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Transcript

About the Guest(s):

Coach Dallin Spencer is currently an assistant basketball coach at Wenatchee Valley College in Washington. He has a deep-rooted history in Utah's basketball scene, having grown up in Lehigh and played at Grays Harbor College. Coach Spencer has a background as a high school coach at institutions such as Sky Ridge and Stansbury High School. Known for his defensive prowess and strategic approach to the game, he emphasizes the importance of developing a well-rounded skill set in basketball players.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Utah High School Hoops Podcast, host Adam Peek welcomes Coach Dallin Spencer from Wenatchee Valley College. The conversation delves into Coach Spencer's basketball journey from his days in Utah to his current coaching role. Highlighting his passion for the game, Spencer shares insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing defense and team dynamics over individual scoring.

As the episode unfolds, Coach Spencer provides valuable perspectives on the transition from high school to college basketball. He shares firsthand experiences and offers advice to aspiring athletes about what college coaches are truly looking for in recruits. This includes not only technical skills but also attitude, resilience, and the ability to integrate into a team culture. With a passion for player development, Coach Spencer underscores the importance of character and growth both on and off the court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasis on Defense: Coach Spencer prioritizes recruiting players who exhibit strong defensive skills and team orientation over individual scoring.

  • Importance of Attitude: A player's reaction to calls, mistakes, and challenging situations is crucial in their evaluation process.

  • Family Involvement: The demeanor of a player's family during games can influence recruitment decisions.

  • JuCo Pathway: Junior College routes provide invaluable experience and development opportunities for players aspiring to transfer to four-year programs.

  • Networking and Relationships: Maintaining professional connections opens doors to opportunities like advancing from high school to college-level coaching.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "I care about, can you get stops? At the college level… I need eight or nine defenders and rebounders and team guys that'll buy in."

  2. "How mentally resilient are you to negative factors in your game?"

  3. "JUCO basketball… you realize within two weeks, I can usually tell within two weeks if you're going to make it or not."

  4. "As a JUCO coach, our success is a lot… can we get guys to the next level every year?"

  5. "I think JUCO is the best route for guys, unless you are a top 5 or 10 kid."

Resources:

Coach Spencer on Twitter - https://x.com/coachdalspencer

Dive into the full episode to explore more about the world of high school and college basketball, and stay tuned for future episodes filled with insightful commentary and advice from experts in the game.