Episode 636 - A Conversation with Coach Mike Neighbors
13 January 2026

Episode 636 - A Conversation with Coach Mike Neighbors

Hardwood Hustle

About

This week, our old friend, Coach Mike Neighbors joins the show to share his latest reflections, learnings, and experiences in coaching including how to look at your Offensive and Defensive Xs and Os and ensure you're solving the right problems.

Show Notes:

• Taking Advantage of New Learning Opportunities

• Finding Your Coaching Brightspots

• Fixing Problems Without Losing Your Strengths

• “You’re Not Looking at the Problem”

• Clinic Culture, Rituals, and the Fear of Looking Bad

• How to Approach Limited Practice Time

• Getting Rid of postgame talks

• Getting Honest Feedback

• Core Offensive Beliefs: Creating & Punishing Advantages

• Defense Starts with Offense

• Teaching Transition 

• “Can’t, Won’t, or Didn’t?” 

• Role Definition, Acceptance, & Reward

• Role Acceptance vs. Role Reward

• Outside Influences & Protecting Player Buy-In

• Knowing Your Players

• Coaching Across Levels: Pros vs. College vs. High School

• Coaching Humans

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