain reaction.  He effortlessly described how the foot influenced the knee and the hip and the spine, and how the spine can influence the foot.  That one moment started my journey of studying the Gray Institute. 

Since then I’ve completed their 40-week fellowship programs and was lucky enough to be a facilitator for the GIFT program the last couple years.  I’ve also taken their Functional Soft Tissue Transformation course, their Foot/Ankle Specialization and completed their Certification in Applied Functional Science. 

Today I got to pick Gary’s brain on how to do movement assessments with basketball players.  Now you know I’m a little biased, but I can’t say enough good things about their 3DMAPS certification, which stands for Three-Dimensional Movement Assessment and Performance System. 

Please know I’m not part of any affiliate program and don’t make any money if you sign up for 3DMAPS.  I’m just promoting it because I use some form of the assessment or performance system every single week with my players.  I can confidently say that Gary and his work has made the single biggest impact on my training philosophy as a strength & conditioning coach. 

Listen to this week's podcast on Movement Assessment for Basketball Players and learn:

  • The test is the exercise and the exercise is the test
  • How to quickly assess your athletes every week
  • What makes a movement assessment functional
  • Why assigning players a number or score isn't helpful

Click HERE to listen to his son, Doug Gray, talk about Movement For Basketball

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 068:  Before you can help basketball players in the weight room, you need a movement assessment that will quickly show a player's strengths and deficits. Dr. Gary Gray, founder of the Gray Institute and creator of 3DMAPS, joined me on the podcast to share how in just 6 movements you can assess 66 vital motions of the human body.  

Dr. Gary Gray is the smartest movement scientist in the world and I'm grateful to call him a friend and mentor.  I remember when I first got exposed to Dr. Gray's work… It was 2004 and we’d just started U-District Physical Therapy.  My business partners told me that I had to watch this series called the Functional Video Digest, so I went home and popped the tape into the VCR.

I was immediately in awe of Gary's ability to see and explain how the body was one big chain reaction.  He effortlessly described how the foot influenced the knee and the hip and the spine, and how the spine can influence the foot.  That one moment started my journey of studying the Gray Institute. 

Since then I’ve completed their 40-week fellowship programs and was lucky enough to be a facilitator for the GIFT program the last couple years.  I’ve also taken their Functional Soft Tissue Transformation course, their Foot/Ankle Specialization and completed their Certification in Applied Functional Science. 

Today I got to pick Gary’s brain on how to do movement assessments with basketball players.  Now you know I’m a little biased, but I can’t say enough good things about their 3DMAPS certification, which stands for Three-Dimensional Movement Assessment and Performance System. 

Please know I’m not part of any affiliate program and don’t make any money if you sign up for 3DMAPS.  I’m just promoting it because I use some form of the assessment or performance system every single week with my players.  I can confidently say that Gary and his work has made the single biggest impact on my training philosophy as a strength & conditioning coach. 

Listen to this week's podcast on Movement Assessment for Basketball Players and learn:

  • The test is the exercise and the exercise is the test
  • How to quickly assess your athletes every week
  • What makes a movement assessment functional
  • Why assigning players a number or score isn't helpful

Click HERE to listen to his son, Doug Gray, talk about Movement For Basketball

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6853009 Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0800 3979 68 full false Basketball Player Development w/ Utah's Donny Daniels Basketball Player Development w/ Utah's Donny Daniels Episode 067: Donny Daniels begins his second season as the Director of Basketball Player Development with the University of Utah's men's basketball program.

Daniels makes his way back to the U following coaching stops at Cal State Fullerton, UCLA and, most recently, Gonzaga. In his nine seasons in Spokane, Daniels was instrumental in helping lead the Bulldogs to an overall record of 277-49, eight West Coach Conference regular-season championships, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including five Sweet Sixteen's, three Elite Eights and a NCAA runner-up finish in 2017.

Daniels served as an assistant coach for the Runnin' Utes under head coach Rick Majerus from 1990-2000. During Daniels' 11 seasons at Utah, the Utes reached the NCAA Tournament eight times and were the national runner-ups in 1998. Daniels was also the chief recruiter of Andre Miller and Keith Van Horn to Salt Lake City.

"Donny brings a wealth of experience and value to our program," Krystkowiak noted. "His basketball knowledge, his life experiences and his community impact alone will go far in connecting our program's past with the present."

Today I picked Donny's brain on basketball player development and what it takes to be successful on and off the court.  Listen to this week's podcast and learn...

  • Why every basketball program should work on player development
  • How the game keeps evolving
  • What he looks for on recruiting visits
  • Advice he gives to young coaches

Are you prepared for 2021?  Listen to New Year's Resolution vs Commitment and make 2021 the best year of your life!

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/67

]]> Episode 067: Donny Daniels begins his second season as the Director of Basketball Player Development with the University of Utah's men's basketball program.

Daniels makes his way back to the U following coaching stops at Cal State Fullerton, UCLA and, most recently, Gonzaga. In his nine seasons in Spokane, Daniels was instrumental in helping lead the Bulldogs to an overall record of 277-49, eight West Coach Conference regular-season championships, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including five Sweet Sixteen's, three Elite Eights and a NCAA runner-up finish in 2017.

Daniels served as an assistant coach for the Runnin' Utes under head coach Rick Majerus from 1990-2000. During Daniels' 11 seasons at Utah, the Utes reached the NCAA Tournament eight times and were the national runner-ups in 1998. Daniels was also the chief recruiter of Andre Miller and Keith Van Horn to Salt Lake City.

"Donny brings a wealth of experience and value to our program," Krystkowiak noted. "His basketball knowledge, his life experiences and his community impact alone will go far in connecting our program's past with the present."

Today I picked Donny's brain on basketball player development and what it takes to be successful on and off the court.  Listen to this week's podcast and learn...

  • Why every basketball program should work on player development
  • How the game keeps evolving
  • What he looks for on recruiting visits
  • Advice he gives to young coaches

Are you prepared for 2021?  Listen to New Year's Resolution vs Commitment and make 2021 the best year of your life!

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/67

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6743830 Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1795 67 full false Lessons That Are Bigger Than Basketball w/ Eric Edelstein Lessons That Are Bigger Than Basketball w/ Eric Edelstein Episode 066:  Former Zag and professional actor, Eric Edelstein, joined me on the podcast to share how the lessons he learned in sports helped him succeed in LA.   He was my college roomate and GU TV’s play-by-play announcer for Gonzaga’s basketball games, and thanks to his great wisdom and insights, not one turn over, foul or missed shot was ever my fault.

It’s actually a little embarrassing to think how biased his announcing was towards his friends.  But that just goes to show the kind of person his is.   He is the funniest and the most loyal friend I could every ask for.

Today I got to pick his brain about how the lessons he learned in sports helped him make it in the competitive field of acting for the last 20 years.  And for all of you Big Ed fans, don’t worry, he’s gives a great Bill Walton impersonation and tells his favorite coach Few story.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/66

]]> Episode 066:  Former Zag and professional actor, Eric Edelstein, joined me on the podcast to share how the lessons he learned in sports helped him succeed in LA.   He was my college roomate and GU TV’s play-by-play announcer for Gonzaga’s basketball games, and thanks to his great wisdom and insights, not one turn over, foul or missed shot was ever my fault.

It’s actually a little embarrassing to think how biased his announcing was towards his friends.  But that just goes to show the kind of person his is.   He is the funniest and the most loyal friend I could every ask for.

Today I got to pick his brain about how the lessons he learned in sports helped him make it in the competitive field of acting for the last 20 years.  And for all of you Big Ed fans, don’t worry, he’s gives a great Bill Walton impersonation and tells his favorite coach Few story.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/66

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6625453 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2654 66 full false Attitude of Gratitude w/ Grizzlie's Killian Tillie Attitude of Gratitude w/ Grizzlie's Killian Tillie Episode 065: Killian Tillie's attitude of gratitude and silky jump shot has made him a Zag legend.  His tireless work ethic helped lift Gonzaga to its first ever Final Four and National Championship game, but it's his big smile that has made him a fan favorite.

He was named First Team All-WCC his senior year and just signed a 2-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.  One of my favorite basketball memories is watching Tillie make 12 consecutive 3-pointers over the course of a few games.

But what I'll remember most about Tillie is his attitude of gratitude.  He walks around the locker room, campus, weight room and the court with a smile and he's never too busy to give a kid or fan a high-5.

Today I picked his brain on how he prepared for the NBA draft and why he has such a positive outlook on life.  Here's a few of the questions I asked:

  • What does it feel like to be in the zone?
  • How do you stay positive when your shots aren't falling?
  • What are some of the life lessons your parents taught you?
  • How many shots do you get up a day
  • What is does a typical training day look like?

With gyms and fitness clubs around the world being shut down, it's more challenging to get your workout in.  But one of my favorite quote tells us, "You can make gains, or you can make excuses... but you can't make both."

Instead of making excuses, make gains by committing to workout everyday for at least 5 minutes.  Click here to get FREE access to 5-minute ball handling routines and bodyweight workouts

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/65

]]> Episode 065: Killian Tillie's attitude of gratitude and silky jump shot has made him a Zag legend.  His tireless work ethic helped lift Gonzaga to its first ever Final Four and National Championship game, but it's his big smile that has made him a fan favorite.

He was named First Team All-WCC his senior year and just signed a 2-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.  One of my favorite basketball memories is watching Tillie make 12 consecutive 3-pointers over the course of a few games.

But what I'll remember most about Tillie is his attitude of gratitude.  He walks around the locker room, campus, weight room and the court with a smile and he's never too busy to give a kid or fan a high-5.

Today I picked his brain on how he prepared for the NBA draft and why he has such a positive outlook on life.  Here's a few of the questions I asked:

  • What does it feel like to be in the zone?
  • How do you stay positive when your shots aren't falling?
  • What are some of the life lessons your parents taught you?
  • How many shots do you get up a day
  • What is does a typical training day look like?

With gyms and fitness clubs around the world being shut down, it's more challenging to get your workout in.  But one of my favorite quote tells us, "You can make gains, or you can make excuses... but you can't make both."

Instead of making excuses, make gains by committing to workout everyday for at least 5 minutes.  Click here to get FREE access to 5-minute ball handling routines and bodyweight workouts

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/65

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6519829 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1276 65 full false How To Teach Loyalty To Basketball Players How To Teach Loyalty To Basketball Players Episode 064:  Loyalty is a skill that can be taught and practiced, just like shooting and dribbling a basketball.  The only difference is that improving an athlete’s loyalty will help them way beyond their playing days.

Are you spending time every week to help your players become better leaders?  Are you looking for new content to share with your team?  Check out this week’s podcast episode and learn how I teach players the skill of Loyalty.

Using the Think, Say, Do model, I’ve created 3 concrete ways athletes can be more loyal to the team.  My hope is that you’re able to take a couple ideas from this talk and adapt them to fit the needs of your program.

Here’s how we define Loyalty in our program:

Think: We need each other
Say: “I got you”
Do: Stand up for teammates

We spend two weeks letting our players practice standing up for their teammates, sharing inspiring stories about loyalty, and saying “I got you.”

At the completion of the module, we have players take a self-assessment so they can find out if they’re a loyal teammate.


If you want to learn more about leadership and get access to my FREE 5 day program, go to hoopcommitment.com

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/64

]]> Episode 064:  Loyalty is a skill that can be taught and practiced, just like shooting and dribbling a basketball.  The only difference is that improving an athlete’s loyalty will help them way beyond their playing days.

Are you spending time every week to help your players become better leaders?  Are you looking for new content to share with your team?  Check out this week’s podcast episode and learn how I teach players the skill of Loyalty.

Using the Think, Say, Do model, I’ve created 3 concrete ways athletes can be more loyal to the team.  My hope is that you’re able to take a couple ideas from this talk and adapt them to fit the needs of your program.

Here’s how we define Loyalty in our program:

Think: We need each other
Say: “I got you”
Do: Stand up for teammates

We spend two weeks letting our players practice standing up for their teammates, sharing inspiring stories about loyalty, and saying “I got you.”

At the completion of the module, we have players take a self-assessment so they can find out if they’re a loyal teammate.


If you want to learn more about leadership and get access to my FREE 5 day program, go to hoopcommitment.com

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/64

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6405133 Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1085 64 full false Build A Championship Team Culture w/ Dan Horwitz Build A Championship Team Culture w/ Dan Horwitz Episode 063: Building your team culture is just as important as building your athletes in the weight room or building your team's offensive playbook.  Individual players don't win championships, great teams do.

Dan Horwitz is a basketball coach turned leadership consultant who just published his first book: Help Them Up. 14 Principles To Educate, Energize & Empower Your Team To Build A Championship Culture.  The book was written specifically for basketball players and coaches and so I had to have him on the podcast to find out how we can start implementing these principles today.

You can find Dan Horwitz @danhorwitz1

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Episode 063: Building your team culture is just as important as building your athletes in the weight room or building your team's offensive playbook.  Individual players don't win championships, great teams do.

Dan Horwitz is a basketball coach turned leadership consultant who just published his first book: Help Them Up. 14 Principles To Educate, Energize & Empower Your Team To Build A Championship Culture.  The book was written specifically for basketball players and coaches and so I had to have him on the podcast to find out how we can start implementing these principles today.

You can find Dan Horwitz @danhorwitz1

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6300760 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2211 63 full false Basketball Ankle Sprains w/ Hornets' Andre Mattson Basketball Ankle Sprains w/ Hornets' Andre Mattson Episode 062: Basketball ankle sprains can sideline even the strongest and most athletic players.  Are you doing everything you can in your training to reduce the chance of rolling an ankle?

Andre Mattson is a strength & conditioning coach for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and is the inventor of The Ankle Saver.  The Ankle Saver is a revolutionary training device that strengthens the foot and lower leg to decrease the risk of injury and optimize performance. With The Ankle Saver, you can make significant improvements in your athleticism and finally make ankle injuries a thing of the past.

Before joining the Hornets, Andre was an assistant strength coach with the New York Knicks and also spent time as an adjunct professor of exercise science at San Diego Community College District.  His experience working with elite athletes in college and the NBA has given him the knowledge and insight to truly understand human performance.

Andre joined me on the podcast and let me pick his brain on how he's keeping his player's healthy and minimizing basketball ankle sprains. Listen to this week's show and learn:

  • How to reduce the chance of basketball ankle sprains
  • Why the intrinsic muscles of your feet matter
  • When you should train barefoot
  • How the Ankle Saver can strengthen your feet
  • What to do after your sprain an ankle

You can find Andre Mattson on social media @andremattsonperformance

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/62

]]> Episode 062: Basketball ankle sprains can sideline even the strongest and most athletic players.  Are you doing everything you can in your training to reduce the chance of rolling an ankle?

Andre Mattson is a strength & conditioning coach for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and is the inventor of The Ankle Saver.  The Ankle Saver is a revolutionary training device that strengthens the foot and lower leg to decrease the risk of injury and optimize performance. With The Ankle Saver, you can make significant improvements in your athleticism and finally make ankle injuries a thing of the past.

Before joining the Hornets, Andre was an assistant strength coach with the New York Knicks and also spent time as an adjunct professor of exercise science at San Diego Community College District.  His experience working with elite athletes in college and the NBA has given him the knowledge and insight to truly understand human performance.

Andre joined me on the podcast and let me pick his brain on how he's keeping his player's healthy and minimizing basketball ankle sprains. Listen to this week's show and learn:

  • How to reduce the chance of basketball ankle sprains
  • Why the intrinsic muscles of your feet matter
  • When you should train barefoot
  • How the Ankle Saver can strengthen your feet
  • What to do after your sprain an ankle

You can find Andre Mattson on social media @andremattsonperformance

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/62

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6200002 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2354 62 full false Eating Healthy For Hoops w/ Live Vitae's Ryan Carter Eating Healthy For Hoops w/ Live Vitae's Ryan Carter Episode 061: Are you having trouble eating healthy for basketball?  Is it a struggle to eat your fruits and vegetables and still get enough calories in throughout the day?  Well, Ryan Carter can help!

Ryan is a certified Health Coach, Personal trainer, breathwork coach and registered nutritional therapist with many more specialized qualifications.

He is the founder of Live Vitae, an optimal health coaching platform, that works by educating, supporting and mentoring clients from illness to wellness or sub-par to optimal.

The approach he takes is very different from the ‘norm” nutritionists model. He incorporates the best from:

 - Nutritional therapy using a functional medicine model
 - Ancestral wisdom utilizing evolution understanding coupled with mother nature
 - modern technology and biohacking interventions
 - quantifiable fitness and dietary strategies. 

Ryan works across the board and is a functional generalist, not believing in a reductionist model to health coaching and beyond. He works with anyone and everyone who wants to achieve optimization and more.

Listen to this week's episode on Eating Healthy for Hoops and learn how you can eat to be your best on and off the court.  

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/61

]]> Episode 061: Are you having trouble eating healthy for basketball?  Is it a struggle to eat your fruits and vegetables and still get enough calories in throughout the day?  Well, Ryan Carter can help!

Ryan is a certified Health Coach, Personal trainer, breathwork coach and registered nutritional therapist with many more specialized qualifications.

He is the founder of Live Vitae, an optimal health coaching platform, that works by educating, supporting and mentoring clients from illness to wellness or sub-par to optimal.

The approach he takes is very different from the ‘norm” nutritionists model. He incorporates the best from:

 - Nutritional therapy using a functional medicine model
 - Ancestral wisdom utilizing evolution understanding coupled with mother nature
 - modern technology and biohacking interventions
 - quantifiable fitness and dietary strategies. 

Ryan works across the board and is a functional generalist, not believing in a reductionist model to health coaching and beyond. He works with anyone and everyone who wants to achieve optimization and more.

Listen to this week's episode on Eating Healthy for Hoops and learn how you can eat to be your best on and off the court.  

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/61

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-6082342 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2004 61 full false Mindfulness & Basketball w/ Mike Lee Mindfulness & Basketball w/ Mike Lee Episode 060: Mindfulness and basketball aren't typically two words that go together.  But, author and keynote speaker, Mike Lee, joined me on the podcast today to share how mindfulness can improve your game.

Bridging his background in basketball leadership and performance — training some of basketball’s 1% — with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, Mike helps high-performing leaders master the psychology needed to lead and perform in a 2020 world.

Through his experience building an international basketball brand from his college apartment, and growing it while beating the heroin-like withdrawal symptoms of pharmaceutical medication, Mike understands the challenges leaders face.

In the basketball world, it’s crucial that players have the fundamental skills to execute the team’s strategy. In the business world, it’s no different.  People need the foundational skills like self-awareness, presence and resilience to constantly adapt, perform and create in this time of unprecedented change.

Drawing on the latest research from neuroscience, basketball and personal experience, he’s shared stories and practical exercises — across the United States, Indonesia and Spain — to help people find their own inner power and poise to thrive in business and life.

