In this chat, Leanage “Dee” De Alwis shares his practical approach to shaping strong team culture — starting with parents, reinforced by players, and lived through the little things. Coaching both domestic and rep basketball from under-8s through under-15s, Dee believes that culture doesn’t come from slogans or speeches, but from everyday habits that add up.

He explains how clear non-negotiables, like playing defense, passing to the open teammate, and celebrating every substitution with high fives, create accountability and unity. Dee also unpacks how early parent meetings and proactive feedback conversations build trust and keep everyone aligned — before problems arise.

From rewarding great passes to teaching players to “be a goldfish” and move on from mistakes, Dee’s philosophy is all about balance: firm standards mixed with genuine care. Whether coaching rep or domestic, he keeps culture central — not as an abstract idea, but as a series of consistent, teachable moments that turn good teams into connected ones.

Russell brings a thoughtful take on how coaching evolves as players grow — from teaching fundamentals to managing game-day tactics. Drawing on years of experience as both a player and coach, he shares how his approach has shifted toward reading the game, building team structures, and helping players understand the “why” behind decisions on court.

He explains that coaching really has two sides: training and development versus game-day strategy — and every coach naturally leans more toward one. For Russell, it’s about an 80/20 split: less time on drills, more on systems, teamwork, and situational play. But he stresses that both matter — and that the balance shifts depending on age group, experience, and time available to train.

Russell also offers practical advice for new coaches who feel overwhelmed: start with fundamentals, observe everything beyond the ball, and accept that “reading the game” only comes with time and reps. His reflections on mismatches, defensive awareness, and communication show how basketball IQ is built — not just taught.

It’s an open and relatable conversation about learning as you go, finding your own coaching rhythm, and realising that good coaching isn’t about doing everything — it’s about knowing what matters most each week.

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Epifano, a seasoned basketball coach with nearly 20 years of experience across various age groups and levels. Adrian shares his coaching journey, currently coaching both an under-9 domestic team and an under-16 representative team, drawing from his rich background in basketball.

The conversation delves deep into Adrian’s coaching philosophy, centered on the critical importance of offensive skills and player development. He emphasises that while defense requires effort, offense demands technical precision. Adrian passionately argues that coaches should nurture young players’ scoring abilities, preparing them for higher levels of competition.

A key highlight is Adrian’s mantra of playing with pace, aggression, and confidence. He believes in encouraging players to make decisive actions, whether shooting, passing, or driving, and not turning down open shots. His approach focuses on helping young athletes understand both offensive and defensive aspects of the game while identifying and developing their unique talents.

Drawing from mentors like Rowan Short and influences from NBA coaches like Popovich, Adrian shares insights on player mentorship and personal growth. He discusses the evolving landscape of basketball, highlighting the success of Australian players in international leagues and the importance of aiming high.

For junior basketball coaches, this episode offers practical wisdom on developing players, understanding the game’s nuances, and creating an environment that fosters skill, confidence, and love for basketball.

In this episode, Joe Riley from the Vermont Vultures shares how a simple moment with an under-9 player shaped his whole coaching philosophy — that everything starts with the fundamentals. Drawing on his years of experience coaching junior boys and his own time as a player, Joe talks about why skills like dribbling, footwork, and layups form the real foundation of the game.

He explains how confident ball-handling not only helps kids score but also builds their presence and confidence on the court — turning hesitant players into assertive ones and keeping defenders on their toes. Joe also shares practical advice on keeping fundamentals fun, from disguising repetition as games and races to structuring sessions so that half the drills involve dribblingwithout players even realising it.

It’s a great conversation for anyone coaching younger age groups — full of simple, actionable ideas on how to help players build strong habits early and set themselves up for long-term success.

Here’s a quick intro to Coach 2 Coach — a podcast for people coaching junior basketball. I’ll share what the show’s about, who it’s for, and what you can expect.