In this episode, I talk with Cardinal Newman High School Varsity Men's Basketball Coach, Travis Taylor.

First, we hear about Taylor's youth playing pick-up basketball at Biella Elementary, Finely Park, the Boys and Girls Club, his undefeated middle school team, and watching Michael Jordan on the television at the Airport Club.

Then, Taylor talks about playing at Cardinal Newman High School- including his coaches- preparing for his senior year, the lifelong bond with his teammates, and his college roommate presenting his first coaching opportunity.

Finally, Taylor discusses moving back to Sonoma County, his years at Healdsburg and Windsor High, returning to coaching at Cardinal Newman, the dribble drive offense, and advice for young athletes, parents, and new coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Sonoma State University Men's Basketball Head Coach and new University of California, San Diego Assistant Coach, Rich Shayewitz.

First, we hear about Shayewitz growing up in San Jose and his neighborhood having a basketball court, his father teaching him how to pass and see the game, and getting some shooting lessons, at the Santa Clara University summer camp.

Then, Shayewitz talks about playing at Oak Grove High School, a great story from his junior varsity year, neighborhood friends that impacted his game, and selecting Sonoma State University.

Finally, Shayewitz discusses being overwhelmed and running "the loop" his freshman year, a Coach Pat Fuscaldo story worth "kicking" around, being a player-coach, coaching NBA guard Jaylen Wells, the UC San Diego men's basketball coaching staff, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Santa Rosa Junior College Women's Basketball Head Coach, Lacey Campbell.

First, we hear how Campbell played sports with her older brothers growing up, being from a small community, her first time in an organized game, and imitiating Michael Jordan moves.

Then, Campbell talks about some set backs while playing at Point Arena High School, her father as a coach, the transition to playing at Sonoma State University, and some highlights from her time with the Seawolves.

Finally, Campbell discusses becoming the SRJC women's basketball head coach at 22 years old, her state championship team, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with former Analy High School shooting guard, Donny Guerinoni.

First, we hear about how Guerinoni was inspired by a Pine Crest Elementary staff member, playing in the fifth quarter for Brookhaven Middle School, and a Michael Jordan VHS his father gave him as a child.

Then, Guerinoni talks about his basketball development at Analy High School, how to work on the fundamentals of a conistent jump shot, a humble experience at Snow Valley Basketball School, and standout games, his senior year, in Sonoma County.

Finally, Guerinoni discusses playing basketball at West Valley College and at the University of Nevada, Reno, coaching at WVC, Stanford, LSU, TCU, and Harvard, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with former professional basketball player, Josh Akognon.

First, we hear about his parents' background and moving to Petaluma, his older brother's influence, and a neighbor who invited Josh to his first basketball camp.

Then, Akognon talks about his basketball development while at Casa Grande High School, the night he scored 54 points, his college recruiting process, and playing at Washington State University and California State University, Fullerton.

Finally, Akognon discusses when he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, playing on the Nigerian Olympic team, writing two books about his journey, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, I talk with the Mendocino College Head Basketball Coach, Billy Offill.

First, we learn about growing up in West County, Monte Rio Elementary open gyms, and his father and older brother's influence, on the game.

Then, Offill talks about summers at the Lavin Basketball Camps, battles in the Sonoma County League, El Molino High School coaches, and his senior year North Coast Section run.

Finally, Offill discusses his college playing experience, becoming a college head coach at 25 years old, surprise guests at the Mendocino College gym, and advice for young athletes, parents, and new coaches.

In this episode, I talk with Coach John Florance who played on the 1993-94 Sonoma Valley High School North Coast Section championship basketball team.

First, Florance tells us how he switched from soccer to basketball at a young age, developing as an athlete in Southern California, and his older brother's infludence on his competitiveness.

Then, we hear about his family relocating to Sonoma during his junior year, playing basketball for Sonoma Valley High School coach, Phil Rosemurgy, and the culture of the championship team.

Finally, Florance discusses his senior year basketball experience, Sonoma County League battles between Healdsburg High School, and the Sonoma Valley Dragons' post season run to the North Coast Section championship.

In this episode, I talk with author, business coach, and former Golden State Warriors' sports psychologist, Tom Mitchell.

First, we discuss his older brothers' influence with his obsession for the game of basketball- at a young age, playing high school and college basketball on the East Coast, and how he moved to Sonoma County.

Then, Mitchell and I chat about how he became the head coach at Santa Rosa Junior College, we review some of his former student-athletes, and how he became buddies with Chris Mullen.

Finally, Mitchell tells us how he got into sports psychology, an event he hosted with Phil Jackson, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.