What NBA teams look for goes beyond talent. Former Denver Nugget Bill Hanzlik joins PREP Athletics to talk about player potential, work ethic, character, and why he chose a prep school post-grad year for his son.

Bill shares how defense helped him become a first-round NBA Draft pick, what young players need to understand about making it to the next level, and how NBA teams evaluate more than just scoring. He also explains how he researched prep schools, why New Hampton became the right fit for his son Rob, and what families should consider when looking at the prep school path.

We also talk about Nikola Jokic, what makes him special, Bill’s Denver Nuggets perspective, and Stomp’s basketball traction product after appearing on Shark Tank.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Bill Hanzlik, Denver Nuggets, Prep School, and Stomp
03:07 - Bill’s NBA Career and Defensive Identity
05:50 - What NBA Teams Look For in Young Players
09:12 - Why Bill Sent His Son to Prep School
12:43 - What Makes Nikola Jokic Special
15:31 - Stomp, Shark Tank, and Basketball Traction
18:22 - Final Advice for Families

📌 Key Topics:
• What NBA teams look for in young basketball players
• Bill Hanzlik’s NBA and Denver Nuggets experience
• Why defense helped Bill become a first-round draft pick
• Work ethic, character, shooting, and being a good teammate
• Why Bill chose prep school for his son Rob
• New Hampton and the post-grad basketball path
• Nikola Jokic’s development and competitiveness
• Stomp basketball traction mats and Shark Tank

👤 About the Guest:
Bill Hanzlik is a former NBA player, former Denver Nuggets head coach, and longtime Nuggets broadcaster. He played college basketball at Notre Dame, was selected in the first round of the 1980 NBA Draft, and later sent his son Rob to New Hampton for a post-grad prep school year before Rob went on to play Division I basketball.

🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path.

Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals.

#PREPAthletics #BillHanzlik #DenverNuggets #BasketballRecruiting #PrepSchoolBasketball #PostGradBasketball #NBADraft #NikolaJokic

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Discover how multi-sport athlete prep can transform your development with Garvin McAlister, head basketball coach at Millbrook School. In this episode of PREP Athletics, Garvin shares his insights on student-athlete development tips, multi-sport training, and preparing high school athletes for success both on and off the court.

We cover:

• Developing skills across multiple sports
• Lessons from college and prep school coaching
• Millbrook School’s community and athletic philosophy
• Balancing academics and athletics
• Preparing for post-grad opportunities

⏰ Timestamps:
01:29 - Early Life & Basketball Beginnings
02:07 - Coaching Experience Across Levels
03:17 - Key Mentorship Lessons
04:30 - Lessons from College Women’s Basketball
05:07 - Millbrook School Overview
06:40 - Athletics & Campus Resources
10:36 - Multi-Sport Requirement & Athletic Philosophy
15:36 - Practice & Development Philosophy
22:35 - Playing Time & Family Communication
30:33 - D1 Guard Skills & IQ in Basketball
34:50 - Rapid-Fire / Fun Segment
37:17 - Closing Thoughts & Appreciation

📌 Key Topics:
• Multi-sport athlete prep
• Student-athlete development tips
• High school athlete development
• Basketball coaching philosophy
• Millbrook School athletic program
• Prep school recruiting strategies

👤 About the Guest:
Garvin McAlister is the head basketball coach at Millbrook School, with experience coaching high school and college athletes, emphasizing holistic athletic development, multi-sport training, and player growth on and off the court.

🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it creates better academic, athletic, and college recruiting opportunities. We provide honest, experience-based guidance on prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, and NCAA updates to help players find the right fit.

#multi-sportathleteprep #PrepAthletics #HighSchoolBasketball #StudentAthleteDevelopment #BasketballCoaching #GarvinMcAlister #PrepSchoolBasketball

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Join Cory Heitz and Paul Biancardi—ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting, former D1 head coach, and a walk-on turned basketball insider—as they pull back the curtain on college basketball recruiting, player evaluation, and the intangibles that separate good players from great ones. Paul shares hard truths about rankings, the myth of "exposure", and why character, efficiency, and coachability matter more than points per game. Discover why 94% of high school players won’t play college ball, how to avoid the "D1 Herpes" trap, and the one game every athlete should never play (hint: it’s the comparison game). This episode is packed with actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.

