The Gametime Guru

What’s the real state of women’s basketball today? Coach Carson Huelle, former college player turned coach and creator of a fast-growing WNBA fan community, joins The Gametime Guru to break it all down. From the Caitlin Clark effect to the rise of the WNBA and the new Unrivaled league, this conversation covers what makes women’s basketball unique, powerful, and misunderstood. In this episode, we explore: The differences (and similarities) between men’s and women’s basketball Coaching philosophies for female athletes at different levels Why the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league matters more than you think How young girls can set themselves apart through IQ, fundamentals, and passion A behind-the-scenes look at women’s hoops from youth to pro If you're a basketball fan, coach, or parent of a young athlete — this is a powerful deep dive into one of the fastest-growing segments in sports. 🎧 Subscribe and listen each week as we bring you new voices and stories that help you see sports through a different lens.

In this inspiring episode of The Gametime Guru, former University of Houston wide receiver Linell Bonner shares his powerful journey from being overlooked in high school to becoming a standout D1 athlete, a published author, and a transformational mentor and speaker. Key Topics Covered: Buy "It's Your Choice: The Art of Becoming" today: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Choice-Art-Becoming/dp/B0D52PMTRX Follow Linell on his pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linellbonner3/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linell-bonner-iii-4b3225a5/ Life After Football: Linell shares how God led him away from professional sports and into a higher calling — mentoring youth, delivering impactful keynotes, and helping people discover their true purpose. Why You Should Watch This Interview: If you're a young athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone struggling to find your identity beyond the game — Linell’s story will resonate deeply. This isn’t just about football. It’s about faith, mindset, hard work, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Subscribe for More Interviews: Every week we go behind the scenes with sports figures from all over the world — showing you a panoramic view of the sports world through a different lens. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe #GametimeGuru #LinellBonner #FaithAndFootball #CollegeFootball #MotivationalInterview #NFLJourney #D1Athlete #UniversityOfHouston #FromWalkOnToStarter #OvercomingAdversity #ChristianAthlete #TheArtOfBecoming #MindsetMatters

In this exclusive interview, former Michigan and Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson joins me to deliver raw insights on playing Division I football in both the SEC and Big Ten, adapting to multiple offensive systems, and his journey into the USFL with the Michigan Panthers. This is from my interview with Shae back in 2022 on the Nations Best Brotherhood Podcast with Nations Best Football. 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode: What it's really like competing in both the SEC and Big Ten as a quarterback How Shea Patterson prepared mentally and physically for the pros Behind-the-scenes perspective on college stadiums like Kyle Field, The Big House, and Penn State’s White Out What it's like playing with elite athletes like A.J. Brown and competing against Jeff Okudah and Devin White The mindset required to succeed at the next level and deal with rejection, setbacks, and constant change The importance of football IQ, learning 12 different offensive systems, and breaking down real play calls What brotherhood really means in high-level team sports Patterson opens up about his faith, mental toughness, and the note he wrote in 4th grade that still drives him: “I will play in the NFL.” Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan, this episode offers golden nuggets on leadership, preparation, and perseverance in sports and life.

What do Jerry Maguire, Patrick Mahomes, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon all have in common? Their stories intersect with Leigh Steinberg, one of the most iconic sports agents in history. In this episode of The Gametime Guru, Leigh opens up about: His influence on the movie Jerry Maguire How elite athletes like Mahomes and Young handle adversity NIL’s impact on the future of college sports His unique approach to mentoring athletes on and off the field Why brotherhood and character matter more than talent alone If you’re a sports fan, student-athlete, or business leader, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to keep up with weekly episodes that bring sports to life from every angle. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://youtu.be/ccCfaGi1bzw

What’s the current state of club basketball in 2025? In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru, I will dive into the real pros and cons of the modern youth sports scene, particularly club basketball. Key Questions Answered: Topics Covered: Why This Matters: Parents, coaches, and athletes are investing time and money into club sports with the hope of long-term payoffs. But are we losing sight of what matters most? Shane shares personal stories and insight after four years of coaching 16U, 17U, and unsigned seniors, providing a raw and unfiltered look at what’s really going on behind the scenes. If you're searching for: “Why are youth sports so expensive?” ...then this episode gives you the perspective you're looking for. Recorded after the 2025 season and featuring real insights from tournaments across California, Utah, and Idaho—including battles with junior college teams and underfunded tournaments—this episode provides an honest look at what youth sports are becoming… and what they should be. Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly interviews with sports figures, deep dives into current sports issues, and behind-the-scenes stories that help you see sports through a different lens. If you would like to see this on VIDEO, feel free to follow me over on YouTube and catch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h40snStgyaQ

Today, I interview Ryan Winterswyk, former walk-on turned star defensive end at Boise State, and former NFL player with the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan talks candidly about: This episode is about more than football—it's about mindset, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you're an athlete or just love a comeback story, this episode will inspire and inform. Subscribe to hear from athletes and coaches across the globe who’ve seen success, struggle, and growth on and off the field. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://youtu.be/yxDLILuN34M

Thinking about playing football at the next level? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, we dive deep into the real-life journey of Carl Pickens, from high school standout to Freshman All-American at Tennessee, to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Bengals. This conversation is essential listening for: 🚨 Aspiring college and pro athletes 🚨 High school football players looking to understand the process 🚨 Parents and coaches helping athletes navigate transitions 🚨 Fans of 1990s NFL football (Boomer Esiason, Jeff Blake, Deion Sanders, and more!) 🎯 Key Questions Answered in this Episode ➤ How can players handle the disappointment of draft day? Carl shares how being passed over by the Denver Broncos fueled his fire and how he embraced the unexpected call from Cincinnati. ➤ What’s the hardest part about the transition from high school to college football? It’s not just the playbook—Carl talks about culture shock, homesickness, and learning how to re-prove yourself at every level. ➤ Can you make it to the NFL if you’re not a 5-star recruit? Carl explains how mindset, consistency, and accountability matter more than rankings. ➤ What’s it really like to go from college to the pros? From catching passes from Boomer Esiason to learning the pro playbook—Carl explains what being a professional means beyond just talent. 🧠 Top Takeaways from Carl Pickens Accountability defines professionalism: From showing up on time to running clean routes, accountability is the #1 trait that separates the pros. Setbacks are setups: From being redshirted at Tennessee to switching positions early in college, Carl used every obstacle as fuel. You don’t have to be open to make a play: Learn how Carl won contested catches vs. elite DBs like Deion Sanders and Aeneas Williams. Support systems matter: Carl’s family and coaches helped him stay grounded during the hardest transitions of his career. Your “why” drives your success: He didn’t want to let his parents down—and that kept him focused during the grind of NFL life. 🏆 Highlights from the Interview Playing high school basketball as a 6'1" forward and high jumping 7'1" Being the only freshman receiver at Tennessee and transitioning to free safety Being passed on by Denver during the NFL Draft and picked by Cincinnati instead How turf vs. grass impacted his favorite stadiums (Denver, Cleveland) Stories from the locker room: relationships with Darnay Scott, Boomer Esiason, and Jeff Blake 📍 Follow Carl Pickens on Instagram: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/thecarlpickens Want to see what Carl’s up to now? From motorcycles to horses to podcast appearances—he’s just getting started in his post-NFL journey. 🎙 About The Gametime Guru Podcast Host: Shane Larson Global reach: 182 countries 🔁 Weekly interviews with pro athletes, coaches, and sports visionaries 👉 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that reveal what it really takes to compete and succeed at the highest level of sports.

Are you a shorter basketball player trying to stand out? This episode is for you. Former Boise State standout and pro guard Montigo Alford (aka Tigo) shares exactly how shorter guards can dominate, impact winning, and build long-term success—on and off the court. 📌 What You’ll Learn: Can shorter basketball players still earn D1 offers and pro contracts? → Yes. Montigo breaks down the exact mindset, training, and roles shorter guards must embrace. What does "impacting winning" really mean? → It’s not about dropping 30 points—it’s about defense, leadership, and embracing your role. Is lifting weights during the season a good idea? → Absolutely. Montigo even hits the leg press right before games. Why is social media so important for athletes today? → Because your first and last name is your brand. Coaches want to see what you’re about. 💬 Top Quotes from Montigo Alford: “Your first and last name is your brand—treat it like one.” “At 5'9, they counted me out. I used the weight room, the film room, and my mentality to prove them wrong.” “Discipline and consistency—that's what basketball gave me.” “It’s not about being the guy, it’s about impacting winning.” 📍 Who Should Watch This: 👤 Follow Montigo Alford / TGO Pro Athletics: Want to train with TGO in the Treasure Valley? Search TGO Pro Athletics on Instagram or reach out directly via his IG: @montigo_alford @tgoproathletics Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more raw, real, and insightful interviews with athletes around the world: 🎙 Hosted by Shane Larson 🌍 Streaming globally in 180+ countries

Today, I (Shane Larson) sit down with Bob Smith, founder and CEO of Nation’s Best Football—a platform that's become a cornerstone of athlete branding, NIL education, and nationwide football coverage from youth to pro. With 15+ years of spotlighting athletes and connecting them to life-changing opportunities, Bob shares his journey building the Nation’s Best ecosystem and his vision for the future of NIL, digital sports marketing, and community-driven athlete development. 🏈 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How Nation’s Best went from a niche football page to a multi-platform sports brand The evolution of youth football, club travel teams, and national tournaments The truth about NIL in 2025 — challenges, legal shifts, and what's coming next How athletes can safely monetize their name, image, and likeness with structure Exclusive insight on Nation’s Best NIL Dream Team, spotlight campaigns, and business partnerships Why authenticity, connection, and brand-building are the new keys to athlete success 🧠 Whether you're a high school athlete, college coach, brand rep, or sports parent — this is your masterclass in modern football marketing and NIL impact. — EXPLORE NATION'S BEST + NIL RESOURCES Main Website: https://www.nationsbestfootball.com NIL Dream Team Hub: https://www.nildreamteam.com Contact: info@nationsbestfootball.com — 🔗 FOLLOW NATION’S BEST ONLINE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Nationsbestawards TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationsbestnildreamteam Twitter/X: https://x.com/nationsbestNIL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationsBestFootball/ LinkedIn (Bob Smith): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-smith-0011a2118/ — EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: How Shane and Bob met 03:00 – What Is Nation’s Best? 07:00 – The Growth of Youth Football 11:00 – Athlete Spotlights: From Pop Warner to D1 20:00 – How NIL Is Changing in 2025 31:00 – Building the NIL Dream Team 38:00 – Business Partnerships & Brand Expansion 45:00 – Nation’s Best Fantasy, Flag, Natty, and More 50:00 – Lessons From 15 Years in Sports Media — #NIL #NationBestFootball #YouthFootball #AthleteBranding #NIL2025 #FootballPodcast #NILDreamTeam #GametimeGuru #HighSchoolFootball #NILEducation

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I interview Anthony Tucker, the founder of Hoop Habits and former professional basketball player who competed overseas and in the Big Ten. From winning a high school state championship to building a training facility focused on mindset, recovery, and development, Anthony shares powerful insights on how to navigate the transition from athlete to entrepreneur. TOPICS COVERED: The mindset required for professional basketball Overcoming being cut and bouncing back stronger How AAU basketball has changed (and where it’s headed) Building a youth basketball training business from the ground up The role of nutrition, recovery, and sports psychology in long-term athletic success Life after sports: translating athletic skills into the business world RESOURCES & LINKS: - ✅ Learn more about Anthony’s elite training program: https://www.hoophabits.com ✅ Follow Hoop Habits on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoophabitstraining ✅ AAU Info: https://www.hoophabitselite.com 📩 Contact: info@hoophabits.com Whether you're an aspiring college athlete, basketball parent, or someone looking to build mental toughness in life or sport, this interview delivers value-packed takeaways that apply on and off the court. — CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Intro to Anthony Tucker 03:00 – Playing in the Big Ten & Overseas 07:00 – AAU Basketball Evolution 10:00 – Mental Health & Performance Pressure 15:00 – Life Lessons from College Hoops 22:00 – Professional Basketball Realities 30:00 – Starting Hoop Habits 38:00 – Business Challenges in Sports Training 44:00 – Nutrition, Recovery & Mindset for Young Athletes 50:00 – Final Thoughts on Goals & Grit — Support the Show This podcast is brought to you by Timberline Digital Marketing – helping small businesses grow through smart digital strategies. Head to www.timberlinedigitalmarketing.com Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with a fellow hooper or sports parent! #BasketballPodcast #AthleteMindset #HoopHabits #AAUBasketball #YouthDevelopment #MentalToughness #BasketballTraining #AnthonyTucker #GametimeGuru

