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▶️ Show Notes
Unlock the Secrets of Prep School Basketball with Avon Old Farms Head Coach Matt Mihalich
Join Cory Heitz and Matt Mihalich, Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, as they dive deep into the world of prep school basketball, player development, and the path to college success. Matt, a veteran coach with D1 experience and a basketball legacy (his father was a D1 head coach), shares honest, no-nonsense advice on what it takes to thrive in prep school, the importance of multi-sport athleticism, and how families can navigate the complex recruitment process.
Matt also reflects on his journey from growing up in a basketball family to coaching in the WCAC (the toughest homegrown league in the country) and now leading one of the most respected prep programs in NEPSAC Class A.
⏱️Timestamps:
(1:52) Matt Mihalich shares his upbringing in a basketball family and his early exposure to coaching.
(3:16) Cory asks Matt about growing up with a D1 head coach as a father and the lessons he absorbed.
(4:43) Discussion on how Matt’s father’s coaching style influences his recruiting approach at Avon Old Farms.
(6:21) Matt explains why he chose John Carroll University and his experience as a two-sport athlete.
(8:28) Cory and Matt discuss the benefits of playing multiple sports and avoiding burnout.
(10:14) Matt reflects on the WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference) and its unique rivalries and traditions.
(13:20) Matt shares his experience transitioning from high school coaching to the D1 level at George Mason and Hartford.
(16:58) Matt describes the culture and competitive environment at Avon Old Farms, including academics, athletics, and character development.
(19:49) Discussion on Avon Old Farms’ all-boys environment, dress code, and the integration of teachers as coaches.
(23:09) Matt details Avon Old Farms’ player development program, including strength training, nutrition, and open gym access.
(27:18) Academic expectations for post-grads at Avon Old Farms and how the school tailors course loads.
(29:37) Matt’s approach to discussing playing time with families and players, emphasizing honesty and role clarity.
(33:59) Cory and Matt discuss the challenges of balancing playing time, development, and family expectations.
(37:18) Matt’s strategy for placing players at the collegiate level in the transfer portal era and advocating for his athletes.
(41:46) Discussion on reclassifying vs. post-grad years: When it’s the right move and academic considerations.
(45:09) Matt shares his vision for the future of prep school basketball and the importance of tradition.
(47:06) What it takes to be a D1 guard in today’s game: Work ethic, basketball IQ, and intangibles.
(54:08) Matt’s closing thoughts on the prep school journey and working with Cory Heitz.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Prep school basketball development and the Avon Old Farms difference
📌 Playing time in prep school: Setting expectations for players and families
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad years: Academic and athletic considerations
📌 Multi-sport athleticism: Why Avon Old Farms encourages it
📌 College recruitment strategies in the transfer portal era
📌 D1 guard requirements: Skills, basketball IQ, and intangibles
📌 The future of prep school basketball: Rivalries, traditions, and player development
🗒️ About Matt Mihalich:
Matt Mihalich is the Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, a prestigious all-boys prep school in Connecticut known for its elite basketball program and commitment to academic and athletic excellence. With a background that includes coaching at Bishop O’Connell (WCAC), George Mason University, and the University of Hartford, Matt brings a wealth of experience to player development. As the son of a D1 head coach, he grew up immersed in the game and now leads one of the most respected programs in NEPSAC Class A. Matt’s philosophy centers on teaching, culture, and preparing players for success beyond basketball.
🔗 Connect with Matt Mihalich:
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachM_AOFhoops
Twitter | https://x.com/AOF_Basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aof_basketball/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mihalich-78294336a/
Website | https://www.avonoldfarms.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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