💡 Key Topics:
📌 Recruiting realities: How college coaches really evaluate players (and why scoring isn’t everything)
📌 The exposure myth: Why showcases ≠ development and what to do instead
📌 Prep school pros/cons: When a fifth year helps—and when it doesn’t
📌 Parenting pitfalls: How well-meaning parents sabotage their kids’ recruitment
📌 D1 guard blueprint: The non-negotiable skills for modern college guards
📌 Rankings decoded: What they mean, what they don’t, and how to use them wisely

🏀 About Paul Biancardi:
Paul Biancardi is a basketball lifer—from walking on at Salem State under Tom Thibodeau to coaching at Boston College, Ohio State, and Wright State, to his current role as ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting. As a McDonald’s All-American Game selector and rankings architect, Paul has spent decades evaluating, coaching, and mentoring the next generation of basketball talent. His no-nonsense approach to player development and recruiting makes him one of the most trusted voices in the game.

🔗 Connect with Paul Biancardi:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/paulbiancardi/
Twitter | https://x.com/PaulBiancardi
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-biancardi-331113a9/
Website | https://www.coachbiancardi.com/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Join Cory Heitz and George White—former Harvard basketball player, D1 coach, and founder of RecruitU—as they dissect the NCAA’s proposed "5-and-5 rule", a game-changer for prep school basketball and college recruitment. George breaks down how this rule will limit eligibility to five years (starting at high school graduation or age 19), restrict transfers to one immediate move, and impact NIL deals, post-grad years, and injury waivers. Discover why post-grad years still hold value for late bloomers, how mid-major programs may benefit, and the hidden risks for injured athletes and reclassified players. This is must-listen intel for parents, players, and coaches navigating the evolving prep-to-college pipeline.

💡 Key Topics:
📌 NCAA 5-and-5 Rule Explained: 5 years of eligibility, transfer restrictions, and clock start triggers
📌 Post-Grad Year Impact: Does a PG year still make sense under the new rules?
📌 NIL & Transfer Market Shifts: How the rule could reduce NIL leverage for transfers
📌 Coach & Program Reactions: Mid-majors vs. power conferences—who wins and who loses?
📌 Injury & Waiver Risks: The unintended consequences for injured athletes
📌 Reclassing Strategies: Why early reclassing in grade school could backfire

🏀 About George White:
George White is a former Harvard basketball player, D1 coach, and the founder of RecruitU, a consulting firm specializing in college recruitment strategies. With decades of experience at every level of basketball—from playing in the Ivy League to coaching in D1 programs—George provides unfiltered insights into the NCAA’s rule changes and their real-world impact on athletes, families, and programs. His expertise in player development, recruitment trends, and NIL dynamics makes him a trusted voice for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.

🔗 Connect with George White:
Website | www.recruituapp.com
Email | marketing@recruituapp.com
Twitter | x.com/RecruitUapp1
Instagram | www.instagram.com/ugetrecruited/
LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/recruiting-sports-network/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Join Cory Heitz as he welcomes Jason Smith and John Carroll, the heads of the basketball program at MAI (Masters Athletic International), a groundbreaking prep school basketball program in Stow, Massachusetts. In this episode, Jason and John dive deep into the future of prep basketball, sharing their mission to create a program that prioritizes year-round player development, elite competition, and academic excellence without compromise.

Jason and John also reveal their strategy for college placement, the ideal player profile for MAI, and how they’re reshaping New England basketball by keeping top talent home. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.

💡 Key Topics:
📌 Year-round basketball development without academic sacrifice
📌 MAI’s competitive edge: Location, facilities, and elite coaching staff
📌 Injury prevention & recovery: Prehab, load management, and nutrition
📌 Academic tailoring: College-prep courses, online learning, and flexibility
📌 College placement strategy: Early recruitment and fall workouts
📌 The future of prep basketball: Transformational vs. transactional programs

🏀 About Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Jason Smith is a legendary prep school coach with a track record of developing 26 NBA players, including current pros. His expertise in player development, recruiting, and elite competition has made him a sought-after leader in basketball circles. At MAI, he oversees the on-court development and team strategy, ensuring players receive NBA-level training daily.

John Carroll combines Wall Street acumen with decades of coaching experience, including sending 55 players to the Ivy League. His vision for MAI merges academic rigor, athletic excellence, and character development, creating a holistic prep experience. John’s focus on innovation and adaptability positions MAI as a pioneer in modern prep school education.