The last time I spoke with Colby Blaine, was back in 2020, and we were able to hear about what he was building over at College of Idaho for their men's basketball program. Since that time SO MUCH has happened, which is exactly why I needed to circle back with the man to hear the updates. The Yotes basketball program won the national championship in 2023 and 2025 with some big runs into the Elite 8 and the Fab 4 of the NAIA National Tournament in the past few years. He's also finished with an NABC NAIA Coach of the Year award in 2023 and 2025. According to Wikipedia "The NABC Coach of the Year is an award given annually by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) to recognize the top head coach in men's college basketball across the four largest college athletic associations in the United States." To say Coach Blaine has achieved success at this program, would be a massive understatement. And it's due in large part to his amazing leadership qualities! His ability to get his players to rally behind him is incredible. We'll learn from him about many aspects of coaching, recruiting, growth mindset, personal development and more! If you're looking to be a better leader in your life, this is one you're going to need to tap into! Thanks for tuning into the show and for showing your support! Please make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button here on YouTube so you can catch all the new interviews as they come out :) #CollegeofIdaho #LegacyDriven #CoachOfTheYear

In this powerful and insightful interview on The Gametime Guru Podcast, I’m joined by former NFL offensive lineman Matt Skura, best known for his time with the Baltimore Ravens. We dive deep into Matt's football journey—from his college days at Duke University, to the brutal grind of the NFL trenches, and the personal battles he's faced off the field. Matt shares: What it was like to play college football at Duke and his favorite on-field memories The biggest transitions he faced entering the NFL and the moment he realized he had made it His most physically demanding experiences in the league and how he learned to adapt How he used technique and football IQ to compete, even when he wasn’t the most athletic guy on the field The moment he knew it was time to hang up the cleats and transition into life after football A vulnerable and inspiring conversation about mental health, the loss of his father to suicide, and why he now advocates for mental and emotional well-being The importance of preparing yourself mentally and physically to succeed on and off the field Matt’s story is one of grit, intelligence, and purpose—a must-listen for any athlete, coach, or parent who wants to understand the game of football beyond the scoreboard. This episode is proudly sponsored by Timberline Digital Marketing – the go-to team for all your SEO, content, paid ads, and digital growth strategies. Visit www.timberlinedigitalmarketing.com to level up your online presence. Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs to hear Matt’s inspiring message. Matt's Newsletter is one you'll want to subscribe to: https://mattskura.substack.com/ Please checkout Matt's story here: https://mhaofcc.org/news/mens-mental-health-we-see-you

Abu Kigab is a former Boise State and Oregon basketball player. He's now playing professionally overseas and is making an impact with the game of basketball. In this 400th episode of The Gametime Guru, we are diving into what it truly takes to compete at a high level. Abu talks about the importance of taking care of your body. How nutrition and sleep play such an important role in your ability to play at 100% during your career and he speaks on the importance of discipline and consistency when trying to level up your game. It's intriguing to hear from someone who is actively competing, on just how much work is required to truly be great at what you do. There is a lot of work and study that you need to do in order to stay on top of your game. If you are an aspiring athlete who wants to truly get to the next level, this is a great episode to tune into! You'll understand just exactly why Sam Winter had good things to say about him in our previous interview! #ProfessionalBasketball #OverseasBasketball _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA

Athlete Narrative is an app for athletes to help streamline the recruiting process for them. See, one of the biggest hiccups in the young athlete's journey, is the recruiting process as a whole. What do they need when they reach out to coaches? How many emails do they need to send? What if there was a tool that could help with all of this? The app will help you build your radar page (profile) and then with the AI technology inside of it, will provide you information on schools and their coaching staff's information to contact. It will help you craft emails that are tailored to those schools to provide all the necessary information that coaches need and want to hear. This app is literally providing HOPE for the athletes! It's allowing them the opportunity to send out multiple emails in MINUTES! Rather than just a few emails in a few days! And the best part about it, is the fact that it's AFFORDABLE!! For as much as you probably pay at the gas station in a day or two, you can pay for Athlete Narrative for $20/month. I'd encourage all athletes and parents who are needing help in the recruiting process, to reach out if you have questions and checkout this app! Head to: www.athletenarrative.com If you have questions email: info@athletenarrative.com You can also follow them on social media: https://www.instagram.com/athletenarrative/ If you're under the radar in recruiting, this will help put you on the map! #Recruiting #AITechnology #CollegeRecruits _______________________________________________ If you enjoy the show and would like to WATCH the interviews, make sure to give me a follow on YouTube and catch the full VIDEO conversations there as well! Followon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA

As a coach, I have the opportunity to see just how powerful team basketball can truly be when playing the game of basketball. Even at my age, I was able to witness the power of playing team ball in our City League Championship here in Idaho. Why does it seem hard for many kids to grasp this concept though? We'll talk about that in the show today. We'll also discuss some of the interviews that I've done in recent times and I'll go through some of the things I've learned from the guests that I've been able to speak to. I used to do these shows solo back when I began doing the podcast, and today is an opportunity for me to do that again. Thanks for tuning in and I'd ask that you consider giving me a follow if you enjoy the content! #Sports #Podcast #Interviews If you’d like to listen to the show, you can catch the podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gametime-guru/id1195653965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bBJIiyOxs25BHKhKlCe23 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/81800b66-fda2-4263-ac16-04c1c1d637a8/the-gametime-guru Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Gametime-Guru-p1021721/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbvSCliFvNWYadx9YugquysAbVz8Cb7i _____________________________ If you are a business owner, and you have heard about ClickFunnels, then you know the power it can have on your business!! EVERYONE is always looking for a discount to ClickFunnels, and I have it for you right here! https://www.imallin.com/?aff=5cbea6d0-1f1c-435e-bf6f-489c8a4ac116-1WzEwLDIwNTZdc If you want to get ClickFunnels at a MAJOR discounted rate, then click the link above and you can literally SAVE HUNDREDS PER YEAR on the subscription! Get it TODAY!

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I sit down with Sam Winter, former Boise State Basketball player and creative content creator. Sam’s story goes beyond his time on the court—he built a personal brand by sharing behind-the-scenes stories and embracing his role within a Division I program. His content gave fans a unique, authentic look at life as a college athlete. We cover Sam’s athletic journey, including: How an ACL injury in high school almost ended his career His decision to walk on at Boise State and what it took to earn a spot on the team Life as a D1 basketball player and the lessons learned along the way How he embraced his role and found ways to stand out through content creation His process for developing creative, authentic content and growing an audience Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur with the launch of his Christian clothing line The role of faith in his life, on and off the court Sam shares valuable insights for athletes, parents, and coaches about leadership, personal branding, and finding your identity beyond sports. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or an athlete looking for inspiration, Sam’s story will show you how to maximize your opportunities and stay true to yourself. Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators who are making an impact on and off the field. #BoiseState #CollegeBasketball #ContentCreation #AthleteJourney #PersonalBranding #SportsLeadership #SamWinter #TheGametimeGuru

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I sit down with Andrew "Dru" Faga, former UNLV Fullback and Idaho State Linebacker, to talk about his football journey and life after the game. Dru shares what it was like playing at the Division I level, his transition between programs, and the lessons he learned on and off the field. But this conversation goes beyond his playing days! Dru is now one of the co-hosts of the Huddle Up Youth Sports Podcast, a show dedicated to helping parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth athletics navigate the world of sports. We dive deep into the youth sports landscape, discussing common challenges, the importance of positive coaching, and how to create a healthy, supportive environment for young athletes. If you're a parent of young athletes, a youth coach, or just passionate about sports development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. 🎧 Don’t miss Dru’s perspective on football, youth sports, and the power of being a positive influence in the lives of young athletes! 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring sports stories! Make sure to follow the Huddle Up Youth Sports Podcast on their social media networks: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huddleup.ysp/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@huddleup.ysp YouTube: @HuddleUp_YSP - https://www.youtube.com/@HuddleUp_YSP #YouthSports #Football #UNLVFootball #PositiveCoaching #HuddleUpPodcast #DruFaga #TheGametimeGuru

