In Episode 15 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry tackles one of the most important and misunderstood decisions in a player's journey: choosing the right team environment for long-term development and growth. This episode challenges the idea that winning programs, stacked rosters, or championships automatically equal the best situation for a player.

Coach Kerry breaks down four critical factors every player and parent should evaluate when choosing a team: whether you're needed, whether you're wanted, whether the environment builds confidence and promotes a growth mindset, and whether the situation truly challenges you. Drawing on real player examples and years of experience developing athletes at every level, this episode offers clarity for players navigating team decisions, role changes, or reevaluating their current situation, especially heading into a new season.

• Why team success does not equal individual development

• The reality: most basketball development happens outside of team practices

• Why basketball lags behind other sports in skill development focus

• The 4 things to look for in a team environment:

  1. Are you needed?

  2. Are you wanted—and supported to grow?

  3. Is it a growth-minded, confidence-building environment?

  4. Does the situation challenge and demand growth from you?

• How being "stuck in a role" can limit long-term potential

• Why confidence suffers when players perform before they're ready

• The danger of overly controlling, restrictive coaching environments

• Why aggressive, empowered players go further in basketball—and life

• Balancing competition level, role, and individual development

• Why individual goals and team goals can (and should) coexist

Join the Conversation:

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

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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 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

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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

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

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

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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 11 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry tackles a question every parent and coach wrestles with: Why aren't players improving as much as they should, even after years of games and practices? The answer lies in understanding the difference between the performance zone and the learning zone—and why most players spend too much time in the wrong one.

Drawing from the research of Eduardo Briceño and Carol Dweck's groundbreaking work on growth mindset, Coach Kerry explains how deliberate practice and a focus on development are the true keys to long-term growth. From Serena and Venus Williams' early development to Steph Curry's time away from competition, this episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies for players, parents, and coaches to adopt a growth-minded approach that leads to lasting success both on and off the court.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why kids often fail to translate skills into games

• The difference between the Performance Zone (results-focused) and the Learning Zone (growth-focused)

• Eduardo Briceño's TED Talk and Carol Dweck's Mindset as key resources

• Why players need deliberate practice, not just endless games

• Famous examples of athletes who paused competition to focus on development:

  • Serena & Venus Williams (King Richard)

  • Karl-Anthony Towns

  • Steph Curry

• The role of parents and coaches in reinforcing growth over results

• How to reward effort, risk-taking, and process—not just outcomes

• Listener Q&A: helping a hesitant player build confidence by focusing less on results and more on development

Resources & Links:

• 📺 Eduardo Briceño TED Talk – How to Get Better at the Things You Care About

• 📚 Mindset by Carol Dweck

Join the Conversation:

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

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• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
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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 10 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of basketball development—mental awareness—and how mastering it can completely change your game. Inspired by a conversation with Coach Wade and an elite chess player's story, this episode introduces a unique framework: the Three Levels of Awareness every player must understand and grow through.

Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly "know the game", not just play it. Discover why many young athletes are stuck in levels one and two, and learn actionable strategies to help push yourself (or your player) toward level three, where prediction, manipulation, and elite decision-making live.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What a chess master's loss can teach us about basketball IQ

• The 3 Levels of Awareness every player goes through:

  • Level 1: No awareness (just playing)

  • Level 2: Reactionary (responding to the moment)

  • Level 3: Predictive (manipulating outcomes)

• Why many kids are playing too early and not training enough

• How small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) build real basketball IQ

• How "The GRIT Grid" tracks assertiveness and effort, not just stats

• The importance of effort-based metrics like attack rate and transition effort

• Free GRIT Grid consultation offer for players and coaches

• Examples of elite players like Steph Curry still investing in skill training

Join the Conversation:

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

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• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
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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 this compelling episode of the Grit Hoops podcast, Coach Kerry dives deep into the essence of hard work, drawing from his extensive experience with youth athletes. Joined by producer Chris Nesi, they explore the transformative impact of dedication and passion on players' journeys. Featuring stories about standout athletes like Diamond Miller, Jaylen Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Belle Pellecchia, and Olivia Miles, listeners will gain insight into the traits that lead to success on and off the court.

Key takeaways include the importance of a genuine love for the game, the power of supportive environments, and strategies for fostering a strong work ethic in young athletes. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to elevate your approach to basketball.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The true meaning of hard work
• Importance of passion in sports
• Profiles of successful athletes: Diamond Miller, Jaylen Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Belle Pellecchia, Olivia Miles
• Strategies for developing a strong work ethic

Join the Conversation:

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

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
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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 8 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we challenge a long-standing myth in youth basketball development: the idea that young players shouldn't study the NBA. Coach Kerry breaks down why watching professional basketball—especially the NBA—is not only beneficial, but essential for maximizing a player's potential. From learning high-level habits and skills to understanding elite mentality and work ethic, players at every level can transform their game by being true students of the sport.

This episode explores the importance of studying specific players who mirror your style and body type, the value of watching game film intentionally, and how observing both the triumphs and struggles of elite athletes can inspire growth and resilience. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode delivers actionable insights that reinforce the GRIT philosophy: passion, performance, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the NBA gets unfair criticism in youth development circles

• The developmental advantages of studying professional basketball

• Comparing styles of play across NBA, college, and high school levels

• What young players can learn from elite habits, like Steph Curry's routines or James Harden's postgame workouts

• Jalen Brunson's use of "jailing" and how strategy impacts skill

• The value of watching women's professional basketball and international leagues

• How to adopt a pro-level mentality, even at a young age

• Learning from player setbacks and comebacks (e.g., Jayson Tatum's injury)

• The power of studying positive outcomes and the long-term impact of elite habits

Featured Examples:

• Jalen Brunson (Knicks)

• Steph Curry

• James Harden

• LeBron James

• Jason Kidd

• Diamond Miller, Olivia Miles, Jaylen Blakes, Makayla Blakes

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.