🔗 Connect with Jason Smith & John Carroll:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/john.carroll32/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachjasonsmith_/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mastersacademyinternational/
Website | https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Unlock the Secrets of Prep School Basketball with Avon Old Farms Head Coach Matt Mihalich

Join Cory Heitz and Matt Mihalich, Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, as they dive deep into the world of prep school basketball, player development, and the path to college success. Matt, a veteran coach with D1 experience and a basketball legacy (his father was a D1 head coach), shares honest, no-nonsense advice on what it takes to thrive in prep school, the importance of multi-sport athleticism, and how families can navigate the complex recruitment process.

Matt also reflects on his journey—from growing up in a basketball family to coaching in the WCAC (the toughest homegrown league in the country) and now leading one of the most respected prep programs in NEPSAC Class A.

💡 Key Topics:

📌 Prep school basketball development and the Avon Old Farms difference
📌 Playing time in prep school: Setting expectations for players and families
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad years: Academic and athletic considerations
📌 Multi-sport athleticism: Why Avon Old Farms encourages it
📌 College recruitment strategies in the transfer portal era
📌 D1 guard requirements: Skills, basketball IQ, and intangibles
📌 The future of prep school basketball: Rivalries, traditions, and player development

🏀 About Matt Mihalich:

Matt Mihalich is the Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, a prestigious all-boys prep school in Connecticut known for its elite basketball program and commitment to academic and athletic excellence. With a background that includes coaching at Bishop O’Connell (WCAC), George Mason University, and the University of Hartford, Matt brings a wealth of experience to player development. As the son of a D1 head coach, he grew up immersed in the game and now leads one of the most respected programs in NEPSAC Class A. Matt’s philosophy centers on teaching, culture, and preparing players for success beyond basketball.

🔗 Connect with Matt Mihalich:

Twitter | https://x.com/CoachM_AOFhoops
Twitter | https://x.com/AOF_Basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aof_basketball/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mihalich-78294336a/
Website | https://www.avonoldfarms.com/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Join Cory Heitz, founder of PREP Athletics, as he breaks down the latest updates in prep school basketball, NCAA rule changes, and the importance of finding the right fit for young athletes. In this episode, Cory shares insights from the Final Four showcase, discusses the new NCAA transfer rule, and introduces the upcoming Masters Athlete Institute. He also pays tribute to the late Whit Lesure and welcomes Paris Horne as the new head coach at Bridgton Academy. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the prep school journey and maximize college basketball opportunities.

💡 Key Topics:

📌Prep school team structures: Main vs. second teams and what it means for players
📌NCAA transfer rule changes and eligibility concerns for post-grad athletes
📌The role of prep schools in navigating NIL and transfer portal chaos
📌Introducing the Masters Athlete Institute and its coaching staff
📌Honoring Whit Lesure’s legacy and welcoming Paris Horne to Bridgton Academy
📌How to evaluate prep school options for academic and athletic development

🏀 About Cory Heitz:
Cory Heitz is the founder of PREP Athletics, a leading resource for families navigating the prep school basketball journey. With years of experience in player development and recruitment, Cory provides honest, practical advice to help athletes and families find the right fit for their academic and athletic goals.

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Unlock the Blueprint for Basketball Success with Coach Robert Icart
Join Cory Heitz and Coach Robert Icart, founder of BTI AAU—a powerhouse program in Southern California that has produced 11 NBA players, 40 international pros, and countless D1 athletes. In this no-nonsense episode, Coach Icart pulls back the curtain on what it takes to develop elite guards, the realities of AAU basketball, and how to choose the right prep school for your athlete’s future.

Discover the intangibles that separate NBA players from the rest, the culture that builds champions, and why life skills learned on the court translate to success off it. Coach Icart also shares his personal journey—from turning down college jobs to building one of the most respected AAU programs in the country—and how he helped his own son, Justyce, navigate the prep school process.

💡 Key Topics

📌 NBA vs. D1: The intangibles that set players apart
📌 How to evaluate and choose the right AAU program
📌 Prep school recruitment: A parent and coach’s perspective
📌 Developing elite guards for the modern game
📌 Life after basketball: Skills that translate to success
📌 Building a winning culture in youth basketball

🏀 About Coach Robert Icart

Robert Icart is the founder of BTI AAU, a premier basketball development program based in Southern California. With over 25 years of experience, Coach Icart has mentored 11 NBA players, 40 international professionals, and hundreds of D1 athletes. His philosophy centers on holistic player development, blending athletic excellence with life skills to prepare athletes for success on and off the court. Coach Icart is also a trusted advisor for families navigating the prep school and college recruitment process.

🔗 Connect with Coach Robert Icart

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/roberticart.btihoops/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/btihoops/
Twitter | https://x.com/roberticart

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic