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▶️ Show Notes
This week, Cory sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AA’s fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If you’re navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen.
⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Meet Coach Cary Herer, CATS Academy Head Coach, NEPSAC AA & NEBL, and overview of his basketball journey
1:45 Basketball Roots: Growing up in Connecticut, family influence, and early exposure to high-level basketball programs
2:22 UMass Experience: College recruitment, playing for John Calipari, lessons in player development and competition
4:16 Corporate Sports Career: Transition from basketball to Starter, Reebok, and Adidas; impact on sports business and branding
6:13 Grassroots Coaching: Launching youth basketball teams, developing D1 talent, and building the Boston Bobcats
10:42 CATS Academy Overview: School pitch, academic strengths, international student body, and unique dorm features
14:29 Player Development Philosophy: 6am workouts, individualized skill training, strength & conditioning, and development guarantees
20:56 Team Structure & Competition: Multiple teams, playing time policies, college position preparation, and importance of competing
22:13 College Exposure: Open gyms, Power Five coach visits, exposure for all players, and maximizing recruitment opportunities
24:31 Recruitment Strategies: Placement planning, transfer portal challenges, NIL advising, and personalized college pathways
28:43 NEBL League & Class System: Impact of league/class on exposure, scheduling for maximum visibility, and national competition
33:31 Showcase Events & Scheduling: Importance of high-level showcases, NEBL streaming, and college coach evaluation
38:30 Academic Programs: Post-grad academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, and balancing athletics with coursework
40:01 D1 Guard Skills: Shooting, defense, positional size, physicality, and what college coaches look for in guards
42:41 Future of Prep School Basketball: Trends, league evolution, program differentiation, and building pros
45:28 Coaching Insights: Toughest opponents, best players coached against, and personal basketball stories
51:02 Family Advice & Contact: Who thrives at CATS Academy, honest guidance for families, and how to reach Cary Herer
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Elite player development at CATS Academy (prep school basketball, skill training, strength & conditioning)
📌 Maximizing college exposure through NEBL and open gyms (college basketball recruitment, college coaches, showcases)
📌 Honest prep school selection: Competition, team structure, and fit (prep school advice, player placement, development guarantees)
📌 Navigating the transfer portal and NIL for families (recruitment strategies, NIL deals, transfer portal impact)
📌 Balancing academics and athletics for prep/post-grad students (academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, post-grad prep)
📌 The evolving landscape of prep basketball leagues and future trends (NEBL, league competition, player pathways)
🗒️ About Coach Herer:
Cary Herer is the Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at CATS Academy Boston, where he’s built the program from the ground up into a NEPSAC AA and NEBL contender. A former point guard at UMass under John Calipari, Cary brings decades of experience in grassroots basketball, elite player development, and high-level coaching. He’s known for his direct, practical approach and has helped numerous athletes reach the collegiate level.
🔗 Connect with Coach Herer:
Email | cherer@catsglobalschools.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cary_herer/
Twitter | https://x.com/caryherer
🔗 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.
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