In Episode 14 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down exactly what it takes for a player to stand out, get recognized, and earn real playing time. Whether you're trying to make a team, move up the depth chart, or catch the eye of college coaches, this episode lays out the six essential traits that separate impact players from everyone else: skill, effort, leadership/IQ/communication, mentality and toughness, athleticism, and reliability.

• The 6 traits that help players stand out:

  1. Skill development

  2. Effort and energy

  3. Leadership, IQ, and communication

  4. Mentality, toughness, and work ethic

  5. Athleticism and physical development

  6. Reliability and accountability

• Why skill—not athleticism—is the ultimate separator

• How effort can instantly elevate your role and opportunities

• What real leadership looks like on the court

• The connection between toughness, mindset, and consistency

• How players can improve athleticism even without a trainer

• Why reliability matters as much as talent

• The story of Michaela Blakes becoming the most skilled player in the country

• The question every parent should ask their kid: "What motivates you to put in the work?"

• Major announcement: The new GRIT Attack First App is almost ready

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

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GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In Episode 13 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives deep into one of the most important and misunderstood topics in basketball — what truly makes a great coach. Drawing from over 15 years of experience across high school, college, and professional training levels, Kerry breaks coaching excellence into five core pillars that define lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard.

This episode challenges traditional measures of success and emphasizes how elite coaches develop both the player and the person. Listeners will gain valuable insight into mindset development, skill growth, offensive and defensive concepts, and fostering a competitive will to win. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode will help you identify — and strive to embody — the qualities that separate good coaches from great ones.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why wins and losses don't define great coaching

• The Five Pillars of Coaching Excellence:

  1. Mindset Development – Building confidence, character, and resilience

  2. Skill Development – Teaching players how to grow, not just how to play

  3. Offensive Concepts – Understanding spacing, player movement, and decision-making

  4. Defensive Concepts – Teaching effort, rotations, and help-side principles

  5. Competitive Mindset & Will to Win – Cultivating drive, composure, and respect in competition

• How Mike D'Antoni empowered stars like Steve Nash and James Harden

• The importance of belief and encouragement in player performance

• Why many coaches focus too much on systems instead of skill

• How coaches can balance roles within a staff to cover all five pillars

• What parents should look for in a great coach

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In Episode 12 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down two of the most important questions every player asks: What is the attack first mentality? and How can I become a better scorer?

Through personal stories, real-world examples, and actionable advice, Coach Kerry explains how adopting the attack first mindset transforms players from passive participants into true game changers. This episode covers how to stay in control on both ends of the floor, why confidence matters as much as skill, and how training habits and mindset ultimately determine success.

Later in the episode, Kerry also shares exciting news about a new GRIT Basketball app coming soon—designed to give players personalized feedback, coaching insight, and development tools to take their skills to the next level.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The definition of the attack first mentality and how it drives performance

• Why being the initiator changes your impact on every possession

• Applying the attack first mindset to all aspects of the game:

  • Rebounding

  • Shooting and finishing

  • Transition play

  • Screening and spacing

  • Defense and control

• The connection between control and confidence—dictating outcomes instead of reacting

• How daily habits and training intensity build the attack mindset

• Real examples from Coach Cory's experience (including his 1,000 rebounds in high school)

• Tips for players dealing with coaches who limit freedom and creativity

• The truth about scoring—it's not selfish, it's essential for team success

• How to develop as a scorer through consistent training and small-sided games

• The link between elite scorers, aggressiveness, and accepting failure

• How growth mindset and development focus reduce pressure and elevate performance

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.