Dr. John Wiley Bryson is the author of the new book “Billy: Coach. Leader. Legend. Friend.” which tells the story of Billy Hicks, Kentucky’s winningest high school basketball coach. Billy is the powerful biography of a man whose impact stretched far beyond the scoreboard and into locker rooms, living rooms, and lives across the state of Kentucky.

On this episode Mike & John discuss the life and coaching legacy of Billy Hicks, Kentucky’s all-time winningest high school coach. Bryson explains how research, interviews, and memories from former players, colleagues, and family members came together to tell Hicks’s story. The conversation examines how Hicks’s upbringing and early coaching experiences shaped his approach, including his emphasis on fast play, man-to-man defense, preparation, and personal relationships with players. It also reflects on the pressures of Kentucky high school basketball, Hicks’s rivalry and respect with Bobby Keith, and the joys and heartbreaks of coaching alongside his family. Throughout, the episode asks what makes a coach’s influence last beyond wins: the people they develop, the culture they create, and the stories others continue to tell.

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You will want to have a notebook by your side as you listen to this episode with Dr. John Wiley Bryson, the author of the new book “Billy: Coach. Leader. Legend. Friend.”

Website - https://www.johnwileybryson.com/

Email - jwileybryson@gmail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnwbryson/

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On this episode Mike & Jason sort the league into tiers and make their wins and losses picks across the standings. They discuss why Oklahoma City and San Antonio look like top contenders, while teams such as the Knicks, Cavaliers, Celtics, and Pistons face a more uncertain path to 50 plus wins. The conversation explores roster questions and high-variance outlooks for teams including Minnesota, Houston, Orlando, Indiana, and Philadelphia. Injuries, depth, roster fit, coaching, and a team’s willingness to compete all emerge as factors that could shift the standings. It’s an argumentative, team-by-team look at who may thrive through the 82-game season and who could fall short of expectations.

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Zack Odell is the Founder XCIV.ai A tool built for high school, middle school, and AAU coaches. Using XCIV coaches upload film, box scores, or play diagrams. XCIV.AI builds your scouting reports, game plans, and practice schedules.

On this episode Mike & Zack discuss how XCIV.ai can help basketball coaches organize stats, scouting, and player development. Zack shares how keeping box scores and notes for his daughter inspired him to build a tool that turns game data and film observations into searchable scouting insights. He explains how coaches can use those insights to identify opponent tendencies, plan practices, and assign targeted training, such as a four-week free-throw program. The discussion also highlights the importance of coach feedback and human review so recommendations fit each team’s philosophy rather than replacing coaching judgment. Zack’s broader goal is to make practical coaching support more accessible, especially for smaller programs with limited staff and resources.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Be sure to grab pen and paper as you listen to this episode with Zack Odell, Founder XCIV.ai

Website - https://xciv.ai/

Email - zack@xciv.ai

Twitter/X - @XCIVAI

Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media!

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