Former DI associate head coach Rick Carter sits down with coaches, players, support staff, and personalities across the hoops landscape to define reality.
SpotterEDU CEO and former Division I associate head coach Richard Carter is joined by his co-host and DePaul basketball alumni, Joe Hanel. They open with their thoughts on our country’s struggle with systemic racism and how the NBA will play a large role in pushing us forward as a nation (1:00). They then shift gears and discuss which team’s will have the advantage heading into the NBA restart (15:44), Eastern Conference predictions (25:22), if there are any pick-ups to be made in the free agency market (28:00), and who will be coming out of the West (38:15).
3 Jun 2020
#16 Clayton Custer - Loyola University Chicago Rambler and Final Four Legend
SpotterCEO and former DI associate head coach Richard Carter sits down with former Loyola Chicago Rambler and Lou Henson Award winner, Clayton Custer. Clayton describes what it was like playing for MOKAN’s under 17 team alongside top NBA prospects and in front of Coach K as only a 14 year old (7:55), his one year of growth at Iowa State (24:37), and how an atmosphere of family and trust drew him to Loyola Chicago when it came time to transfer (30:05). Rick and Clayton close the show by taking a walk down memory lane and reliving some of the most memorable moments from Clayton’s 2018 Final Four run (36:52).
28 May 2020
#15 Tres Tinkle - Oregon State University Beavers All-Time Leading Scorer
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter sits down with Oregon State’s all-time leading scorer, Tres Tinkle. Tres talks about growing up as a coach’s son (6:18), how that taught him toughness, and eventually propelled him to turn around the Oregon State basketball program (15:08). He details his mindset heading into the NBA draft and how he has been preparing through this quarantine (36:33). Tres ends the episode describing what it was like growing up in Montana and how that gave him a permanent chip on his shoulder (50:58).
22 May 2020
#14 Brian Gregory - University of South Florida Bulls Men's Basketball Head Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by the University of South Florida head men’s basketball coach, Brian Gregory. Coach Gregory discusses how he has taken advantage of this time during the pandemic to get to know his guys better off the court (4:49). What it was like playing with David “The Admiral” Robinson at the United States Naval Academy (19:56). Coaching under Jud Heachcote at Michigan State and what it was like to have Tom Izzo vouch for him when an assistant spot became available (30:09). And what the most difficult part of jumping from an assistant to a head coach was (1:08:39).
21 May 2020
#13 Jaden Schutt - Yorkville High School Class of 2022
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Richard Carter is joined by Illinois native and class of 2022 prospect, Jaden Schutt. Rick and Jaden discuss what it is like to navigate the AAU/recruiting cycle in the midst of a pandemic, as well his daily life as a top recruit (0:53). We double back with Jaden after a month to check in on how his recruiting has opened up and which high major school are showing interest (29:14).
14 May 2020
#12 Mark Montgomery - Northern Illinois Huskies Men's Basketball Head Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Richard Carter sits down with the head coach of the Northern Illinois Huskies, Mark Montgomery. Coach Montgomery discusses how he has gained perspective through the Covid-19 pandemic and what he is trying to take from it moving forward (2:24). He outlines the differences in offseason training since he was a top prospect in Michigan (12:47) and the lessons he learned playing for the legendary Jud Heathcote at Michigan State (19:40). Rick and Coach Montgomery analyze the effects that the new transfer rule will play in combination with the inability to recruit during the pandemic (30:52). They also explore their tutelage under Tom Izzo at Michigan State and how that has propelled Coach Montgomery into a head coaching career of his own (38:32).
12 May 2020
#11 The Last Dance Ep. 7 & 8 Recap
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI basketball associate head coach Richard Carter recaps episodes 7 & 8 of The Last Dance with his co host DePaul basketball alum, Joe Hanel. They test the validity of some MJ conspiracies (7:32). and analyze the price of leadership (18:30). Did MJ blow games 4 & 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals so that he could clinch the championship on Father's Day? (32:30). How Phil Jackson and MJ employed the old "good cop, bad cop" within the Bulls' locker room (36:09). Finished with trending up, trending down, and how this documentary will end (38:55).
8 May 2020
#10 David Aldridge - Sports Journalist
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head basketball coach Richard Carter and co-host, DePaul basketball alum Joe Hanel sit down with long time sports journalist and legendary sideline reporter, David Aldridge. David begins by discussing the evolution of sports journalism and how covering athletes has changed (4:50). His incredible commitment to ethics in journalism (19:40). The best events he has covered, and what it is like to be embedded in such an emotional atmosphere (39:24). Covering the Dream Team (51:25) and the aura of Kobe's last game (1:02:09).
5 May 2020
#9 The Last Dance: Ep. 5 & 6 Recap
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Richard Carter is joined by DePaul basketball alum Joe Hanel to recap episodes 5 and 6 of The Last Dance. They discuss the special bond between Kobe and MJ (3:08) MJ's sociopathic competitive drive (14:57). Trying to live up to an unsustainable image as a public figure (27:47). How horrifying it must have been to find yourself opposite of MJ's wrath (37:35). And wrap the show up with trending up, trending down, and what they are looking forward to in episodes 7 & 8.
