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▶️ Show Notes
In this insightful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Jared Grasso, head coach at the Knox School on Long Island. Coach Grasso shares his journey from Division I point guard to becoming one of the youngest head coaches at Bryant University, where he tripled their win total in his first year. Now at Knox School, he’s building what promises to be a national powerhouse program, already boasting a 31-5 record in just his first year.
We dive deep into Jared’s innovative recruiting strategies during his college coaching days, his philosophy on player development, and his vision for Knox School. As someone who coached at the Division I level for 21 years, Jared offers invaluable perspective on what it takes to succeed at higher levels and how prep school can be the perfect bridge for developing players.
⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Jared Grasso, head coach at Knox School and former D1 coach
2:13 Jared discusses his basketball origins and growing up as a coach’s son
5:03 Jared’s early recruiting strategies as an assistant coach
7:51 Jared’s unique approach to scholarship offers at Bryant University
10:14 Being ahead of the curve with NIL at Bryant University
12:24 Introduction to Knox School and Jared’s vision for the program
14:46 Does it matter what level of prep school a player attends?
17:39 Knox School’s player development approach with three sessions daily
19:57 Thoughts on reclassifying versus doing a post-grad year
21:16 Academic requirements and options at Knox School
22:56 What Jared looks for in potential players
24:00 How Jared builds his team and finds players
26:14 The future of prep school basketball
27:16 Benefits of playing college rules in prep school
28:13 What it takes to be a D1 guard in today’s game
31:18 Handling players who transfer up for NIL opportunities
33:13 Quick hitters: The biggest player Jared missed on in recruiting
36:33 Closing thoughts on Knox School
📌 Key Topics:
✅ Jared’s unconventional recruiting approach at Bryant University, where he offered scholarships to top players to get the program’s name out there and position themselves for potential transfers
✅ The comprehensive development program at Knox School, featuring three training sessions daily plus weightlifting
✅ Insights on the current state of college recruiting, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and how prep schools fit into this evolving landscape
✅ Why the extra year of development at prep school is crucial for most players transitioning to college basketball
✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits, regardless of what level of prep school they attend
🗒️ About Jared Grasso:
Jared Grasso grew up on Long Island as the son of a coach, developing his love for basketball at an early age. He played Division I basketball as a point guard at Quinnipiac before embarking on a coaching career that included stops at Hofstra, Fordham, and Bryant University. At Bryant, he became known for his innovative recruiting strategies and ability to quickly turn programs around. Now at Knox School, New York’s oldest private boarding school, he’s building a basketball program focused on intense player development and college preparation.
🔗 Connect with Jared Grasso:
Email | jgrasso@knoxschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coach_grasso_11/#
X | https://x.com/JaredGrass11
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/knox_school_basketball/
🔗 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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