On this week’s episode of Slappin’ Glass, we’re joined by Scott Lagas, Head Coach of Mercy University Women’s Basketball. Coach Lagas has transformed Mercy into a powerhouse program, and he sits down with us to dive into the philosophies and habits driving their success.

We explore:

• No-Middle Defensive Principles – how Mercy blends pack line concepts with directional defense, “Wolf Defense,” and the all-five-guard-the-ball mentality.
• Ball-Screen Coverages & Decision Making – why they emphasize hard hedges, chest zones, and daily advantage-disadvantage drills.
• Recognition & Culture – the role of peer-to-peer recognition, accountability mirrors, and even the cowbell in building a joyful, competitive environment.
• Surfing & Coaching Parallels – what paddling into a big wave teaches about hesitation, commitment, and chasing that elusive “perfect possession.”
• High-Split Action & Offensive Flow – why rim pressure and spacing drive their Princeton-inspired attack, and how Mercy leverages dynamic posts to create efficient looks.

From building a culture of recognition to the X’s and O’s of elite defensive rotations, this conversation highlights the mix of tactical detail and cultural intentionality that defines Coach Lagas’s approach.

Presented by Dr. Dish & Hudl Instat

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

University of South Florida Head Coach Bryan Hodgson joins Slappin' Glass to reveal how he eliminates “human error” in coaching using analytics, player leverage metrics, and detailed shot-type reports. Learn how he maximizes substitutions, builds player trust with fact-based feedback, and runs competitive practices that translate to game-day success.

In our "Start, Sub, or Sit" segment, we break down late-clock baseline out-of-bounds actions, the transition threes that demand the most attention, and how to create high-percentage looks under pressure.

Perfect for basketball coaches, analysts, and fans wanting proven strategies on lineup optimization, in-game decision-making, and blending data with the human side of coaching.

Presented by Hudl Instat, Dr. Dish, and Beyond Sports

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Episode Summary:
This week on the Slappin' Glass Podcast, we're honored to sit down with renowned Anadolu Efes and Latvia National Team Head Coach, Luca Banchi, for a masterclass in offensive flow, decision-making, and building modern basketball habits.

Coach Banchi shares his philosophy on:

• Teaching continuity and “broken set” offense in the modern game.
• Layering triggers, spacing rules, and “side-to-side” flow.
• Installing national team identity in short prep windows.
• Defining “new fundamentals” like decision-making and autonomy.
• Using target sets and spacing-makers to punish defensive vulnerabilities.
• Coaching constraints at the EuroLeague level and maximizing 5-on-5 practice efficiency.
• Defending the Spain Pick-and-Roll with clarity and communication.

Plus, we dive into the always-insightful “Start, Sub, or Sit” segment to discuss the underrated coaching traits of timing, clarity, and listening.

A must-listen for coaches at every level who value precision, flow, and evolving with the game.

Presented by: Dr. Dish Basketball; Hudl x FastModel; and Beyond Sports

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Episode Summary:
In this high-level, candid, and engaging return to the show, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy joins Slappin' Glass for his third appearance. Van Gundy dives deep into what it takes to defend the NBA's best players—emphasizing the fundamentals of transition defense, rebounding, and avoiding reckless fouling. The conversation explores stunt vs. full help principles, creating physical defenses through communication, and the challenge of preparing against high-powered offenses.

A special edition of “Start, Sub, or Sit” covers skill development, offensive rebounding priorities, and what Van Gundy learned moving from broadcasting back to the NBA bench.

Authentic, honest, and packed with coaching wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for coaches at all levels looking to sharpen their defensive philosophies and leadership approach.

Topics Include:

• Defending elite players with discipline and fundamentals
• Communication as a driver of physicality
• The evolving role of offensive rebounding in the NBA and other levels
• How to give appropriate and impactful feedback to players
• Van Gundy’s “sniper rule” for transition defense 😂
• “Start, Sub, or Sit” on skill development and late-game coaching lessons

Presented by: Dr. Dish Basketball, Hudl x FastModel, and Beyond Sports

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Head Coach of Radford MBB, Zach Chu! Before becoming Radford's HC, Coach Chu spent nine years in the NBA and in this episode dives deep into into why a data driven approach is necessary in modern offensive and defensive strategy, along with recruiting, culture building, and player development; and discusses stampede action and why the best defenses always defend at the rim during the entertaining "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with Coach, Author, and Leadership Development Consultant from Centerville HS in Ohio, Brook Cupps. In this terrific conversation the trio dive into Coach Cupps' thoughts on the power of story in building culture, accountability partners, and discusses role clarification in motion offense, and teaching players to be anti-fragile during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with 3x German Bundesliga Coach of the Year, who has also coached extensively in Japan, John Patrick. In this highly insightful conversation the trio dive into Coach Patrick's thoughts on pace and building an offense from someone who is an legendary defensive coach, and discuss defending tough PNR actions along with defensive hand and footwork during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!

This week, we're revisiting a fascinating conversation on Slappin' Glass with the Head Coach of St. Thomas, Johnny Tauer! Originally recorded during the Tommies' transition from D3 to D1, Coach Tauer shares timeless insights on what truly wins at both levels. We also dive into discussions on intrinsic motivation, handling turnovers, managing over-eager parents, and teaching split cuts during the always entertaining "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"

To join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 60 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!