The Program with Woj

Why this coach loves NIL and the transfer portal

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:37:00 -0000

New Boston College basketball head coach Luke Murray catches up with Woj to break down why he embraces the chaos of modern college basketball, and how roster building now looks more like managing a salary cap than recruiting a team.

From rebuilding an entire roster overnight to navigating NIL, the portal, and shifting player markets, Murray gives his take on what it actually takes to build a winning program in today’s game.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why some coaches hate NIL… and why Murray loves it
Building a roster in the transfer portal era
The “salary cap” mindset in college sports
How analytics and international scouting factor in
Why Boston College could be a sleeping giant

Subscribe for more episodes of The Program with Woj, new every Wednesday.

2:04 Initial priorities and meeting with the players

3:59 Transitioning from pre-NIL coaching to the current landscape

5:11 Enthusiasm for roster building and salary cap constraints

6:53 Navigating revenue share and athletic department resources

8:47 Prioritizing character and fit in the transfer portal

11:07 Using data and analytics to verify scouting

13:24 Structural differences between the ACC and the Big East

15:20 The selling points of Boston College as a brand

17:04 Recruiting battles with elite academic institutions

18:37 Balancing high school recruiting with the transfer portal

20:11 Strategies for player retention and building trust

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Go to https://novig.com and use code WOJ to get 50 dollars worth of Novig coins when you spend your first five dollars. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. See terms of use for eligibility.

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The real reason NFL teams win and lose | Adam Schefter

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:28:00 -0000

This week, ESPN's Adam Schefter joins Woj on The Program to break down how NFL teams are actually built. Woj and Schefter dive into the realities of roster construction, the shifting balance of power between GMs and head coaches, and what it really takes to build a team that can win consistently in today’s NFL. In this episode, we discuss: The Power Structure: How control shifts between coaches, GMs, and owners and why it’s different in every organization. Avoiding Self Inflicted Losses: Why most teams lose because of their own mistakes, not a lack of talent. The QB + Coach Equation: The only formula that consistently leads to fast turnarounds and sustained success. The Modern Rebuild: Why NFL teams can go from last place to contenders almost overnight and what makes that possible. The Changing Pipeline: How NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping the draft, with players entering the league older and more experienced. Follow The Program with Woj: New episodes every Wednesday.

1:44 – Schefter on witnessing both Michigan title runs and what stood out

3:11 – Why he thrives in fantasy basketball but not football

4:31 – What made this Michigan team actually work

6:44 – Why Dusty May’s leadership resonates

8:51 – How power shifts between NFL GMs and coaches

12:17 – Why most NFL teams beat themselves

14:48 – Why NFL turnarounds happen faster than the NBA

15:51 – The QB and coach combo that drives winning

17:17 – How NIL and the portal are changing the draft

18:26 – A recruit asks Schefter to break his news

18:57 – Why agents are getting involved earlier

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The boldest experiment in college baseball Is working with Oregon State's Mitch Canham

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:58:00 -0000

This week, Oregon State coach Mitch Canham joins Woj on The Program to unpack one of the most unconventional builds in college baseball. Woj and Canham dive into how Oregon State navigated conference realignment, built an independent schedule from scratch, and still returned to national prominence—while doubling down on a culture rooted in discipline, development, and accountability. In this episode, we discuss: The Independent Blueprint: How Oregon State schedules, travels, and competes without a conference. The “Earn It” Standard: Why playing time isn’t given to recruits, veterans, or draft picks—it’s earned daily. Culture Over Circumstance: How adversity became an advantage in building a tougher, more connected program. Player Development Plans: The system behind Oregon State’s consistency—on the field and beyond it. Recruiting the Right Fit: Why Canham prioritizes character, honesty, and resilience over raw talent. Follow The Program with Woj: New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

1:24 – The Independent Experiment: Building a Powerhouse Without a Conference

4:41 – The Travel Reality: Competing From Corvallis Without a Home Base Advantage

6:25 – Built for the Road: Why Travel Is Part of the Program’s Identity9:34 – The Standard: “You Have to Earn It” Culture Explained

13:25 – Inside Player Development: The MDP System

13:58 – Where MDPs Came From: Lessons from Pro Baseball

18:22 – Canham’s Journey: From Unknown Recruit to Oregon State Leader

20:02 – Adversity and Support: The Foundation of Oregon State’s Culture A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Go to https://novig.com and use code WOJ to get 50 dollars worth of Novig coins when you spend your first five dollars. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. See terms of use for eligibility. Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/woj or use code woj at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN.