He is the founder of Thrive3, a basketball training company that “creates game-changing experiences that crossover from the court to life”. At Thrive3 he’s worked at Academies or individual development sessions with players like NBA MVP Stephen Curry, All-Star Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon. Mike is also the author of the internationally sold book, UN/TRAIN.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/60

]]> Episode 060: Mindfulness and basketball aren't typically two words that go together.  But, author and keynote speaker, Mike Lee, joined me on the podcast today to share how mindfulness can improve your game.

Bridging his background in basketball leadership and performance — training some of basketball’s 1% — with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, Mike helps high-performing leaders master the psychology needed to lead and perform in a 2020 world.

Through his experience building an international basketball brand from his college apartment, and growing it while beating the heroin-like withdrawal symptoms of pharmaceutical medication, Mike understands the challenges leaders face.

In the basketball world, it’s crucial that players have the fundamental skills to execute the team’s strategy. In the business world, it’s no different.  People need the foundational skills like self-awareness, presence and resilience to constantly adapt, perform and create in this time of unprecedented change.

Drawing on the latest research from neuroscience, basketball and personal experience, he’s shared stories and practical exercises — across the United States, Indonesia and Spain — to help people find their own inner power and poise to thrive in business and life.

He is the founder of Thrive3, a basketball training company that “creates game-changing experiences that crossover from the court to life”. At Thrive3 he’s worked at Academies or individual development sessions with players like NBA MVP Stephen Curry, All-Star Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon. Mike is also the author of the internationally sold book, UN/TRAIN.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/60

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5974285 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2198 60 full false College Basketball Walk On w/ Gonzaga's Brian Michaelson College Basketball Walk On w/ Gonzaga's Brian Michaelson Episode 059: If you’ve listened to my previous episodes, you know that I was a college basketball walk on.  It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.  I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up on campus and I wasn’t ready for how physically & mentally challenging every practice would be. 

For anyone out there who is thinking about playing Division 1 basketball, I brought on Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Coach, Brian Michaelson, to explain the walk-on process and share how to maximize your chance of having a successful college basketball career. 

Brian and I have a special bond for a few reasons…

First off, he’s part of the Gonzaga basketball brotherhood.  It’s amazing how close our alumni is and how many guys from around the world end up making Spokane their permanent home.  Guys like Robert Sacre, Dan Dickau, Winston Brooks and even JP Batista from Brazil bought a home here. 

2nd, I was his strength coach when he was in college.  We spent a lot of time in the weight room together during his redshirt year and so I get to take partial credit for his arms of steel. 

And the 3rd bond that ties us together is that we were both college basketball walk ons at GU before earning scholarships.   He knows first hand how difficult it can be to make it.

Today I asked him about the common thread between walk ons like David Stockton, Mike Hart, Jeremy Jones and Kyle Bankhead, that not only earned a scholarship, but broke into the starting lineup.  I asked him about how to get a walk on try out and how to catch the coaches eye.  If you or a loved one is thinking about walking on, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/59

]]> Episode 059: If you’ve listened to my previous episodes, you know that I was a college basketball walk on.  It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.  I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up on campus and I wasn’t ready for how physically & mentally challenging every practice would be. 

For anyone out there who is thinking about playing Division 1 basketball, I brought on Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Coach, Brian Michaelson, to explain the walk-on process and share how to maximize your chance of having a successful college basketball career. 

Brian and I have a special bond for a few reasons…

First off, he’s part of the Gonzaga basketball brotherhood.  It’s amazing how close our alumni is and how many guys from around the world end up making Spokane their permanent home.  Guys like Robert Sacre, Dan Dickau, Winston Brooks and even JP Batista from Brazil bought a home here. 

2nd, I was his strength coach when he was in college.  We spent a lot of time in the weight room together during his redshirt year and so I get to take partial credit for his arms of steel. 

And the 3rd bond that ties us together is that we were both college basketball walk ons at GU before earning scholarships.   He knows first hand how difficult it can be to make it.

Today I asked him about the common thread between walk ons like David Stockton, Mike Hart, Jeremy Jones and Kyle Bankhead, that not only earned a scholarship, but broke into the starting lineup.  I asked him about how to get a walk on try out and how to catch the coaches eye.  If you or a loved one is thinking about walking on, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/59

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5869087 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2270 59 full false Basketball Skill Training w/ I'm Possible's Micah Lancaster Basketball Skill Training w/ I'm Possible's Micah Lancaster Episode 058: Inventor, entrepreneur and the trainer of basketball trainers, Micah Lancaster, joins us on the podcast to share his system for basketball skill training.

Known as a basketball scientist, he invented the rip cone, weighted tennis ball, was the originator of the medicine basketball training methodology and created the first & only basketball footwork training system. Athletes from around the world travel to his skills lab to add moves to their toolbox.

He’s worked with NBA greats like Kyrie Irving, Victor Oladipo, and Karl Anthony towns and today I picked his brain on how high school players can maximize their practice time and become the best version of themselves.  If you want to improve the way you workout, check out this episode and learn:

  • The difference between a basketball skill training coach and a game situation coach
  • Why it's important to progress & regress basketball movements
  • How to use tools for accountability
  • The mental skill that pros have that the average player doesn't

Here's where you can find out more about Micah @micah_lancaster

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/58

]]> Episode 058: Inventor, entrepreneur and the trainer of basketball trainers, Micah Lancaster, joins us on the podcast to share his system for basketball skill training.

Known as a basketball scientist, he invented the rip cone, weighted tennis ball, was the originator of the medicine basketball training methodology and created the first & only basketball footwork training system. Athletes from around the world travel to his skills lab to add moves to their toolbox.

He’s worked with NBA greats like Kyrie Irving, Victor Oladipo, and Karl Anthony towns and today I picked his brain on how high school players can maximize their practice time and become the best version of themselves.  If you want to improve the way you workout, check out this episode and learn:

  • The difference between a basketball skill training coach and a game situation coach
  • Why it's important to progress & regress basketball movements
  • How to use tools for accountability
  • The mental skill that pros have that the average player doesn't

Here's where you can find out more about Micah @micah_lancaster

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/58

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5750890 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1762 58 full false Basketball Training in 3D w/ Nate Schafer Basketball Training in 3D w/ Nate Schafer Episode 057: Basketball training should mirror the demands of the game.  Since players jab step in the sagittal plane, shuffle in the frontal plane and pivot in the transverse plane, the movements you do in the weight room should also be in 3D.

3D Athletes was founded in 2009 by Nate Schafer and continues its quest to elevate the way athletes train and prepare for competition.  Nate and his training facility are sought out by professional athletes and teams all over the world to level up their game.

The 3D system, based on the Gray Institute's principles of Applied Functional Science, is designed to progressively challenge and enhance movement as it relates to sport and competition.

In today's episode, Nate shares his thought process on 3D basketball training.  Listen and learn...

  • Why you need to combine mobility and stability training
  • How to program traditional movements with 3D movements
  • Nate's favorite tools to train basketball players
  • The 3D vertical jump progression

You can find Nate on social media @3dathletes

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/57

]]> Episode 057: Basketball training should mirror the demands of the game.  Since players jab step in the sagittal plane, shuffle in the frontal plane and pivot in the transverse plane, the movements you do in the weight room should also be in 3D.

3D Athletes was founded in 2009 by Nate Schafer and continues its quest to elevate the way athletes train and prepare for competition.  Nate and his training facility are sought out by professional athletes and teams all over the world to level up their game.

The 3D system, based on the Gray Institute's principles of Applied Functional Science, is designed to progressively challenge and enhance movement as it relates to sport and competition.

In today's episode, Nate shares his thought process on 3D basketball training.  Listen and learn...

  • Why you need to combine mobility and stability training
  • How to program traditional movements with 3D movements
  • Nate's favorite tools to train basketball players
  • The 3D vertical jump progression

You can find Nate on social media @3dathletes

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/57

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5628835 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700 1713 57 full false Build Basketball Relationships w/ Jake Kelfer Build Basketball Relationships w/ Jake Kelfer Episode 056: Do you want to make the most out of your playing career?  While everyone will eventually hang their shoes up at some point, quality basketball relationships will last a lifetime.

I brought Jake Kelfer on the show to talk about how to build basketball relationships and strengthen networks to help players be successful on and off the court.  Jake is a fellow hooper, motivational speaker, and the bestselling author of Elevate Beyond and Elevate Your Network. 

Jake is also the founder of the Professional Basketball Combine which helps NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro ball into their reality.  He’s worked with the NBA Summer League, LA Lakers and Adidas.

Today we spoke about the power of basketball relationships and how athletes can make the most out of their playing careers and set themselves up for success after basketball. He shares the principles that helped him land his first job with the LA Lakers and what the greatest coaches have in common.

You can find Jake on social media @jakekelfer

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/56

]]> Episode 056: Do you want to make the most out of your playing career?  While everyone will eventually hang their shoes up at some point, quality basketball relationships will last a lifetime.

I brought Jake Kelfer on the show to talk about how to build basketball relationships and strengthen networks to help players be successful on and off the court.  Jake is a fellow hooper, motivational speaker, and the bestselling author of Elevate Beyond and Elevate Your Network. 

Jake is also the founder of the Professional Basketball Combine which helps NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro ball into their reality.  He’s worked with the NBA Summer League, LA Lakers and Adidas.

Today we spoke about the power of basketball relationships and how athletes can make the most out of their playing careers and set themselves up for success after basketball. He shares the principles that helped him land his first job with the LA Lakers and what the greatest coaches have in common.

You can find Jake on social media @jakekelfer

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/56

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5546629 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1859 56 full false Get Quicker On The Court w/ LA Clippers' Daniel Shapiro Get Quicker On The Court w/ LA Clippers' Daniel Shapiro Episode 055: Learn how to get quicker on the basketball court from the LA Clippers’ Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Daniel Shapiro.

Daniel is in his 3rd year as Head of Strength & Conditioning for the LA Clippers.  Before joining the Clippers, he spent 4 seasons at the University of Washington where he was Director of Basketball Athletic Performance for the Men’s Basketball team.

No stranger to the NBA, Shapiro served as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Sacramento Kings from 2005-2013.  Prior to working with the Kings, Shapiro spent two seasons at the University of Dayton as the head strength and conditioning coach for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

His previous work experience includes a seven-year stint with the Seattle Supersonics (1996-2003) as the assistant strength and conditioning coach under Dwight Daub. During his stay with the Sonics, Shapiro doubled his duties with the organization and worked as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Seattle Storm of the WNBA (2000-03).

Shapiro is co-founder of the NBSCA (National Basketball Strength and Conditioning Association) and served as its inaugural president from 2009 to 2011. In May 2010, Shapiro was awarded the NBSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. Along with his NBA team responsibilities, Shapiro also continues to oversee all operations of the athletic performance testing at the annual NBA Pre-Draft Combine since 2010.

A native of Renton, Washington, Shapiro earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science (2000) and master’s degree in physical education (2005), both from Seattle Pacific University. He has his CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).  Currently, Shapiro is working towards completing his fellowship with the Gray Institute of Functional Transformation (GIFT).

Shapiro enjoys working out, playing basketball and ran and completed his first marathon in the summer of 2009 in Seattle. When he isn’t working, traveling or getting a sweat he loves spending time with his friends and family, watching movies and getting out on the water as much as he can. He and his wife, Sina, reside in Los Angeles with their daughter Eliana (born in September 2016).

Daniel was kind enough to take time during the playoffs to chat about how to get quicker on the basketball court.  We discussed:

  • Why players need to be shifty on the court
  • How to use RARe Training
  • Daniel’s favorite quickness exercises
  • The importance of ball handling in speed & agility
  • When to use low-level plyometrics in a program

You can find Daniel on social media @kingshapiro21

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/55

]]> Episode 055: Learn how to get quicker on the basketball court from the LA Clippers’ Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Daniel Shapiro.

Daniel is in his 3rd year as Head of Strength & Conditioning for the LA Clippers.  Before joining the Clippers, he spent 4 seasons at the University of Washington where he was Director of Basketball Athletic Performance for the Men’s Basketball team.

No stranger to the NBA, Shapiro served as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Sacramento Kings from 2005-2013.  Prior to working with the Kings, Shapiro spent two seasons at the University of Dayton as the head strength and conditioning coach for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

His previous work experience includes a seven-year stint with the Seattle Supersonics (1996-2003) as the assistant strength and conditioning coach under Dwight Daub. During his stay with the Sonics, Shapiro doubled his duties with the organization and worked as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Seattle Storm of the WNBA (2000-03).

Shapiro is co-founder of the NBSCA (National Basketball Strength and Conditioning Association) and served as its inaugural president from 2009 to 2011. In May 2010, Shapiro was awarded the NBSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. Along with his NBA team responsibilities, Shapiro also continues to oversee all operations of the athletic performance testing at the annual NBA Pre-Draft Combine since 2010.

A native of Renton, Washington, Shapiro earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science (2000) and master’s degree in physical education (2005), both from Seattle Pacific University. He has his CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).  Currently, Shapiro is working towards completing his fellowship with the Gray Institute of Functional Transformation (GIFT).

Shapiro enjoys working out, playing basketball and ran and completed his first marathon in the summer of 2009 in Seattle. When he isn’t working, traveling or getting a sweat he loves spending time with his friends and family, watching movies and getting out on the water as much as he can. He and his wife, Sina, reside in Los Angeles with their daughter Eliana (born in September 2016).

Daniel was kind enough to take time during the playoffs to chat about how to get quicker on the basketball court.  We discussed:

  • Why players need to be shifty on the court
  • How to use RARe Training
  • Daniel’s favorite quickness exercises
  • The importance of ball handling in speed & agility
  • When to use low-level plyometrics in a program

You can find Daniel on social media @kingshapiro21

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/55

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5436850 Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1925 55 full false Sacrifice Your Nutrition To Build Muscle & Burn Fat Sacrifice Your Nutrition To Build Muscle & Burn Fat Episode 054: The definition of sacrifice is to give up something good, for something better.  If you want to build muscle or burn fat, the key is improving your nutrition by using the power of sacrifice.

When most people try to lean out, they make the mistake of simply giving up food that doesn't align with their goals.  This isn't a long-term solution because anytime you give something up, you create a void.

If you want your nutrition and body changes to last, you must replace the good-tasting food with something even better... something that not only tastes good but also helps achieve your goals.

In this episode I share 3 sacrifices that will help you build muscle, and 3 sacrifices that will help you burn fat. 

Go to hoopcommitment.com to download your free commitment calendar.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/54

]]> Episode 054: The definition of sacrifice is to give up something good, for something better.  If you want to build muscle or burn fat, the key is improving your nutrition by using the power of sacrifice.

When most people try to lean out, they make the mistake of simply giving up food that doesn't align with their goals.  This isn't a long-term solution because anytime you give something up, you create a void.

If you want your nutrition and body changes to last, you must replace the good-tasting food with something even better... something that not only tastes good but also helps achieve your goals.

In this episode I share 3 sacrifices that will help you build muscle, and 3 sacrifices that will help you burn fat. 

Go to hoopcommitment.com to download your free commitment calendar.

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/54

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5330428 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1425 54 full false Increase Vertical Jump For Basketball w/ Kansas' Dr. Ramsey Nijem Increase Vertical Jump For Basketball w/ Kansas' Dr. Ramsey Nijem Episode 053: Want to increase vertical jump for basketball?  Skeptical of the claims of adding 8-12 inches to your jump height in only 6 weeks?  Listen to this week's podcast and get the truth about how to jump higher from an expert in basketball performance training.

Dr. Ramsey Nijem is Men’s Basketball Director of Sports Performance at the university of Kansas.  They finished the year ranked number 1 in the nation, pushing my Zags into the number 2 spot in all the polls… but I won’t hold that against him. 

Before coming to Kansas, Ramsey was the NBA youngest head strength & conditioning coach, working with the Sacramento Kings for 5 years.  He earned his doctorate of science in human & sports performance in 2018 after completing his masters of science & sport performance in 2013.

With all of his formal education and real world basketball experience, I wanted to pick his brain on how to increase vertical jump for basketball players.  Like you, I've seen countless jump programs online and so I wanted to hear from an expert on the best way to increase vertical.  

Listen to Dr. Ramsey Nijem and learn:

  • The biggest myths of increasing vertical
  • Why you need to train your brakes before stepping on the gas
  • How to teach jump mechanics
  • The best exercises for jumping higher
  • What to do if you have knee pain

You can find Dr. Ramsey Nijem on social media @dr.ramsey.nijem

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/53

]]> Episode 053: Want to increase vertical jump for basketball?  Skeptical of the claims of adding 8-12 inches to your jump height in only 6 weeks?  Listen to this week's podcast and get the truth about how to jump higher from an expert in basketball performance training.

Dr. Ramsey Nijem is Men’s Basketball Director of Sports Performance at the university of Kansas.  They finished the year ranked number 1 in the nation, pushing my Zags into the number 2 spot in all the polls… but I won’t hold that against him. 

Before coming to Kansas, Ramsey was the NBA youngest head strength & conditioning coach, working with the Sacramento Kings for 5 years.  He earned his doctorate of science in human & sports performance in 2018 after completing his masters of science & sport performance in 2013.

With all of his formal education and real world basketball experience, I wanted to pick his brain on how to increase vertical jump for basketball players.  Like you, I've seen countless jump programs online and so I wanted to hear from an expert on the best way to increase vertical.  

Listen to Dr. Ramsey Nijem and learn:

  • The biggest myths of increasing vertical
  • Why you need to train your brakes before stepping on the gas
  • How to teach jump mechanics
  • The best exercises for jumping higher
  • What to do if you have knee pain

You can find Dr. Ramsey Nijem on social media @dr.ramsey.nijem

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/53

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5216260 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2253 53 full false How To Get Recruited To Play College Basketball w/ Pacific's Brant Minor How To Get Recruited To Play College Basketball w/ Pacific's Brant Minor Episode 052: Are you wondering how to get recruited to play college basketball if there aren't exposure tournaments and maybe not even a high school season?  I brought on college basketball coach and Showcase Director, Brant Minor, to share how players can get discovered. 

Coach Brant is in his second year as an assistant coach with the Pacific University men's basketball program.

Away from Pacific, Minor has established Max Hoops (MaxHoops.com) which runs camps, clinics and showcases around the country. In the summer of 2018, Minor hosted “The Exclusive” a fifty team NCAA certified tournament in Las Vegas. 

Plus, he has been involved in basketball camps throughout the country including Duke, Gonzaga, Oregon, and Tennessee, in addition to camps throughout the Northwest. 

