Daniel Poneman, one of the most influential agents in college and professional basketball, joins this podcast. Daniel, a Chicago basketball mainstay, got his start as a teenage scout and has since built a reputation as a top NIL and NBA agent, helping hundreds of players navigate the complex journey from high school to college and beyond. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique perspective on player development, the shifting landscape of prep school basketball, and the realities of college recruitment in the NIL era. He offers practical advice for families and players, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit, focusing on real improvement over hype, and understanding the true value of NIL deals. If you’re looking for direct, actionable insights on how to maximize your prep school basketball experience and make smart decisions about your future, this episode is a must-listen.

#DanielPoneman #NILAgent #PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruitment #PlayerDevelopment #PREPAthletics #BasketballPathway

💡 Key Topics:

📌 The evolution of prep school basketball and its impact on local talent
📌 The reality of player rankings and exposure in college recruitment
📌 How to find the right college or prep school fit for players
📌 NIL negotiations and understanding player value in today’s market
📌 The Undiscovered Showcase: Helping players find scholarships
📌 The future of college basketball and the role of agents

🏀 About Daniel Poneman:

Daniel Poneman is a top NIL and NBA agent, widely recognized for his deep roots in Chicago basketball and his innovative approach to player representation. He began as a teenage scout and has since helped hundreds of players secure college scholarships through his Undiscovered Showcase. Daniel is known for his direct, honest advice and his commitment to helping players and families navigate the complex world of basketball recruitment and development.

🔗 Connect with Daniel Poneman:

X | https://x.com/danielponeman?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/danielponeman/?hl=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-poneman-a1237920/
X | https://x.com/WEAVE
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/weave.agency/?hl=en

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball’s most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today’s transfer portal and NIL era? Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment.

💡Key Topics:

📌 Choosing the right prep school for basketball and academics (prep school basketball, NEPSAC, player development)
📌 Honest advice on playing time, roster spots, and maximizing college exposure (playing time, college basketball recruitment, exposure events)
📌 How NEPSAC prepares athletes for high-level college basketball (NEPSAC, college readiness, competitive scheduling)
📌 Building relationships and realistic recruiting strategies for families (recruitment, college placement, family guidance)
📌 Innovative player development and balancing academics (player development, strength and conditioning, academic-athletic balance)

🏀 About Alex Popp:

Coach Alex Popp is the head boys’ basketball coach at The Winchendon School, bringing a wealth of experience from his time leading Vermont Academy and five years at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top basketball programs. A former NEPSAC post-grad player and McDonald’s All-American nominee, Popp is known for his direct, relationship-driven approach to player development and college placement. His track record includes coaching future D1 and NBA athletes and building programs that prioritize both athletic and academic growth.

🔗 Connect with Alex Popp:

Email | apopp@winchendon.org
X | https://x.com/coachalexpopp?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/teamalexpopp/
X | https://x.com/winchhoops?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/winchendon_bvbb/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this revealing episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Curtis Peery, Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program. Coach Peery, a former D1 assistant at Maryland Eastern Shore, shares a major program update - Massanutten's basketball players no longer participate in military drills, making it significantly more appealing to recruits. Peery provides an insider's look at what Division I coaches actually discuss in recruiting rooms, emphasizing how small details like hustle and effort often determine scholarship offers. With his team finishing third in the Elite Prep League and reaching the Elite Eight nationally, Peery breaks down his development system that has players in the gym three times daily and gaining up to 23 pounds of muscle in a single season. Perfect for families considering the prep school route as a college basketball pathway.

#CurtisPerey #MassanuttenBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #ElitePrepLeague #D1Recruiting #BasketballDevelopment #MilitaryAcademy

💡Key Topics:

📌 Massanutten's program shift away from military requirements for basketball players
📌 Behind-the-scenes insights on how D1 coaches evaluate recruits
📌 Daily development schedule: 6AM wake-up, three gym sessions, college courses
📌 College placement strategy in the competitive transfer portal era
📌 The importance of toughness and character in player recruitment
📌 Elite Prep League competition and national tournament experience

🏀 About Curtis Peery:

Curtis Peery is the Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program in the Elite Prep League. A former Division I assistant coach at Maryland Eastern Shore under Frankie Allen, Peery brings D1 coaching experience to prep school player development, with his team finishing third in the EPL and reaching the Elite Eight nationally.