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"80% of a Team's Success Is Decided Before the Season Starts " with Evan Miyakawa

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:54:00 -0000

This week, Evan Miyakawa (EvanMiya.com) joins Woj on The Program to pull back the curtain on the analytics driving the modern game. Woj and Evan break down the 80/20 rule of roster building, why "bucket getters" often fail when jumping to the high-major level, and which programs—from Michigan to Vanderbilt—are using data to gain a competitive edge in the NIL marketplace. In this episode, we discuss: The 80% Correlation: Why preseason roster talent is the ultimate predictor of cutting down the nets. The Portal "Secret Sauce": Why versatility beats pure scoring when projecting transfer success. NBA vs. College Evaluation: The major differences in scouting for the league versus building a winning NCAA rotation. Roster Continuity: Why veteran retention remains the "underrated" superpower of the Final Four. Closing the Gap: How mid-majors use analytics to compete with the biggest budgets in the country.

1:14 Introduction: Meet Evan Miyakawa of EvanMiya.com 1:55 Origins: From a PhD at Baylor to NBA Analytics 4:14 The 80/20 Rule: Why Roster Talent Predicts Success 5:42 Moneyballing the Portal: Conversations with College Coaches 7:20 Evaluating Transfers: Why Multi-Skill Excellence Beats Pure Scoring 8:20 NBA vs. College Scouting: Tracking Data and Role Specialization 10:33 The Retention Factor: Why Stability Wins in the NIL Era 12:25 Programs Winning the Data War: Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Florida 15:18 Size and Athleticism: Trends in the Modern Frontcourt 16:47 Closing the Gap: How Smaller Programs Compete with Big Budgets 19:13 Marrying Data with Film: The Best Path to Evaluation 20:25 Accessing EvanMiya.com for Fans and Programs Follow The Program with Woj: New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Go to https://novig.com and use code WOJ to get 50 dollars wroth of Novig coins when you spend your first five dollars. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. See terms of use for eligibility.

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The hidden NBA Draft storylines in March Madness with Jonathan Givony

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of The Program, Woj is joined by Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony to break down what March Madness really means for NBA prospects — and how the draft landscape is changing in real time. With March Madness underway, the spotlight shifts to a new wave of young talent. But as Givony explains, the tournament is just one piece of a much larger evaluation process — one that now includes years of scouting, advanced analytics, and a rapidly evolving college basketball ecosystem shaped by NIL and the transfer portal. Woj and Givony dive into: • Why the NCAA Tournament still matters — even if it doesn’t define draft stock • The freshmen and under-the-radar prospects who could rise on this stage • How NBA teams evaluate players beyond just production and highlights • The growing impact of NIL on draft decisions — and why more players are staying in school • Why older prospects are becoming more valuable in today’s NBA • How roster construction, the CBA, and two-way contracts are changing scouting priorities • The debate inside front offices: production vs. upside in modern draft models They also explore how college basketball’s offensive explosion could be skewing evaluations — and whether this year’s class is truly as strong as it looks. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code WOJ for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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How George Steinbrenner built the Yankee dynasty with Mike Vaccaro