If you want to get recruited to play college basketball, check out this week's episode and learn:

  • What college coaches are really looking for
  • How to stand out on and off the court
  • Why you should contact coaches before going to a tournament
  • How social media can help or hurt your chances of playing college hoops
  • How to determine what level you should play at

You can find Brant on social media @MaxHoops3

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/52



]]> Episode 052: Are you wondering how to get recruited to play college basketball if there aren't exposure tournaments and maybe not even a high school season?  I brought on college basketball coach and Showcase Director, Brant Minor, to share how players can get discovered. 

Coach Brant is in his second year as an assistant coach with the Pacific University men's basketball program.

Away from Pacific, Minor has established Max Hoops (MaxHoops.com) which runs camps, clinics and showcases around the country. In the summer of 2018, Minor hosted “The Exclusive” a fifty team NCAA certified tournament in Las Vegas. 

Plus, he has been involved in basketball camps throughout the country including Duke, Gonzaga, Oregon, and Tennessee, in addition to camps throughout the Northwest. 

If you want to get recruited to play college basketball, check out this week's episode and learn:

  • What college coaches are really looking for
  • How to stand out on and off the court
  • Why you should contact coaches before going to a tournament
  • How social media can help or hurt your chances of playing college hoops
  • How to determine what level you should play at

You can find Brant on social media @MaxHoops3

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/52



]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5136949 Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2622 52 full false Become A Story Or A Statistic w/ Dre Baldwin Become A Story Or A Statistic w/ Dre Baldwin Episode 051: Do you want to be the story that inspires people or just another statistic showing that the odds are stacked against playing at the next level?  

In just 5 years, Dre Baldwin went from his high school team's bench to a 9-year professional basketball career. At the same time, Dre built a content publishing empire.

Blogging since 2005 and publishing videos to YouTube starting in 2006, Dre has published over 7,000 videos with his content being viewed over 73 million times. Dre's daily Work On Your Game Podcast has over 3 million listeners.

Dre has given 4 TED Talks and authored 27 books.  He joined me today to talk about overcoming failure and how to become a story instead of just becoming a statistic.  Give this episode a listen and learn:

  • What failure really means
  • How discipline can change your world
  • The biggest mistakes high school players are making
  • Advice on how to play professionally overseas
  • Why should never quit

You can find Dre on Social Media @drebaldwin

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/51

]]> Episode 051: Do you want to be the story that inspires people or just another statistic showing that the odds are stacked against playing at the next level?  

In just 5 years, Dre Baldwin went from his high school team's bench to a 9-year professional basketball career. At the same time, Dre built a content publishing empire.

Blogging since 2005 and publishing videos to YouTube starting in 2006, Dre has published over 7,000 videos with his content being viewed over 73 million times. Dre's daily Work On Your Game Podcast has over 3 million listeners.

Dre has given 4 TED Talks and authored 27 books.  He joined me today to talk about overcoming failure and how to become a story instead of just becoming a statistic.  Give this episode a listen and learn:

  • What failure really means
  • How discipline can change your world
  • The biggest mistakes high school players are making
  • Advice on how to play professionally overseas
  • Why should never quit

You can find Dre on Social Media @drebaldwin

Instagram  @HoopCommitment
Twitter  @HoopCommitment
Facebook  HoopCommitment
Website  HoopCommitment.com/51

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-5041793 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2293 51 full false Finding Flow On The Basketball Court w/ Dr. Cindra Kamphoff Finding Flow On The Basketball Court w/ Dr. Cindra Kamphoff Episode 050: All basketball players need help finding flow on the court.  When you’re in the zone, the game slows down and you’re able to play at your highest ability.

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is certified mental performance coach for leaders, businesses and championship teams. She helps them master their mindset so they can gain the high performance edge.  Cindra joins us today to explain what being in the zone means and gives helpful tips with finding flow on the basketball court.  

She has a Ph.D. in sport and performance psychology and has spoken for some of the largest companies including Target, Wal-Mart, and Verizon Wireless.  

Cindra has worked with the Minnesota Vikings for the last four years where she has worked with players one-on-one to train their mind for peak performance. She is also the CEO of Mentally Strong Consulting which provides mental training services to teams, coaches and athletes.   

Cindra published her first book and corresponding workbook titled ‘Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performing Edge’ which is an Amazon Bestseller.

Listen today to learn:

  • Mental mistakes players can avoid
  • Why you need a personalized routine for your mental game
  • How to manage anxiety before games
  • What you need to do for your mindset after you finish playing
  • How to create a morning routine that sets you up for success

If you want to get 50% off Dr. Cindra's Beyond Grit Academy for only $97, go to beyondgrit.com/97

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/50

]]> Episode 050: All basketball players need help finding flow on the court.  When you’re in the zone, the game slows down and you’re able to play at your highest ability.

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is certified mental performance coach for leaders, businesses and championship teams. She helps them master their mindset so they can gain the high performance edge.  Cindra joins us today to explain what being in the zone means and gives helpful tips with finding flow on the basketball court.  

She has a Ph.D. in sport and performance psychology and has spoken for some of the largest companies including Target, Wal-Mart, and Verizon Wireless.  

Cindra has worked with the Minnesota Vikings for the last four years where she has worked with players one-on-one to train their mind for peak performance. She is also the CEO of Mentally Strong Consulting which provides mental training services to teams, coaches and athletes.   

Cindra published her first book and corresponding workbook titled ‘Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performing Edge’ which is an Amazon Bestseller.

Listen today to learn:

  • Mental mistakes players can avoid
  • Why you need a personalized routine for your mental game
  • How to manage anxiety before games
  • What you need to do for your mindset after you finish playing
  • How to create a morning routine that sets you up for success

If you want to get 50% off Dr. Cindra's Beyond Grit Academy for only $97, go to beyondgrit.com/97

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/50

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4927781 Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2579 50 full false How to Teach Enthusiasm to Basketball Players How to Teach Enthusiasm to Basketball Players Episode 049: Do you know how to teach enthusiasm to your basketball players?  Just like shooting, enthusiasm is a skill that needs to be coached and practiced.

In today’s episode, I share exactly how we break down our 18-week leadership system and give specifics on how we teach players to live our program’s core values.

We follow the “Think, Say, Do” system that teaches players how to be leaders by sharing research on enthusiasm, telling them concrete words to say, and providing specific actions for them to do.  This takes the guess work out of leadership.

Think: “Enthusiasm is contagious!”
Say: “Let’s go!”
Do: “Give high-5’s”

Check out this week’s episode and learn:

  • the research on enthusiasm done in the NBA with 294 players
  • why Geno Auriemma believes its more difficult to recruit enthusiastic kids
  • what my players say to be enthusiastic
  • team activities that promote enthusiasm
  • 10 questions you should ask your players about leadership

If you want access to my free 5-Day Leadership Course, go to hoopcommitment.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/49

]]> Episode 049: Do you know how to teach enthusiasm to your basketball players?  Just like shooting, enthusiasm is a skill that needs to be coached and practiced.

In today’s episode, I share exactly how we break down our 18-week leadership system and give specifics on how we teach players to live our program’s core values.

We follow the “Think, Say, Do” system that teaches players how to be leaders by sharing research on enthusiasm, telling them concrete words to say, and providing specific actions for them to do.  This takes the guess work out of leadership.

Think: “Enthusiasm is contagious!”
Say: “Let’s go!”
Do: “Give high-5’s”

Check out this week’s episode and learn:

  • the research on enthusiasm done in the NBA with 294 players
  • why Geno Auriemma believes its more difficult to recruit enthusiastic kids
  • what my players say to be enthusiastic
  • team activities that promote enthusiasm
  • 10 questions you should ask your players about leadership

If you want access to my free 5-Day Leadership Course, go to hoopcommitment.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4819448 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1508 49 full false Building Injury & Fatigue-Resistant Basketball Players w/ Duke's Ashleigh Beaver Building Injury & Fatigue-Resistant Basketball Players w/ Duke's Ashleigh Beaver Episode 048: Ashleigh Beaver is the Head Sports Performance Coach for Duke Women’s Basketball and joined me on the podcast to share her philosophy on building injury and fatigue resistant players. 

She coaches out of the Krzyzewski Center weight room and practice court facilities where her responsibilities encompass all avenues athletic development. Her main duties include overall strength development, first step quickness, change of direction, maximal recovery and individualized programming for each member of the Lady Blue Devils.

Today we cover:

  • How Duke structures their mobility program
  • When they wear ankle braces
  • How she views landing mechanics
  • Why nutrition is crucial for recovering from injury


Check out Ashleigh on social media at @ashleighb6

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]]> Episode 048: Ashleigh Beaver is the Head Sports Performance Coach for Duke Women’s Basketball and joined me on the podcast to share her philosophy on building injury and fatigue resistant players. 

She coaches out of the Krzyzewski Center weight room and practice court facilities where her responsibilities encompass all avenues athletic development. Her main duties include overall strength development, first step quickness, change of direction, maximal recovery and individualized programming for each member of the Lady Blue Devils.

Today we cover:

  • How Duke structures their mobility program
  • When they wear ankle braces
  • How she views landing mechanics
  • Why nutrition is crucial for recovering from injury


Check out Ashleigh on social media at @ashleighb6

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/48

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4745015 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2035 48 full false Recovery Nutrition For Basketball w/ Sigma Nutrition's Danny Lennon Recovery Nutrition For Basketball w/ Sigma Nutrition's Danny Lennon Episode 047: Recovery Nutrition not only involves replenishing lost nutrients, but also rebuilding tissue to help you become more explosive and durable.  Danny Lennon joined me on the show to make recovery nutrition specific to the game of basketball.

Danny is the founder of Sigma Nutrition and head of content creation for the company. Known for hosting the top-ranked podcast Sigma Nutrition Radio, Danny is also a respected educator in the field. He has spoken at conferences and events all over Europe (including London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Vienna), as well as the United States and Australia.

Danny has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, during which time Danny took classes in biochemistry, clinical nutrition, micronutrient interactions and physiology. Previous to this Danny also completed a BSc. Degree in Biology and Physics Education and spent a year teaching these subjects.

Listen to this week's show on recovery nutrition and find out:

  • If athletes should practice intermittent fasting
  • How protein, carbohydrates and fat aide in recovery
  • Why sports nutrition is different than eating for health or weight loss
  • How soon after a workout should you eat
  • The best supplements for recovery

Check out SigmaNutrition.com to learn more

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/47

]]> Episode 047: Recovery Nutrition not only involves replenishing lost nutrients, but also rebuilding tissue to help you become more explosive and durable.  Danny Lennon joined me on the show to make recovery nutrition specific to the game of basketball.

Danny is the founder of Sigma Nutrition and head of content creation for the company. Known for hosting the top-ranked podcast Sigma Nutrition Radio, Danny is also a respected educator in the field. He has spoken at conferences and events all over Europe (including London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Vienna), as well as the United States and Australia.

Danny has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, during which time Danny took classes in biochemistry, clinical nutrition, micronutrient interactions and physiology. Previous to this Danny also completed a BSc. Degree in Biology and Physics Education and spent a year teaching these subjects.

Listen to this week's show on recovery nutrition and find out:

  • If athletes should practice intermittent fasting
  • How protein, carbohydrates and fat aide in recovery
  • Why sports nutrition is different than eating for health or weight loss
  • How soon after a workout should you eat
  • The best supplements for recovery

Check out SigmaNutrition.com to learn more

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/47

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4634918 Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2394 47 full false How To Improve HRV For Hoops w/ Mike Lombardi How To Improve HRV For Hoops w/ Mike Lombardi Episode 046: Do you want to know how to improve HRV for hoops?  Heart Rate Variability is the measure of variation between heart beats and is a great marker for recovery.

Understanding recovery is crucial to maximizing performance because you don’t get stronger in the weight room… you actually get weaker.  If you can do 20 pull ups at the start of a workout, you might only be able to do 5 or 10 by the end.  It’s when you go home to eat, sleep and recover that you actually get stronger.

Mike Lombardi from WHOOP comes on the show to talk about the importance of measuring recovery and improving HRV so you can get the most out of your training sessions.  He explains heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and gives simple ways to optimize performance.

Listen to this week’s show to learn the answer these questions:

  • Why should basketball players understand their HRV score?
  • How does sleep and hydration impact HRV?
  • What are key factors in determining how ready your body is to compete?
  • What are the different sleep stages and what occurs during each stage?
  • What research has been done in the NBA with recovery?

Check out WHOOP.com to learn more

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HoopCommitment.com/46

]]> Episode 046: Do you want to know how to improve HRV for hoops?  Heart Rate Variability is the measure of variation between heart beats and is a great marker for recovery.

Understanding recovery is crucial to maximizing performance because you don’t get stronger in the weight room… you actually get weaker.  If you can do 20 pull ups at the start of a workout, you might only be able to do 5 or 10 by the end.  It’s when you go home to eat, sleep and recover that you actually get stronger.

Mike Lombardi from WHOOP comes on the show to talk about the importance of measuring recovery and improving HRV so you can get the most out of your training sessions.  He explains heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and gives simple ways to optimize performance.

Listen to this week’s show to learn the answer these questions:

  • Why should basketball players understand their HRV score?
  • How does sleep and hydration impact HRV?
  • What are key factors in determining how ready your body is to compete?
  • What are the different sleep stages and what occurs during each stage?
  • What research has been done in the NBA with recovery?

Check out WHOOP.com to learn more

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/46

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4560635 Tue, 14 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1979 46 full false The ACL Recovery Journey w/ Gonzaga's Laura Stockton The ACL Recovery Journey w/ Gonzaga's Laura Stockton Episode 045: The ACL recovery journey is full of highs and lows. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of basketball and ACL tears are all too common.  

Laura Stockton was an all-league player at Gonzaga University when she tore her ACL in the first round of the conference tournament.  

She was kind enough to share the intimate details of her injury and recovery process in hopes that it helps someone have the courage and confidence to get back on the court.  Listen to hear Laura's story of:

  • Why she chose Gonzaga
  • How she finished the game after tearing her ACL
  • The most difficult part of the rehab process
  • Would she change the past
  • What's she's doing now

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]]> Episode 045: The ACL recovery journey is full of highs and lows. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of basketball and ACL tears are all too common.  

Laura Stockton was an all-league player at Gonzaga University when she tore her ACL in the first round of the conference tournament.  

She was kind enough to share the intimate details of her injury and recovery process in hopes that it helps someone have the courage and confidence to get back on the court.  Listen to hear Laura's story of:

  • Why she chose Gonzaga
  • How she finished the game after tearing her ACL
  • The most difficult part of the rehab process
  • Would she change the past
  • What's she's doing now

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/45

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4464419 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1734 45 full false Creating Learning Environments In The Weight Room w/ Gonzaga's Travis Knight Creating Learning Environments In The Weight Room w/ Gonzaga's Travis Knight Episode 044: Travis Knight is a master at creating learning environments in the weight room.  He’s got a unique perspective on basketball strength & conditioning, combining complex systems and motor learning theory with vision and mindset training.

Travis and I were classmates at Gonzaga back in the 90’s and have worked together professionally since 2006.  He’s currently the strength & conditioning coach for the GU Men’s Basketball team and has done an incredible job working side by side with Mark Few to build strong, intrinsically motivated players.

Travis’ training methods are outside the box but are rooted in the best of science.  Instead of focusing on sets and reps, he pours his energy into creating learning environments in the weight room.  He sat down to explain why:

  • Mental toughness is misunderstood
  • Play is so important
  • You can’t train strength without coordination
  • Variability is a core principle in program design
  • He trains personal growth every Monday

To learn more about Travis, check him out on social media: @ZagGreatness


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]]> Episode 044: Travis Knight is a master at creating learning environments in the weight room.  He’s got a unique perspective on basketball strength & conditioning, combining complex systems and motor learning theory with vision and mindset training.

Travis and I were classmates at Gonzaga back in the 90’s and have worked together professionally since 2006.  He’s currently the strength & conditioning coach for the GU Men’s Basketball team and has done an incredible job working side by side with Mark Few to build strong, intrinsically motivated players.

Travis’ training methods are outside the box but are rooted in the best of science.  Instead of focusing on sets and reps, he pours his energy into creating learning environments in the weight room.  He sat down to explain why:

  • Mental toughness is misunderstood
  • Play is so important
  • You can’t train strength without coordination
  • Variability is a core principle in program design
  • He trains personal growth every Monday

To learn more about Travis, check him out on social media: @ZagGreatness


Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/44

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4356269 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2496 44 full false Servant Leadership In Basketball w/ Shann Ferch, PhD Servant Leadership In Basketball w/ Shann Ferch, PhD Episode 043: Is there a place for servant leadership in basketball? I actually think it might be the most important part of playing the game.

Today's interview is with one of the nation's leading experts in servant leadership.  Shann Ferch is an author, clinical psychologist and professor in Gonzaga’s doctoral program in leadership studies, serving as a visiting scholar in Asia, South America, Africa and Europe. 

By reading his resume you’d never know that he was a former D1 and professional basketball player with a 40 plus inch vertical.  Even at age 40, he could do a 360 dunk.  

Today he discusses servant leadership in basketball, sharing his thoughts on the best leaders in the NBA and his take the Michael Jordan’s leadership style in the documentary, the Last Dance.

You can learn more about Shann Ferch at ShannRay.com

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]]> Episode 043: Is there a place for servant leadership in basketball? I actually think it might be the most important part of playing the game.

Today's interview is with one of the nation's leading experts in servant leadership.  Shann Ferch is an author, clinical psychologist and professor in Gonzaga’s doctoral program in leadership studies, serving as a visiting scholar in Asia, South America, Africa and Europe. 

By reading his resume you’d never know that he was a former D1 and professional basketball player with a 40 plus inch vertical.  Even at age 40, he could do a 360 dunk.  

Today he discusses servant leadership in basketball, sharing his thoughts on the best leaders in the NBA and his take the Michael Jordan’s leadership style in the documentary, the Last Dance.

You can learn more about Shann Ferch at ShannRay.com

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

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]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4282343 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700 3378 43 full false Basketball Mindset w/ Jake Wiley Basketball Mindset w/ Jake Wiley Episode 042: Not all professional basketball players have a professional mindset.  People with a basketball mindset take care of their body, consistently train their mind, prioritize their workouts and treat people with respect.

Jake Wiley's mindset helped him make the jump from playing college basketball at a NAIA school, to being Player of The Year at a Division 1 school, to earning a spot on the Brooklyn Nets.

Today, Jake shares how he turned a life of mischief into a life of working hard and helping other people.

Listen to this week's podcast and learn:

  • The power of the subconscious mind
  • What it takes to go from NAIA to the NBA
  • 3 books that everyone should read
  • Why you need to be committed to the "right" things
  • A day in the life of a pro basketball player

You can learn more about Jake Wiley on Instagram @wiley_coyote0

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@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/42

]]> Episode 042: Not all professional basketball players have a professional mindset.  People with a basketball mindset take care of their body, consistently train their mind, prioritize their workouts and treat people with respect.