🔗 Connect with Curtis Peery:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mmapgbasketball/
X | https://x.com/MMAPGBasketball
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MMAPGBasketball/mentions/?_rdr

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

This week, host Cory Heitz sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AA’s fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If you’re navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen.

Ready to find the right path for your player? Subscribe and get the facts on prep basketball success.

💡 Key Topics:

📌 Elite player development at CATS Academy (prep school basketball, skill training, strength & conditioning)
📌 Maximizing college exposure through NEBL and open gyms (college basketball recruitment, college coaches, showcases)
📌 Honest prep school selection: Competition, team structure, and fit (prep school advice, player placement, development guarantees)
📌 Navigating the transfer portal and NIL for families (recruitment strategies, NIL deals, transfer portal impact)
📌 Balancing academics and athletics for prep/post-grad students (academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, post-grad prep)
📌 The evolving landscape of prep basketball leagues and future trends (NEBL, league competition, player pathways)

🏀 About Cary Herer:

Cary Herer is the Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at CATS Academy Boston, where he’s built the program from the ground up into a NEPSAC AA and NEBL contender. A former point guard at UMass under John Calipari, Cary brings decades of experience in grassroots basketball, elite player development, and high-level coaching. He’s known for his direct, practical approach and has helped numerous athletes reach the collegiate level.

🔗 Connect with Cary Herer:

Email | cherer@catsglobalschools.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cary_herer/
Twitter | https://x.com/caryherer

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this compelling episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Shavar Bernier, head basketball coach at the prestigious Taft School. Bernier shares his unique journey from being a first-team all-state player in New Hampshire to taking a gap year, attending Bridgton Academy, and eventually finding his way to Connecticut College before becoming a successful prep school coach. With remarkable candor, Bernier discusses his coaching philosophy centered on hard work, grit, and love for the game, while offering invaluable insights into how Taft prepares student-athletes for college basketball. Parents and players will appreciate his honest perspective on the importance of morning workouts, player development strategies, and how the right prep school environment can transform a young athlete’s future. This episode delivers practical wisdom for families navigating the complex prep-to-college basketball pathway.

💡Key Topics:

📌 Shavar’s personal journey through gap year, prep school, and college basketball
📌 Taft School’s unique community and basketball program philosophy
📌 Morning workouts, player development, and college preparation strategies
📌 Navigating college recruitment and finding the right basketball fit
📌 The importance of genuine love for basketball in player development
📌 College placement strategies for post-graduate students

🏀 About Shavar Bernier:

Shavar Bernier serves as the head basketball coach at Taft School, bringing his experience as a former first-team all-state player in New Hampshire, Bridgton Academy post-graduate, and Connecticut College standout. After coaching at the collegiate level with St. Michael’s in Vermont, Bernier found his calling in prep school basketball, where he’s built a program centered on developing complete student-athletes.

🔗 Connect with Shavar Bernier:

Website | SBernier@taftschool.org
X | https://x.com/shavmoney24
X | https://x.com/TaftBasketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/taftbvbasketball/?hl=en

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this week’s episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, I sit down with Craig Carter, the new head coach at South Kent School who took over for Raphael Chalias last August. Coach Carter shares his journey from the playgrounds of Brooklyn to playing at Rutgers and coaching at the D1 level for both men’s and women’s programs. He offers valuable insights on basketball development, the recruiting landscape in today’s environment, and how he’s transforming the South Kent program with his “Trust and Believe” philosophy.

