Alex Popp - Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School (MA) - Episode 1124

Alex Popp is in his first year as the Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School in Winchendon, Massachusetts. Popp most recently served as the Head Coach of the Academic Post-Graduate team at IMG Academy for 5 seasons. Prior to IMG Popp was the Head Coach at Vermont Academy, a perennial NEPSAC power, from 2014 to 2020 where he developed seven top 100 nationally ranked players, two NBA Draft picks, and one McDonald’s All-American. His tenure also saw the team secure the school’s first-ever New England Prep School Championship in 2016.

Popp’s collegiate coaching career includes roles as Director of Basketball Operations at Holy Cross (NCAA Div. I), Associate Head Coach at Middlebury College (NCAA Div. III), and as an Assistant Coach at Springfield College.

As a player, Alex was a three-year letterwinner at D2 Assumption University, after playing his freshman season at the University of Minnesota as a recruited walk-on.

On this episode Mike & Alex discuss the importance of developing players' strengths rather than solely focusing on their weaknesses. Alex shares his insights on cultivating talent and the significance of believing in players’ potential. Throughout the conversation, we explore the nuanced dynamics of coaching at the prep school level, particularly the necessity of fostering an environment that is both competitive and supportive. We also delve into the intricacies of recruiting, highlighting the value of established relationships within the basketball community. Ultimately, this episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the modern coaching landscape, underpinned by a commitment to player development and the pursuit of excellence.

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Have a notebook by your side as you listen to this episode with Alex Popp, Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School.

Website - https://winchendon.org/sports/basketball/

Email - alex.popp3@gmail.com

Twitter/X - @coachalexpopp

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