30 Apr 2020
#8 Travis Steele - Xavier Musketeers Men's Basketball Head Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head basketball coach Richard Carter is joined by the head coach of the Xavier Musketeers Men’s Basketball Team, Travis Steele. Coach Steele details how he has focused on development of relationships and skills throughout this quarantine (4:04). Who is mentors have been and what he has learned from them during his coaching journey (11:16). Carrying the banner of “The Xavier Way” while also contributing to the culture (27:49). The no-nights-off nature of the Big East (41:45). And the debut of the top 5 emoji game (50:36)
28 Apr 2020
#7 The Last Dance: Ep. 3 & 4 Recap
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by former DePaul University player Joe Hanel to recap the second week of the Last Dance. Episode 3 gives a view into the mercurial persona of Denis Rodman and we discuss how his plight would be viewed in 2020 (2:54). The unique way in which Phil Jackson handled his personality amongst a team of enigmas (13:10). The Piston's worthy adversarial role in the formation of the Bull's dynasty (21:55). How MJ's shot against the Cavs flipped the switch of the franchise and Scottie Pippen's internal struggle with imposter syndrome (29:24). A masterclass in relationship's by Phil Jackson (36:41). And the show is wrapped up with trending up, trending down, and what we are looking forward to in episodes 5 & 6 (44:30).
22 Apr 2020
#6 Mike Pegues - Louisville Cardinals Men's Basketball Assistant Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Louisville Cardinals assistant coach Mike Pegues. Mike explains how intuition will play a critical role in recruiting the 2020 and 2021 class due to COVID-19 shortening the recruiting window (3:03). The sacrifices his parents made for him growing up in the D.C. area and the lessons he learned from the legendary Morgan Wootten at DeMatha Catholic High School (13:10). We revisit Mike's time playing under current Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey at Delaware, where he became the school's all-time leading scorer (31:08). His time spent as a youth counselor, high school teacher, and AAU coach in northeast D.C. and how he learned the invaluable role that forming relationships play on and off the court (36:07). Coaching under Shaka Smart at VCU and recruiting the D.C. area (40:36). Finally, Mike talks about the expectations of coaching at a blue blood school like Louisville and lets us in on his secret to becoming one of the premier player development coaches in the country (50:05).
21 Apr 2020
#5 The Last Dance: Ep 1 & 2 Recap
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by former DePaul player Joe Hanel to recap week 1 of the Michael Jordan documentary. Rick recalls what it was like to take in the 1997-1998 Bulls season while it was happening (2:27). Joe and Rick then analyze MJ's leadership tactics (11:17) as well as the evolution of his game and athleticism (17:22). The episode is closed down with some quick categories; poor Jerry Krause (29:17), who won the episode (31:03), who's trending down, and what to look forward to next week (38:22).
19 Apr 2020
#4 Meet the Host With Former DePaul Player Joe Hanel
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by one of his former players from DePaul, Joe Hanel. Joe produces the Define Reality Podcast and will be a co host on future pods. Rick plays the role of guest where he discusses why he wanted to start the pod and what kind of environment he is trying to create (1:57). Who he would select at all of his previous coaching stops to participate in the Hunger Games (15:53). Connecting the dots of his coaching journey (26:55). How getting motherfucked by Tom Izzo on his first day as a Michigan State grad assistant gave his voice credibility as a young coach (34:11). And finally founding his own company, SpotterEDU (39:42).
16 Apr 2020
#3 Riley LaChance - Former Vanderbilt and Current Overseas Guard
Spotter CEO and former D1 associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Vanderbilt legend and current overseas guard Riley LaChance. Riley begins discussing by what it felt like to step off a plane in Europe as a pro and face uncertainty and isolation (3:35). Having personal success his first year at Vanderbilt, but dealing with losing for the first time (14:14). Losing his way and dealing with self-doubt in his sophomore campaign (19:30). Bouncing back his junior year with a new staff and rediscovering the player he had always been during his senior year (29:09).
We then take it all the way back to Riley's high school days where he learned the art of getting motherfucked and what it was like to be coached at a college level from his dad (46:52). The fuel he used when he was under recruited (54:29) and what it was like to finally blow up on the AAU scene (1:07:21).
15 Apr 2020
#2 Ben Johnson - Xavier Musketeers Men's Basketball Assistant Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Xavier men's basketball assistant coach Ben Johnson. Ben discusses how Xavier head coach Travis Steele and his staff have worked to stay in contact with its players during the COVID-19 pandemic (2:07). A brief history of his journey from playing professionally in Shanghai, China to where he is today (10:45). Creating a shared sense of purpose within a program and grinding as a young assistant coach at the University of Texas-Pan American (26:40). And learning how to create buzz around a program from Tim Miles at his first high major job in Nebraska (38:58).
Ben also details the return to his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, as an assistant coach under Richard Pitino and the battle of convincing rising in-state talent that they can have success as a Gopher (43:43). And finally his move to Xavier where he joins a program known nationally for its culture of innovation and success (52:51).
14 Apr 2020
#1 Fran McCaffery - Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball Head Coach
SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery. Fran details how he is leading his program through the unchartered waters of COVID-19 (1:20). What it's like to raise a family of hoopers and the changing dynamics of being both a father and coach (9:23). How his philosophy of coaching with what you have has led to his early adoption of positionless basketball (22:45).
We then hop on the recruiting trail and Fran gives us insights into what kind of players he looks for in recruiting and how social media has accelerated the process (46:34). Coach talks about how playing in Philly's famed Sonny Hill League shaped his coaching philosophy and also earned him the nickname White Magic (59:08).
Finally, coach discusses the future of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award winner Luka Garza, and how the Hawkeyes have positioned themselves for a potential Final Four run in 2020-2021 (1:09:10).
*Producer Note: Since the publication of this podcast, Luka Garza declared for the NBA Draft while still maintaining his eligibility and keeping the door open for a return to the Hawkeyes.
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