Steve Lavin’s Journey from Chapman University to John Wooden's Seat at UCLA

Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes Steve Lavin, head basketball coach at the University of San Diego, to discuss the challenges and milestones in college basketball coaching. Coach Lavin shares insights from his career progression and the intense experiences associated with being a head coach at UCLA. They explore the changing dynamics in college sports, the influence of mentors, and the significant impact of NCAA rule changes on coaching philosophies. This conversation not only highlights their journeys but also the broader shifts within the realm of college athletics.
0:10 - Introducing Steve Lavin.
1:55 - Growing up in Marin County and how Steve's parents were such a great influence.
4:00 - The influence of our fathers.
7:25 - How Steve’s Mentors helped to shape him.
11:15 - The start of his coaching career.
18:30 - Making no money as a volunteer.
21:00 - The UCLA staff.
23:00 - Staff meetings with Jim Harrick.
26:00 - The day Steve was named the head coach at UCLA.
35:00 - Adapting to the new NCAA NIL and portal.
42:00 - The loss of developing players.
45:00 - Adapting to change within the NCAA.
48:00 - The impact of Ed O'Bannon on college sports.
50:00 - The National Championship at UCLA.

[@michaellazarou8724]

Great stuff, Mark and Lav! “If you start thinking about all the things you can’t control, it undermines the things you can control”.

[@MikeHootner]

Awesome stuff. Great episode. Two beautiful humans. Johnny Carson. 🙏💙

[@timothygarland8380]

Awesome content!
Wisdom for young people and coaches!
Loved what was said
"We live life forward not backwards"