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

George Steinbrenner didn’t just rebuild the New York Yankees — he changed how modern sports franchises are built. In this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with legendary New York columnist Mike Vaccaro, author of The Bosses of the Bronx, to unpack how Steinbrenner transformed the Yankees into the most powerful brand in sports. From signing Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson to reshaping free agency and television revenue, Steinbrenner’s approach created the blueprint for big-market dominance. Woj and Vaccaro explore: • How Steinbrenner recruited stars without always being the highest bidder • Why Reggie Jackson almost didn’t sign with the Yankees • The moment Steinbrenner realized he needed a farm system • The suspensions that accidentally built the Yankees dynasty • How the Yankees’ Core Four survived George’s impatience • Why modern owners can’t replicate Steinbrenner’s strategy today Mike Vaccaro’s new book The Bosses of the Bronx releases March 24. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code WOJ for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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The state of the game: A conversation with Hall of Famer Tara VanDerveer

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In a rare and candid conversation, Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer joins Woj to discuss her transition from the sidelines to the classroom. After 38 years at Stanford and a record-breaking 1,216 career wins, the winningest coach in college basketball history opens up about the "perfect storm" that led to her retirement in 2024.

Woj and Tara also covered:

The "Joy" Mandate: Why the best coaches—from third grade to the pros—must protect the fun of the game.
The Transactional Trap: Her concerns for the modern player in the era of the Transfer Portal and NIL, and what is lost when the "alma mater" experience disappears.
The 1996 Olympic Legacy: Reflecting on the team that birthed the WNBA and changed the trajectory of women's sports forever.
A Path to Sanity: VanDerveer’s proposal for "rational" regional scheduling and bringing common sense back to college athletics.

Plus, Tara shares the one thing she misses most about the daily grind (it’s not the games) and how she’s navigating a calendar that finally allows for a Saturday night movie.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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NBA tanking, the death of free agency, and the new era of college scouting with Bobby Marks

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of The Program, Woj reunites with ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks! Woj and Bobby discuss: The NBA’s "Tanking" Fine: Why a $500,000 fine is just the "cost of doing business" for a shot at a generational superstar. The Rise of the "Super-Senior": How NIL is turning the second round of the NBA Draft into a hunt for 23 and 24-year-old high-value, cost-controlled talent Pro-Style Roster Math: Woj breaks down his exercise of "shrinking" NBA payrolls to determine fair market value for NIL athletes. The Death of Free Agency: Why "Bird Rights" and veteran extensions have replaced the traditional open market. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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How Jerry Mack transformed Kennesaw State Football in 12 months

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Conference USA Coach of the Year and Bear Bryant Newcomer of the Year, Jerry Mack.

After inheriting a 2-10 program at Kennesaw State, Mack engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the country, leading the Owls to a 10-4 record and a bowl appearance in year one. Mack breaks down the "staff list" he spent a decade building, the transition from the Jacksonville Jaguars back to the college ranks, and why he chose to return to the NFL as an intern even after becoming a successful head coach.

Woj and Coach Mack discuss:

The Cignetti Model: Why Mack studied Curt Cignetti’s Indiana turnaround and how he applied the James Madison-to-IU strategy of "proven snaps" to jumpstart the Kennesaw State roster.
The Staff List: Why Mack spent nine years tracking GAs and quality control coaches to prepare for his next head coaching shot.
The NFL Influence: What he learned in the rooms of Doug Peterson and Bill Callahan—and how those internships catapulted his career.
The "Steakhouse" Philosophy: Why Mack treats recruiting like a high-end restaurant to compete with NIL heavyweights through elite customer service.
HBCU Roots: The lessons learned at NC Central that still apply at the FBS level.
The 30/50/20 Roster Formula: The specific mathematical split Mack uses between high school, transfer portal, and the "lost art" of Junior College recruiting.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.

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The high stakes world of USA Basketball with Stephen Silas

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

As USA Basketball prepares for the next window of World Cup Qualifying in Southern California, Stephen Silas joins Woj to talk through the unique, high-pressure discipline of tight-window international team building.

Fresh off a 24-year run in the NBA — includingas the Houston Rockets’ head coach and assistant roles working with Steph Curry and LeBron James — Silas shares what he’s learned about coaching in preparation for World Cup qualifying events.

