Episode 183: Marty Richter, Head Coach, USC Upstate
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Marty Richter, the head men’s basketball coach at USC Upstate. Coach Richter began his coaching journey at Simpson College before moving on to South Dakota and then Bowling Green under Dan Dakich. He gained junior college experience at Chipola College and international coaching experience with Budivelnyk in Ukraine. After a return stint at Chipola, he was then later a part of the historic “Dunk City” run at FGCU. He then served as the head coach at Florida SouthWestern, compiling a 56–10 record in two seasons. From there, he joined Drake University as an assistant, helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2024, he was named the head coach at USC Upstate. In this episode we talk about what made the FGCU "Dunk City" team so special, how to know if you are ready for a head coaching position as an assistant and what he learned as a first year head coach at a JUCO position.
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Episode 182: Dr. Desaree Festa, Team Sport Psychologist, Buffalo Bills
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Desaree Festa, the team psychologist for the Buffalo Bills. She earned her PhD in Sport and Counseling Psychology from Florida State and began her career working with athletes at William & Mary during her internship. Dr. Festa then led a private practice in Charlotte, consulting with UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State, the Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR teams. In 2020, she joined the Bills full-time, becoming one of the few embedded psychologists in the NFL. Dr. Festa plays a vital role in player development, rookie success programs, and in-game mental performance. She’s also heavily involved in coach support and the team’s draft evaluation process. Her experience bridges the gap between clinical care and performance enhancement. In this episode we talk about her definition of mental toughness, the psychological impact of how coaches talk to their players and a couple simple mental training techniques coaches can integrate into practice.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Tevin Brown, assistant coach with the Texas Legends of the NBA G League. Tevin’s coaching journey started as a 7th-grade girls head coach and high school girls assistant at All Saints Episcopal in Tyler, TX. He then worked as Director of Player Development and Special Assistant at UT Tyler for a year. Following that, he spent a season as a pro skills trainer with Tyler Relph Basketball in Dallas. In 2022, he joined the Texas Legends as Video Coordinator and Player Development Coach. He’s since added the title of assistant coach, now entering his third season with the Legends . Tevin brings a unique perspective shaped by mentorship, skills training, and video breakdown experience. Known for his energy, attention to detail, and relational approach, he’s quickly become a rising voice in player development. In this episode we talk about his growth from being a 7th grade girls coach to being in the NBA, the mindset to have as a young coach looking to grow in the industry and how to adapt as a coach with an always changing roster.
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Episode 180: Patrick Crarey, Head Coach, Grambling State University
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Patrick Crarey, the head men’s basketball coach at Grambling State University. Crarey was hired in 2024 after a successful 11-year tenure as head coach and athletic director at St. Thomas University in Florida. At St. Thomas, he led the program to multiple national tournament appearances and was known for his ability to build and sustain success at the NAIA level. Before that, he served as an assistant at his alma mater, Marymount University, and spent time coaching at the high school and grassroots levels. Crarey is respected for his leadership, culture-building, and adaptability across all levels of basketball. At Grambling, he’s focused on taking the program to new heights within the SWAC. In this episode we talk about what he looks for when hiring an assistant from an athletic director and head coach’s standpoint, things to consider when looking to take that next coaching position at a new school and how to alter your offense and defense around a roster when stepping into a new program
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Episode 179: Jarvis Hayes, Assistant Coach, Georgia State University
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Jarvis Hayes, assistant men’s basketball coach at Georgia State University. A former NBA player and standout at the University of Georgia, Hayes was selected 10th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. He enjoyed a seven-year NBA career followed by several seasons overseas. After retiring from playing, Hayes began his coaching career as an assistant at Morehouse College. He later joined Georgia State, where he brings a wealth of professional experience and on-court insight to the program. Known for his player development skills and calm demeanor, Coach Hayes has quickly made an impact on the collegiate level. In this episode we talk about what his playing career has taught him about coaching, some of the strongest tendencies to take away as a coach and what mindset more coaches should focus on in the profession.
From young assistants to head coaches, Rising Coaches sits down with some of the brightest minds in basketball to talk about their rise through the profession and what they are working on now.
Brasil