Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt sit down with John Carroll, the sporting director for basketball at Masters Academy International (MAI). The conversation delves into Carroll's role in creating a top-tier sports academy poised to be the 'IMG Academy of the North,' which is set to launch in fall 2026. They explore the vision for MAI, discuss its potential impact on the New England basketball landscape, and compare it with existing academies like IMG. Carroll shares insights into his dual roles at Newman School and MAI, and the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode also touches on Carroll's scouting experience with the WNBA's LA Sparks and his thoughts on fostering athletic excellence.

Topics

00:29 Introducing John Carroll and Masters Academy International

01:31 The Vision and Development of Masters Academy

02:32 Challenges and Opportunities in New England Basketball

04:59 The Impact of Masters Academy on Local Talent

15:28 Current Progress and Future Plans for MAI

17:41 Basketball Program Structure and Recruitment

29:33 Balancing Roles at Newman and Masters Academy

32:48 Reflecting on Career Transitions

33:12 Embracing New Opportunities

33:44 Exciting Roles and Experiences

34:54 Newman Basketball Team Insights

35:25 Building a Winning Culture

39:27 Challenges and Changes in Prep School Sports

41:30 Future of Prep School Athletics

45:48 Full Court Press: Basketball Icons and Moments

57:44 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Ethan sits down with Clinton Lassiter, the all-time winningest coach in Massachusetts high school basketball history. With co-host Steve Hewitt absent, Fuller explores Lassiter's unique approach to coaching, balancing competitive excellence with genuine care for his players, many of whom face significant personal challenges. Lassiter, who serves as the vice principal and head coach at Cathedral High School, shares his commitment to maintaining a winning culture, navigating obstacles, and providing low-cost opportunities for inner-city youth through his AAU program, the Boston Showstoppers. The discussion also touches on the growth of women's basketball, the importance of role models, and the intrinsic relationship between sports and life skills.

Topics

00:29 Meet Clinton Lassiter

00:51 Coach Lassiter's Fashion and Coaching Philosophy

02:40 Balancing Coaching and Personal Life

03:39 Building a Winning Culture

09:35 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching Inner City Girls

22:32 Overcoming Stereotypes and Representing Boston

30:56 The Importance of Low-Cost Opportunities in Basketball

33:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller provide an in-depth look at the latest trends and updates in New England basketball recruiting. They discuss recent player commitments, notable prospects in the 2026 class, and the increasing impact of revenue sharing on mid-major schools' recruiting capabilities. Both Steve and Ethan share insights from recent visits to open gyms and the New England Recruiting Report showcases. Additionally, they play an NBA trivia game, highlighting the lighter side of their basketball discussions.

Topics

00:20 Hosts Catch Up and Episode Overview

00:44 Recruiting and Commitment Updates

01:40 Fantasy Football Banter

02:14 Boys' Basketball Commitments

05:03 Girls' Basketball Commitments

14:08 Impact of NIL and Revenue Sharing

29:59 Upcoming Prospects to Watch

33:51 Top High School Basketball Prospects

35:21 Rising Stars in Girls' Basketball

38:34 Upcoming Talent to Watch

39:51 Exciting Open Gym Visits

42:51 Spotlight on Chance Finlayson

50:18 NBA Trivia Challenge

56:42 Wrapping Up and Future Plans