Woj and Silas dive into:

• The 72-Hour Turnaround: How to build a cohesive roster in just six practices with players from the G League and European circuits.

• The FIBA vs. NBA Gap: Why the international game is more physical, why the "three-ball" is the ultimate equalizer and the rule differences that catch even veteran coaches off guard.

• Patrick Ewing’s Impact: What it’s like having a Dream Team legend on the bench and the advice Silas received from Jeff Van Gundy before taking the job.

• The Weight of the Jersey: Why representing the U.S. remains the ultimate career milestone for players who may never reach the Olympic stage.

• Life After the Grind: Silas opens up about finding the balance between "Coach Silas" and "Stephen Silas" after decades on the road.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

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Inside the Ohio State Football front office: GM Mark Pantoni on the new era of roster building

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Mark Pantoni, General Manager and Director of Player Personnel at Ohio State, joins The Program to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving "front office" of college football.

From his humble beginnings as an undergraduate pre-med student at Florida—where his first task for Urban Meyer was hand-writing 400 envelopes a day—to now managing what is essentially a collegiate "salary cap," Pantoni shares the blueprint for building a career in player personnel. He discusses the shift from relationship-based recruiting to agent-led negotiations and how the "Indiana model" is changing how big programs value veteran experience over high school potential.

In this episode, Woj and Mark discuss:

The Non-Traditional Path: How a pre-med student with no playing background became one of the most powerful executives in college football.
The Evolution of Recruiting: Transitioning from VHS tapes and handwritten letters to managing NIL valuations and transfer portal "free agency."
The "Switzerland" Approach: Why Pantoni has to remain emotionally detached from players to make fair, data-driven financial decisions for the locker room.
The High School vs. Portal Dilemma: Analyzing the "dead money" risk of high school recruits versus the immediate impact of veteran transfers.
Building a Front Office: How Ohio State has structured its personnel department to mirror an NFL scouting operation.
Red Flags for Recruits: Why something as simple as being on your phone during a visit can change a staff's evaluation of your "football IQ" and maturity.

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Will Hardy on the human side of player development, Kevin Love's impact & front office alignment

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:26:00 -0000

This week, Woj sits down with Utah Jazz Head Coach Will Hardy to go inside one of the most intentional culture-building projects in the NBA. Since taking the reins in Utah, Hardy has navigated the transition from a veteran contender to a young, hungry roster by emphasizing the "monotony of greatness" and a holistic approach to the modern athlete.

In this episode, Woj and Will discuss:

The Monotony of Greatness: Why a seared mental image of Tim Duncan shooting jump hooks 45 minutes before a shoot-around still dictates Hardy’s expectations for his young core.
Human Development vs. Player Development: Moving beyond drills to help players navigate life in their 20s, mental health, and the habits that drive winning.
The Kevin Love Factor: The honest conversations that brought a 5-time All-Star to a rebuilding locker room and why his "honesty and perspective" have become a cheat code for the Jazz coaching staff.
"Show Love": The origins of the team’s viral mantra and the daily locker room exercises used to combat the negativity and ego of professional sports.
Front Office Alignment: How the Jazz avoid the "grab for credit" and "passing of blame" through constant communication with Danny Ainge, Justin Zanik, and the Utah leadership team.

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Making players the CEOs of their own development with Hornets assistant coach Josh Longstaff

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:04:00 -0000

This week, Woj sits down with Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Josh Longstaff to go inside the high-stakes world of NBA player development.

Longstaff, a rising name in the coaching ranks, shares the lessons he learned in the trenches of Oklahoma City, where he helped mold three future Hall of Famers, and explains the radical "CEO" culture he is now building alongside Charles Lee in Charlotte.

Josh and Woj discuss:

"He Would Test Me": The raw honesty required to earn the respect of a young Russell Westbrook and the moment Longstaff realized that truth is a coach's greatest currency.
The Soul of Development: Why the Hornets' "holistic" approach reaches far beyond the court, focusing on mental performance, nutrition, and the "whole person."
The CEO Mindset: How Charlotte empowers young stars like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball by putting them at the head of the table (literally) to own their professional growth.
Mentoring Icons: What it was like to witness the daily, obsessive work habits of a young Kevin Durant and James Harden.
The Head Coaching Path: Longstaff’s transition from the video room to leading an expansion G League franchise.

We’ll see you next week for episode fourteen of The Program.

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Pete Thamel on Curt Cignetti and the rapid ascent of Indiana football

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

ESPN’s Pete Thamel joins Woj to dissect one of the most improbable rises in the history of the sport: the Indiana Hoosiers’ journey to the national title game. Ahead of a showdown with Miami, Woj and Pete dive into how Curt Cignetti built a "destination logo" in record time and the seismic shifts making this era of college athletics the most chaotic in history.

• The Indiana Rocket Ship: Pete explains why the Hoosiers’ rise is unprecedented and why it required a "perfect storm" of the transfer portal, NIL and administrative defiance to keep a coaching staff intact.

• The Death of Continuity: How the gap between the "Blue Bloods" and the rest of the field has widened, and why the mid-major advantage of veteran rosters is disappearing.

• The Revenue Share Frontier: A look at the House settlement and why schools are continuing to spend at "100 miles per hour."

• The 10-Year Outlook: Will the Power Conferences eventually break away from the NCAA? Pete breaks down the multi-billion dollar binders that are keeping the current model together for now.

We’ll see you next week for episode thirteen of The Program.

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Inside the strategic rise of BYU Basketball with Justin Young

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0000

On this episode of The Program, Woj is joined by BYU Head of Personnel Justin Young. Young walks us through "The Perfect Storm": a combination of NBA-level player development, the transition to the Big 12, and a high-functioning NIL landscape that has allowed BYU to go shoulder-to-shoulder with the blue bloods of the sport.

The Kevin Young Effect: Why a top NBA assistant chose the college game and how his "intellectual relationship" with elite players like AJ Dybantsa changed the recruiting trail.
The Business of Winning: How BYU’s leadership and donor community scaled their resources to compete with the likes of Duke and Kansas.
The International Market: Calibrating talent evaluation in Europe and the challenges of identifying "archetypes" in leagues across the globe.
NIL & The "Ego" Factor: Why the new era of college sports allows donors to feel like NBA owners—and whether or not it’s sustainable..

We’ll see you next week for episode twelve of The Program.

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Tom Crean Pt. 2: How to win with less in the NIL era

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Tom Crean, former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, returns for Part 2 of a masterclass in team building. Crean shares why the fundamentals of winning haven't changed, even if the payrolls have. He and Woj dive into everything from the challenges facing Mid-Majors, to the danger of setting "ceilings" for your stars, and much more.

The Talent Raid: How mid-majors can still win when high-majors consistently pluck talent from their rosters.
The Harbaugh Influence: Lessons in experience-based coaching from Jim and John Harbaugh.
Raising the Floor: Why developing the bottom of your roster is the secret to consistent winning.
Personalized Recruiting: Crean on using film and voice memos to provide value to prospects before they sign.
The Efficiency Gap: Why the highest payroll doesn’t always equal the best team.

We’ll see you next week for episode eleven of The Program.

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Tom Crean Pt. 1: Managing the dilemmas of modern college basketball

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Tom Crean, the former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, joins Woj to discuss the seismic shifts currently reshaping the college basketball landscape. Crean, who led Marquette to a Final Four and coached stars like Dwyane Wade and Anthony Edwards, dives deep into the evolving demands of coaching staffs in the NIL and Transfer Portal era, sharing insights on player development and how the best programs are fighting to maintain culture in an increasingly transactional world.

Problem vs. Dilemma: Crean explains the shift in the head coaching role, where modern issues like NIL and the portal are no longer "problems" to be solved but "dilemmas" that must be managed daily.
The Evolution of Coaching Staffs: He discusses how the responsibilities of assistants have changed, emphasizing that every staff member must now be a fundraiser, an evaluator, and a relationship-builder rather than just a recruiter.
Recruiters vs. Evaluators: Crean breaks down why the ability to evaluate talent and provide fundamental solutions is more critical than ever, and warns against the "shortsightedness" of recruiting based on empty promises.
Sustaining Culture: He shares a behind-the-scenes look at his recent visit with Tom Izzo at Michigan State, highlighting how the Spartans have mastered program consistency and former-player engagement despite the chaos of the portal era.
The Professional Bridge: Crean reflects on the vital role college programs play in preparing athletes for the mental and professional rigors of the NBA, and the danger of losing those transformational bridges in a transactional environment.

We’ll see you next week for episode eleven of The Program.

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David Carle’s blueprint for a NCAA hockey dynasty

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:10:00 -0000

This week Woj sits down with David Carle, the two-time national championship hockey coach at the University of Denver. With four Frozen Four appearances and two titles in eight seasons at DU, Carle is one of the most coveted coaches by the pros in all of college sports.

• The College Hockey Disruption: Carle details the unprecedented changes, including the recent ruling that made all players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) eligible for NCAA hockey — adding an entirely new dimension to recruiting.

• The DU Strategy: Why the two-time national title program intentionally chooses to be one of the youngest teams in the country, prioritizing recruiting and developing freshmen instead of relying on older transfer portal players x

• The Non-Starter: Carle reveals the major "red flags" within a prospect's family and his mindset that will cause him to walk away from a top talent in the recruiting process.

• Life at the Top: Carle shares his philosophy on success, the pressure of maintaining the standard of a 10-time national championship program and weighing factors when considering job opportunities at the NHL level.

• The Future of the Sport: Carle gives his pragmatic prediction on the next major structural change in college hockey, driven by the revenue-sharing model.

We’ll see you next week for episode ten of The Program.

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Dalmar Ali on Building Somalia's National Basketball Team and LIU's Mid-Major Success

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:30:00 -0000

Dalmar Ali, the newly appointed head coach of the Somalia National Basketball Team and an assistant coach at LIU, joins Adrian Wojnarowski to discuss his new international challenge, his roots, and the unique realities of of building a competitive program.

The International Blueprint: Ali discusses modeling the Somalia National Team's structure after successful nation-building efforts in Africa, including the work of Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa and Luol Deng's South Sudan program, leveraging their influence and pride.
The Somali Basketball Community: He shares insights into the passionate and large Somali basketball community, particularly in Toronto and Minnesota, and the significant role it plays in developing talent.
Coaching at LIU: Ali opens up about working with head coach Rod Strickland and the staff's remarkable success in the Northeast Conference (NEC) with limited resources. He explains their unique recruiting strategy that prioritizes relationships and vision over NIL funding.
The Future of Mid-Majors: Ali expresses his concern over the sustainability of smaller conferences due to the transfer portal and NIL landscape, and how LIU managed to retain top talent by building a positive and impactful program culture.
Mentorship and Learning: He reflects on the invaluable experience of learning program building from two Division I legends, Rod Strickland and his former boss, Leonard Hamilton.

We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program.

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J.B. Bickerstaff on NBA Coach Autonomy and The Formula for Earning Player Trust

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:06:00 -0000

Detroit Pistons coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, joins Woj to discuss the dynamics of team building, power structures in the NBA, and the principles that drive a healthy, winning organization.

Coach vs. Management vs. Ownership: Bickerstaff discusses the critical importance of a true partnership between the head coach, the general manager (Trajan Langdon), and ownership, highlighting the supportive, hands-off approach of Tom Gores in Detroit.
The Player-Coach Relationship: He emphasizes that success is built on a foundation of trust and respect with a team's best player, allowing for open, honest conversations and preventing manipulation of the locker room.
Communication Style: J.B. shares his commitment to "touching base" with every player on the 1-15 roster every single day, fostering communication to solve problems before they escalate.
Lessons from a Basketball Family: As one half of the winningest father-son coaching combo in league history, Bickerstaff reflects on the unchanging constants of coaching passed down from his father, Bernie Bickerstaff, emphasizing the importance of telling the truth and treating everyone with the same respect.
League Life: J.B. introduces "League Life," the resource app he and his wife, Nikki, created to help professional sports families navigate the constant moves and find vetted services in new cities.

We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program.

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Parcells Team Building Lessons & Will NIL Kill College Dynasties? With Mike Tannenbaum

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Woj sits down with his former ESPN colleague, current NFL Front Office Insider at ESPN, and founder of The 33rd Team, Mike Tannenbaum, to discuss the dramatic blurring lines between the NFL and major college football.

College Football & The Cap

How NIL, revenue sharing, and the lack of a true salary cap are forcing college GMs and coaches to adopt NFL-style decision-making.
The essential difference between a "binary" scholarship decision and a rigorous salary cap approach.
Is the dynasty dead? Mike's take on whether the Nick Saban-era of dominance is possible in the new landscape where players like Carson Beck can earn millions.

Lessons from Bill Parcells

The most important principles Tannenbaum learned about team-building and player evaluation from his mentor, Bill Parcells.
How Parcells was using data and analytics 30 years ago with his "typing system" for player prototypes (e.g., the "big men" philosophy).

The Steve Kerr & David Blatt Saga

A fascinating look inside Tannenbaum's time as an agent, detailing the final, dramatic hours of the Steve Kerr coaching sweepstakes between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors.
The race to hire David Blatt for the Cleveland Cavaliers right before LeBron James' return.

The Future of the NFL

Mike's prediction on what will drive the NFL forward in the next 5-10 years: sports science, player wellness, and data-driven decision-making to win on the edges.

We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program.

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Dusty May on NIL Deals, Tampering, and The Future Structure of College Basketball

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:30:00 -0000

In this week's edition of The Program with Woj, Woj sits down with Michigan Basketball Head Coach Dusty May. Coach May takes us inside the incredible journey of Florida Atlantic’s improbable 2023 Final Four run and the historic challenges of keeping that mid-major team together in the face of the burgeoning transfer portal and NIL era. He discusses his team-building philosophy, how it has evolved with the modern game, and the unique culture he is now building as he begins his tenure at the University of Michigan. Some of the topics covered: The Historic FAU Run: How May kept the Final Four team together when NIL money was in play. Tampering and the Portal: His evolving stance on players entering the portal and returning, and the debate over high-major vs. mid-major tampering. The Agent Partnership: What he has learned about negotiating with agents, and the necessity of being 100% honest to build long-term relationships in college basketball. The Coach's Accountability: May’s philosophy on leadership, culture-building, and how he uses vulnerability to serve his players. Knight in the NIL Era: How legendary coach Bob Knight might have adapted to the modern disruptions of the portal and NIL. The Future of College Hoops: May’s prediction on the structural changes coming to college basketball, including revenue distribution and governance. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com

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Grant Hill on the Pressure, the Players, and the Future of USA Basketball

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0000

On the latest episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Grant Hill, the Managing Director of USA Basketball.

Some of the topics covered:

The Weight of Gold: Hill shares what no one could have prepared him for regarding the pressure and expectation of winning the Olympics.
Connecting with the New Generation: How the league and players have changed in the last decade, and the evolving approach to leadership and communication.
The World Cup vs. The Olympics: Analyzing the different challenges and roster-building strategies for each international tournament.
The Spoelstra Hire: Why Coach Spo's program culture and ability to connect with players made him the perfect fit for the next cycle, including the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Balancing Director and Coach: The delicate art of empowering a coach while serving as a supportive, accountable managing director for the players.
The Future Model: How USA Basketball must adapt its strategy and marketing to stay relevant in a changing global and domestic basketball landscape.

