The Coach D Podcast is your go-to source for unlocking the secrets to athlete development, from climbing the ranks to the collegiate level, turning pro, or mastering your skills from both player and coach perspectives. If you're passionate about basketball or love hearing takes on the NBA, you'll feel right at home here! Follow me on IG & Twitter @Coach_dee7 to stay updated on weekly episodes and all things basketball. Don't forget to subscribe, drop a comment with your thoughts, and let me know how you enjoyed the episode!
Amaris Baker: The Journey to Pro & What Makes a Great Guard
Are You Thinking Like a Pro Guard? | Amaris Baker (London Lions)
What does it REALLY take to become a professional basketball player, and what separates a good guard from a great one?
In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we're joined by Amaris Baker, former Drexel University standout and newly signed London Lions guard, as she begins an exciting new chapter after signing her first professional contract.
From navigating the challenges of college basketball to establishing herself as a standout performer at Drexel, Amaris shares the experiences, lessons and mindset that helped shape her journey to the professional level.
We dive into the mind of a high-level guard, exploring decision-making, creating scoring opportunities, reading defenders and understanding when to attack, pass or make the right play.
Amaris also shares valuable advice for aspiring players looking to elevate their game, the importance of developing skills that translate to higher levels, and what it takes to earn a coach's trust.
Plus, we discuss her move to London, what excites her about joining the London Lions, and what fans can expect from her and the new squad this season!
Episode Highlights
- The journey from college basketball to signing a first professional contract.
- What separates good guards from great guards.
- How to improve basketball IQ and make better decisions under pressure.
- Creating advantages against bigger, stronger defenders.
- Essential skills aspiring guards should develop NOW.
- Building confidence, overcoming setbacks and earning a coach's trust.
- Why Amaris chose London and what excites her about the Lions.
🎟️ Support the London Lions!
Come down to the New City College (NCC) and experience the London Lions women's team in action!
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.universe.com/users/london-lions-basketball-D938MP?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAU9kr9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp2_kXeELKJy3kK2_PlsCjIfaAxeCcni6o6zYS-WZz4aDr8V0RD7UPctyI940_aem_t8M_jMCQWMPWH1tidAIstw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3
Whether you're an aspiring player, coach or basketball fan, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you Think The Game and take your understanding of basketball to another level.
🎧 Listen, learn and share with someone looking to improve their game!
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?obrf=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==
📧 coachdbasketball23@gmail.com
Amaris Baker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.baker12?mdxt=MXI4bHAzcHE3cnlyOQ==
London Lions Womens: https://www.instagram.com/londonlionswomen?srtk=YmdjNzViYjNpcXFh
8 Oct 2026
Real Situations Create Better Players Ft GameBasedTraining
Spotify Episode Summary
What does effective basketball training actually look like — and are we doing enough to prepare players for the decisions they'll face in a real game?
In this episode of the Coach D Podcast , we dive into player development, purposeful practice and the difference between simply completing drills and developing skills that genuinely transfer to competition.
We explore why intensity and intent matter, the value of putting players into realistic situations, and why coaches should encourage athletes to understand the “why” behind what they're doing. From decision-making and adaptability to consistency and allowing players the freedom to solve problems, this conversation challenges some of the traditional ways we think about basketball training.
Whether you're a player, coach or skills trainer , this episode will make you question: Does your training actually prepare you for the game?
🏀 Episode Highlights
Why real situations create better players
Are players training with genuine intensity and intent?
The difference between doing drills and developing game-ready skills
Why players need to understand the WHY behind training
How to develop better decision-makers , not just better drill performers
Why coaches sometimes need to “just let them play”
Developing players who can make the right read
Why adaptability is essential when the game doesn't go to plan
The role of consistency in long-term player development
What could be missing from traditional basketball training
Creating training environments where players learn to think, react and solve problems
🎙️ Coach D Podcast — Think The Game.
25 Sept 2026
Does 3 x 3 Make Better Players With Coach Seda
In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we sit down with Coach Seda — former Turkish National Team player and 2011 European silver medalist, now an elite skill development coach known for her attention to detail and high standards.
We dive into the real differences between 3v3 and 5v5 basketball, and why Coach Seda believes 3-on-3 builds the fundamentals, decision-making, and creativity that many players are missing today.
She shares powerful lessons from earning her place on the 2011 Turkey national team — and how that competitive fight now shapes the way she coaches effort, discipline, and accountability.
We also break down:
Why players must be shot-ready before the ball touches their hands
How defensive ball pressure changes the game
The importance of knowing the score, time, and foul situation
What separate players who improve every year from those who stay the same
Whether you're a player looking to raise your basketball IQ or a coach wanting to sharpen your teaching approach, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply immediately.
🎧 Available on Spotify & YouTubeStay connected
Email: coachdbasketball23@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?stkn=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==
🎧 Available on Spotify & YouTube
Stay connected
Email: coachdbasketball23@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?stkn=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==
Who has been a guest on Coach D Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dan Petts
Stephen Brown
Coach Nate Melendez
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
180,281
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
95
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
77
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