In this episode, Coach Kerry tackles a hot-button issue in the basketball world: is the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era hurting the game—or helping it evolve? Coach Kerry breaks it all down with a nuanced take on how these changes are reshaping high school, college, and youth basketball.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why NIL and the Transfer Portal aren’t “ruining” basketball—but are definitely changing the landscape.

• How college players benefit from increased mobility and monetization.

• The real impact on high school players' recruitment and development.

• Why coaches are embracing the portal—and what it means for building rosters.

• Strategies for high school athletes to stay competitive:

  • JUCO, post-grad, and reclassing explained.

  • The critical importance of training, self-awareness, and skill-based development.

  • How to evaluate your current level and create a plan for growth.

• The role of trainers, parents, and coaches in athlete development.

• What college coaches are really looking for: primary attackers who can create their own shot.

Coach Kerry’s Message:
This new era of basketball requires smarter strategies, deeper commitment, and earlier preparation. Instead of fearing change, players, parents, and coaches need to adjust and adapt.

Featured in This Episode:

• Personal stories and examples, including the development journey of pro player Tucker Richardson.

• A call to action for players to be honest about their current level and put in intentional work.

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In this game-changing episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry talks about what it really takes to become a great shooter. Forget what you thought you knew — he's breaking down common shooting myths, examining the mechanics used by the world’s top shooters, and laying out the GRIT method for developing confident, consistent scorers.

Coach Kerry shares his personal journey from questioning traditional shooting teachings to spending part of his career as the East Coast Director for Pro Shot Shooting System, and now teaching players all over how to truly shoot the basketball.

Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode is your blueprint for turning any athlete into a dangerous shooter.

• Why most traditional shooting advice is outdated

• The essential components of elite shooting mechanics

• The difference between one-motion and two-motion shots—and when to teach each

• Why "square up" and "follow your shot" are myths to leave behind

• The science behind dipping, turning, and finger release

• Footwork fundamentals: hop vs. one-two and when to use them

• Why drills like one-handed shooting might be doing more harm than good

• Game-like shooting drills that actually translate to performance

• How Steph Curry, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Caitlin Clark, and others shoot—and what we can learn from them

• Real success stories from players like Michaela Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Olivia Miles, and Diamond Miller

• Why being a shooter is not something you're born with—it's something you build

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down why attacking is always the answer—both on and off the court. From celebrating standout players like Belle Pellecchia and Michaela Blakes to dissecting the "Attack First" mindset, we explore how this approach can elevate teams, simplify decisions, and supercharge player development. Coach also answers a great question from Coach Lamont Robinson on building long-term success through skill-based practices. Let’s get after it—attack first!

The heart of the episode centers on what “Attack First” means in basketball terms. It’s not just about putting up shots—it’s about rebounding like Dennis Rodman, defending like Patrick Beverley, and recognizing scoring or assist opportunities without overthinking. It’s about mindset over mechanics, trusting your training, and playing with intention.

A key takeaway for coaches is the 80/20 rule: 80% of practice time should be spent on skill development—shooting, finishing, ball handling—and only 20% on system work. This is where long-term growth happens. Coach Kerry emphasizes the value of teaching reads, not just plays. When players know how to attack based on what the defense gives them, the need for scripted sets fades.

Finally, Coach answers a listener question from Coach Lamont Robinson about building long-term success through skill-based practices. The answer is clear: teach skills, emphasize mindset, and create decision-makers on the court.

This episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to build a culture of growth, resilience, and performance. As always, Coach Kerry leaves us with a simple message: greatness isn’t given, it’s earned. So keep putting in the work—and remember, attack first.

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.