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I sit down with "Slammin' Sammy Christensen" to dive deep into his journey as an athlete. Sammy was a late bloomer in high school, but his dedication and multi-sport background helped shape his success. We discuss: 🏈 Football recruiting and how he ended up playing college baseball instead ⚾ His JUCO baseball experience and the transition to a university before going pro ⚾ Lessons from the minor leagues and how they shaped his mindset 🏆 His success in coaching young athletes and mindset development 🏀 His championships in city league basketball and national slow-pitch softball 💡 The importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences Sammy has helped hundreds of young athletes develop their skills and mental approach to the game. His story is a must-listen for aspiring athletes, parents, and coaches who want to understand what it takes to excel in sports and life. 🚀 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring sports stories! #Baseball #FootballRecruiting #JUCOBaseball #Mindset #AthleteJourney #MinorLeagues #SlamminSammy #TheGametimeGuru _____________________________ If you are a business owner, and you have heard about ClickFunnels, then you know the power it can have on your business!! EVERYONE is always looking for a discount to ClickFunnels, and I have it for you right here! https://www.imallin.com/?aff=5cbea6d0-1f1c-435e-bf6f-489c8a4ac116-1WzEwLDIwNTZdc If you want to get ClickFunnels at a MAJOR discounted rate, then click the link above and you can literally SAVE HUNDREDS PER YEAR on the subscription! Get it TODAY!

Nick Fazekas was a University of Nevada (Reno) Legend!! There is a reason why his number is retired at the University! What some (like myself) may not have known however, is just how unbelievable his story was AFTER college! Nick played college basketball during a time where I watched a LOT of basketball and I remembered him playing at Nevada. That said, I never realized what actually happened when he left college. Today in this interview however, I learned SO MUCH that I never would have realized had he not joined me for the discussion. What I hope you take from this interview is how Nick was able to battle through the ups and downs of his career. How he kept pushing through adversity. How his path was not necessarily the path that he may have thought it was going to be, but it was the one that he needed. We'll learn so much about his experience in the pros from the G League, to the NBA, to Europe (and even stories about paychecks not coming in), to the G League again, to Japan and how he became a superstar in Japan for many years, putting Japan on the map! It's truly a remarkable story of perseverance and the cool thing is, Nick recently retired from professional basketball after an incredible career! I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!! It's full of golden nuggets! #NickFazekas #UniversityofNevada #JapanBasketball _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA

**Major apologies for the echo throughout the episode** In this episode, we welcome Leila Entezam, LMFT, MBA, a Neuro-Emotional Performance Coach and author of the upcoming book Inner Game. Leila is a thought leader in neuro-emotional intelligence (NEI), merging insights from neuroscience, psychology, and peak performance to empower high achievers. With nearly two decades of experience working with elite performers—including CEOs of multi-million dollar organizations, professional athletes, and celebrities—Leila has developed a unique approach that integrates her groundbreaking SET-UP model for optimized decision-making into her coaching and keynote presentations. In our conversation, we discuss: ✅ Identifying and Eliminating Performance Blind Spots ✅ Enhancing Emotional Regulation Under Pressure ✅ Gaining a Measurable Competitive Edge Leila’s expertise lies in the strategic leveraging of emotions, brain function, and behavior, empowering high performers to maximize their influence and impact. She has been a featured speaker at prestigious events including top universities, global conferences, the Entrepreneurs' Organization, and Model United Nations. Leila is also the author of The Heart of Peak Performance: Emotional Mastery for High-Performing Men. 📢 Check out more of Leila's work at https://www.workwithleila.com/ With engaging conversations that highlight the mindset of elite competitors, The Gametime Guru isn't just about the stats and scores—it’s about the journey. Subscribe today and get ready to elevate your sports knowledge with compelling storytelling and expert analysis!