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▶️ Show Notes
Join Cory Heitz as he sits down with Jim Driggs, Head Coach at Albany Academy and former Division III standout, for a no-nonsense conversation about the prep school basketball journey. Coach Driggs shares his unique perspective on player development, reclassifying, and college placement strategies—drawing from his experience as a player, college coach, and now a leader in the NEPSAC AA.
In this episode, Coach Driggs dives deep into:
- The realities of prep school basketball and why competition in the NEPSAC is unmatched.
- How he develops players with individualized training, morning workouts, and a focus on toughness and basketball IQ.
- The honest truth about playing time and why he avoids over-recruiting positions.
- Why reclassifying might be the best move for young players—and how Albany Academy supports academic and athletic growth.
- His college placement strategy and why relationships with college coaches matter more than ever.
If you’re a parent, player, or coach navigating the prep school route, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world insights to help you make the best decisions.
⏱️Timestamps:
(2:02) Coach Driggs shares his background, growing up in Fairfield, CT, and playing at St. Joseph High School and Hamilton College.
(2:59) Discussion on choosing Hamilton College and the balance between academics and athletics.
(3:48) How Coach Driggs developed his passing skills and leadership on the court.
(5:18) Lessons learned from coaching at Eastern Connecticut State, Union College, and University of Rochester.
(8:20) Coach Driggs’ pitch for Albany Academy: academics, athletics, and the NEPSAC advantage.
(9:52) First-year experience in NEPSAC AA: competition, travel, and scheduling challenges.
(11:38) Albany Academy’s player development strategy: morning workouts, individualized training, and strength & conditioning.
(13:10) Availability of gym and weight room for player development.
(13:33) Post-grad year options and academic requirements at Albany Academy.
(14:54) Team structure: varsity, thirds, and potential for a second varsity team.
(15:12) Multi-sport requirements for underclassmen vs. specialization for upperclassmen.
(15:45) What Coach Driggs looks for in a player: character, toughness, and basketball IQ.
(18:54) College placement strategy: leveraging relationships and academic preparation.
(21:18) The importance of academics in recruitment and avoiding school elimination.
(22:36) Advice on reclassifying for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders.
(23:28) Can students do a post-grad year after graduating from Albany Academy?
(24:05) Reclassifying vs. post-grad year: which is better for recruitment?
(24:52) The future of prep school basketball and its growing popularity.
(26:28) What it takes to be a Division I guard in today’s college game.
(29:45) Lessons from running marathons and ultras.
(32:05) Closing thoughts: Albany Academy’s goals and helping players reach college.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Prep school basketball recruitment and the NEPSAC advantage
📌 Player development secrets: Morning workouts, skill diversification, and toughness
📌 Playing time promises—what coaches really mean
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad year: Which path is right for your athlete?
📌 College placement strategy—how Albany Academy prepares players for the next level
📌 Balancing academics and athletics in prep school
🗒️ About Jim Driggs:
Jim Driggs is the Head Coach at Albany Academy, a historic prep school in New York and a member of the NEPSAC AA. A former Division III All-American and national assist leader at Hamilton College, Coach Driggs has spent his career developing players at the high school and college levels. His coaching stops include Eastern Connecticut State, Union College, University of Rochester, and Allegheny College, where he honed his expertise in program building, player development, and college recruitment. At Albany Academy, he emphasizes individualized training, academic excellence, and honest communication with families.
🔗 Connect with Jim Driggs:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aa_boys_basketball/reels/
Website| https://www.albanyacademy.org/
Email | jdriggs1010@gmail.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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