Making the Team

Coach Donny Daniels has seen college basketball from the very top. Five Final Fours. Three national championship game appearances. Eleven seasons on Rick Majerus' staff at Utah, seven at UCLA under Ben Howland, and nine at Gonzaga with Mark Few. He recruited Keith Van Horn and Andre Miller to Salt Lake City and coached future NBA stars like Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love and Jrue Holiday in Westwood.Today, you'll find him on the bench at Cottonwood High School.Erik and co-host Coach Doug Meacham sit down with Coach Daniels to talk about a career that spans four decades, what he learned from three very different Hall of Fame-caliber head coaches, and the advice he'd give to players chasing the next level, parents trying to support them, and coaches trying to build something real.📺 Subscribe for more Utah basketball interviews:@MakingTheTeamPodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:50 Aha Moment to Start Coaching2:56 Starting at the University of Utah5:01 Role at Utah6:06 The Grey Squad10:14 Juddy Question 112:07 Mike Doleac14:06 Off Court Team Buidling16:30 Juddy Question 217:25 Being a Great Assistant23:08 Balancing Truth with Feelings25:12 Teaching Shot Selection27:56 Learning from other Coaches31:03 Majerus Coaching Tree34:01 Coaching in today's game36:13 Picking a Skills Trainer41:30 Common Threads of Great Teams43:16 Coaches Adapting to Today's Challenges44:40 Mental Health51:18 Making the Right Play57:30 Parents & Recruiting58:35 Always Learning1:01:46 Learning from Mistakes1:03:42 Moving to High School1:06:15 Andre Miller Recruiting Story1:11:36 Donny's Passions outside basketball1:12:53 Eric Daniels Carrying the Coaching Torch1:19:22 Advice to Past Self#UtahBasketball #DonnyDaniels #RunninUtes #Gonzaga #UCLABasketball #RickMajerus #UtahHighSchoolBasketball #BasketballPodcast #CollegeBasketball #MakingTheTeamPodcast #CottonwoodHigh #BasketballCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #HoopsInterview

What does it really take to go from high school basketball to playing professionally?In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with professional basketball player Zac Seljaas to talk about his journey from Bountiful High School in Utah to BYU and ultimately professional basketball in Europe.Zac was part of an incredible run at Bountiful, winning two state championships and playing alongside future NBA player Sam Merrill. He went on to play Division I basketball at BYU before continuing his career professionally overseas.But this conversation is about much more than where Zac has played.We talk about the lessons he learned at each stage of his basketball career, the work required to reach the next level, dealing with challenges and adversity, and what young players can learn from his experiences.If you're a high school basketball player hoping to play in college, a parent helping your athlete navigate the process, or a coach looking for lessons to share with your team, there is a lot to take away from Zac's story.🔗 Seljaas Hoops Website:https://www.seljaashoops.com/🔗 Follow Zac's Journey Here:https://www.instagram.com/zseljaas/Some Zac Stats:• 1,704 career points at Bountiful, plus 494 rebounds and 217 threes• The 2014 4A title was Bountiful's first since 1997• 4A MVP, first-team all-state; Utah Player of the Year in 2015 • BYU Career: 134 games, 39.5% from three, 8th most 3-pointers in program historyChapters:0:00 Intro0:21 Seljaas Hoops3:10 High School Buzzer Beater History7:07 Bountiful High Lessons9:50 Having Dad as Coach13:01 Coach Maxwell Style16:30 Dealing with Being "The Guy"18:48 High School Workouts Habits21:51 Advice to High School Self22:41 Getting Recruited to College26:52 Major Changes During College28:39 Going from Good to Great31:49 Mission and Getting Back35:23 College Workout Habits43:51 "Bag Work"49:24 Advice to College Self50:31 College to the Pros57:27 Overseas vs US Basketball1:04:29 European Basketball Organization1:15:11 Playing for Napoli1:18:48 Different Cultures & Languages1:21:14 Quote Reaction1:25:28 Favorite Shoes1:27:43 Family Dynamic1:30:31 The Goal1:32:32 Advice to Early Pro Self1:33:36 Stying Sharp in the Offseason1:36:07 Has it all been worth it?#Basketball #ZacSeljaas #BYUBasketball #UtahBasketball #HighSchoolBasketball

What does it take to succeed as a high school basketball player?In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Beckam Rees - standout guard for the Riverton Silverwolves. We talk about his basketball journey, Riverton legacy, and what it takes to compete at a high level.Beckam shares insights into the work behind the scenes — the training, mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to succeed in competitive high school basketball.If you’re a basketball player, coach, or parent of a young athlete, this interview provides valuable insight into how players develop and what separates good players from great ones.Subscribe for more interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.#basketball #makingtheteam #beckamrees #rivertonbasketball

Chris Burgess knows what it feels like to have the entire basketball world watching. Coming out of Woodbridge High School in Irvine, California as the nation's #1 recruit and a McDonald's All-American, Burgess had his pick of programs — and chose Duke University over BYU, playing for Coach Mike Krzyzewski and reaching the national championship game in 1999. He later transferred to the University of Utah, where he played under legendary coach Rick Majerus before a decade-long professional career that took him around the globe.Now back home as an assistant coach at BYU under Kevin Young, Burgess shares the full story — the pressure, the lessons, and what he brings to the next generation of players.🎙 In this episode, Coach Burgess and Erik cover:🏆 What it's like being labeled the #1 recruit in the country and the pressure that comes with it🔵 Playing for Coach K at Duke and competing in the 1999 national championship game🏔️ Transferring to Utah and learning under Hall of Fame coach Rick Majerus🌍 A decade of professional basketball across the U.S., Australia, Korea, Europe, and more📋 What he looks for when recruiting players to BYU today🧠 Advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process🐾 Building the Cougars program in the Big 12 under coach Kevin YoungBe sure to follow Coach Burgess:https://www.instagram.com/cburgess34/Also follow BYU Men's Basketball: https://byucougars.com/sport/m-basketballPlease consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:33 Realities of Being the #1 Prospect5:45 Getting Recruited9:44 Playing Well In Front of Coaches15:28 Transition from High School to College20:39 Making the Commitment to Duke29:17 Letting Down 9 Million Mormons3:04 What Players Can Do Now to Be Ready for College35:58 Replicating Game Speed in Practice39:45 Transferring Schools (Then and Now)48:56 Coach K vs Coach Majerus56:56 Player Development1:01:28 Recruiting Now1:03:58 Choosing Who To Recruit1:06:26 Getting Recruits with Honesty1:12:15 Feel vs Teach vs Enforce1:16:40 Team Leaders and Personalities1:19:55 Change in What Matters1:25:04 Coaching Shot Selection1:28:16 HS vs Portal vs International Players & Recruiting1:33:00 What Players and Parents are Missing1:42:23 Advice to Younger Self#BYUBasketball #ChrisBurgess #BasketballRecruiting #MakingTheTeam

DJ Conner grew up playing basketball at Orem High School — and now he's back, this time as the head coach of the Golden Tigers.After spending two years as the head coach at Mountain View High School, Coach Conner has returned to his alma mater to build something special in Orem. In this conversation, he shares his full journey: what it was like playing for Orem, the lessons he's carried with him, and what it means to now lead the program he once played for.Whether you're a player trying to level up, a parent navigating youth sports, or a coach looking for perspective — this one is for you.🎙 Coach DJ Conner covers:His personal story of playing at Orem High SchoolThe transition from player to coachLessons learned from his time at Mountain ViewAdvice for players, parents, and coaches at every levelWhat he's building at Orem and his vision for the programPlease consider following Coach Conner on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/djconner/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team#basketball #OremHighSchool #UtahBasketball #CoachDJConner #GoldenTigers #HighSchoolBasketball #MakingTheTeam

Coach Casey Stanley sits down for an in-depth interview about his journey to becoming the new head men's basketball coach at Westminster University in Salt Lake City. With 18 years of collegiate coaching experience — including 15 seasons at the NCAA Division I level — Stanley has worked alongside some of the biggest names in basketball, including Rick Pitino at Louisville and Richard Pitino at Minnesota. Along the way, he helped develop seven NBA players and 31 international professionals.Now leading the Westminster Griffins in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) at the Division II level, Coach Stanley shares his defensive philosophy, his commitment to recruiting local Utah talent, and what it means to take on his first collegiate head coaching role. Before arriving at Westminster, Stanley built Layton Christian Academy into a nationally ranked Top 50 prep program, compiling a 66-20 record and winning a state title.In this interview, we cover:🏀 His coaching journey from Iona College to D1 staffs across the country🏀 What he learned working under Rick Pitino and other elite coaches🏀 Why he's prioritizing Utah recruits and local talent🏀 His defensive identity and how he plans to build the Griffins program🏀 The transition from prep coaching to his first college head coaching job🔔 Subscribe for more Utah basketball interviews and high school hoops coverage!📱 FOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team📌 TIMESTAMPS0:00 New Program 0:27 Difference between High School & College2:08 Why Focus on Utah Recruiting?3:10 Coaching Tree4:19 Non Negotiables to a Winning Culture5:30 Recruiting High School Players10:20 What it Takes to Win13:00 Building a Culture14:58 Where to Start16:48 Scouting18:17 Shot Selection19:45 Use of Analytics23:37 Rules of D2 vs D124:57 Picking a Staff26:21 Biggest Surprises for High Schoolers27:44 What Players Need to Play Immediately29:44 National Attention30:50 Turning Around the Program33:50 Life Outside Basketball36:03 Still Learning37:44 Useful Equipment38:28 Separating Self Worth From Record39:40 Advice to Coaches40:38 Advice to Younger Self#WestminsterGriffins #CaseyStanley #UtahBasketball #WestminsterUniversity #RMAC #CollegeBasketball #CoachInterview #HighSchoolBasketball #Utah

Alex Jensen sits down to talk about his journey from Viewmont High School standout and Utah's Mr. Basketball to the 17th head coach of the University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's basketball program. Coach Jensen opens up about getting recruited by the legendary Rick Majerus, starring on Utah's 1998 Final Four team, winning the first-ever Mountain West Conference Player of the Year award, and playing professionally overseas. He also shares what he looks for in recruits now that he's back on the other side of the table, the coaching philosophies shaped by nearly two decades in the NBA — including 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz and two with the Dallas Mavericks — and why this upcoming season at Utah has him more excited than ever. Whether you're a Utes fan, a Big 12 basketball follower, or a hoops junkie who loves a great homecoming story, this one is for you.RELATED VIDEO:Coach Judkins Interview: https://youtu.be/L-UV2WCvwS8🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with top basketball coaches and players.⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Our First Meeting0:30 Alex Jensen Moments1:34 Elite Defender3:27 Most Difficult to Guard4:41 Andre Miller5:10 Getting Recruited to the U7:20 Role of Assistants during Majerus8:19 Coach Judkins Memories9:55 Why Majerus Yelled at Alex10:37 What the U offers Recruits now12:07 Picking Coach Jensen's Staff12:58 Recruiting HS vs Portal vs Europe14:26 What Really Matters to a College Coach15:40 Biggest Jump From HS to College17:20 NBA Experience19:27 Best Way to Practice21:22 Feel vs Teach vs Enforce23:29 Utah "Style"25:04 Size of Recruiting Pool26:34 Parent Involvement vs Agents27:18 Relationship with AAU Ball27:53 Looking Forward to This Season28:43 Making Practice Plans30:05 College Basketball Schedule31:13 Two Halves in College. Why?31:40 Last Season Pros and Cons32:42 Has it all been worth it?34:12 Staying Present📲 Follow us here on YouTube as well as: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

Cyprus High School head basketball coach Tre Smith sits down to talk about his 12-year journey rebuilding the Pirates basketball program from the ground up. A former Cyprus star and University of Utah basketball player, Coach Smith returned to West Valley to transform a program that had won just 2 games the season before he took over. In this interview, we dive into his coaching philosophy, how he builds confidence in young players, the culture shift that turned Cyprus into a competitive program, and what it takes to develop talent at the high school level. Coach Smith also shares stories about his players, what drives his approach to the game, and why coaching at his alma mater means everything to him. 🏀 Topics covered:00:00 Introduction00:13 Dress Standards01:03 Basketball Character2:50 Building a Program4:31 You Can Beat Anybody6:07 Turning Point in Career7:38 Mr Basketball - Q Meza9:37 New Cyprus/Old Cyprus10:32 Coaching Style12:26 Playing Influence on Coaching Style13:15 Offense/Defense Philosophies15:40 Coaching Staff Ideas19:00 Tryout Expectations20:30 Practices21:02 Details Matter23:56 Picking Captains25:06 Play Sets28:13 Scouting Opponents30:35 Coachisms31:19 "Try Hards"35:47 Youth Programs37:05 Keeping Players at Cyprus38:32 Parents41:29 Fundraising Efforts42:55 Spousal Support46:22 Relationship with Officials47:24 Game Day Traditions48:36 Rivalries49:38 Team Dress Rules51:08 Bigger than Basketball52:54 Questions From The Internet56:01 Advice for Younger Self57:43 Self Worth vs Team Record59:04 Hate Losing1:00:09 Coach's Impact on Game1:01:50 Parting Message📌 Follow Cyprus Basketball:https://www.instagram.com/cyprus_hoops/📌 Follow Coach Tre Here:https://www.instagram.com/3tre_dayyy3/If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it helps us reach more basketball coaches and fans!#CyprusBasketball #TreSmith #HighSchoolBasketball #UtahBasketball #CoachInterview #BasketballCoaching #CyprusPirates

Mountain Ridge Sentinel Boys Basketball head coach Andre Ashton sits down to talk all things basketball after completing a historic first season at the helm. Coach Ashton and his players led the Sentinels to the winningest record in school history, capping off the remarkable year with a run to the state quarterfinals. In this conversation, he reflects on building a winning culture, the key moments that defined the season, and what's ahead for Mountain Ridge basketball. Whether you're a Sentinels fan, a high school hoops enthusiast, or someone who loves a great coaching story, this one's for you.Follow Mountain Ridge Basketball Here: https://www.instagram.com/mountainridgebasketball/Follow Coach Ashton Here:https://www.instagram.com/dre_15/Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball.https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

What does it take to build a championship-level high school basketball team?In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Kyle Straatman, head coach of the Bingham Miners and Utah 6A Coach of the Year, to talk about Bingham’s incredible season that ended with a state runner-up finish.Coach Straatman shares insights into building team culture, developing players, leading a competitive program, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of high school basketball.This conversation is valuable for players, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the mindset, preparation, and leadership behind a successful basketball program.In this interview we discuss:Bingham High School’s run to the state finalsWhat it takes to build a successful basketball programLeadership and culture in high school sportsPlayer development and team chemistryLessons from a Utah 6A Coach of the YearSubscribe for more interviews with basketball players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in high school basketball.Time Codes:0:00 Winning Coach of the Year0:50 Memories of This Year2:28 Tournament Run4:08 Bingham Style7:23 Defensive Philosophy9:03 Style Dependent on Athletes11:38 Teaching Reads15:33 Tryouts & Conditioning19:43 Cultural Expectations24:28 Communicating with Players26:22 Accountability and Care28:25 Picking Captains30:33 Seniors32:05 Multisport Athletes35:45 Referees41:32 Effort Expectations43:42 Building Roles48:47 Youth Programs50:56 Game Day Traditions54:20 Home Court Advantage: The Pit56:06 Coaching Staff1:00:04 Questions from the Internet1:14:00 Advice to 1st Year Coach#basketball #binghambasketball #kylestraatman #makingtheteam #highschoolbasketball