Jake Wiley's mindset helped him make the jump from playing college basketball at a NAIA school, to being Player of The Year at a Division 1 school, to earning a spot on the Brooklyn Nets.

Today, Jake shares how he turned a life of mischief into a life of working hard and helping other people.

Listen to this week's podcast and learn:

  • The power of the subconscious mind
  • What it takes to go from NAIA to the NBA
  • 3 books that everyone should read
  • Why you need to be committed to the "right" things
  • A day in the life of a pro basketball player

You can learn more about Jake Wiley on Instagram @wiley_coyote0

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/42

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4192217 Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2685 42 full false Leadership Framework For The Black Lives Matter Movement Leadership Framework For The Black Lives Matter Movement Episode 041: The Black Lives Matter Movement needs all of us to contribute our unique talents and leadership so that we can heal our world.  While I don’t have the answer of how to do this, I do have a leadership framework that might be useful in helping take action.

I’ve taken the 3 Levels Of Leadership and highlighted three actions that we can take to become a better leader in the Black Lives Matter Movement.  By practicing the leadership traits of Listen, Learn and Teach, you can become your best and help others do the same.

Here are some highlights of Leadership For The Black Lives Matter Movement:

  • Learn how to improve your listening through S.L.A.N.T.
  • Find out my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. speech
  • Discover your level of leadership
  • Hear my thoughts on the questions, “How can I help?”

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HoopCommitment

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]]> Episode 041: The Black Lives Matter Movement needs all of us to contribute our unique talents and leadership so that we can heal our world.  While I don’t have the answer of how to do this, I do have a leadership framework that might be useful in helping take action.

I’ve taken the 3 Levels Of Leadership and highlighted three actions that we can take to become a better leader in the Black Lives Matter Movement.  By practicing the leadership traits of Listen, Learn and Teach, you can become your best and help others do the same.

Here are some highlights of Leadership For The Black Lives Matter Movement:

  • Learn how to improve your listening through S.L.A.N.T.
  • Find out my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. speech
  • Discover your level of leadership
  • Hear my thoughts on the questions, “How can I help?”

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/41

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-4082180 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2294 41 full false How to Teach Gratitude to Basketball Players How to Teach Gratitude to Basketball Players Episode 040: Knowing how to teach gratitude might be more important than knowing how to teach a jump shot.  Without gratitude, your players won't appreciate the journey.

And like shooting, gratitude is a skill that needs to be taught and practice.  While some players might come into your program with high levels of gratitude, most will have to be coached on the importance of saying, "thank you."

In today's podcast, I share the system I use for teaching players what to think, say and do to be grateful.  We set aside time every day for two weeks to teach gratitude. 
 
Lessons include videos, talks, group activities and homework.  At the end of the two weeks, every player should know exactly what grateful players think, say and do.

Here are some highlights:

  • Your level of gratitude dictates your level of happiness
  • Grateful people smile and say, "thank you"
  • Your circumstances don't dictate the quality of your life
  • Kobe Bryant doesn't believe in failure or happy endings

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

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HoopCommitment

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]]> Episode 040: Knowing how to teach gratitude might be more important than knowing how to teach a jump shot.  Without gratitude, your players won't appreciate the journey.

And like shooting, gratitude is a skill that needs to be taught and practice.  While some players might come into your program with high levels of gratitude, most will have to be coached on the importance of saying, "thank you."

In today's podcast, I share the system I use for teaching players what to think, say and do to be grateful.  We set aside time every day for two weeks to teach gratitude. 
 
Lessons include videos, talks, group activities and homework.  At the end of the two weeks, every player should know exactly what grateful players think, say and do.

Here are some highlights:

  • Your level of gratitude dictates your level of happiness
  • Grateful people smile and say, "thank you"
  • Your circumstances don't dictate the quality of your life
  • Kobe Bryant doesn't believe in failure or happy endings

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/40

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3988454 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1124 40 full false Basketball Player Monitoring w/ Oklahoma State's Bryce Daub Basketball Player Monitoring w/ Oklahoma State's Bryce Daub Episode 039: With all the emerging sports performance technology, player monitoring for basketball can be expensive and overwhelming.  I've asked my friend Bryce Daub to help us sift through the data and find the best bang for our buck. 

Bryce Daub is entering his fifth season as the men’s basketball director of strength and performance. In his role, Daub oversees program design and implementation for all aspects of performance enhancement.

Before joining the Sooners, Daub spent the previous four seasons as the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Oregon men’s basketball program. Oregon had participated in the NCAA Tournament each of the last three seasons in Daub’s tenure and won at least one postseason game each of those years. The Ducks advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2013.

No stranger to central Oklahoma, Daub spent the 2010-11 season as an athletic performance coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball franchise. The Thunder went 55-27, won the Northwest Division and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Prior to his time in OKC, he served as a strength and conditioning intern with the Seattle Supersonics.

Daub played college basketball at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in exercise science in 2008 and 2010, respectively. Following his playing career, he served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach working specifically with men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and track and field.

A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Daub is also certified as a performance enhancement specialist (PES) and corrective exercise specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Check out this week's interview and learn:

  • How to monitor players without a budget
  • What technologies high level basketball programs use on a weekly basis
  • The one piece of equipment high school players should purchase
  • When you should do velocity training with athletes
  • The downfalls to technology

If you want to connect with Bryce, go to the University of Oklahoma's Men's Basketball Page

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/39

]]> Episode 039: With all the emerging sports performance technology, player monitoring for basketball can be expensive and overwhelming.  I've asked my friend Bryce Daub to help us sift through the data and find the best bang for our buck. 

Bryce Daub is entering his fifth season as the men’s basketball director of strength and performance. In his role, Daub oversees program design and implementation for all aspects of performance enhancement.

Before joining the Sooners, Daub spent the previous four seasons as the strength and conditioning coach for the University of Oregon men’s basketball program. Oregon had participated in the NCAA Tournament each of the last three seasons in Daub’s tenure and won at least one postseason game each of those years. The Ducks advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2013.

No stranger to central Oklahoma, Daub spent the 2010-11 season as an athletic performance coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball franchise. The Thunder went 55-27, won the Northwest Division and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Prior to his time in OKC, he served as a strength and conditioning intern with the Seattle Supersonics.

Daub played college basketball at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in exercise science in 2008 and 2010, respectively. Following his playing career, he served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach working specifically with men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and track and field.

A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Daub is also certified as a performance enhancement specialist (PES) and corrective exercise specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Check out this week's interview and learn:

  • How to monitor players without a budget
  • What technologies high level basketball programs use on a weekly basis
  • The one piece of equipment high school players should purchase
  • When you should do velocity training with athletes
  • The downfalls to technology

If you want to connect with Bryce, go to the University of Oklahoma's Men's Basketball Page

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/39

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3912332 Tue, 26 May 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2756 39 full false Principles of Basketball Performance w/ Tennessee's Garrett Medenwald Principles of Basketball Performance w/ Tennessee's Garrett Medenwald Episode 038: Garrett Medenwald, Director Men's Basketball Sports Performance at the University of Tennessee, shares his principles of basketball performance in today's podcast interview.  

In 2017-18, Tennessee navigated a 35-game campaign without any serious injuries, won 26 games (fourth-most in program history), captured the 2018 SEC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

During 2018-19, the Big Orange spent a month ranked No. 1 in the country en route to a school-record-tying 31 wins and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen.

His basketball-specific training methods and emphasis on injury prevention helped Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone get their names called in the 2019 NBA Draft.  

“Garrett’s methods and approach to elite performance training are on another level,” UT head coach Rick Barnes said. “He’s a star in his profession, and our students enjoy not just how he trains them, but also the personal relationship he develops with each of them.”

The Green Bay, Wisconsin, native arrived in Knoxville with three years of experience working alongside Barnes, as Medenwald served the Texas basketball program as both a graduate manager and a graduate strength and conditioning intern from 2012-15.

During his tenure with the Longhorns, Medenwald honed his philosophy as an elite performance coach while working closely with nationally known industry innovator Todd Wright—assistant coach/head of strength and conditioning with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers—and learning the philosophies of Shaun McPherson.

Garrett simultaneously spent two years as the Director of Athletic 3D Performance Training Systems at the “Train 4 the Game” facility in Austin, Texas, where he programmed for numerous NFL and NBA athletes.

He graduated from Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2013, earning a bachelor’s degree in Health, Human Performance and Recreation while minoring in Athletic Coaching Education. He then received his master’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas in 2016.

Garrett and I connected today to talk about the underlying principles that drive his basketball performance philosophy.  Listen to this episode and learn:

  • Your feet contain over 1/4 of all the bones in your body
  • Why we need to train in the frontal and transverse plane
  • How to apply the principle of subconscious reaction
  • Garrett's framework for assessing athletes

If you want to connect with Garrett, check him out on Instagram @the_prodig_movement

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/38

]]> Episode 038: Garrett Medenwald, Director Men's Basketball Sports Performance at the University of Tennessee, shares his principles of basketball performance in today's podcast interview.  

In 2017-18, Tennessee navigated a 35-game campaign without any serious injuries, won 26 games (fourth-most in program history), captured the 2018 SEC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

During 2018-19, the Big Orange spent a month ranked No. 1 in the country en route to a school-record-tying 31 wins and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen.

His basketball-specific training methods and emphasis on injury prevention helped Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone get their names called in the 2019 NBA Draft.  

“Garrett’s methods and approach to elite performance training are on another level,” UT head coach Rick Barnes said. “He’s a star in his profession, and our students enjoy not just how he trains them, but also the personal relationship he develops with each of them.”

The Green Bay, Wisconsin, native arrived in Knoxville with three years of experience working alongside Barnes, as Medenwald served the Texas basketball program as both a graduate manager and a graduate strength and conditioning intern from 2012-15.

During his tenure with the Longhorns, Medenwald honed his philosophy as an elite performance coach while working closely with nationally known industry innovator Todd Wright—assistant coach/head of strength and conditioning with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers—and learning the philosophies of Shaun McPherson.

Garrett simultaneously spent two years as the Director of Athletic 3D Performance Training Systems at the “Train 4 the Game” facility in Austin, Texas, where he programmed for numerous NFL and NBA athletes.

He graduated from Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2013, earning a bachelor’s degree in Health, Human Performance and Recreation while minoring in Athletic Coaching Education. He then received his master’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas in 2016.

Garrett and I connected today to talk about the underlying principles that drive his basketball performance philosophy.  Listen to this episode and learn:

  • Your feet contain over 1/4 of all the bones in your body
  • Why we need to train in the frontal and transverse plane
  • How to apply the principle of subconscious reaction
  • Garrett's framework for assessing athletes

If you want to connect with Garrett, check him out on Instagram @the_prodig_movement

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/38

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3819779 Tue, 19 May 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2446 38 full false Change Your Belief System For Basketball w/ Fred Crowell Change Your Belief System For Basketball w/ Fred Crowell Episode 037: If you want to change your life, change your belief system. Today's interview is with Fred Crowell, founder of NBC Camp and author of Words Of Hope.

At the age of twenty-three, Crowell became one of the youngest Division 1 coaches in America. Under his coaching, University of Alaska Fairbanks had its first winning season in the college history.

He left Alaska and joined Campus Crusade for Christ as the first coach for Athletes in Action, a program facing top 20 NCAA teams night after night, sharing a message of community and wholeness, and developing into an exhibition team with one of the most wins in history.

Crowell dreamed of a basketball camp that would train athletes to win both on and off the court. He wanted a program that would provide the best basketball training, create an atmosphere of encouragement, hard work, respect and compassion, and teach athletes to compete not only physically but with their hearts and minds.

Coach Crowell combined his background of Division 1 coaching with his psychology background as a former family counselor. He wanted to give athletes an edge to physically, mentally and spiritually achieve the disciplined life of excellence. Many told Crowell his idea of combining athletics, faith and values were unrealistic.

Now, over 50 years later, Crowell’s dream has become reality as his vision has expanded to include multiple sports with over 10,000 athletes competing in NBC Camps programs around the world.

NBC Camps has grown to become one of the largest overnight basketball programs in the world. Over the last 50 years, they have trained 300,000 athletes. Located in the U.S., Austria, Canada, UK, Thailand, Japan, Nicaragua, and Italy, NBC Camps is dedicated to elevating personal excellence on and off the court. Their goal is to teach athletes how to compete with confidence, high skill level and intensity.

I've had the privilege of knowing Fred most of my life and learning from his fine example.  In this interview, Fred shares:

  • Why you shouldn't have too many rules as a coach
  • How his team guarded Pistol Pete Maravich
  • Why you need to focus on belief and not behavior
  • What he's doing to beat cancer
  • The difference between war and basketball

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/37

]]> Episode 037: If you want to change your life, change your belief system. Today's interview is with Fred Crowell, founder of NBC Camp and author of Words Of Hope.

At the age of twenty-three, Crowell became one of the youngest Division 1 coaches in America. Under his coaching, University of Alaska Fairbanks had its first winning season in the college history.

He left Alaska and joined Campus Crusade for Christ as the first coach for Athletes in Action, a program facing top 20 NCAA teams night after night, sharing a message of community and wholeness, and developing into an exhibition team with one of the most wins in history.

Crowell dreamed of a basketball camp that would train athletes to win both on and off the court. He wanted a program that would provide the best basketball training, create an atmosphere of encouragement, hard work, respect and compassion, and teach athletes to compete not only physically but with their hearts and minds.

Coach Crowell combined his background of Division 1 coaching with his psychology background as a former family counselor. He wanted to give athletes an edge to physically, mentally and spiritually achieve the disciplined life of excellence. Many told Crowell his idea of combining athletics, faith and values were unrealistic.

Now, over 50 years later, Crowell’s dream has become reality as his vision has expanded to include multiple sports with over 10,000 athletes competing in NBC Camps programs around the world.

NBC Camps has grown to become one of the largest overnight basketball programs in the world. Over the last 50 years, they have trained 300,000 athletes. Located in the U.S., Austria, Canada, UK, Thailand, Japan, Nicaragua, and Italy, NBC Camps is dedicated to elevating personal excellence on and off the court. Their goal is to teach athletes how to compete with confidence, high skill level and intensity.

I've had the privilege of knowing Fred most of my life and learning from his fine example.  In this interview, Fred shares:

  • Why you shouldn't have too many rules as a coach
  • How his team guarded Pistol Pete Maravich
  • Why you need to focus on belief and not behavior
  • What he's doing to beat cancer
  • The difference between war and basketball

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/37

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3721436 Tue, 12 May 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2318 37 full false Water the Bamboo For Basketball w/ Greg Bell Water the Bamboo For Basketball w/ Greg Bell Episode 036: More than just a motivational speaker, Greg Bell is a Portland, Oregon based thought leader, business consultant, and leadership coach. His popular books, What’s Going Well? and Water The Bamboo: Unleashing The Potential Of Teams And Individuals, have inspired an array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Disney and Comcast, to the Portland Trail Blazers and Division I NCAA athletic teams like Oregon Ducks Football and Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball.  

As an innovator and keen observer of highly successful leaders and teams, Greg has learned that the key to success is having the courage to use the skills you already have to achieve a result greater than you previously imagined.

Inspiring and energizing audiences with his engaging storytelling, Greg shares his knowledge with excitement and passion. His ability to masterfully blend insight and encouragement with just the right dose of reality makes him the consistently top-rated keynote speaker at major conferences. A Certified Speaking Professional (the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association), Greg influences thousands of individuals and entrepreneurs each year with his innate ability to connect personally with audience members.

Whether you’re rolling out a new culture initiative, developing your leaders, or seeking a keynote that will be remembered long after your event, Greg will deliver a tailored session that will encourage and inspire each attendee to become stronger, more empowered and more productive than ever before.

On this week’s episode, Greg shares:

  • Why you need to define your values before you set goals
  • That having too many goals is the same as having no goals
  • How to override negative thoughts
  • Why commitment is the key to success
  • Not to give up before your bamboo sprouts

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/36

]]> Episode 036: More than just a motivational speaker, Greg Bell is a Portland, Oregon based thought leader, business consultant, and leadership coach. His popular books, What’s Going Well? and Water The Bamboo: Unleashing The Potential Of Teams And Individuals, have inspired an array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Disney and Comcast, to the Portland Trail Blazers and Division I NCAA athletic teams like Oregon Ducks Football and Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball.  

As an innovator and keen observer of highly successful leaders and teams, Greg has learned that the key to success is having the courage to use the skills you already have to achieve a result greater than you previously imagined.

Inspiring and energizing audiences with his engaging storytelling, Greg shares his knowledge with excitement and passion. His ability to masterfully blend insight and encouragement with just the right dose of reality makes him the consistently top-rated keynote speaker at major conferences. A Certified Speaking Professional (the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association), Greg influences thousands of individuals and entrepreneurs each year with his innate ability to connect personally with audience members.

Whether you’re rolling out a new culture initiative, developing your leaders, or seeking a keynote that will be remembered long after your event, Greg will deliver a tailored session that will encourage and inspire each attendee to become stronger, more empowered and more productive than ever before.

On this week’s episode, Greg shares:

  • Why you need to define your values before you set goals
  • That having too many goals is the same as having no goals
  • How to override negative thoughts
  • Why commitment is the key to success
  • Not to give up before your bamboo sprouts

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/36

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3624931 Tue, 05 May 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2092 36 full false Optimizing Sleep & Showering For Basketball Optimizing Sleep & Showering For Basketball Episode 035: Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same 24 hours a day to be our best.  Today I share how to optimize two things that we all do every day: sleeping & showering. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/35

]]> Episode 035: Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same 24 hours a day to be our best.  Today I share how to optimize two things that we all do every day: sleeping & showering. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/35

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3533158 Tue, 28 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1179 35 full false NBA Workouts w/ Mike Guevara NBA Workouts w/ Mike Guevara Episode 034: Mike Guevara, also known as Mike G, joins me on the podcast to share the thought process behind creating NBA workouts.

Mike G provides performance coaching expertise for athletes looking to maximize their abilities during competition as well as in their daily lives.  He's a certified strength and conditioning coach as recognized by the NSCA among many other certs:

  • NSPA Weight Lifting Coach
  • NSPA Speed and Agility Coach
  • NSPA Program Design
  • FRCms
  • Kinstretch Certified
  • FMS level 1
  • CFSC level 1
  • Ignition Speed Coach
  • USAW level 1

Mike started coaching in the performance field in 2008.  Upon graduating from Cal State Northridge with a B.S. in Exercise Science, 2010, he worked as a performance intern and then coach at The Factory Training for 5 years.  

After a short stint of independent training, He was offered ownership and served as Director of Performance at The Factory Training where he oversaw and serviced multiple NFL, NBA, and MLB athletes along with youth, high school, and college athletes. 

In late 2011 to 2013, Mike received an opportunity to work and travel with then, world WTA #5 ranked Victoria Azarenka as her personal Performance Coach.  After 2 1/2 years, Victoria captured 51 weeks of a world #1 ranking and two Australian Open Titles among many other career accomplishments.  He was asked to return to the team in Jan 2016 and helped her achieve the “Sunshine Double” which only two other woman in WTA history was able to achieve.  

After owning the Factory, he moved on to become Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans full-time performance coach and has since then worked with multiple NBA athletes including Anthony Davis, Jahlil Okafor, Mike James, and Rajon Rondo to name a few.  Coach Mike G continues to strive daily to make people and coaches as great as they choose to be.

Today we chat about his experience training NBA, college and high school basketball players.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • How he uses Blood Flow Restriction
  • Tools to improve mobility and stability of your feet
  • Simple and effective program template for high school players
  • NBA combine training
  • How he monitors his athletes

To learn more about Mike G, follow him on Instagram at @mrdoitmoving

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/34

]]> Episode 034: Mike Guevara, also known as Mike G, joins me on the podcast to share the thought process behind creating NBA workouts.

Mike G provides performance coaching expertise for athletes looking to maximize their abilities during competition as well as in their daily lives.  He's a certified strength and conditioning coach as recognized by the NSCA among many other certs:

  • NSPA Weight Lifting Coach
  • NSPA Speed and Agility Coach
  • NSPA Program Design
  • FRCms
  • Kinstretch Certified
  • FMS level 1
  • CFSC level 1
  • Ignition Speed Coach
  • USAW level 1

Mike started coaching in the performance field in 2008.  Upon graduating from Cal State Northridge with a B.S. in Exercise Science, 2010, he worked as a performance intern and then coach at The Factory Training for 5 years.  

After a short stint of independent training, He was offered ownership and served as Director of Performance at The Factory Training where he oversaw and serviced multiple NFL, NBA, and MLB athletes along with youth, high school, and college athletes. 

In late 2011 to 2013, Mike received an opportunity to work and travel with then, world WTA #5 ranked Victoria Azarenka as her personal Performance Coach.  After 2 1/2 years, Victoria captured 51 weeks of a world #1 ranking and two Australian Open Titles among many other career accomplishments.  He was asked to return to the team in Jan 2016 and helped her achieve the “Sunshine Double” which only two other woman in WTA history was able to achieve.  

After owning the Factory, he moved on to become Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans full-time performance coach and has since then worked with multiple NBA athletes including Anthony Davis, Jahlil Okafor, Mike James, and Rajon Rondo to name a few.  Coach Mike G continues to strive daily to make people and coaches as great as they choose to be.

Today we chat about his experience training NBA, college and high school basketball players.  Here are some of the highlights:

  • How he uses Blood Flow Restriction
  • Tools to improve mobility and stability of your feet
  • Simple and effective program template for high school players
  • NBA combine training
  • How he monitors his athletes

To learn more about Mike G, follow him on Instagram at @mrdoitmoving

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/34

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3442231 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0700 2099 34 full false Soft Tissue Hygiene for Hoops w/ Lenny Parracino Soft Tissue Hygiene for Hoops w/ Lenny Parracino Episode 033: Soft Tissue Hygiene for Hoops is an interview with Lenny Parracino.  He is a former author, hands on instructor, and clinician for The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Currently, he serves as a faculty member of the Gray Institute of Applied Functional Science, is the Soft Tissue Therapist for the Los Angeles Clippers, and serves as a practitioner at Meyer Institute of Sport.

Lenny has recently authored the online and live curriculum titled Functional Soft Tissue Transformation (FSTT) as well as the Gray Institute’s Certification of Applied Functional Science (CAFS) curriculum for manual/movement practitioners of all levels.

Lenny has spent over 30 years serving the health/movement industry as an international lecturer and a manual/movement therapist. He has performed over 300 lectures/workshops and has written educational materials and consulted/lectured in the fitness/therapy industry and for various medical organizations around the world.

Lenny has earned his degree in Health Science, is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science, holds a California certification to practice soft tissue therapy, is a Certified Functional Range Conditioning Practitioner, holds a certification in nutritional therapy, and serves on the scientific advisory board for Hyper Ice.  He continues his studies under the world-renowned physical therapists, Dr. Gary Gray, Dr. David Tiberio, and Dr. John Meyer.

As a full time practitioner, Lenny integrates an eclectic approach of Manual/Movement Therapy with the intention of optimizing individual client function.  Today’s interview shares how players can take care of their soft tissue to optimize health and performance.  Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • 10 ways to tweak any movement
  • Connective tissue is a better term to use instead of fascia
  • Why “Slow is Pro”
  • The best tool for keeping your body healthy is movement
  • Your muscles are probably not “turned off”

To learn more about Lenny, follow him on Instagram at @soft_tissue_therapy

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/33

]]> Episode 033: Soft Tissue Hygiene for Hoops is an interview with Lenny Parracino.  He is a former author, hands on instructor, and clinician for The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Currently, he serves as a faculty member of the Gray Institute of Applied Functional Science, is the Soft Tissue Therapist for the Los Angeles Clippers, and serves as a practitioner at Meyer Institute of Sport.

Lenny has recently authored the online and live curriculum titled Functional Soft Tissue Transformation (FSTT) as well as the Gray Institute’s Certification of Applied Functional Science (CAFS) curriculum for manual/movement practitioners of all levels.

Lenny has spent over 30 years serving the health/movement industry as an international lecturer and a manual/movement therapist. He has performed over 300 lectures/workshops and has written educational materials and consulted/lectured in the fitness/therapy industry and for various medical organizations around the world.

Lenny has earned his degree in Health Science, is a Fellow of Applied Functional Science, holds a California certification to practice soft tissue therapy, is a Certified Functional Range Conditioning Practitioner, holds a certification in nutritional therapy, and serves on the scientific advisory board for Hyper Ice.  He continues his studies under the world-renowned physical therapists, Dr. Gary Gray, Dr. David Tiberio, and Dr. John Meyer.

As a full time practitioner, Lenny integrates an eclectic approach of Manual/Movement Therapy with the intention of optimizing individual client function.  Today’s interview shares how players can take care of their soft tissue to optimize health and performance.  Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • 10 ways to tweak any movement
  • Connective tissue is a better term to use instead of fascia
  • Why “Slow is Pro”
  • The best tool for keeping your body healthy is movement
  • Your muscles are probably not “turned off”

To learn more about Lenny, follow him on Instagram at @soft_tissue_therapy

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/33

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3329794 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0700 3371 33 full false Basketball Specific Training w/ Utah's Charles Stephenson Basketball Specific Training w/ Utah's Charles Stephenson Episode 032: Today's podcast is about Basketball Specific Training with Charles Stephenson.  He brings nearly 25 years of experience as a strength coach at the collegiate level. He joined the Utah men’s basketball staff as the first basketball-specific strength coach in the program’s history and is entering his 6th season with program. 

In addition to coaching at Utah, Charles was also the strength coach for men’s basketball at North Carolina State from 1996-2011 and previously held the same position at Auburn from 1994-96. Prior to Auburn, he was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Virginia from 1987-94.

I met Charles through his High Performance Basketball Symposium that he holds in Las Vegas every year.  The conference is must-attend for anyone that wants to learn and share with other basketball-specific strength coaches.  

We connected this week to discuss:

  • How to test basketball player's conditioning
  • What makes a training program basketball-specific?
  • Why nutrition is so important for health & performance
  • How to apply NBA combine data to your team
  • What high school players should focus on in the weight room

If you want to learn more about the High Performance Basketball Symposium, go to specificstrength.com

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times.

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/32

]]> Episode 032: Today's podcast is about Basketball Specific Training with Charles Stephenson.  He brings nearly 25 years of experience as a strength coach at the collegiate level. He joined the Utah men’s basketball staff as the first basketball-specific strength coach in the program’s history and is entering his 6th season with program. 

In addition to coaching at Utah, Charles was also the strength coach for men’s basketball at North Carolina State from 1996-2011 and previously held the same position at Auburn from 1994-96. Prior to Auburn, he was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Virginia from 1987-94.

I met Charles through his High Performance Basketball Symposium that he holds in Las Vegas every year.  The conference is must-attend for anyone that wants to learn and share with other basketball-specific strength coaches.  

We connected this week to discuss:

  • How to test basketball player's conditioning
  • What makes a training program basketball-specific?
  • Why nutrition is so important for health & performance
  • How to apply NBA combine data to your team
  • What high school players should focus on in the weight room

If you want to learn more about the High Performance Basketball Symposium, go to specificstrength.com

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times.

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Website
HoopCommitment.com/32

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3265423 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1972 32 full false NBA Life Optimization w/ David Nurse NBA Life Optimization w/ David Nurse Episode 031: David Nurse is an NBA Life Optimization & Shooting Coach that has worked with Lonzo Ball, Jeremy Lin, Kyle Korver and many others throughout the basketball industry.

He was kind enough to give me early access to his new book, Pivot & Go.  It's a 29-day road map to help improve you mindset and lifestyle so you can be the best version of yourself.

We sat down and discussed how mindset is the key to unlocking your potential.  Listen to this episode and find out...

  • Why 17 seconds is a magic amount of time
  • Where David played against the best team in the world
  • Why the 80/20 rule shouldn't apply to the important things in life
  • How to schedule your bedtime routine
  • What David's uncle did to win the NBA Championship

If you want to learn more about David, check him out on social media @DavidNurseNBA

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times.

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Episode 031: David Nurse is an NBA Life Optimization & Shooting Coach that has worked with Lonzo Ball, Jeremy Lin, Kyle Korver and many others throughout the basketball industry.

He was kind enough to give me early access to his new book, Pivot & Go.  It's a 29-day road map to help improve you mindset and lifestyle so you can be the best version of yourself.

We sat down and discussed how mindset is the key to unlocking your potential.  Listen to this episode and find out...

  • Why 17 seconds is a magic amount of time
  • Where David played against the best team in the world
  • Why the 80/20 rule shouldn't apply to the important things in life
  • How to schedule your bedtime routine
  • What David's uncle did to win the NBA Championship

If you want to learn more about David, check him out on social media @DavidNurseNBA

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times.

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3181912 Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1827 31 full false How To Become a NBA Skills Trainer w/ Jordan Lawley How To Become a NBA Skills Trainer w/ Jordan Lawley Episode 030: Jordan Lawley was a four-year starter at UC San Diego, where he lead his team to their first ever NCAA tournament berth while becoming UC’s all-time scoring leader, making the most field goals, free throws, and highest field goal percentage in school history.

Upon finishing his collegiate career, averaging 21ppg and being named an NCAA All-American and Daktronics West Coast Player of the Year, Jordan played professional basketball in Mexico (16ppg) and New Zealand (18ppg), and was selected by Nike in 2014 as one of the top 16 players in the world to play in Barcelona, Spain for the Nike Summer is Serious II game.

Now, as a professional skills trainer, he has found his stride with a training technique that is unrivalled in the industry. He has travelled all over the U.S. to work with and train countless pros in the NBA, overseas (FIBA), WNBA, and thousands of Middle School and High School hoopers all around the world teaching them the efficient and effective ways to take their game to the next level!

If you want to learn more about Jordan, check him out online at jordanlawley.com & on social media @jlawbball

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Episode 030: Jordan Lawley was a four-year starter at UC San Diego, where he lead his team to their first ever NCAA tournament berth while becoming UC’s all-time scoring leader, making the most field goals, free throws, and highest field goal percentage in school history.

Upon finishing his collegiate career, averaging 21ppg and being named an NCAA All-American and Daktronics West Coast Player of the Year, Jordan played professional basketball in Mexico (16ppg) and New Zealand (18ppg), and was selected by Nike in 2014 as one of the top 16 players in the world to play in Barcelona, Spain for the Nike Summer is Serious II game.

Now, as a professional skills trainer, he has found his stride with a training technique that is unrivalled in the industry. He has travelled all over the U.S. to work with and train countless pros in the NBA, overseas (FIBA), WNBA, and thousands of Middle School and High School hoopers all around the world teaching them the efficient and effective ways to take their game to the next level!

If you want to learn more about Jordan, check him out online at jordanlawley.com & on social media @jlawbball

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3101986 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1986 30 full false Mental Health For Basketball w/ Ashlee Bradshaw, CSPC Mental Health For Basketball w/ Ashlee Bradshaw, CSPC Episode 029: Ashlee Bradshaw graduated from Carroll College with her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Gonzaga University.

She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Sports Psychology Coach, and is also certified in Mindfulness Based Therapies. Ashlee specializes in counseling for athletes who may be experiencing barriers to success on and off the playing field.

Today we discussed the rise in mental health cases in college basketball and how to help our athletes cope with tournaments and leagues being cancelled around the world.

If you want to learn more about Ashlee, go to udistrictpt.com

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Episode 029: Ashlee Bradshaw graduated from Carroll College with her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Gonzaga University.

She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Sports Psychology Coach, and is also certified in Mindfulness Based Therapies. Ashlee specializes in counseling for athletes who may be experiencing barriers to success on and off the playing field.

Today we discussed the rise in mental health cases in college basketball and how to help our athletes cope with tournaments and leagues being cancelled around the world.

If you want to learn more about Ashlee, go to udistrictpt.com

To start your FREE 30 Day Workout Commitment, go to hoopcommitment.com/earnyourx and download your Commitment Calendar.  Every day I'll post a new 5-minute ball handling routine and 5-minute body weight workout to keep us going during these stressful times. 

And to all of you who are committed... Earn Your X

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-3033838 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1833 29 full false Basketball Supplements w/ Angie Asche, CSSD Basketball Supplements w/ Angie Asche, CSSD Episode 028: Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD.  She's a board certified sports dietitian, certified exercise physiologist, and the owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition®. 

Since founding her private practice, she has worked with hundreds of collegiate and professional athletes across the country. Her company has become widely known across the social media space as providing evidence-based nutrition information. 

Her expertise and recipes have been featured in numerous publications, including Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Food Network, Shape, Runner’s World, and NBC News.

Today we talked about basketball supplements to help improve player's performance.  Here's what we covered:

  • Weight Gainers
  • Collagen Peptides & Protein Powders
  • Creatine
  • Vitamin D & multi-vitamins
  • Omega 3's
  • Sport drinks & meal replacement bars

If you want to learn more about Angie, you can find her on social media @eleatnutrition and online at eleatnutrition.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/28

]]> Episode 028: Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD.  She's a board certified sports dietitian, certified exercise physiologist, and the owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition®. 

Since founding her private practice, she has worked with hundreds of collegiate and professional athletes across the country. Her company has become widely known across the social media space as providing evidence-based nutrition information. 

Her expertise and recipes have been featured in numerous publications, including Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Food Network, Shape, Runner’s World, and NBC News.

Today we talked about basketball supplements to help improve player's performance.  Here's what we covered:

  • Weight Gainers
  • Collagen Peptides & Protein Powders
  • Creatine
  • Vitamin D & multi-vitamins
  • Omega 3's
  • Sport drinks & meal replacement bars

If you want to learn more about Angie, you can find her on social media @eleatnutrition and online at eleatnutrition.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/28

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2945566 Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1717 28 full false A Lifetime Of Basketball Lessons w/ Gonzaga's Jerry Krause A Lifetime Of Basketball Lessons w/ Gonzaga's Jerry Krause Episode 027: Jerry Krause is the retired director of basketball operations for Gonzaga University and taught hoops at all levels for over 55 years. The author of over 13 books on coaching basketball and over 30 instructional videos, Krause is the retired chairman of the NABC Research Committee and former chairman of the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee.

In 1998, Krause received the prestigious NABC Cliff Wells Appreciation Award for his lifetime contributions to basketball. He was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame in March 2002. He is a member of the National Association for Sports and Physical Education and is in their hall of fame as both a coach and a physical educator.

I was lucky enough to be coached by Jerry Krause during my senior year at Gonzaga.  He is a coach of significance, teaching life and basketball lessons that transcend the game.  We sat down and I got to pick his brain on...

  • Why he believes "we learn to live well by living to learn"
  • How to be a coach of significance
  • What Mark Few & Lisa Fortier do better than most coaches
  • The most important basketball lessons he's learned in 55 years of coaching

If you want to learn more about Graham, go to CoachJerryKrauseOnline.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/27

]]> Episode 027: Jerry Krause is the retired director of basketball operations for Gonzaga University and taught hoops at all levels for over 55 years. The author of over 13 books on coaching basketball and over 30 instructional videos, Krause is the retired chairman of the NABC Research Committee and former chairman of the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee.

In 1998, Krause received the prestigious NABC Cliff Wells Appreciation Award for his lifetime contributions to basketball. He was inducted into the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame in March 2002. He is a member of the National Association for Sports and Physical Education and is in their hall of fame as both a coach and a physical educator.

I was lucky enough to be coached by Jerry Krause during my senior year at Gonzaga.  He is a coach of significance, teaching life and basketball lessons that transcend the game.  We sat down and I got to pick his brain on...

  • Why he believes "we learn to live well by living to learn"
  • How to be a coach of significance
  • What Mark Few & Lisa Fortier do better than most coaches
  • The most important basketball lessons he's learned in 55 years of coaching

If you want to learn more about Graham, go to CoachJerryKrauseOnline.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/27

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2889436 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2099 27 full false Play Present w/ Graham Betchart Play Present w/ Graham Betchart Episode 026: Graham Betchart is one of the world’s leading mental performance coaches. He has worked with some of the NBA’s best athletes including Aaron Gordon, Ben Simmons, Karl Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins (to name a few) and professional organizations such as True Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, and the Utah Jazz.

Graham creates blockbuster companies, training programs, and online courses to help athletes, coaches, parents, entrepreneurs, and working professionals take their mental game to the next level. He is also the author of Play Present: A Mental Skills Training Program for Basketball Players. His mission is to bring mental training to the masses so that anyone (not just professional athletes and CEOs) can learn to perform better, and experience more joy in the process. 

We sat down and discussed how players can play in the moment.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • How to improve next play speed
  • Why you should practice counting to 1
  • What NBA players do to improve their mental performance
  • How Kobe prepared for his 81 point game

If you want to learn more about Graham, go to grahambetchart.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/26


]]> Episode 026: Graham Betchart is one of the world’s leading mental performance coaches. He has worked with some of the NBA’s best athletes including Aaron Gordon, Ben Simmons, Karl Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins (to name a few) and professional organizations such as True Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, and the Utah Jazz.

Graham creates blockbuster companies, training programs, and online courses to help athletes, coaches, parents, entrepreneurs, and working professionals take their mental game to the next level. He is also the author of Play Present: A Mental Skills Training Program for Basketball Players. His mission is to bring mental training to the masses so that anyone (not just professional athletes and CEOs) can learn to perform better, and experience more joy in the process. 

