Stephen Silas on Training Camp and Practice Preparation (EP427)

USA Basketball and former NBA head coach Stephen Silas, where he discussed his experiences coaching in short international qualifying windows for FIBA competitions. Silas shared insights about preparing teams with limited time, explaining that USA Basketball teams typically have only six practices before playing two games against other national teams in challenging international venues.

Silas detailed his approach to quickly building team culture through group activities, film sessions, and quiz competitions while emphasizing the importance of defense first and adapting to FIBA rules that differ significantly from NBA play. Silas also discussed his role clarity strategies with players, the challenges, and how these international experiences have helped him develop as a coach.

Stephen Silas is an accomplished NBA coach with more than two decades of experience across the league, most notably serving as head coach of the Houston Rockets from 2020 to 2023. He has also held coaching roles with the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks.

Most recently, Silas has coached with USA Basketball, serving as head coach for the U.S. Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying Team and leading squads in FIBA competition windows beginning in 2024. Under Silas, USA Basketball posted a 4–0 record in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers, and he later guided Team USA to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup.