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    I AM D1

    Tidal League presents " I AM D-1 the Pod" the official podcast of grassroots basketball. Host, Chris Meadows "Coach Chris" will peel back the layers inside the world of basketball to bring you the unscathed reality of the culture & direction of the game with some of the most influential players, parents, coaches, trainers, decision makers and more!!! Welcome to I Am D-1 The Pod! A podcast made for those on their way to the next level. Fueled by #1 best-selling book, I Am D-1! I AM D1 the track is available on all streaming platforms!
    enTidal League29 Episodes

    Episodes (29)

    What You Don’t Know About College Basketball

    What You Don’t Know About College Basketball

    Playing College Basketball is the ultimate dream for thousands of players and families around the world. What most people don’t know is that once you get to the college level the game is NOT the same. 

     

    In this episode Coach Chris shares 3 truths about college basketball that will open your eyes and help you prepare for what lies ahead. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.  So get those earphones, lace up & let’s get it!

    Are You Really a Point Guard?

    Are You Really a Point Guard?

    Point guard…the most coveted position in the game of basketball. If you talk to any parent whose son or daughter plays the game it’s almost guaranteed when asked what position their child plays, they will emphatically say “point guard”.  

    Much like playing quarterback in football the point guard position may seem to be glamorous but what you may not know is the high level of accountability and responsibility that comes with playing this position. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will break down what it really means to play point guard and why this position is not for the faint of heart. 

    So whether you’re on your way to college, playing for your high school or repping your travel program this episode is one you can’t afford to miss. 

    So put in your earbuds, lace up and let’s get it!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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    “REPLAY” “One of our most Impactful episodes is coming back to all players & parents, it will transform you!”

    “REPLAY”  “One of our most Impactful episodes is coming back to all players & parents, it will transform you!”

    REPLAY

    If you have ever been to IMG Academy you know why it is known around the world as the best player development facility in the world. 

    In this episode, Dan Barto Associate Director for IMG Basketball, peels back the layers of what IMG is truly built upon.  

    Dan has over 20 years experience of developing the total player and family as they go through the trails of grassroots basketball. In this episode he drops real, life-changing nuggets that will force you to re-evaluate your priorities and take it to the next level.  

    This is a one of kind conversation.  

    Lace up & let’s get it!!!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

    Follow I AM D-1 on Instagram

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    Selfish vs Aggressive “There is a difference!”

    Selfish vs Aggressive  “There is a difference!”

    Whenever you see a player who is skilled and their family members think they don’t shoot enough, what’s often said by the parents or people in their inner circle is…

    “They need to be more selfish!“ 

    In this Episode, coach Chris shares the real on what it means to be “Selfish” and explains that what most parents actually want, is for their son or daughter to be aggressive. 

    Coach Chris also digs deep to help players understand why being aggressive makes them more valuable as well as helps their teammates to be better.  This episode is food for the “Hooper’s Soul.”

    Selfish or Aggressive… “There is a difference!”

    Lace up & let’s get it!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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    The Bigger Picture…

    The Bigger Picture…

    After spending his first month of recruiting as a college coach for Boston College Coach Chris has a message for every player, parent and travel coach.

    In an era where many players have more followers and fans than celebrities, it’s important they hear the truth so they’re able to face adversity and withstand challenges in order to thrive at the next level.

    In this episode Coach Chris comes straight from the heart with a personal message about humility, gratitude, and accountability; pillars every player needs to succeed at the highest level.

    This is one you don’t want to miss! Lace up & let’s get it.

     

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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    BUILD DON’T BREAK… “THE RIDE HOME”

    BUILD DON’T BREAK…  “THE RIDE HOME”

    The Stare...
    Clenched Teeth…
    Scrunched Eye Brows...
    Tight Jaws…
    Frowned Face…
    Elevated Breathing & you didn’t even play…

    And we can't forget that walk. Those quick, short steps that are screaming I “CAN’T WAIT” to leave this gym and get you to the car!!!

    THE RIDE HOME. We've all been there parents and some days are better than others.

    In this episode Coach Chris takes you through the reality of the ride home and the opportunity you have to build up your players instead of breaking them.

    Put on your seatbelts before you push play. This episode is one you may need to listen to more than once.

    Lace up & let’s get it!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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    Jewel’s for July

    Jewel’s for July

    The month of July is the pinnacle for all grassroots basketball players & their families. Many players have visions of going out and killing it during July and earning that scholarship. However, the reality doesn’t always end that way.  

    In this episode Coach Chris gives some important jewels for every player who is seeking an offer for a college scholarship. 

    Parents… Coach Chris has a real nugget for you that could be the key to the entire recruiting period of July.  

    This is an episode you can’t miss.  

    Lace up and let’s get it!!! 

