Episode Details

Patrick McGrail is in his second season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

McGrail joined WashU after holding the positions of assistant coach and most recently associate head coach at Rhodes College from 2018-2024. That was his second stint at Rhodes, as he was an assistant coach for two years from 2013-15 as well.

Between his stints at Rhodes, McGrail served as the Athletic Coordinator at his alma mater of Fenwick High School in northern Illinois and was the assistant varsity basketball coach, helping to guide the team to the 2017 state championship game.

McGrail played his college basketball at Rhode where he was the 2013-2014 Southern Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year and finished his career in the SAA record books with a top 3-point percentage of 47.8.

On this episode Mike and Patrick discuss the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in coaching. Throughout our dialogue, McGrail shares his journey from player to coach, emphasizing the profound lessons learned from diverse coaching experiences and the necessity of nurturing relationships with players. He articulates how the transition from high school to college basketball has enriched his understanding of the game, while also highlighting the unique challenges of coaching in a competitive environment. Furthermore, McGrail reflects on the joy derived from fostering meaningful connections with his athletes, which ultimately enhances the overall team culture. This episode serves as an insightful exploration of the intricacies of coaching, inviting aspiring coaches to appreciate the multifaceted nature of their role within the sport.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

You’ll want to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Patrick McGrail, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Website - https://washubears.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - mcgrail@wustl.edu

Twitter/X - @PTMcGrail13/

Visit our Sponsors!

Give With Hoops

Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.

D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook

Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!

Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on t