📌 Key Topics:

✅ Coach Carter’s basketball journey from Brooklyn playgrounds to Rutgers University
✅ The importance of playground basketball in player development and basketball IQ
✅ Differences between coaching men’s and women’s basketball at the D1 level
✅ How South Kent prepares student-athletes academically and athletically
✅ The recruiting process in today’s transfer portal and NIL era
✅ Development opportunities at South Kent for both prep and second team players
✅ What it takes to be a D1 guard in modern basketball

🗒️ About Coach Craig Carter:

Craig Carter grew up in Brooklyn where he developed his game on the playgrounds before playing college basketball at Rutgers University in the Atlantic 10 Conference. His coaching career includes D1 experience with both men’s and women’s programs, including stints at Rutgers, University of Wisconsin, and Florida State. Coach Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to South Kent School with his “TAB - Trust and Believe” philosophy, focusing on developing complete student-athletes while helping them reach their collegiate goals. Under his leadership, South Kent continues its tradition of sending players to top programs like Kansas, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Harvard, and many others.
For more information on prep school basketball and recruiting, visit prepathletics.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

🔗 Connect with Coach Craig:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
X | https://x.com/coachcrcarter?lang=en
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/southkenthoops/?hl=en
X | https://x.com/southkenthoops?lang=en

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this insightful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Jared Grasso, head coach at the Knox School on Long Island. Coach Grasso shares his journey from Division I point guard to becoming one of the youngest head coaches at Bryant University, where he tripled their win total in his first year. Now at Knox School, he’s building what promises to be a national powerhouse program, already boasting a 31-5 record in just his first year.

We dive deep into Jared’s innovative recruiting strategies during his college coaching days, his philosophy on player development, and his vision for Knox School. As someone who coached at the Division I level for 21 years, Jared offers invaluable perspective on what it takes to succeed at higher levels and how prep school can be the perfect bridge for developing players.

📌 Key Points:

✅ Jared’s unconventional recruiting approach at Bryant University, where he offered scholarships to top players to get the program’s name out there and position themselves for potential transfers
✅ The comprehensive development program at Knox School, featuring three training sessions daily plus weightlifting
✅ Insights on the current state of college recruiting, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and how prep schools fit into this evolving landscape
✅ Why the extra year of development at prep school is crucial for most players transitioning to college basketball
✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits, regardless of what level of prep school they attend

🗒️ About Jared Grasso:

Jared Grasso grew up on Long Island as the son of a coach, developing his love for basketball at an early age. He played Division I basketball as a point guard at Quinnipiac before embarking on a coaching career that included stops at Hofstra, Fordham, and Bryant University. At Bryant, he became known for his innovative recruiting strategies and ability to quickly turn programs around. Now at Knox School, New York’s oldest private boarding school, he’s building a basketball program focused on intense player development and college preparation.

🔗 Connect with Jared Grasso:

Email | jgrasso@knoxschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coach_grasso_11/#
X | https://x.com/JaredGrass11
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/knox_school_basketball/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of documentary filmmaking with John Dorsey, the acclaimed director behind ESPN’s 30 for 30 classics “The Marinovich Project” and “Pony Excess.” From his early days at Propaganda Films alongside legendary directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze to his work on Johnny Cash’s iconic “Hurt” music video, John shares incredible stories from his remarkable career. We explore the delicate art of documentary storytelling, discussing how he convinced the reclusive Todd Marinovich to participate in his film and navigated challenging interviews with Marv Marinovich. John also offers unique perspective as an SMU alum who witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the football program’s death penalty, providing thoughtful commentary on how college athletics has evolved over the decades. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, sports enthusiast, or simply love great storytelling, this episode offers invaluable insights into the craft of documentary filmmaking and the changing landscape of sports media.

📌 Key Points:

✅ John reveals his journey from aspiring law student to acclaimed filmmaker, crediting his film school experience and mentorship under directors like Barry Levinson
✅ We discuss the meticulous preparation and emotional intelligence required to conduct meaningful documentary interviews
✅ John shares behind-the-scenes details of working on Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” video at the historic House of Cash
✅ We explore his current project on esports, where he’s working to challenge preconceptions about competitive gaming
✅ The conversation covers the evolving landscape of college athletics, comparing past scandals to today’s NIL era

🗒️ About John Dorsey:

John Dorsey is a veteran filmmaker whose career spans multiple decades in both documentary and music video production. He worked at the legendary Propaganda Films alongside directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze, contributing to iconic projects like Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” video. His documentary work includes the acclaimed ESPN 30 for 30 films “The Marinovich Project” and “Pony Excess,” as well as “Glory Hounds,” a powerful documentary about military working dogs in Afghanistan.

🔗 Connect with John Dorsey:

Website | https://ten100tv.com/
IMDB | https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1174236/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorseyten100/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic