Jorge Ruiz, Assistant Coach and Assistant GM at Weber State University, joins the show to share his path from Video Coordinator to one of the youngest assistant coaches in the nation and his recent promotion to Assistant GM.

We dive into how Jorge approaches recruiting and roster building in today’s unpredictable college sports landscape, what he evaluates in high school recruits versus the transfer portal, and what coaches often miss about players like Damian Lillard and Dillon Jones, who became 1st-round NBA picks.

Jorge also breaks down what makes Weber State unique in developing professional-level talent, how strength coaches can add value in the recruiting process, and his in-season approach to skill development that balances long-term growth with keeping players fresh.

🔗Check out more from Jorge 👇

Instagram: @ruizjorge1

This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.

Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.

👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:13 Career Journey at Weber State

04:51 The Value of Longevity in Coaching Roles

08:26 Understanding the Assistant GM Role

09:46 Navigating Roster Management and Recruitment

11:14 The Importance of Honest Communication in Recruiting

13:04 Fitting Roles and Managing Expectations

15:38 Finding the Truth in Recruitment

17:35 Managing Challenging Personalities

20:27 Expectations and Ownership in Player Development

22:03 The Path to Professional Success

28:10 What Big Schools Miss in Talent Recruitment

34:16 Choosing the Right School for Development

35:40 The Pressure of Immediate Production in College Basketball

39:40 The Importance of Development and Growth

41:49 The Impact of Alumni on Current Players

47:33 Identifying Talent: What Sets Players Apart

52:04 The Role of Strength Coaches in Recruiting

58:04 The Costs of Pursuing Greatness in Coaching

59:54 Finding Purpose in Coaching Relationships