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▶️ Show Notes
Join Cory Heitz as he welcomes Jason Smith and John Carroll, the visionary co-founders of MAI (Masters Athletic International), a groundbreaking prep school basketball program in Stowe, Massachusetts. In this episode, Jason and John dive deep into the future of prep basketball, sharing their mission to create a program that prioritizes year-round player development, elite competition, and academic excellence without compromise.
Discover why MAI is being called the “IMG of the North” and how its innovative schedule, world-class facilities, and holistic approach (including prehab, recovery, and tailored academics) are setting a new standard for prep school athletics. Jason and John also reveal their strategy for college placement, the ideal player profile for MAI, and how they’re reshaping New England basketball by keeping top talent home. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.
⏱️Timestamps:
(2:32)Jason and John’s background and vision for MAI
(3:23) John Carroll’s thought process behind building MAI
(5:13) How MAI differs from traditional prep programs
(5:24) Jason Smith on year-round player development at MAI
(5:54) Discussion on overuse injuries and recovery
(6:15) Jason Smith’s take on injury prevention
(6:19) John Carroll on prehab, recovery, and load management
(8:06) MAI vs. IMG: The New England advantage
(9:06) Would Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa have chosen MAI?
(11:27) Player development philosophy and staff expertise
(12:36) MAI’s competitive schedule (Nike EYBL Scholastic & NEBL)
(13:22) Academic flexibility and college prep at MAI
(15:47) Details on academic structure for underclassmen and post-grads
(17:38) Balancing academics and athletics at MAI
(18:18) Specialization of roles: Coaches, teachers, and residential staff
(18:55) College placement strategy and fall recruitment
(20:39) The advantage of MAI’s morning workouts for college coaches
(20:44) MAI’s proximity to Logan Airport
(20:58) A day in the life of an MAI basketball player
(22:55) Evening gym availability and recovery
(23:14) Team structure: Scholastic vs. prep teams in Year 1
(23:50) Future team expansion and NCAA ruling impact
(25:25) The ideal MAI player: Traits and expectations
(26:41) Misconceptions about MAI
(27:16) Why Jason and John left their previous schools
(28:36) The MAI campus: From Bose call center to world-class academy
(30:10) Government and corporate support for MAI
(32:49) MAI’s 5-year vision: National championships and NBA draft picks
(33:11) John Carroll’s vision for reshaping college prep
(36:11) Final thoughts on MAI’s forward-thinking approach
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Year-round basketball development without academic sacrifice
📌 MAI’s competitive edge: Location, facilities, and elite coaching staff
📌 Injury prevention & recovery: Prehab, load management, and nutrition
📌 Academic tailoring: College-prep courses, online learning, and flexibility
📌 College placement strategy: Early recruitment and fall workouts
📌 The future of prep basketball: Transformational vs. transactional programs
🗒️ About Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Jason Smith is a legendary prep school coach with a track record of developing 26 NBA players, including current pros. His expertise in player development, recruiting, and elite competition has made him a sought-after leader in basketball circles. At MAI, he oversees the on-court development and team strategy, ensuring players receive NBA-level training daily.
John Carroll combines Wall Street acumen with decades of coaching experience, including sending 55 players to the Ivy League. His vision for MAI merges academic rigor, athletic excellence, and character development, creating a holistic prep experience. John’s focus on innovation and adaptability positions MAI as a pioneer in modern prep school education.
🔗 Connect with Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/john.carroll32/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachjasonsmith_/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mastersacademyinternational/
Website | https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/
🔗 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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