OBP59: Wyoming's Will Martin on People Who Sit in the Abyss, Resilience & Blue-Blood Lessons
Will Martin, assistant coach for Sundance Wicks at the University of Wyoming, joins us for OBP59. Coach Martin takes us through his coaching journey, starting from his formative years as a student manager at the University of Kentucky under Billy Gillispie and John Calipari. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to operate inside a blue-blood program and how those early experiences laid the groundwork for his career in collegiate athletics.The conversation dives deep into the evolution of coaching roles, the impact of key mentors, and the realities of navigating the high-stakes world of modern college basketball. Will candidly discusses the peaks and valleys of life both on and off the court, offering valuable perspective on staying grounded, adapting through change, and building sustainable success within a basketball program.Beyond the tactical and developmental side of the game, Coach Martin shares a powerful message on vulnerability, mental resilience, and the importance of finding "people who will sit with you in the abyss" during life's toughest moments.
14 Sept 2026
OBP58: Dr. Curt Miller & Tony Watkins on ATL Southside, my dad's the coach, and life as ADs
They were coached by their dads and then made their way into administration. Hear all the hoops stories from Dr. Curt and Tony Watkins.
5 Sept 2026
OBP57: Gregg Gottlieb - a basketball family, a basketball life, a basketball coach
Coaches - come sit at the Final Four hotel lobby and listen to Gregg Gottlieb tell stories about life, coaching, people and family. From a restricted earnings coach making $0 to his two stops at San Diego State to a COVID opportunity at Gran Canyon, Gottlieb has done it all. And still gets to surf every morning. Listen to it all.
19 Aug 2026
OBP56/2: Best Buddies and Beers in Berlin start Slappin' Glass Pod | Dan Krikorian (Part 2)
Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Dan Krikorian as he breaks down the conversation in Berlin that lead to the creation of the Slappin' Glass podcast, the Jeff Van Gundy shoutout on national TV, Dan's evolving thoughts on analytics in basketball and we even talk about the best burgers in Costa Mesa.
5 Aug 2026
OBP56: Dan Krikorian - True Basketball Coach before Podcast Host (Part 1)
In OBP56, we welcome Dan Krikorian, head men's basketball coach at Chapman University and co-host of the Slappin' Glass Podcast, a favorite among basketball coaches across the world. In Part 1 of our conversation, we hear all about Dan's own basketball story, from playing days to his first steps into the coaching ranks. Dan shares his journey from Chapman player to assistant coach and eventually taking over the program following legendary head coach Mike Bokosky. He reflects on the trust his mentor placed in him, the lessons he learned by being given real responsibility early in his coaching career.The conversation also dives into Dan's coaching philosophy—from designing game-like practices and empowering players to think for themselves, to embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for fear. As the host of the Slappin' Glass Podcast, Dan has spent years learning from some of the game's best coaches, and he explains how the greatest basketball minds simplify the game instead of overcomplicating it.
23 Jul 2026
OBP 55: Flares in North Macedonia, D3 Hoops, Overseas Grind & World Geography with Tom Quarry
Welcome to the new season of Off the Beaten Path Hoops! In our first episode, we sit down with Tom Quarry, whose basketball journey embodies what it truly means to take the road less traveled. From grinding his way through a stellar NCAA Division III career at Johns Hopkins to taking his talents across the globe as a pro in Portugal, North Macedonia, and Luxembourg, Tom has seen every side of the game.Tom breaks down his lifelong love for hoops, rooted in the intense, basketball-obsessed culture of growing up in Philadelphia. He shares what it really takes to transition from a D3 standout to playing in European pro leagues, pulling back the curtain on the wild realities of international basketball—including electric fan atmospheres and literal flares being set off outside locker rooms in North Macedonia.Whether you’re an aspiring hooper, a fan of overseas basketball culture, or just love a great sports story, this conversation is packed with raw insights, hilarious anecdotes, and pure passion for the game. Tune in now and hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Off the Beaten Path Hoops!
16 Dec 2025
OBP54: UNLV's Josh Pastner on coaching dreams, Lute, Cal and staying ahead of the posse
Josh Pastner, the all-time leading rebounder at Arizona, shares his stories and lessons from a coaching journey shaped by legendary mentors and high-pressure jobs. He reflects on learning under Lute Olson ("one of the greatest clinicians and practice coaches in sports history"), what it was like stepping in at Memphis at just 31 years old after John Calipari’s historic run, and the intensity of leading a program where basketball defines the city. Pastner also talks Georgia Tech, including winning an ACC Championship and the iconic face shield that became part of One Shining Moment. From coaching philosophy to adaptability and leadership, this episode offers insight into the experiences that shaped Pastner and led him to UNLV.
