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▶️ Show Notes
Hear a discussion about the world of `post grad basketball` and `high school basketball`, exploring memorable experiences and crucial lessons learned. We also discuss the process of `application for school admission` and the significant impact prep academies have on student athletes. This conversation offers valuable insights into `basketball training` and the overall development path for `post grad` players. St. George’s head coach and admissions officer Dwayne Pina joins Cory to walk through one of the most complete prep school basketball journeys you will ever hear. Coach Pina shares exactly what he looks for in recruits, how he developed Tyler Kolek into an NBA guard, what changed when St. George’s moved from Class B to NEPSAC AA, and why physical tools now separate many Division I guards from the pack. If you are weighing AA vs single-A vs public school and care about both college placement and life after hoops, this conversation is a must-listen.
⏱️Timestamps:
(3:17) Dwayne explains the pre-AAU era, Bay State Games, and early exposure
(5:13) Dwayne shares why he believed he belonged at the Division I level
(7:20) Dwayne talks about Max Good’s mentorship
(7:55) Cory asks for a takeaway Dwayne still uses today
(8:34) Cory asks about Bryant transitioning D2 → D1
(9:24) Cory asks what families misunderstand about Ivy League basketball
(9:39) Dwayne explains Ivy League skill level, talent, and misconceptions
(12:25) Dwayne explains his recruiting philosophy and life at St. George’s
(15:12) Cory asks about unique St. George’s programs
(15:26) Dwayne lists signature programs & school culture
(19:20) Cory asks about roster size and what type of player Dwayne recruits
(19:47) Dwayne explains ISL rules, no PGs, few seniors, and recruiting profile
(21:50) Cory asks about recruiting Tyler Kolek
(21:59) Dwayne describes how Kolek arrived and why he was special
(24:03 Cory asks if basketball IQ is something you’re born with
(24:17) Dwayne explains St. George’s shift away from required multi-sport participation
(26:32) Dwayne explains college placement fundamentals
(29:03) Dwayne describes placing five players last year
(30:02) Dwayne explains spring recruiting and the transfer portal effect
(30:36) Cory asks about class levels AA vs B vs A
(32:45) Dwayne explains the biggest challenge of AA basketball
(33:33) Cory asks about future of prep school basketball
(35:09) Cory asks what it takes to be a Division I guard today
(36:55) Cory transitions to prep school admissions
(37:20) Dwayne explains deadlines, bed limits, and starting early
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Boston College walk-on to scholarship guard and how that shapes his advice to under-recruited players
📌 Coaching under Max Good, learning accountability, and five-second decision making
📌 Ivy League basketball reality vs perception and aligning recruiting expectations with the market
📌 St. George’s School identity: small ISL boarding school, ocean-side campus, elite signature programs, and wellness resources
📌 Player development system: strength and conditioning, pool work, skill trainers, captain’s runs, and mandated shooting volume
📌 Recruiting profile at St. George’s: high-character underclassmen, impact juniors like Tyler Kolek, and no post-grads
📌 NEPSAC AA transition, schedule difficulty, and what it takes to be a Division I guard in today’s game
📌 Admissions process, inquiry importance, and how families should approach prep applications
🗒️ About Dwayne Pina:
Dwayne Pina is the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and an Admissions Officer at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. A New Bedford native, he played at Boston College, starting as a walk-on before earning a scholarship, then coached at Rhode Island College, Bryant under Max Good, and Brown University. He now leads St. George’s in the NEPSAC AA ranks, developing high-academic, college-bound players and guiding families through the prep school and recruiting process.
🔗 Connect with Dwayne Pina:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-pina-38a13147/
Website | https://www.stgeorges.edu/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dpina5/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sgboyshoops/
Twitter | https://x.com/dpina5
Twitter | https://x.com/sgboyshoops
🔗 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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