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

    Follow I AM D-1 on Instagram

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    HOW DO I SELECT A TRAINER… Not anyone will do!

    HOW DO I SELECT A TRAINER… Not anyone will do!

    The question used to be do I need a trainer? Now it has become how do I select a trainer?

    In today’s episode Coach Chris ( who has spent over 25 years as an elite player development coach) will carefully share 4 important aspects every parent and player should consider when deciding on a selecting a trainer.  This is one decision you cant afford to get wrong.  

    Lace up & let’s get it!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    RANKINGS…DO THEY MATTER?

    RANKINGS…DO THEY MATTER?

    Do rankings really matter??? Many people swear by them and there are also many people who despise rankings. One things for sure is that every time rankings do come out there is going to be commotion. Believe it or not, player rankings has caused many teams to break up as well as many family friendships to end. 

     

    In this episode Coach Chris shines the light on what rankings truly are as well as what they mean. Coach Chris also expands on the why behind player rankings while also sharing his thoughts on how rankings impacts younger players. 

     

    One thing for sure, after listening to this episode you will never have to ask yourself the question, Rankings … Do they really matter! 

     

    Lace up & let’s get it!!! 

    What College Coaches Want Most

    What College Coaches Want Most

    After years of hearing coaches & parents telling their players what they think college colleges want, Coach Chris took the time to personally ask college coaches himself, (both head & assistants) what they’re looking for when they recruit. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will share the 3 things college coaches want most when they’re recruiting.  You may be surprised once you listen to this episode, but one thing is for sure, you wont have to ask anymore!!! 

    So lace up & let’s get it!!!!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

    Follow I AM D-1 on Instagram

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    DAN BARTO THE TRUTH WILL CHANGE YOU!

    DAN BARTO THE TRUTH WILL CHANGE YOU!

    If you have ever been to IMG Academy you know why it is known around the world as the best player development facility in the world. 

    In this episode, Dan Barto Associate Director for IMG Basketball, peels back the layers of what IMG is truly built upon.  

    Dan has over 20 years experience of developing the total player and family as they go through the trails of grassroots basketball. In this episode he drops real, life-changing nuggets that will force you to re-evaluate your priorities and take it to the next level.  

    This is a one of kind conversation.  

    Lace up & let’s get it!!!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

    Follow I AM D-1 on Instagram

    Follow Tidal League on Instagram

    D-1 MINDSET… You Gotta Have it!

    D-1 MINDSET… You Gotta Have it!

    In this episode Coach Chris gives you the CHEAT CODE! “THE D-1 MINDSET”

    Coach Chris methodically walks you through the four components that make up the D-1 Mindset. Each component will help elevate performance!

    While skillset is a must, Mindset is everything! 

    The D-1 Mindset… You Gotta Have it! 

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    DEDICATED, DETERMINED, DRIVEN… “Believe in YOURSELF when no one else does!”

    DEDICATED, DETERMINED, DRIVEN… “Believe in YOURSELF when no one else does!”

    DEDICATED, DETERMINED, DRIVEN
    These three words are woven throughout every successful athlete in the world!

    In this episode Coach Chris breathes life into how these 3 words have transformed many athletes into household names.

    Athletes such as CJ McCullum, Sue Bird, Venus and Serena and the GOAT, Michael Jordan himself.

    If there is one thing Coach Chris wants you to take away from this episode, it’s even if no one else believes in you - you better believe in yourself!

    DEDICATED, DETERMINED, DRIVEN

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    Overtime Elite… The Truth! Now You Know With Shea Dawson

    Overtime Elite… The Truth! Now You Know With Shea Dawson

    Last year the social media & grassroots basketball giant Overtime, sent shockwaves through the basketball world when they announced a new start-up…Overtime Elite. 

    Overtime Elite put together a new program consisting of Corporate executives & current and former NBA players. OTE would pay high school basketball players as much as a half-million dollars (that’s right) to leave their high school and come to Overtime Elite to prepare to elevate their game to play in the professional ranks. This would mean they would skip getting a college education to focus on their career. & there’s more...  

    In this episode Coach Chris will sit down with Shea Dawson (a star in her own right) from Overtime to learn the truth about 

    Overtime Elite (OTE) and share why this new model may be the one that changes the game for ever!!!

    This episode is a must for every basketball player, parent & coach! 

    So lace up & let’s get it!!!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

    Follow I AM D-1 on Instagram

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    5 KEYS TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY

    5 KEYS TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY

    Many of the players we know as stars today weren’t always so.  How did they keep going… Even when some of them didn’t get much playing time or weren’t very good? 

    Every player who has made it to the professional or college level has had to overcome adversity, disappointment and times when no one believed they would make it. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will share 5 keys every player MUST HAVE if they’re going to make their dream a reality.  Players everywhere should have these keys on “play & repeat” as they chase their dreams. 

