About the Guest(s):

Nicki Collen is the head coach of the Baylor University Women's Basketball Team. With a rich history in both collegiate and professional basketball, Collen brings a wealth of experience and a focus on development and relational dynamics within her teams.

Before joining Baylor, she served as a head coach in the WNBA, adding to her repertoire of managing high-talent players and achieving strategic game success.

Tony Greene serves as the Associate Head Coach at Baylor University. With over 30 years of coaching experience, Greene specializes in defensive strategy and player development. His insights are invaluable for understanding the motivational and developmental aspects of recruiting and team building.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "It's Just Different Podcast," host Ashley Roberts chats with Baylor University's Head Coach Nicki Collen and Associate Head Coach Tony Greene about the nuanced process of basketball recruiting.

With detailed insights, the coaches share valuable advice for parents, athletes, and coaches on making informed decisions within the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball recruiting.

They emphasize the importance of aligning skills with playing opportunities, choosing the right AAU teams, and navigating recruitment with realistic expectations and thorough homework.

Delving into what coaches look for in potential recruits, the conversation also touches on the value of camps, the influence of social media, and how athletes can showcase their skills effectively to attract college programs.

Nicki Collen and Tony Greene discuss the significance of culture, relationships, and adaptability within college programs, and how they navigate these factors to build a cohesive and successful team.

This episode offers an engaging and informative exploration of the recruitment landscape for aspiring basketball athletes and their families.

Key Takeaways:

• Recruitment Strategies: Nicki Collen emphasizes the value of choosing programs where athletes are wanted and needed, both on and off the court.

• Importance of Camps: Camps offer a valuable opportunity for athletes to showcase themselves, learn about programs, and build relationships with coaches.

• Playing Up vs. Grade Level: Tony Greene suggests that playing up can be beneficial as it challenges athletes, while ensuring they still receive adequate playing time for development.

• Role of Social Media: Nicki Collen highlights the importance of using social media purposefully for showcasing talent and building fruitful relationships with coaches.

• Cultural Fit in Teams: The conversation underscores finding a college program with the right culture and relationships to support athlete development beyond just wins.

  
  

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