A Day of Learning on the Court
The University of San Diego hosted its second annual Basketball Coaches Clinic, drawing nearly 500 verified coaches from across the country to its state‑of‑the‑art Basketball Performance Center. The one‑day gathering combined on‑court demonstrations, keynote speeches and networking opportunities, underscoring the growing influence of the USD basketball programs.
Head coaches JR Blount and Blanche Alverson opened the clinic with live drills that showcased both offensive schemes and player development tactics. Blount, who previously led Iowa State to a 2024 Big 12 Tournament title and three Sweet 16 appearances, brings a deep reservoir of collegiate experience to the USD men’s team, while Alverson, now in her third season with the Toreros, highlighted the program’s upward trajectory.
ESPN NBA senior writer Anthony Slater addressed the crowd on the power of storytelling and brand building for coaches and players, emphasizing how narrative shapes perception in a crowded media landscape. The session was followed by a panel that included Seth Davis, co‑founder of Hoops HQ, who led participants through his "Tree of Why" exercise to clarify personal and team motivations.
Cori Close, head coach of the UCLA women’s team that captured the 2024 NCAA championship, shared her "Road to a National Championship" roadmap, noting the program’s 358 wins, 23 WNBA draftees and four national coach‑of‑the‑year honors in the 2024‑25 cycle. Former NBA head coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Brown contributed technical insights, with Van Gundy dissecting modern five‑out offenses and mentoring Blount on strategic nuances.
The clinic also featured a Hall of Fame basketball writer and ESPN insider who offered behind‑the‑scenes perspectives on major league scoops, while registration — though free — was capped to verified coaches, reflecting the high demand that exceeded 500 sign‑ups. USD’s men’s squad will open its 2024‑25 season at home on November 2 against Biola, and the women’s team begins its home schedule on November 10 versus Portland State.
Local radio host and USD play‑by‑play broadcaster Braden Surprenant emceed the event, guiding a media scrum, photo sessions and informal networking that allowed attendees to connect with speakers and peers. The gathering highlighted the university’s premier facilities, positioning the clinic as a benchmark for future basketball education events.
Looking Ahead
As the basketball community reflects on the insights shared, the University of San Diego plans to build on this momentum by expanding future clinics and deepening collaborations with national media partners. The event’s success reaffirms the institution’s commitment to fostering leadership, innovation and excellence both on and off the court.