Episode 184: Todd Simon, Scoring Offense, Triggers, and a Relationship-Based Program

Artwork for podcast The Basketball Podcast

Episode 184 • 6th October 2021 • The Basketball Podcast • Chris Oliver

Guest: Todd Simon, Southern Utah Head Coach

In this week's coaching conversation, Southern Utah head coach Todd Simon joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss the scoring offense, triggers, and a relationship-based program.

At the start of the 2021-22 season, Todd Simon will be in his sixth year at the helm of the Southern Utah University men's basketball team after being named the head coach on March 24, 2016.

Simon led the Thunderbirds to their first-ever Big Sky Championship during the 2020-21 season, as they were named Big Sky Conference Regular Season Champions after finishing conference play with a record of 12-2.

Simon was named interim head coach of the UNLV men's basketball program in January 2016 and immediately led them to three consecutive victories. During Simon's 17 games, the Runnin' Rebels ranked as the number one team in the nation in adjusted tempo, scoring more than 100 points in four games. UNLV finished with a 9-8 record, despite playing with as few as five scholarship players.

Prior to being named interim head coach, Simon was in his third year as associate head coach with UNLV and had a critical role in assembling UNLV's roster, which Rivals.com ranked its 2014 recruiting class No. 5 in the nation, while the 2015 class was ranked No. 11.

Prior to his tenure as a Runnin' Rebel, Simon served Findlay Prep for seven years in both head and assistant coaching roles. As head coach at Findlay Prep in 2012-2013, he led the team to a 35-1 record, including eight wins over top-25 ranked teams.

Breakdown

1:00 - Tempo and Scoring Offense

4:00 - Painted Rim

7:00 - Cutting

10:00 - Practice Stats

13:00 - Putting Pressure on the Floor

17:00 - Attacking the Weak Side

21:00 - Having Counters

25:00 - Working with Elite Players

28:00 - Managing Expectations

32:00 - Psychological Adaptation

35:30 - Actual Game Situations