About the Guest(s):

Steve Yang is an experienced college basketball coach with a rich history in the sport spanning over 18 years. He has a diverse coaching background, having worked across various levels, including high school, NAIA, JUCO, and Division 1 institutions.

Yang's journey has taken him from coaching at Georgetown, George Mason, Illinois Springfield, Winthrop, Missouri State, and McCook Community College to his current position at California Baptist University (CBU), where he is known for his dedication to the game and developing young athletes.

Episode Summary:

This episode of "It's Just Different" podcast delves into the insightful world of college basketball recruiting with guest Coach Steve Yang.

Host Ashley Roberts discusses key aspects of navigating through the complexities of college sports with the first college coach to recruit some of her kids.

Coach Yang shares his expertise on recruitment, the importance of building relationships in coaching, and the changing landscape of basketball with the introduction of the transfer portal.

In the conversation, Coach Yang emphasizes the role of hard work, dedication, and sincerity in the path to a successful basketball career.

He advises on how athletes and parents can best approach the recruitment process, the significance of asking thoughtful questions to potential coaches, and the importance of selecting the right AAU team.

Yang's perspective on the evolving dynamics of college athletics, especially with the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies and social media, provides a contemporary understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sports today.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletes should focus on playing hard and improving their skills rather than solely relying on exposure in tournaments.

• The college recruitment process is increasingly complex with the addition of the transfer portal, which now includes a significant focus on monetary aspects.

• Understanding the intentions and values of college and AAU coaches is crucial for athletes to find the right fit for their academic and athletic aspirations.

• Coach Yang highlights the joy and pride in team achievements, like winning championships and participating in the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

• The wisdom shared by Coach Yang underscores the importance of genuine connections beyond the court, which can impact players' and coaches’ lives profoundly.

Looking for mentorship or film review services? Send us an email at coachroberts@cebasketball.org to find out more information!

Looking for Different Merch? Check out www.ashleynroberts.com

Its Just Different on Socials: itsjustdifferentpod

Ashley on IG: _thisisashleyr

About the Guest(s):

Isis Young is a professional basketball player, TV analyst, host, and entrepreneur. With an impressive academic background, Isis has earned three degrees, including two master’s degrees.

Her journey in sports media began at Syracuse University, a renowned institution for sports broadcasting. An unfortunate ACL injury during her playing career at Fordham led her to pivot towards broadcasting, where she found a new passion.

Since then, she has worked with multiple networks across March Madness and has developed a business focused on media training and coaching for athletes. Isis uses her expertise to help other athletes articulate their stories and build their personal brands.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode, Isis Young delves into her multifaceted career as a pro basketball player turned broadcaster. Young shares her experience finding her calling in sports media and emphasizes the value of authenticity and purposeful storytelling.

Isis discusses the importance of utilizing connections in college and focusing on both academic and athletic pursuits. She provides invaluable advice to athletes on navigating the college recruiting process, assessing the fit with potential schools, and building relationships.

Additionally, Young touches on the implications of the transfer portal in college sports and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletes should leverage college resources and connections to build their future career paths alongside their sports endeavors.

• Choosing a college should be based on a plethora of factors, not just athletics: style of play, educational opportunities, and genuine interest.

• The transfer portal dynamics have changed, and athletes must be mindful of their reasons for transferring to ensure it aligns with their long-term goals.

• Building a brand as an athlete starts with being authentic on social media, which is pivotal from a young age and can serve as a recruiting tool.

• Isis Young aims to become a media training hub for serious athletes, teaching them to maximize their time on camera and articulate their personal brand successfully.

  
  

  Socials:

  Isis on IG: iceyoung23_

  Your World Enterprises: yourworldent_

  Ashley on IG: _thisisashleyr

  Its Just Different on IG: itsjustdifferentpod

### About the Guest(s):

Dr. Ariassa Wilson, commonly referred to as Coach Rees or Dr. Rees, is a multifaceted professional with roots in Tacoma, Washington. As a former basketball player, she has an impressive career trajectory that includes playing professionally overseas in countries like Brazil, France, England, Belgium, Holland, and Colombia.

She holds a master's in coaching and transitioned into a coaching career, which led her to be a head coach by the age of 25. Dr. Wilson is also the founder of a youth academy, has a significant coaching history at the community college level, and is now focused on leadership and empowering others through her role as a confidence coach and CEO of You Ish Coaching.

Additionally, she has expressed aspirations of owning a team and being a venture capitalist in the sports industry.

### Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Ariassa Wilson shares her journey from an athlete to a coach, emphasizing the transformative power of community college athletics and the importance of hard work for achieving success.

The conversation navigates through her personal evolution, the changing landscape of women's basketball, and the critical role of social capital in athlete recruitment.Dr. Wilson's extensive experience lends her unique insights into the athletic world, from the local community college level all the way to the professional stage.

She speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities athletes face today, both at the individual level and within the broader context of team dynamics and coaching.

She also delves into her current work, focusing on mindset, habits, and skills essential for living out one's purpose. Her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership further informs her approach to personal and professional growth.

### Key Takeaways:

* The role of community colleges in shaping athletes' futures and the need to value this path more.

* Hard work as a differentiator: Challenges with the current athletic culture and the importance of true dedication.

* Social capital's impact on recruiting: Coaches and players need to network effectively for successful career advancement.

* The new landscape for athletes in an era of social media and NIL deals: Opportunities, challenges, and the importance of making informed decisions.

* Dr. Wilson's vision for the future, including becoming a venture capitalist in sports and potentially owning a sports team.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

2:47 - What's Different

4:35 - Coach Reese Introduction

6:45 - Coaching Changes & Improvements

16:26 - Networking Advice for Athletes at Small Schools

20:32 - Coaching Career Motivations

24:47 - Navigating the AAU Process for Athletes & Parents

34:38 - Questions to Ask College Coaches

36:53 - Benefits of Community College for Athletes

41:40 - Decision Making in School Selection

48:52 - Top 5 Insights

52:42 - Recap: What's Different

53:44 - Leave a Message

55:27 - Closing Thoughts