17 Oct 2025
OBP53: Donnie Tyndall talks Love of the Game, Show Cause and Beef O'Brady's
Insightful. Honest. Unfiltered. In this episode, we sit down with Donnie Tyndall to trace his remarkable coaching path, from his early days at St. Catherine’s in Kentucky to joining LSU and forming a lasting connection with Kermit Davis. Coach Tyndall shares stories from his unforgettable run at Morehead State, the challenges he faced during NCAA issues at Tennessee and Southern Miss, and the lessons learned from a 10-year show cause penalty that changed his life and career. We also dive into his comeback through his work in the NBA G League.
26 Sept 2025
OBP52: Brian James talks Michael Jordan, NU in NCAAs and the heart of Taylorville
Few people can say they’ve lived nearly half a century in the game of basketball. Coach Brian James has. With 49 years of coaching experience, James has seen the sport from every angle — from small-town roots in Taylorville, Illinois, to the biggest stages in the NBA and college basketball.In this episode, BJ takes us inside some of the defining moments of his journey: what it was like to go from high school to the NBA, to work alongside Doug Collins, to coach and manage the competitive fire of Michael Jordan, and to help Chris Collins lead Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances. James also reflects on the enduring role basketball plays in Taylorville and the life lessons the game continues to teach.Whether you’re a lifelong hoops fan or just curious about the stories behind the sidelines, this conversation offers a rare window into the relationships, challenges, and triumphs that define a true coaching career.
14 Oct 2024
OBP51: Dean Keener, from a truck stop to the Final Four
Dean Keener joins Episode 52 of Off the Beaten Path Hoops to tell his story that starts in northern Ohio and winds through Five Star Camp, Davidson, a truck stop in Indiana, a friendly office mate, a Monday night moment and the top grassroots basketball events in the country. Enjoy the conversation!
10 Sept 2024
OBP50: Norman Parker and the Georgia Stars - a lasting legacy of hoops
The founder of the Georgia Stars Basketball tells us about the humble beginnings of the program in Bartow County, the steep learning curve in recruiting and competing, and the breakthrough that happened with young William Avery at the helm. From Nike to Coach K, and from church gyms to the NBA, Norman has been through it all. Listen for great stories, lots of connections and some Peach Jam championship memories.
25 Jun 2024
OBP49: Dan Evans takes Midwest roots to North Georgia success
Here's the story of Dan Evans, a basketball coach who remembers every play from every game, got a job in the South off HoopDirt (along with connections, relationships and fate), and took the University of North Georgia Nighthawks to the Elite Eight.
25 May 2024
OBP48: Gonzaga's R-Jay Barsh says that if you open the gym, they will come.
We kick off Season 4 with Gonzaga assistant coach R-Jay Barsh who tells us the importance of opening the gym for anyone and everyone, including Isiah Thomas, along with how to build relationships that last. And make sure you ask him is how...
2 Oct 2023
OBP47: Tony Campbell takes the reins at Reinhardt
Coach Campbell tells us his path from player to coach, a battle with cancer and Barksdale tales.
29 Aug 2023
OBP 46: NC Wesleyan's John Thompson on relationships over networking and camp connections
From mentors and role models to John Thompson mix ups and Final Four visits - it's all here in OBP46 with legendary North Carolina Wesleyan coach John Thompson.
28 Aug 2023
OBP45: South Alabama's Richie Riley talks tough interviews, difficult decisions and finding the path
From maxing out your credit cards to leading a top division one program, Coach Richie Riley is a true example of following an off the beaten path to the top of the profession. Hear about his mentors, his insights, his work as a golf caddy and who can get you out of a speeding ticket.
2 May 2023
Off the Beaten Path Basketball: Season 4 Tipoff Talk
Welcome to Season 4 of OBP, our off the beaten path basketball podcast for coaches living in obscurity, working in obscurity and even for those who have made it out of obscurity. In OBP44, our hosts catch up, tell stories and preview the season.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Off the Beaten Path Hoops
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
