Episode 323: TJ Saint, Inside TJ Saint’s Playbook: Modern Strategies and Concepts

Guest: TJ Saint, Birmingham Squadron G-League Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Birmingham Squadron G-League head coach T.J. Saint joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on his playbook and modern strategies and concepts.Saint's professional coaching journey started in 2014 when he served as the video coordinator for the Detroit Pistons. He remained with the Pistons until 2018 gaining valuable insights into the NBA game.  Following his departure from the Pistons, Saint went to the University of Georgia where he held the position of Director of Basketball Strategy for the Men's Basketball team during the 2018-19 season.Saint then spent three seasons honing his coaching skills with the New Orleans Pelicans' G League affiliates.  He started as an assistant coach (2019-20) before being promoted to associate head coach (2020-22).  His dedication and hard work culminated in his well-deserved appointment as head coach of the Birmingham Squadron in 2022. Saint's 2023-24 Squadron team was the #1 ranked offense in the regular season, and the 4th all-time regular season offense in the history of the G-League.Saint attended Belmont University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business development. During his time at Belmont, he also served as a student assistant coach with the men’s basketball team from 2009 to 2011. His experience at Belmont laid a strong foundation for his coaching career, combining academic achievement with practical coaching experience.Saint later pursued a Master’s degree in effective teaching and leadership at Butler University. While at Butler, he worked as a graduate assistant coach, further honing his coaching skills and expanding his understanding of leadership in sports.Breakdown1:00 - Coachikng Strategies and Culture2:00 - Creating Team Identity5:30 - Positive Reinforcement9:00 - Basketball Coaching Strategies15:30 - Confrontational Drives19:00 - Alternating the Current22:30 - Spacing29:30 - Blitzing and Pick and Roll Coverage32:30 - Defensive Tactics35:00 - Pick and Roll Reads41:30 - Hang and Hostage Dribbles44:30 - Late Sprays and Monkey in the Middle48:00 - Play Calling55:30 - Angle Shot59:00 - Chase Five and Euro1:03:00 - Offense Strategies and Plays1:09:30 - Dribble Drive Motion1:12:30 - Single Side Tag and Small Ball1:16:00 - Use of Flares and Back Screens1:23:00 - His Coaching Philosophy and Experience1:27:00 -  ConclusionTJ Saint’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://georgiadogs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/t-j-saint/2505Twitter: https://x.com/tjsaint4Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: