In this episode, host Phil Friedrich sits down with Dexter Gooding — assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Tampa and NBA pre-draft trainer — to trace a career built on relentless preparation, high character, and a deep commitment to developing others. Dexter opens up about growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he earned a black belt in martial arts before channeling that same discipline into basketball. Despite not being a highly recruited prospect, he earned a preferred walk-on spot at High Point University — a decision shaped in part by the campus itself, which he describes as nothing short of extraordinary. He spent two and a half years without playing time before cracking the rotation late in his junior year, going on to play for the legendary Coach Tubby Smith, whose simple philosophy — just do what you're told and maximize the opportunity in front of you — left a lasting impression.By his sophomore year, Dexter had already recognized that his future was on the coaching side of the game. He began running workouts for his own teammates during winter break, planting the seed for what would become a second career as a sought-after player developer. His break into NBA pre-draft training came by chance during COVID, when a friend's trainer didn't show up and Dexter stepped in — impressing the agent on the sideline. From there, word of mouth took over. He's since helped players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Anton Watson (Gonzaga), and Dylan Cardwell (Sacramento Kings) find their way onto NBA rosters.His coaching philosophy centers on detail and communication — breaking down concepts in ways players haven't heard before, layering in metaphors and illustrations to make ideas stick. He tailors every program to the individual, whether that's sharpening a niche skill for a role player or building out a full game for an overseas star.The conversation closes with a look at Dexter's work at the University of Tampa, where the staff navigated a difficult 8-win first season before flipping to 20 wins, an NCAA tournament appearance, and a national ranking in year two. He credits a relationship-first culture — and the example coaches set every day — as the engine behind that turnaround. With 15 of 16 players returning next season, he's optimistic about what's ahead. And his long-term goal? He puts it plainly: multiple Division I national championships as a head coach. He doesn't know exactly how he'll get there, but he's certain it's coming. To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/Dvm2iie8l70 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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