We sat down and discussed how players can play in the moment.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • How to improve next play speed
  • Why you should practice counting to 1
  • What NBA players do to improve their mental performance
  • How Kobe prepared for his 81 point game

If you want to learn more about Graham, go to grahambetchart.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/26


]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2835865 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2631 26 full false Raise Your Game w/ Alan Stein, Jr Raise Your Game w/ Alan Stein, Jr Episode 025: Alan Stein, Jr. teaches proven strategies to improve organizational performance, create effective leadership, increase team cohesion and collaboration, and develop winning mindsets, rituals, and routines.

A successful business owner and veteran basketball performance coach, he spent 15 years working with the highest-performing athletes on the planet (including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant).

In his corporate keynote programs and workshops, Alan reveals how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. He delivers practical lessons that can be implemented immediately.

His clients include American Express, Pepsi, Sabra, Starbucks, Reeds Jewelers, FDA, Omnicell, and numerous college athletic programs.

The strategies from Alan’s book, Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best, are implemented by corporate teams and sports teams around the country. His inspirational words are featured on 12-foot mural outside the Penn State Football Training Center, so that players run past it on the way to practice every day.

Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Why you need to build trust before you hold people accountable
  • Foundational principles of success on and off the court
  • How great leaders serve their team
  • The real definition of a role player
  • What Alan learned from Kobe Bryant

Find Alan Stein, Jr. on social media at:
Instagram: @alansteinjr
Twitter: @alansteinjr

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/25

]]> Episode 025: Alan Stein, Jr. teaches proven strategies to improve organizational performance, create effective leadership, increase team cohesion and collaboration, and develop winning mindsets, rituals, and routines.

A successful business owner and veteran basketball performance coach, he spent 15 years working with the highest-performing athletes on the planet (including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant).

In his corporate keynote programs and workshops, Alan reveals how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. He delivers practical lessons that can be implemented immediately.

His clients include American Express, Pepsi, Sabra, Starbucks, Reeds Jewelers, FDA, Omnicell, and numerous college athletic programs.

The strategies from Alan’s book, Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best, are implemented by corporate teams and sports teams around the country. His inspirational words are featured on 12-foot mural outside the Penn State Football Training Center, so that players run past it on the way to practice every day.

Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Why you need to build trust before you hold people accountable
  • Foundational principles of success on and off the court
  • How great leaders serve their team
  • The real definition of a role player
  • What Alan learned from Kobe Bryant

Find Alan Stein, Jr. on social media at:
Instagram: @alansteinjr
Twitter: @alansteinjr

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/25

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2771389 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2257 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 25 full false Coaching For Development vs Basketball Performance w/ Liberty's Henry Barrera Coaching For Development vs Basketball Performance w/ Liberty's Henry Barrera Episode 024: Today's I get to interview the Director of Strength & Conditioning for Men's Basketball at Liberty University, Henry Barrera.

Before working at Liberty, Henry was a Performance Training Specialist at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton. While at Nike, he was instrumental in designing training content for multiple projects including Jordan Brand's Terminal 23 in New York and The Hangar in Los Angeles.

He continues to consult with many training companies including Nike Basketball, the Jordan Brand, Nike N7, Shoot 360 and multiple others.

As a basketball player, Barrera began his college career with Leon Rice at Yakima Valley Community College helping rebuild a dormant program and eventually becoming league co-champs in 1996-97.

After two years at Yakima Valley Community College Henry moved onto Multnomah University where he had a stellar career, averaging close to 20.0 ppg and dishing out almost 8.0 apg. Barrera was rewarded for his hard work and dedication by being named a three-time All-American and was ultimately honored with the 1999-2000 NCCAA Pete Maravich National Player of the Year award.

After receiving his bachelor's degree, Barrera played one season of professional basketball in Sweden before beginning his coaching and performance training career 14 years ago.

Along the way, Barrera made a stop at Concordia University, serving as the men's basketball strength and conditioning coach for four years, where he received a Master's degree. In addition, Barrera has spent the last decade serving in multiple capacities at the high school level, including the last seven years at West Linn High School where he helped build the Lions into one of the top programs in the country, winning three straight Oregon state championships.

Henry and I became friends back in 1995 while playing on a European tour team.  We connected on the podcast to discuss how to be a significant coach in & out of the weight room.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • What it means to coach for development vs coaching for performance
  • How to create ant-like strong and cat-like quick athletes
  • When to add barefoot training into your program
  • How to move past season-ending injuries

Find Henry Barrera on social media at:
Instagram: @HoopDiaries
Twitter: @HoopDiaries

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/24

]]> Episode 024: Today's I get to interview the Director of Strength & Conditioning for Men's Basketball at Liberty University, Henry Barrera.

Before working at Liberty, Henry was a Performance Training Specialist at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton. While at Nike, he was instrumental in designing training content for multiple projects including Jordan Brand's Terminal 23 in New York and The Hangar in Los Angeles.

He continues to consult with many training companies including Nike Basketball, the Jordan Brand, Nike N7, Shoot 360 and multiple others.

As a basketball player, Barrera began his college career with Leon Rice at Yakima Valley Community College helping rebuild a dormant program and eventually becoming league co-champs in 1996-97.

After two years at Yakima Valley Community College Henry moved onto Multnomah University where he had a stellar career, averaging close to 20.0 ppg and dishing out almost 8.0 apg. Barrera was rewarded for his hard work and dedication by being named a three-time All-American and was ultimately honored with the 1999-2000 NCCAA Pete Maravich National Player of the Year award.

After receiving his bachelor's degree, Barrera played one season of professional basketball in Sweden before beginning his coaching and performance training career 14 years ago.

Along the way, Barrera made a stop at Concordia University, serving as the men's basketball strength and conditioning coach for four years, where he received a Master's degree. In addition, Barrera has spent the last decade serving in multiple capacities at the high school level, including the last seven years at West Linn High School where he helped build the Lions into one of the top programs in the country, winning three straight Oregon state championships.

Henry and I became friends back in 1995 while playing on a European tour team.  We connected on the podcast to discuss how to be a significant coach in & out of the weight room.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • What it means to coach for development vs coaching for performance
  • How to create ant-like strong and cat-like quick athletes
  • When to add barefoot training into your program
  • How to move past season-ending injuries

Find Henry Barrera on social media at:
Instagram: @HoopDiaries
Twitter: @HoopDiaries

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/24

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2701165 Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1903 24 full false Avoiding Chronic Basketball Injury w/ Dustan Lang Avoiding Chronic Basketball Injury w/ Dustan Lang Episode 023: Dustan Lang is a Physical Therapist of twenty plus years and has experience with athletes from all levels (local, national, international, professional) in various sports.  More and more Dustan is treating young adolescent athletes with chronic sport injuries. These injuries can lead to mental health struggles, self destructive behaviors, and an unhealthy perception of exercise. Sadly, these type of injuries could be avoided.

Dustan has a vision the Champion’s Triangle will foster an empowering relationship between the athlete and sport that lasts a lifetime through remodeling the philosophy of practice.

Learn more about Dustan at LangPhysio.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/23

]]> Episode 023: Dustan Lang is a Physical Therapist of twenty plus years and has experience with athletes from all levels (local, national, international, professional) in various sports.  More and more Dustan is treating young adolescent athletes with chronic sport injuries. These injuries can lead to mental health struggles, self destructive behaviors, and an unhealthy perception of exercise. Sadly, these type of injuries could be avoided.

Dustan has a vision the Champion’s Triangle will foster an empowering relationship between the athlete and sport that lasts a lifetime through remodeling the philosophy of practice.

Learn more about Dustan at LangPhysio.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/23

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2654338 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1820 basketball, basketball workouts, chronic injury, basketball injury, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 23 full false Basketball Speed Training w/ Lee Taft Basketball Speed Training w/ Lee Taft Episode 022:  Known to most simply as “The Speed Guy”, Lee Taft is highly respected as one of the top athletic movement specialist in the world. The last 30 years he has devoted the majority of his time training multi-directional speed to all ages and ability.

He has spent much of this time teaching his multi-directional speed methods to top performance coaches and fitness professionals all over the world. Lee has also dedicated countless hours mentoring up and coming sports performance trainers, many who have gone into the profession and made a big impact themselves.

Since 1989, Lee has taught foundation movement to beginning youngsters and helped young amateur athletes to professional athletes become quicker, faster and stronger. Lee’s entire philosophy is based off one of his most notable quote, “Learning athletic movement correctly from the start is the foundation for athletic success.”

Lee brought to light the importance and fine points of the “Plyo Step”, “Hip Turn”, “Directional Crossover Step” and athletic stance. According to Lee, “Speed and agility done right is about making sure we marry the natural movements athletes have with effective and efficient body control to maximize speed and quickness”.

In addition, Lee has written several eBooks specifically on movement techniques and speed development. Lee and his wife Jenn have 3 children, Jae, Bailee and Brennen and currently reside in Indiana.

In today's episode, Lee & I discussed basketball speed training and how to design basketball-specific training programs.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Lee's 3-tier reaction system
  • How to transfer exercises in the weight room to success on the court
  • What core strength really means
  • When you should train speed and when you should train quickness
  • Why every program should include 3-dimensional exercises

Here's where you can find out more about Lee:
LeeTaft.com
Complete Sports Performance Podcast
@LeeTaft

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/22

]]> Episode 022:  Known to most simply as “The Speed Guy”, Lee Taft is highly respected as one of the top athletic movement specialist in the world. The last 30 years he has devoted the majority of his time training multi-directional speed to all ages and ability.

He has spent much of this time teaching his multi-directional speed methods to top performance coaches and fitness professionals all over the world. Lee has also dedicated countless hours mentoring up and coming sports performance trainers, many who have gone into the profession and made a big impact themselves.

Since 1989, Lee has taught foundation movement to beginning youngsters and helped young amateur athletes to professional athletes become quicker, faster and stronger. Lee’s entire philosophy is based off one of his most notable quote, “Learning athletic movement correctly from the start is the foundation for athletic success.”

Lee brought to light the importance and fine points of the “Plyo Step”, “Hip Turn”, “Directional Crossover Step” and athletic stance. According to Lee, “Speed and agility done right is about making sure we marry the natural movements athletes have with effective and efficient body control to maximize speed and quickness”.

In addition, Lee has written several eBooks specifically on movement techniques and speed development. Lee and his wife Jenn have 3 children, Jae, Bailee and Brennen and currently reside in Indiana.

In today's episode, Lee & I discussed basketball speed training and how to design basketball-specific training programs.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Lee's 3-tier reaction system
  • How to transfer exercises in the weight room to success on the court
  • What core strength really means
  • When you should train speed and when you should train quickness
  • Why every program should include 3-dimensional exercises

Here's where you can find out more about Lee:
LeeTaft.com
Complete Sports Performance Podcast
@LeeTaft

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/22

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2584963 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0800 2317 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball speed training, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 22 full false How To Lead On The Basketball Court w/ Adam Bradley How To Lead On The Basketball Court w/ Adam Bradley Episode 021: Adam Bradley is an entrepreneur, entrepreneur, speaker & coach.  Adam is one of the original founders of the Hardwood Hustle platform and has spent the past 3-years utilizing the podcast and it’s reach to pour into coaches & players across the country.

In 2015 Adam launched the nationally recognized leadership program Lead ‘Em Up, that provides coaches an engaging & cutting edge curriculum they can use with their players.

Having a heart to give back to his local community, Adam serves as a mentor to many youth programs & schools in the Baltimore/Washington market. 

Here's where you can find out more about Adam:
Hardwood Hustle Podcast
Leademup.com
@Leademup

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/21


]]> Episode 021: Adam Bradley is an entrepreneur, entrepreneur, speaker & coach.  Adam is one of the original founders of the Hardwood Hustle platform and has spent the past 3-years utilizing the podcast and it’s reach to pour into coaches & players across the country.

In 2015 Adam launched the nationally recognized leadership program Lead ‘Em Up, that provides coaches an engaging & cutting edge curriculum they can use with their players.

Having a heart to give back to his local community, Adam serves as a mentor to many youth programs & schools in the Baltimore/Washington market. 

Here's where you can find out more about Adam:
Hardwood Hustle Podcast
Leademup.com
@Leademup

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/21


]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2532223 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0800 3336 21 full false Power Of Positive Energy in Basketball w/ Jon Gordon Power Of Positive Energy in Basketball w/ Jon Gordon Episode 020: Jon Gordon is a best selling author and keynote speaker who wrote one of my favorite books, The Energy Bus.

His principles have been put to the test by numerous Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams, including the LA Clippers and Miami Heat.

He is the author of 18 books including multiple best-sellers: The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, You Win in the Locker Room First, The Power of Positive Leadership and The Power of a Positive Team.

His latest book is The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change.

I picked Jon's brain on how we can harness the power of positive energy for basketball.  Check out this week's podcast and learn:

  • How to address negative teammates and coaches
  • Why we can't be stressed and thankful at the same time
  • That the physical world is an illusion because everything is energy
  • The equation E + P = O
  • Why commitments are more helpful than goals

If you want to learn more about Jon, you can find him:

Online: JonGordon.com
Podcast: Positive University Podcast
Social Media: JonGordon11

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/20

]]> Episode 020: Jon Gordon is a best selling author and keynote speaker who wrote one of my favorite books, The Energy Bus.

His principles have been put to the test by numerous Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams, including the LA Clippers and Miami Heat.

He is the author of 18 books including multiple best-sellers: The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, You Win in the Locker Room First, The Power of Positive Leadership and The Power of a Positive Team.

His latest book is The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change.

I picked Jon's brain on how we can harness the power of positive energy for basketball.  Check out this week's podcast and learn:

  • How to address negative teammates and coaches
  • Why we can't be stressed and thankful at the same time
  • That the physical world is an illusion because everything is energy
  • The equation E + P = O
  • Why commitments are more helpful than goals

If you want to learn more about Jon, you can find him:

Online: JonGordon.com
Podcast: Positive University Podcast
Social Media: JonGordon11

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/20

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2469437 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0800 1640 20 full false Basketball Strong By Science w/ Max Schmarzo Basketball Strong By Science w/ Max Schmarzo Episode 19:  Max Schmarzo is the Director of Sport Science at Resilience Code, in Englewood, Colorado, the Chief Science Officer at Exsurgo Technologies and the founder of Strong by Science.

Max has authored three books, “Applied Principles of Power Development”, “Isometrics for Performance” and “Force is King.” He specializes in multidisciplinary care, sport science data solutions and athlete development. Acting as a consultant, he has worked with professional teams to help develop evidence based, data driven, sport science and training practices.

I picked Max's brain about the latest research on basketball performance and how we can implement the science into our training programs. Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

  • How do I increase my vertical jump for basketball?
  • What are the biggest injury risk factors?
  • Is there a way to make a workout program basketball-specific?
  • What are complex systems?
  • Where does static stretching fit into a training program?

If you want to learn more about Max, you can find him at:
@strong_by_science

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/19

]]> Episode 19:  Max Schmarzo is the Director of Sport Science at Resilience Code, in Englewood, Colorado, the Chief Science Officer at Exsurgo Technologies and the founder of Strong by Science.

Max has authored three books, “Applied Principles of Power Development”, “Isometrics for Performance” and “Force is King.” He specializes in multidisciplinary care, sport science data solutions and athlete development. Acting as a consultant, he has worked with professional teams to help develop evidence based, data driven, sport science and training practices.

I picked Max's brain about the latest research on basketball performance and how we can implement the science into our training programs. Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

  • How do I increase my vertical jump for basketball?
  • What are the biggest injury risk factors?
  • Is there a way to make a workout program basketball-specific?
  • What are complex systems?
  • Where does static stretching fit into a training program?

If you want to learn more about Max, you can find him at:
@strong_by_science

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/19

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2427857 Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0800 3257 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 19 full false Basketball & Life Lessons w/ Luka Hocevar Basketball & Life Lessons w/ Luka Hocevar Episode 18:  Luka Hocevar is an entrepreneur, author, strength/fitness/business coach, world traveler, life enjoyer and former pro-basketball player.  He co-wrote a national best seller, The Fit Formula, and self-published, The Fitness Business Mixtape.

He also runs a successful gym in Seattle, Vigor Ground Fitness.

Today we sat down and talked about the basketball lessons he's learned that have helped him become successful in business and life.

If you want to learn more about Luka, you can find him at:
lukahocevar.com
vigorgroundfitness.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/18


]]> Episode 18:  Luka Hocevar is an entrepreneur, author, strength/fitness/business coach, world traveler, life enjoyer and former pro-basketball player.  He co-wrote a national best seller, The Fit Formula, and self-published, The Fitness Business Mixtape.

He also runs a successful gym in Seattle, Vigor Ground Fitness.

Today we sat down and talked about the basketball lessons he's learned that have helped him become successful in business and life.

If you want to learn more about Luka, you can find him at:
lukahocevar.com
vigorgroundfitness.com

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/18


]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2362340 Tue, 31 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0800 3857 18 full false New Year's Resolution vs Commitment New Year's Resolution vs Commitment Episode 17:  They say that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.  Are you prepared to make 2020 the best year of your life?

]]> Episode 17:  They say that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.  Are you prepared to make 2020 the best year of your life?

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2343026 Tue, 24 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0800 1172 basketball, leadership, basketball leadership, basketball motivation, basketball coaching, culture, motivation 17 full false Weekly Meal Plan For Basketball Players w/ Scott Baptie, MSc Weekly Meal Plan For Basketball Players w/ Scott Baptie, MSc Episode 016:  Scott Baptie, MSc, is a physique and sports nutrition specialist and fitness model who specializes in fat loss, muscle gain, physique transformations and nutrition for sports performance.

He likes to challenge and encourage his clients to surpass their physical and mental boundaries by using effective, scientifically-proven nutritional strategies to help them achieve their goals. Scott also provides nutrition advice for several of UK’s leading sports nutrition companies, presents on the topic of nutrition and fitness and contributes to a wide range of publications.

I asked Scott to lay out what a weekly meal plan for basketball players should look like.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Simple and fast breakfast ideas
  • What you should pack for snacks
  • When you need sports drinks
  • How to order at fast food restaurants
  • The best supplements for basketball players (if any)

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/16

]]> Episode 016:  Scott Baptie, MSc, is a physique and sports nutrition specialist and fitness model who specializes in fat loss, muscle gain, physique transformations and nutrition for sports performance.

He likes to challenge and encourage his clients to surpass their physical and mental boundaries by using effective, scientifically-proven nutritional strategies to help them achieve their goals. Scott also provides nutrition advice for several of UK’s leading sports nutrition companies, presents on the topic of nutrition and fitness and contributes to a wide range of publications.

