The Rising Coaches Podcast

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, Doug and Alan dive into one of the most important topics in today's game: Recruiting Over Rankings. Answering questions submitted by our listeners and Rising Coaches members, we discuss how recruiting philosophies have evolved, how to uncover whether a recruit is truly the right fit for your program, why recruiting should be a full-staff effort instead of resting on one coach, and creative ways to separate yourself in today's competitive recruiting landscape. Whether you're recruiting high school prospects or transfers, this episode is filled with practical ideas for coaches at every level. We hope you enjoy it.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re back with part two of our conversation with LaPhonso Ellis, former NBA veteran, current basketball analyst, and head coach of Team Heartfire in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). In this second half, Ellis shifts into what he’s learned from both coaching and evaluating the game at the highest level. In this episode we discuss his perspective on the common traits he’s noticed across elite teams through his work as an analyst and what those teams consistently do in practice, his experience leading Team Heartfire in the TBT and the lessons that have come with it, and how he approaches building and managing a roster in a constantly changing tournament environment.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by LaPhonso Ellis, former NBA veteran, current basketball analyst, and head coach of Team Heartfire in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). In this first part of a two-part conversation, Ellis reflects on his journey through the game and the coaches who helped shape his understanding of leadership and winning at every level. In this episode we discuss what made Coach Digger Phelps such an effective leader and how he earned buy-in from his players, the key coaching traits he’s picked up from some of the best minds he’s been around, and what elite coaches consistently do behind the scenes that most fans never get to see.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jimmy Elgas, Head Coach at Henderson State University. Coach Elgas has built a wealth of experience through assistant coaching stops at Illinois State, Lincoln College, Southwest Texas, Kansas State, Utah, and Evansville before earning the opportunity to lead the Henderson State program. His journey has given him a unique perspective on leadership, personal growth, and building a successful culture. In this episode we discuss how coaches can continue developing themselves to better serve their teams in today’s landscape, the key factors he believes young coaches should consider before taking a head coaching position, and the core values that drive his program and shape the expectations he has for both players and staff.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Bo Gray, Assistant Coach at Tarleton State University. Gray’s coaching journey began at Youngstown State, where he worked his way from manager to head manager before continuing his rise through roles at Illinois State and now Tarleton State. His path is a great example of how consistency and adding value can open doors in the profession. In this episode we discuss how his responsibilities evolved throughout his time at Youngstown State, the key moments and relationships that helped shape his coaching journey, and how he approaches his role as a young assistant working alongside experienced coaches on staff.