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▶️ Show Notes
Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball’s most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today’s transfer portal and NIL era?
Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment. He details Winchendon’s player development model, including creative approaches to skill work and academic balance, and why NEPSAC’s depth prepares athletes for the next level. If you’re a parent, player, or coach navigating the prep school basketball journey, this episode cuts through the noise with practical, experience-backed guidance.
⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: Cory welcomes Coach Alex Popp, new head coach at The Winchendon School, and previews the episode’s key topics
1:25 Why Alex left IMG Academy for Winchendon and returning to NEPSAC
2:23 The Winchendon School’s academic and athletic environment
3:18 Lessons from IMG Academy and how they’ll shape Winchendon’s program
4:44 Vision for building Winchendon’s basketball program and maintaining high standards
5:39 What Coach Popp looks for in players and families: relationships, fit, and campus contribution
6:47 Changes in NEPSAC and college basketball since COVID, the transfer portal, and NIL
9:29 Why top players should consider NEPSAC over new academies or pro leagues
11:39 Does NEPSAC class (AAA, AA, A, etc.) matter for player development and exposure?
13:42 Playing time: how it’s earned, analytics, and the art/science of rotation decisions
15:59 Placement strategy: how Winchendon helps players get recruited and placed in college
17:28 Honest recruiting conversations: matching player goals with realistic opportunities
20:31 The importance of relationships and networking in college recruitment
22:12 Value of summer showcases and open gym periods for exposure
24:12 How college coaches network and help each other with player placement
26:26 Player development at Winchendon: gym access, strength training, and accountability
30:09 Customizing development: balancing gym work, academics, and athlete needs
31:26 Playing time vs. team strength: what’s best for player growth?
35:08 Academic options for post-grads at Winchendon, including AP and college credit
36:45 The future of prep school basketball: changes coming to NEPSAC and the landscape
37:54 Final thoughts, gratitude, and closing remarks
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Choosing the right prep school for basketball and academics (prep school basketball, NEPSAC, player development)
📌 Honest advice on playing time, roster spots, and maximizing college exposure (playing time, college basketball recruitment, exposure events)
📌 How NEPSAC prepares athletes for high-level college basketball (NEPSAC, college readiness, competitive scheduling)
📌 Building relationships and realistic recruiting strategies for families (recruitment, college placement, family guidance)
📌 Innovative player development and balancing academics (player development, strength and conditioning, academic-athletic balance)
🗒️ About Alex Popp:
Coach Alex Popp is the head boys’ basketball coach at The Winchendon School, bringing a wealth of experience from his time leading Vermont Academy and five years at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top basketball programs. A former NEPSAC post-grad player and McDonald’s All-American nominee, Popp is known for his direct, relationship-driven approach to player development and college placement. His track record includes coaching future D1 and NBA athletes and building programs that prioritize both athletic and academic growth.
🔗 Connect with Alex Popp:
Email | apopp@winchendon.org
X | https://x.com/coachalexpopp?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/teamalexpopp/
X | https://x.com/winchhoops?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/winchendon_bvbb/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/
🏀About Us:
PREP Athletics is your trusted partner in navigating the prep school journey for your family. With over a decade of experience, I’ve successfully placed players in top prep schools, leveraging my own post-grad year experience and deep family ties to the world of prep school and professional basketball. Our mission is to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring if prep school is the right path for you, we find the perfect fit to achieve your academic and athletic aspirations.
👉 Subscribe for insights, tips, and success stories in prep school athletics.
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