I asked Scott to lay out what a weekly meal plan for basketball players should look like.  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

  • Simple and fast breakfast ideas
  • What you should pack for snacks
  • When you need sports drinks
  • How to order at fast food restaurants
  • The best supplements for basketball players (if any)

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/16

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2295770 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0800 2475 basketball, nutrition, basketball nutrition, sports, nutrition, meal plan, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks 16 full false Mental Training For Basketball w/ Brian Cain Mental Training For Basketball w/ Brian Cain Episode 015:  Brian Cain, MPM is the creator of The Mental Performance Mastery (MPM) Coaching Certification Course, a #1 International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach and Consultant.

Brian is widely regarded as the foremost authority on Mental Performance Mastery.  He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, executives and organizations as well as coaches, athletes, and teams at the Olympic level, in the National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Brian has taught his 10 Pillars of Mental Performance Mastery System on stages all over the world to audiences such as John Paul Mitchell Systems, Whirlpool, Fuddruckers and Burton Snowboards.

His client list includes 2 Major League Baseball Cy-Young Award winners, a Heisman Trophy Winner, 5 UFC World Champion Mixed Martial Artists, World Series and Super Bowl Champions, Olympic Medalists, Team USA Baseball, Team USA Bowling and multiple NCAA National Players of The Year, NCAA National Champions and over 900 professional sports draft selections.

As a former adjunct university professor and high school athletic director, he was the youngest ever to receive the prestigious Certified Master Athletic Administration “CMAA” Certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

Highly sought after for his energetic, empowering and engaging educational training sessions, Brian separates himself from the competition by providing a system and not a speech. 

An avid Ironman Triathlete and 100 Mile Ultra Marathoner, Brian practices what he teaches and is a living example of the power of The 10 Pillars of Mental Performance Mastery and what an Elite Mindset (Pillar#1) can do for you.

Brian and I discussed the 10 Pillars of Mental Performance and how thoughts impact player's performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn..

- How to grow and train an elite mindset
- What to do when you're in a shooting slump
- The process to become more aggressive on offense
- How to refocus when facing unavoidable obstacles
- Why winning isn't as important as the process
- When to use mediation and imagery

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/15

]]> Episode 015:  Brian Cain, MPM is the creator of The Mental Performance Mastery (MPM) Coaching Certification Course, a #1 International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach and Consultant.

Brian is widely regarded as the foremost authority on Mental Performance Mastery.  He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, executives and organizations as well as coaches, athletes, and teams at the Olympic level, in the National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Brian has taught his 10 Pillars of Mental Performance Mastery System on stages all over the world to audiences such as John Paul Mitchell Systems, Whirlpool, Fuddruckers and Burton Snowboards.

His client list includes 2 Major League Baseball Cy-Young Award winners, a Heisman Trophy Winner, 5 UFC World Champion Mixed Martial Artists, World Series and Super Bowl Champions, Olympic Medalists, Team USA Baseball, Team USA Bowling and multiple NCAA National Players of The Year, NCAA National Champions and over 900 professional sports draft selections.

As a former adjunct university professor and high school athletic director, he was the youngest ever to receive the prestigious Certified Master Athletic Administration “CMAA” Certification from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

Highly sought after for his energetic, empowering and engaging educational training sessions, Brian separates himself from the competition by providing a system and not a speech. 

An avid Ironman Triathlete and 100 Mile Ultra Marathoner, Brian practices what he teaches and is a living example of the power of The 10 Pillars of Mental Performance Mastery and what an Elite Mindset (Pillar#1) can do for you.

Brian and I discussed the 10 Pillars of Mental Performance and how thoughts impact player's performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn..

- How to grow and train an elite mindset
- What to do when you're in a shooting slump
- The process to become more aggressive on offense
- How to refocus when facing unavoidable obstacles
- Why winning isn't as important as the process
- When to use mediation and imagery

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@HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/15

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2216855 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0800 3253 basketball, mental training, sports psychology, mental toughness, sports performance, basketball mentality 15 full false Weight Lifting For Basketball w/ Mike Robertson of IFAST Weight Lifting For Basketball w/ Mike Robertson of IFAST Episode 014:  Mike Robertson is the President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana. IFAST has been named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine numerous times, as was also a fitness award winner by Women’s Health Magazine.

Over his 20 year coaching career, Mike has worked with athletes from every major professional sport including all-stars in both the NBA and MLS. He also serves as a writer, speaker, consultant and educator across the fitness industry.

We caught up to discuss basketball weight training for high school athletes. Mike has a unique background because he started his career as a powerlifter, and eventually transitioned to coaching athletes in sports performance.  Combining both worlds allows him to use an endless amount of tools and techniques to help his basketball players.

Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

 - How many days per week should players train in the off-season?
 - What exercises should you avoid in-season?
 - At what age should players begin weight training?
 - What's the difference between power lifting and basketball weight training?

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HoopCommitment.com/14

]]> Episode 014:  Mike Robertson is the President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana. IFAST has been named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine numerous times, as was also a fitness award winner by Women’s Health Magazine.

Over his 20 year coaching career, Mike has worked with athletes from every major professional sport including all-stars in both the NBA and MLS. He also serves as a writer, speaker, consultant and educator across the fitness industry.

We caught up to discuss basketball weight training for high school athletes. Mike has a unique background because he started his career as a powerlifter, and eventually transitioned to coaching athletes in sports performance.  Combining both worlds allows him to use an endless amount of tools and techniques to help his basketball players.

Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

 - How many days per week should players train in the off-season?
 - What exercises should you avoid in-season?
 - At what age should players begin weight training?
 - What's the difference between power lifting and basketball weight training?

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/14

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2204387 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0800 2722 basketball, weight lifting, strength and conditioning, sports performance, sports science 14 full false Boise State Basketball Team Culture w/ Leon Rice Boise State Basketball Team Culture w/ Leon Rice Episode 013:  Leon Rice is the head coach of Boise State Men's Basketball team and has written a handbook for his players called, The Unbreakable Culture.  I wanted to find out why team culture is so important to Leon that he took the time to create a book on it.

In nine seasons as head coach for the Broncos, Leon Rice has taken his teams to five postseason tournaments – including the first two at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in school history – and won 20 or more games seven times.

He is the only Boise State head coach to amass seven 20-win seasons, the second to guide the Broncos to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and the first to do it in his first five seasons.  Under Rice, Boise State made the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection in both 2012-13 and 2014-15, the only such appearances in school history.

Leon shows that you can focus on winning and creating leaders at the same time.  Listen to this week's podcast and find out...

 - Why Leon kept over 100 rejection letters while applying for coaching jobs.
 - How coaches should view leaving a legacy.
 - Why he gave his son the nickname, "12".
 - What you should say to your kids after watching them play basketball.
 - The 5 core values that create Boise State's team culture.

Over the last few years, I developed a Leadership Self Assessment tool to help players learn their level of leadership. Go to hoopcommitment.com/13download to get a copy of the exact same Level 1 Leadership Questionnaire that I use with my teams. 

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HoopCommitment

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HoopCommitment.com/13

]]> Episode 013:  Leon Rice is the head coach of Boise State Men's Basketball team and has written a handbook for his players called, The Unbreakable Culture.  I wanted to find out why team culture is so important to Leon that he took the time to create a book on it.

In nine seasons as head coach for the Broncos, Leon Rice has taken his teams to five postseason tournaments – including the first two at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in school history – and won 20 or more games seven times.

He is the only Boise State head coach to amass seven 20-win seasons, the second to guide the Broncos to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and the first to do it in his first five seasons.  Under Rice, Boise State made the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection in both 2012-13 and 2014-15, the only such appearances in school history.

Leon shows that you can focus on winning and creating leaders at the same time.  Listen to this week's podcast and find out...

 - Why Leon kept over 100 rejection letters while applying for coaching jobs.
 - How coaches should view leaving a legacy.
 - Why he gave his son the nickname, "12".
 - What you should say to your kids after watching them play basketball.
 - The 5 core values that create Boise State's team culture.

Over the last few years, I developed a Leadership Self Assessment tool to help players learn their level of leadership. Go to hoopcommitment.com/13download to get a copy of the exact same Level 1 Leadership Questionnaire that I use with my teams. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/13

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2160077 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0800 2596 13 full false Vegan Diet For Basketball Players w/ Craig Hunt, RDN Vegan Diet For Basketball Players w/ Craig Hunt, RDN Episode 012:  After watching the Netflix Documentary, The Game Changers, I immediately called Craig Hunt, RDN, to get his opinion on a vegan diet for basketball players. I went into our conversation with my mind made up on the right way to eat, but left our conversation with a better understanding of how to help athletes improve heath and performance.  

Craig earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition and Dietetics and became Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certified in 1990.  In 1996 he opened a private practice in downtown Spokane, expanding his consulting with athletes and the public.

A year later he also began teaching nutrition to family-medicine resident physicians; this is where he learned that a streamlined and motivational interviewing approach to nutrition worked favorably for most patients and clients. Over the past 25-plus years Craig has worked with high school, college and professional athletes.

Since 2010 Craig has taught online nutrition classes for health science majors at Eastern Washington University. Fuel management continues to be one of Craig’s interest areas as the science of nutrition evolves. 

We sat down and discussed the Netflix Documentary, The Game Changers, and got his opinion on athletes being vegan. Listen to this week's podcast to hear:

- Benefits and concerns of a vegan diet for basketball players
- Why we should all be "plant-strong"
- Where the documentary, The Game Changers, miss the mark
- Reasons why we need to eat processed foods
- How to move in the direction of eating a plant-based diet

If you want to download FREE basketball nutrition menus, go to hoopcommitment.com/nutrition.  You'll find that sports nutrition isn't as complicated as the media makes it out to be.

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@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/12

]]> Episode 012:  After watching the Netflix Documentary, The Game Changers, I immediately called Craig Hunt, RDN, to get his opinion on a vegan diet for basketball players. I went into our conversation with my mind made up on the right way to eat, but left our conversation with a better understanding of how to help athletes improve heath and performance.  

Craig earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition and Dietetics and became Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certified in 1990.  In 1996 he opened a private practice in downtown Spokane, expanding his consulting with athletes and the public.

A year later he also began teaching nutrition to family-medicine resident physicians; this is where he learned that a streamlined and motivational interviewing approach to nutrition worked favorably for most patients and clients. Over the past 25-plus years Craig has worked with high school, college and professional athletes.

Since 2010 Craig has taught online nutrition classes for health science majors at Eastern Washington University. Fuel management continues to be one of Craig’s interest areas as the science of nutrition evolves. 

We sat down and discussed the Netflix Documentary, The Game Changers, and got his opinion on athletes being vegan. Listen to this week's podcast to hear:

- Benefits and concerns of a vegan diet for basketball players
- Why we should all be "plant-strong"
- Where the documentary, The Game Changers, miss the mark
- Reasons why we need to eat processed foods
- How to move in the direction of eating a plant-based diet

If you want to download FREE basketball nutrition menus, go to hoopcommitment.com/nutrition.  You'll find that sports nutrition isn't as complicated as the media makes it out to be.

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/12

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2109294 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0800 3354 12 full false Building Healthy Basketball Players w/ Logan Schwartz Building Healthy Basketball Players w/ Logan Schwartz Episode 011:  Logan Schwartz was Kevin Durant's strength & conditioning coach at the University of Texas and is now the owner of Austin Vitality Coach. He has dedicated his life to helping individuals achieve a state of optimal health and vitality through a principle-based approach.  He has positioned himself to learn from and work alongside the best coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, and athletic trainers in the field of prevention, performance, and health.

Logan was the Assistant Basketball Strength Coach for The University of Texas at Austin and is a consultant for Train 4 The Game, Inc., which is one of the elite performance facilities in the nation.  Currently Logan owns Austin Vitality Coach and is the Director of Programming for Your Trainer, Inc. in Austin, Texas.  He also presents Internationally for the Gray Institute and Power Plate.

Logan and I did a 40-week fellowship program in human movement through the Gray Institute in 2009.  In addition to being very smart, I was impressed with his care of people.  It's no wonder he's spent his entire professional career helping people live healthy lives.  Check out this week's podcast to hear Logan's expert opinion on...

- Building better athletes vs. better basketball players
- How to avoid overuse injuries
- Why it doesn't matter that Kevin Durant couldn't bench 185lbs
- Small, daily activities that can massively impact your health
- Basic movements all healthy basketball players should do

If you want to optimize health and performance, you'll want learn how Logan looks at the human body.  Go to HoopCommitment.com for articles and videos on warm-ups and injury reduction progressions. 

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@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/11

]]> Episode 011:  Logan Schwartz was Kevin Durant's strength & conditioning coach at the University of Texas and is now the owner of Austin Vitality Coach. He has dedicated his life to helping individuals achieve a state of optimal health and vitality through a principle-based approach.  He has positioned himself to learn from and work alongside the best coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, and athletic trainers in the field of prevention, performance, and health.

Logan was the Assistant Basketball Strength Coach for The University of Texas at Austin and is a consultant for Train 4 The Game, Inc., which is one of the elite performance facilities in the nation.  Currently Logan owns Austin Vitality Coach and is the Director of Programming for Your Trainer, Inc. in Austin, Texas.  He also presents Internationally for the Gray Institute and Power Plate.

Logan and I did a 40-week fellowship program in human movement through the Gray Institute in 2009.  In addition to being very smart, I was impressed with his care of people.  It's no wonder he's spent his entire professional career helping people live healthy lives.  Check out this week's podcast to hear Logan's expert opinion on...

- Building better athletes vs. better basketball players
- How to avoid overuse injuries
- Why it doesn't matter that Kevin Durant couldn't bench 185lbs
- Small, daily activities that can massively impact your health
- Basic movements all healthy basketball players should do

If you want to optimize health and performance, you'll want learn how Logan looks at the human body.  Go to HoopCommitment.com for articles and videos on warm-ups and injury reduction progressions. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/11

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-2047305 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0800 2805 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 11 full false Gonzaga Basketball Leadership w/ Lisa Fortier Gonzaga Basketball Leadership w/ Lisa Fortier Episode 010:  Lisa Fortier just finished a record breaking season at Gonzaga, winning another WCC Championship and WCC Coach of the Year Award.  She led the Bulldogs to their highest AP Poll ranking (No. 12) and highest USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll ranking (No. 11) in program history and a program-best regular season record at 27-3. Gonzaga finished the season at 29-5, which ties for the second-best record in history.

The Zags claimed their third-straight WCC regular-season title while Fortier was named WCC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in five seasons, surpassing her own conference record for the award. Gonzaga advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in program history and the fourth time under Fortier. The Bulldogs secured a No. 5 seed, the highest in program history, and advanced to the NCAA Second Round for the sixth time in program history.

Fortier was chosen as a Late Season Candidate for the Naismith Coach of the Year, along with being selected among 20 local Spokane women as a part of the 2019 Women in Business Leadership Awards. She is the only coach in program history to have four 20-win seasons in their first five seasons.

And what's best about Lisa is that she not only builds great basketball players, she also focuses on creating a culture that builds great leaders.  She dedicates time every week to intentionally teach her players how to think, speak and act like leaders so they can positively impact their community.

Listen to this week's podcast on Gonzaga Basketball Leadership and learn...

- Why coaches should take 5 min every day to teach leadership
- How to teach gratitude to players
- The first place coaches look when recruiting athletes
- Lisa's favorite leadership trait she teaches her team
- How leadership impacts a team's performance on the court

In addition to teaching her players how to play basketball, she also teaches them to be better teammates through an 18-week leadership program.  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE 5-day leadership course and learn how to help others become their best.

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/10

]]> Episode 010:  Lisa Fortier just finished a record breaking season at Gonzaga, winning another WCC Championship and WCC Coach of the Year Award.  She led the Bulldogs to their highest AP Poll ranking (No. 12) and highest USA Today/WBCA Coaches Poll ranking (No. 11) in program history and a program-best regular season record at 27-3. Gonzaga finished the season at 29-5, which ties for the second-best record in history.

The Zags claimed their third-straight WCC regular-season title while Fortier was named WCC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in five seasons, surpassing her own conference record for the award. Gonzaga advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in program history and the fourth time under Fortier. The Bulldogs secured a No. 5 seed, the highest in program history, and advanced to the NCAA Second Round for the sixth time in program history.

Fortier was chosen as a Late Season Candidate for the Naismith Coach of the Year, along with being selected among 20 local Spokane women as a part of the 2019 Women in Business Leadership Awards. She is the only coach in program history to have four 20-win seasons in their first five seasons.

And what's best about Lisa is that she not only builds great basketball players, she also focuses on creating a culture that builds great leaders.  She dedicates time every week to intentionally teach her players how to think, speak and act like leaders so they can positively impact their community.

Listen to this week's podcast on Gonzaga Basketball Leadership and learn...

- Why coaches should take 5 min every day to teach leadership
- How to teach gratitude to players
- The first place coaches look when recruiting athletes
- Lisa's favorite leadership trait she teaches her team
- How leadership impacts a team's performance on the court

In addition to teaching her players how to play basketball, she also teaches them to be better teammates through an 18-week leadership program.  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE 5-day leadership course and learn how to help others become their best.

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/10

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1988821 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0800 2207 basketball, leadership, basketball leadership, basketball motivation, basketball coaching, culture, motivation 10 full false Basketball Sleep w/ Nick Lambe Basketball Sleep w/ Nick Lambe Episode 009:  Research shows that you can improve your shooting percentage and sprint times by optimizing your sleep.  This week's guest is The Online Sleep Coach, Nick Lambe, and he shares a progression to improve your sleep.  

Nick is a massage therapist, strength coach, sleep coach and health coach, but envisions himself firstly as a healthcare practitioner. He believes exercise and lifestyle interventions can be some of the most powerful medicine, especially proactively for our health. Nick has done certification work in many other aspects of health and wellness such as sleep, nutrition, behavioral psychology, heart rate variability, brain health, stress management and more.

Most notably in these lifestyle interventions, he has taken a deep dive into sleep. He believes that sleep is the foundation for health and well being, despite being often under-appreciated and undervalued. So much so that he has formed two side ventures centered around sleep. 

As “The Online Sleep Coach” he provides all things sleep and sleep education, including 1 on 1 consultations/coaching, group coaching for teams and coaches as well as speaking engagements. He does something similar in person where he resides with “Southwest Florida Sleep Coaching”

We connected at a conference in Seattle and discussed how sleep can impact our health and performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- Is meditating or taking naps more beneficial?
- How many hours of sleep do high school players need?
- What is the best sleep tracker?
- Can you make up for sleep debt by sleeping in on the weekend?
- Why is blue light bad for us?

Go to HoopCommitment.com to learn how to optimize your game through taking care of your body.

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/9

]]> Episode 009:  Research shows that you can improve your shooting percentage and sprint times by optimizing your sleep.  This week's guest is The Online Sleep Coach, Nick Lambe, and he shares a progression to improve your sleep.  