We’ll see you next week for episode five of The Program.

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Prioritizing Player Over Paycheck with Tulane Football’s Jon Sumrall

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:30:00 -0000

On the third episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Tulane Football Head Coach Jon Sumrall to discuss his approach to roster building in the NIL era—balancing the transfer portal, constant roster churn, and the pursuit of a winning culture. Coach Sumrall shares why he separates coaching players from coaching dollar amounts, how he rewards good players who are good people, and why he’s comfortable operating in the chaos of modern college football.

Some of the topics covered:

High School Recruiting as a Foundation: How traditional recruiting remains central while the portal supplements it.
Balancing Winning and Culture: The tension between winning now and building a lasting culture
Rewarding Good People: Why character still drives his roster decisions.
Separating Money and Performance: Why Sumrall prefers not to know what players earn.

Timestamps:

2:00 – Sumrall’s formula for roster building at Tulane

4:50 – Balancing competitiveness with culture

7:44 – Rewarding good players who are good people

12:33 – Limiting a coach’s exposure to player earnings

16:23 – The future of non–Power Four college football

We’ll see you next week for episode four of The Program.

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Building Around a Superstar with Lindsay Gottlieb of USC Women’s Basketball

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:01:00 -0000

On the second episode of The Program, Woj sits down with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb — the former NBA assistant who returned to college to build one of the sport’s most exciting programs. Gottlieb shares why she saw USC — and Los Angeles — as the next great sports hub, and how she’s building a perennial national contender around phenom JuJu Watkins.

Some of the topics covered:

Building Around a Star: Gottlieb explains what makes JuJu Watkins unique — and how you build a sustainable program around a generational player.
The NBA Effect: Hear how her time on the Cleveland Cavaliers staff prepared her for team-building in the NIL era of college basketball
Recruiting the Right Fit: Why even elite talent sometimes isn’t the right match — and how Gottlieb identifies players who elevate the whole system.
LA Rising: Why Gottlieb believed Los Angeles was poised to become the epicenter of women’s sports — and what that means for the next wave of athletes considering USC.

We’ll see you next week for episode three of The Program.

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How Global Recruiting Has Transformed College Basketball with Jonathan Givony

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:27:00 -0000

On the debut episode of The Program, Woj visits with Jonathan Givony, founder of DraftExpress. They discuss the accelerated pattern of college’s recruiting international basketball talent — strategy that’s transforming roster construction in the age of paying players and the transfer portal.

Some of the topics covered:

• The Global GM Mindset: Givony reveals the one crucial evaluation method schools must adopt to succeed in international recruiting, arguing that only offering the most money is an often a losing strategy.

• Woj's Reporter Edge: Hear Woj explain how he leaned on his past life as a reporter to land top European talent like Achille Lonati.

• How the NCAA's reluctance to fight lawsuits is flooding the college market with older, professional players and what that means for high school recruitment.

• Playing Time vs. The Paycheck: Is a big NIL/Rev share deal at a Power Five school worth sitting on the bench? Woj and Givony detail how agents are increasingly steering clients on a different path that maximizes long-term earnings.

• The Future of College Staffs: Givony gives his bold prediction on the next major structural change in the sport.

We’ll see you next week for episode two with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb

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The Program with Woj: Learning From the Best Team Builders in Sports

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:30:00 -0000

Welcome to The Program with Woj.

I’m Adrian Wojnarowski. You may remember me from my days as the Senior NBA Insider at ESPN, but now I’m back at my alma mater, St. Bonaventure, navigating a whole new world as GM of their men's college basketball team.

On The Program with Woj, I’ll sit down with some of the most accomplished and innovative leaders and minds across all levels of the sporting community--my personal exploration of front office work and modern team building.

From college to pro, men and women, The Program with Woj will dig into it all.

The Program with Woj is a creation and production of In the Arena Studios. The series will be presented by our title sponsor, Novig. New episodes will drop every Wednesday and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

See you soon, on The Program with Woj.

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