On this episode of the District 2 Sports Podcast, we head to Conference Carolinas basketball as we sit down with UNC Pembroke Braves head men’s basketball coach Drew Richards.

Coach Richards joins the show to discuss building the Braves program, creating a winning culture, recruiting at the Division II level, and what makes UNC Pembroke basketball one of the rising programs in the region. We also dive into his coaching journey, leadership style, and the expectations surrounding Brave Nation moving forward.

If you’re a fan of college basketball, coaching culture, and high-level program building, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ District 2 Sports Podcast — Covering Central & Southwest Virginia sports and beyond.

#BraveNation #UNCPBasketball #UNCPBraves #CollegeBasketball #District2Sports #D2Basketball #ConferenceCarolinas

On this episode of the District 2 Sports Podcast, we sit down with one of the most respected coaches in Division III basketball — NC Wesleyan head men’s basketball coach John Thompson.

Entering his 32nd season leading the Battling Bishops, Coach Thompson reflects on building a program defined by consistency, culture, and long-term success. From evolving through different eras of college basketball to sustaining nearly two decades without a losing season, this conversation dives deep into what it truly takes to build a winning program year after year.

We discuss:

• The evolution of college basketball over three decades
• Maintaining success and culture at the Division III level
• Recruiting and player development in today’s game
• The value of NCAA Tournament appearances
• Whether regular season champions should receive automatic bids
• Leadership, relationships, and longevity in coaching
• What still drives his passion for the game after 30+ years

Coach Thompson shares stories, perspective, and insight from a career that has impacted countless players and helped shape NC Wesleyan basketball into one of the most respected programs in Division III athletics.

🎙️ District 2 Sports Podcast Covering the stories, culture, and communities of Virginia athletics and beyond.

#CollegeBasketball #NCAA #D3Hoops #NCWesleyan #BasketballPodcast #District2Sports

We at District 2 Sports had the opportunity to sit down with newly appointed head basketball coach of the Northside Vikings, Coach Jake Paysour. Coach had been with the legendary Bill Pope for the past 14yrs under different roles and the latter as an assistant varsity coach. Coach Paysour talks about his decision to apply and being named the Head Coach. Following in the footsteps of a coach like Bill Pope and also making his own presence onto the program as he takes over.