    Lace up & let’s get it!

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    Boo Williams life lessons from the legend

    Boo Williams life lessons from the legend

    When you hear the name Boo Williams what comes to mind? Could it be the never-ending list of superstar players he’s coached or the Elite Grassroots Basketball program he’s built? 

    For some, Boo Williams is a name of folklore.  Many high school players & parents don’t even think he’s a real person. 

    But he is a real person & He was motivated to build something from nothing… like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes. Boo thought it would be a neighbourhood thing, he never thought it would be this big. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will allow Boo Williams to open up & tell his story in his own words.  He will share how & why he started his program, give his first thoughts on Allen Iverson and why he was special. 

    Boo also comes from the heart when he speaks to all players and parents about the state of the game today compared to what it used to be.  

    Oh, one more thing… Boo tells us why he still has a vintage old-school flip phone, that’s right and he has no plan to upgrade. 

    This episode will captivate you and it’s one you may find yourself listening to over again. 

    An American Original… 

    Boo Williams

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

    THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

    Most players are constantly searching for ways to gain an advantage, something that can separate them when they’re on the court… 

    Many resort to training, conditioning and working with shooting coaches. These are all great commitments to help players get better and should all be part of the plan to help players improve.   

    Well, there is one thing, that used to be common for all players back in the day that gave them an advantage but not so much for today’s players. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will share what he calls “THE DIFFERENCE MAKER!” Most elite players do it but the majority of players today don’t. 

    This DIFFERENCE MAKER can…

    -Improve your I.Q.

    -Heighten your instincts &  

    -Elevate your game

    So lock in with Coach Chris & learn what 

    “THE DIFFERENCE MAKER” is and grab the takeaways that every player can use to help them transform their game. 

    Lace-up and let’s get it. 

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com

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    The Transfer Portal / Make Sure You Know Before You Go

    The Transfer Portal / Make Sure You Know Before You Go

    So, as the college basketball season has ended and March Madness is over, we're hearing a lot of buzz about the transfer portal 

    AND

    the skyrocketing numbers due to players adding their names on a daily basis. 

    As players & coaches have their end-of-year meetings the Transfer Portal continues to explode. 

    We've all heard stories about the portal, the good, the bad and the ugly. 

    Well, in this episode Coach Chris will speak directly to the players, both future & current college players and families on the reality of the portal. The potential benefits as well as the possible consequences.

    Coach Chris will also share the truth about what comes along with playing college basketball, “It’s Hard!” 

    The Transfer Portal… Make Sure You Know Before You Go! 

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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    THE MCDONALD’s ALL AMERICAN GAME… “3 WAYS TO MAKE YOU BETTER”

    THE MCDONALD’s ALL AMERICAN GAME… “3 WAYS TO MAKE YOU BETTER”

    When you think of the best of the best what comes to mind… 

    Cars… Mercedes Benz

    Sneakers… Jordan’s

    Headphones… Bose 

    Well, when it comes to the best basketball showcase in the world for high school players what comes to mind is The McDonald’s All American Game! 

    48 of the day top high school players in the world compete in what has now become a weeklong event. 

    In this episode Coach Chris will share 3 keys on why the McDonald’s All American Game is the Golden Standard for high school players as well as how these keys can help you to become your best & elevate your game. . 

    Coach Chris will also share why he feels every player and parent should make the time to watch the McDonald’s All American Game if they are serious about playing at the college level. 

    So, take a minute lace up & let’s get it!

    NC State Head Coach Wes Moore on Building a Powerhouse, “It’s the Players”

    NC State Head Coach Wes Moore on Building a Powerhouse, “It’s the Players”

    Wes Moore has been changing the game in NCAA basketball for years. The Head Coach & Leader of the North Carolina State Basketball program stepped onto campus way back in 2013, with the mission of creating an Elite culture and turning the program into a national power. 

    When he took over the program he was told by people within the basketball community that he would never change the balance of power at the top. Well, we can all say that has not been the case, as Coach Wes Moore has now won 3 ACC Conference Championships and is a perennial top 5 program. 

    Coach Wes opens up on the importance of recruiting the right players and how he has built this championship culture 1 step at a time.  

    Wes Moore & Coach Chris also discuss the top traits he looks for in a player before he decides to recruit them & this might surprise you!

    Oh, there is also one final message he shares to all players… in the words of the 1970s singing group The Staple Singers, If you’re looking to be a pro, “I’ll take you there!”  

    Players, Parents & Coaches… 

    Lace up & let’s get it! 

    Follow Coach Chris on Instagram & Twitter. Email us at contact@iamd1thebook.com 

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