Nick is a massage therapist, strength coach, sleep coach and health coach, but envisions himself firstly as a healthcare practitioner. He believes exercise and lifestyle interventions can be some of the most powerful medicine, especially proactively for our health. Nick has done certification work in many other aspects of health and wellness such as sleep, nutrition, behavioral psychology, heart rate variability, brain health, stress management and more.

Most notably in these lifestyle interventions, he has taken a deep dive into sleep. He believes that sleep is the foundation for health and well being, despite being often under-appreciated and undervalued. So much so that he has formed two side ventures centered around sleep. 

As “The Online Sleep Coach” he provides all things sleep and sleep education, including 1 on 1 consultations/coaching, group coaching for teams and coaches as well as speaking engagements. He does something similar in person where he resides with “Southwest Florida Sleep Coaching”

We connected at a conference in Seattle and discussed how sleep can impact our health and performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- Is meditating or taking naps more beneficial?
- How many hours of sleep do high school players need?
- What is the best sleep tracker?
- Can you make up for sleep debt by sleeping in on the weekend?
- Why is blue light bad for us?

Go to HoopCommitment.com to learn how to optimize your game through taking care of your body.

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/9

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1946320 Tue, 29 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0700 2596 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, sleep, basketball sleep 9 full false Basketball Conditioning w/ Joel Jamieson Basketball Conditioning w/ Joel Jamieson Episode 008:  Joel Jamieson is the founder of 8weeksout.com and creator of the Bioforce Conditioning Coach Certification.  He's a best-selling author and one of the world’s foremost authorities on strength, conditioning, and energy systems. His training strategies have been used by thousands of elite performers and top athletes worldwide, including the Navy SEALS, UFC champions, and dozens of teams from the NFL, NBA, MLS, NCAA, and more.

Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- What is basketball conditioning?
- What are the most effective fitness tests?
- Are "old-school" conditioning drills like 17's beneficial?
- Will Crossfit improve my basketball conditioning?
- Can you play your way into basketball shape?

Joel and I talk about basketball-specific training & he shares the best methods for getting players in shape for season.  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Basketball Commitment Calendar and start your chain of success today!

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@HoopCommitment

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@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/8

]]> Episode 008:  Joel Jamieson is the founder of 8weeksout.com and creator of the Bioforce Conditioning Coach Certification.  He's a best-selling author and one of the world’s foremost authorities on strength, conditioning, and energy systems. His training strategies have been used by thousands of elite performers and top athletes worldwide, including the Navy SEALS, UFC champions, and dozens of teams from the NFL, NBA, MLS, NCAA, and more.

Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- What is basketball conditioning?
- What are the most effective fitness tests?
- Are "old-school" conditioning drills like 17's beneficial?
- Will Crossfit improve my basketball conditioning?
- Can you play your way into basketball shape?

Joel and I talk about basketball-specific training & he shares the best methods for getting players in shape for season.  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Basketball Commitment Calendar and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/8

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1907459 Tue, 22 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0700 2195 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, basketball conditioning, conditioning 8 full false Basketball Player, Coach, Parent w/ Matt Santangelo Basketball Player, Coach, Parent w/ Matt Santangelo Episode 007:  Matt Santangelo is the Executive Director of Hoopfest, which is the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. He was the all-time leader in assists at Gonzaga University, won an olympic gold medal and played professionally in Europe.  

A native of Portland, OR., Matt Santangelo led the Gonzaga men’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1999 and the Sweet 16 in 2000. He remains the school’s second all-time leader in assists and ranks sixth in career points. 

He won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1999 World University Games in Spain and was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American the same year. Matt played professional basketball for seven seasons in Europe, earning ACB All-Spain Rookie honors and contributing to an Italian League championship with Benetton Treviso in 2006. 

Since retiring from basketball, Matt has made Spokane his permanent home. He has worked in financial services and insurance and now serves as Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest Association, the world’s largest 3-on-3 tournament and our region’s showcase event since 2014. The organization also runs Spokane AAU, Ignite Basketball Association, Easter Washington Elite, the Fitz Clinic and Tournament. 

In 2019, he successfully launched the community brand, Hooptown USA. Matt and his wife, Cathy, are parents to three children; Calvin, Luca and Stella.  

 We sat down and discussed the challenges that come with being a player, coach & basketball parent.  Check out this week's podcast and hear Matt's thoughts on:

- Are we too hard or too soft on our kids?
- Why giving your best is more important than being the best
- How to be a life-long learner
- Navigating the roles of player, coach and basketball parent
- Leadership for basketball

Go to HoopCommitment.com to get your FREE 5-Day Leadership Course and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/7

]]> Episode 007:  Matt Santangelo is the Executive Director of Hoopfest, which is the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. He was the all-time leader in assists at Gonzaga University, won an olympic gold medal and played professionally in Europe.  

A native of Portland, OR., Matt Santangelo led the Gonzaga men’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1999 and the Sweet 16 in 2000. He remains the school’s second all-time leader in assists and ranks sixth in career points. 

He won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1999 World University Games in Spain and was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American the same year. Matt played professional basketball for seven seasons in Europe, earning ACB All-Spain Rookie honors and contributing to an Italian League championship with Benetton Treviso in 2006. 

Since retiring from basketball, Matt has made Spokane his permanent home. He has worked in financial services and insurance and now serves as Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest Association, the world’s largest 3-on-3 tournament and our region’s showcase event since 2014. The organization also runs Spokane AAU, Ignite Basketball Association, Easter Washington Elite, the Fitz Clinic and Tournament. 

In 2019, he successfully launched the community brand, Hooptown USA. Matt and his wife, Cathy, are parents to three children; Calvin, Luca and Stella.  

 We sat down and discussed the challenges that come with being a player, coach & basketball parent.  Check out this week's podcast and hear Matt's thoughts on:

- Are we too hard or too soft on our kids?
- Why giving your best is more important than being the best
- How to be a life-long learner
- Navigating the roles of player, coach and basketball parent
- Leadership for basketball

Go to HoopCommitment.com to get your FREE 5-Day Leadership Course and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/7

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1862842 Tue, 15 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0700 2085 basketball, leadership, basketball leadership, basketball motivation, basketball coaching, culture, motivation 7 full false 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership Episode 006:  In today's show I share the 3 Levels of Leadership: Synergy, Sweat, Serve.  Leadership for basketball is a skill that can be taught & practiced.  Just like we teach our athletes how to progress their ball handling and shooting skills so they can be successful on the court, we must teach them to progress their leadership skills so they'll be successful in life.

Level 1 of Leadership is SYNERGY... your ability to create relationships with teammates.

Level 2 of Leadership is SWEAT... your ability to lead by example through hard work.

Level 3 of Leadership is SERVE... your ability to tell teammates what they need to hear with love.

Here's what you'll learn by listening to the 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership:

- Why you can't be a Level 2 Leader if you don't like your teammates
- How to implement the Think, Say, Do model for leadership
- What John Stockton does to be a Level 3 Leader
- Why being a vocal leader can backfire without the 3 Levels
- How to influence your team without even stepping on the court

Go to HoopCommitment.com to get your FREE 5-Day Leadership Course and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/6

]]> Episode 006:  In today's show I share the 3 Levels of Leadership: Synergy, Sweat, Serve.  Leadership for basketball is a skill that can be taught & practiced.  Just like we teach our athletes how to progress their ball handling and shooting skills so they can be successful on the court, we must teach them to progress their leadership skills so they'll be successful in life.

Level 1 of Leadership is SYNERGY... your ability to create relationships with teammates.

Level 2 of Leadership is SWEAT... your ability to lead by example through hard work.

Level 3 of Leadership is SERVE... your ability to tell teammates what they need to hear with love.

Here's what you'll learn by listening to the 3 Levels of Basketball Leadership:

- Why you can't be a Level 2 Leader if you don't like your teammates
- How to implement the Think, Say, Do model for leadership
- What John Stockton does to be a Level 3 Leader
- Why being a vocal leader can backfire without the 3 Levels
- How to influence your team without even stepping on the court

Go to HoopCommitment.com to get your FREE 5-Day Leadership Course and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/6

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1823143 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0700 1107 basketball, leadership, basketball leadership, basketball motivation, basketball coaching, culture, motivation 6 full false Basketball Movement w/ Doug Gray, FAFS Basketball Movement w/ Doug Gray, FAFS Episode 005:  Doug Gray is a genius at basketball movement.  He's an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, national lecturer, author, coach, trainer, and athlete with a deep understanding of and experience in Applied Functional Science® (AFS). He has worked extensively with coaches, trainers, therapists, professional athletes, children, and parents. 

Doug currently is the President of Gray Institute®, as well as serves as Director of GIFT (Gray Institute for Functional Transformation) since this post-professional educational program began in 2006. He annually co-directs, coaches, and trains at Hot Rock Training Camp (a local basketball camp) and 3D Personal Conditioning Camp.

He has participated in the development, production, and delivery of seminars, certifications, programs, lectures / workshops, and videos / DVDs dealing with functional prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, including the 3D Matrix Performance Series. Furthermore, he has pioneered in the extensive development and publishing of AFS Nomenclature, as well as co-developed 3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System).

He also currently serves as principal Member / Officer of Free2Play Academy, Inc. (DBA “Free2Play®”), a dynamic 501(c)(3) organization teaching Movement Literacy® and utilizing movement to transform the lives of children across the world. He is a proud Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI). During his collegiate days at Siena Heights University, he had the opportunity of playing basketball (NAIA Division 2), earning Player of the Year his senior year (Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference) and 2nd Team All-America.

Doug is very active on local boards and resides in Adrian, Michigan with his amazing wife (married in 2011) and best friend, Valerie, and their amazing blessings – son, Zion Wynn (born October of 2013) and Lawson Louise (born May of 2016).

Our conversation focused on how movement can help players improve their performance on the court.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- What is basketball movement?
- Do basketball players need to squat and deadlift?
- How do you tweak and progress movement?
- What are the 7 ways to test vertical leap?
- At what age should kids start training?

If you want to learn about basketball movement from one of the greatest minds in basketball, you have to listen to this episode!  Check out HoopCommitment.com for show notes, blog posts and videos on how to eat, train & lead for basketball. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/5

]]> Episode 005:  Doug Gray is a genius at basketball movement.  He's an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, national lecturer, author, coach, trainer, and athlete with a deep understanding of and experience in Applied Functional Science® (AFS). He has worked extensively with coaches, trainers, therapists, professional athletes, children, and parents. 

Doug currently is the President of Gray Institute®, as well as serves as Director of GIFT (Gray Institute for Functional Transformation) since this post-professional educational program began in 2006. He annually co-directs, coaches, and trains at Hot Rock Training Camp (a local basketball camp) and 3D Personal Conditioning Camp.

He has participated in the development, production, and delivery of seminars, certifications, programs, lectures / workshops, and videos / DVDs dealing with functional prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, including the 3D Matrix Performance Series. Furthermore, he has pioneered in the extensive development and publishing of AFS Nomenclature, as well as co-developed 3DMAPS® (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System).

He also currently serves as principal Member / Officer of Free2Play Academy, Inc. (DBA “Free2Play®”), a dynamic 501(c)(3) organization teaching Movement Literacy® and utilizing movement to transform the lives of children across the world. He is a proud Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI). During his collegiate days at Siena Heights University, he had the opportunity of playing basketball (NAIA Division 2), earning Player of the Year his senior year (Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference) and 2nd Team All-America.

Doug is very active on local boards and resides in Adrian, Michigan with his amazing wife (married in 2011) and best friend, Valerie, and their amazing blessings – son, Zion Wynn (born October of 2013) and Lawson Louise (born May of 2016).

Our conversation focused on how movement can help players improve their performance on the court.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- What is basketball movement?
- Do basketball players need to squat and deadlift?
- How do you tweak and progress movement?
- What are the 7 ways to test vertical leap?
- At what age should kids start training?

If you want to learn about basketball movement from one of the greatest minds in basketball, you have to listen to this episode!  Check out HoopCommitment.com for show notes, blog posts and videos on how to eat, train & lead for basketball. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/5

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1782454 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0700 2435 basketball, basketball workouts, basketball training, basketball movement, jump training, basketball performance training, 5 full false 3 Levels Of Basketball Training 3 Levels Of Basketball Training Episode 004:  There are so many great basketball training resources on the internet and and endless exercises on social media, that it's easy to become overwhelmed with how to create basketball workouts.  I created the 3 Levels of Basketball Training to be a road map for coaches to take their players from where they are, to where they want to be.

By using the Drive, Defend, Dominate model, you'll learn the importance of creating mobility in basketball transformational zones, why you need dynamic strength in those movements, and when the right time to add plyometrics and power exercises.

Check out this week's episode and learn...

- Why DRIVE is the foundation of all training programs
- How Transformational Zones are key to creating mobility
- Basketball strength shouldn't be trained in stillness
- The right time to add power exercises to your program
- Why there isn't a perfect exercise or a magic training tool

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Commitment Calendar and learn how to jump higher, cut quicker and finish stronger on the court!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/4

]]> Episode 004:  There are so many great basketball training resources on the internet and and endless exercises on social media, that it's easy to become overwhelmed with how to create basketball workouts.  I created the 3 Levels of Basketball Training to be a road map for coaches to take their players from where they are, to where they want to be.

By using the Drive, Defend, Dominate model, you'll learn the importance of creating mobility in basketball transformational zones, why you need dynamic strength in those movements, and when the right time to add plyometrics and power exercises.

Check out this week's episode and learn...

- Why DRIVE is the foundation of all training programs
- How Transformational Zones are key to creating mobility
- Basketball strength shouldn't be trained in stillness
- The right time to add power exercises to your program
- Why there isn't a perfect exercise or a magic training tool

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Commitment Calendar and learn how to jump higher, cut quicker and finish stronger on the court!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/4

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1751653 Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700 1169 basketball, basketball training, basketball workouts, basketball strength, basketball strength & conditioning, basketball performance, basketball sports performance 4 full false Basketball Nutrition w/ Brad Dieter, PhD Basketball Nutrition w/ Brad Dieter, PhD Episode 003:  Learn how to fuel your athletes on the basketball court from Brad Dieter, PhD.  He's an exercise physiologist, molecular biologist, biostatistician, scientist and entrepreneur whose goal is to bring science and industry together to improve human health and optimize human performance.

He holds a master's degree in biomechanics, doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship in translational science at Providence Medical Research Center, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital.  His research has spanned the translational spectrum utilizing basic science, human trials, and machine learning in large data sets to identify and develop novel therapies and technologies.

That's a fancy way of saying that Brad really knows his stuff.  We sat down and discussed how what players can impact their performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- How do I help unmotivated players?
- Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
- Who should drink Gatorade?
- What is reasonable to expect out of high school athletes?
- How soon after lifting do players need to eat?

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Basketball Nutrition Menus and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/3

]]> Episode 003:  Learn how to fuel your athletes on the basketball court from Brad Dieter, PhD.  He's an exercise physiologist, molecular biologist, biostatistician, scientist and entrepreneur whose goal is to bring science and industry together to improve human health and optimize human performance.

He holds a master's degree in biomechanics, doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship in translational science at Providence Medical Research Center, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital.  His research has spanned the translational spectrum utilizing basic science, human trials, and machine learning in large data sets to identify and develop novel therapies and technologies.

That's a fancy way of saying that Brad really knows his stuff.  We sat down and discussed how what players can impact their performance.  Check out this week's podcast and learn the answers to these questions...

- How do I help unmotivated players?
- Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
- Who should drink Gatorade?
- What is reasonable to expect out of high school athletes?
- How soon after lifting do players need to eat?

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your FREE Basketball Nutrition Menus and start your chain of success today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/3

]]> Mike Nilson & Brad Dieter Buzzsprout-1717411 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0700 2588 basketball, nutrition, basketball nutrition, workouts, leadership 3 full false 3 Levels Of Basketball Nutrition 3 Levels Of Basketball Nutrition Episode 002:  Food is the fuel we use to jump higher and cut quicker on the court.  After we finish our workouts, it's the food we eat that rebuilds and replenishes our muscles.  Knowing how important food is, it's amazing that most players don't have a solid basketball nutrition plan.

Listen to this episode to learn:

- The foundation of sports nutrition is getting enough FUEL
- How to create healthy and energizing meals
- Why players might need to eat pizza
- How to build long-lasting nutrition habits

The 3 Levels of Basketball Nutrition are a road map for players to optimize their performance through the way they eat. 

Level 1 = Fuel. 
Level 2 = Fire. 
Level 3 = Food. 

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your free Basketball Nutrition Menus and learn how to identify your nutrition level. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/2

]]> Episode 002:  Food is the fuel we use to jump higher and cut quicker on the court.  After we finish our workouts, it's the food we eat that rebuilds and replenishes our muscles.  Knowing how important food is, it's amazing that most players don't have a solid basketball nutrition plan.

Listen to this episode to learn:

- The foundation of sports nutrition is getting enough FUEL
- How to create healthy and energizing meals
- Why players might need to eat pizza
- How to build long-lasting nutrition habits

The 3 Levels of Basketball Nutrition are a road map for players to optimize their performance through the way they eat. 

Level 1 = Fuel. 
Level 2 = Fire. 
Level 3 = Food. 

Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your free Basketball Nutrition Menus and learn how to identify your nutrition level. 

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/2

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1716535 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0700 1217 basketball, nutrition, basketball nutrition, workouts, 2 full false Goal vs. Commitment Goal vs. Commitment Episode 001:  Today's podcast is all about motivation and how to be your best.  When I learned the difference between a GOAL and a COMMITMENT, my whole life changed!  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

- The difference between goals and commitments
- Why you make commitments for your worst day
- The key to Jerry Seinfeld's success
- How to become great at any skill
- Why you need a commitment calendar

A goal is something you want to do.
Goal = I want to
A commitment is something you have to do.
Commitment = I have to

When you change your goals into commitments... when you can turn, "I want to" into, "I have to"... your whole life changes!  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your free Commitment Calendar and start improving the way you eat, train & lead today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/1

]]> Episode 001:  Today's podcast is all about motivation and how to be your best.  When I learned the difference between a GOAL and a COMMITMENT, my whole life changed!  Check out this week's podcast and learn...

- The difference between goals and commitments
- Why you make commitments for your worst day
- The key to Jerry Seinfeld's success
- How to become great at any skill
- Why you need a commitment calendar

A goal is something you want to do.
Goal = I want to
A commitment is something you have to do.
Commitment = I have to

When you change your goals into commitments... when you can turn, "I want to" into, "I have to"... your whole life changes!  Go to HoopCommitment.com to download your free Commitment Calendar and start improving the way you eat, train & lead today!

Instagram
@HoopCommitment

Twitter
@HoopCommitment

Facebook
HoopCommitment

Show Notes
HoopCommitment.com/1

]]> Mike Nilson Buzzsprout-1634440 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0700 1080 basketball, nutrition, workouts, leadership 1 full false