In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Coach Ras Vanderloo, longtime head coach at Sioux City East High School, USA Basketball coach, and one of the most respected voices in high school basketball.

Coach Vanderloo has:

- Over 300 wins as a head coach (as of February 2026)
- Multiple state tournament appearances
- Named the State of Iowa Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2023.
- USA Basketball: Since 2019, he has served as a coach for the USA Men's
Junior National Team minicamps and has been a featured speaker at various USA Basketball Coach Academies.
- Assistant coach for the Men’s 3x3 Nation’s League

But in this conversation, we focus on something that might surprise some traditional coaches…

Why 3x3 basketball is one of the most powerful development tools available today.

We talk about:

- How Coach Ras’ view of player development has evolved over time

- What he first noticed when he saw players compete in 3x3

- What 3x3 teaches that 5-on-5 often doesn’t (or doesn’t teach as quickly)

- How 3x3 forces decision-making and problem-solving

- Where middle school and JV coaches can implement 3x3 in practice

- Common misconceptions coaches have about 3x3

- Why adaptability and lifelong learning matter more than ever

If you’re a middle school, JV, or varsity coach looking to develop smarter, tougher, more adaptable players — this episode is for you.

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Follow Coach Ras:
https://www.instagram.com/rvanderloo/

Follow 3on3 Hoops Pod:
https://www.instagram.com/3on3hoopspod/

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