Episode Details

Dyami Starks is one of the Midwest’s premier basketball trainers. His approach to training combines professional-level insights with data-driven development strategies. Starks also serves as the player development coach for All Iowa Attack, the director of Starks Elite AAU program, and as an assistant women’s basketball coach at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.

Dyami was a Division I standout at Bryant University and enjoyed a professional career that included stops in Australia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Latvia.

On this episode Mike and Dyami discuss the metaphorical totem pole of recruitment, and how college coaches prioritize retaining their current players and recruiting the transfer portal over pursuing high school talent, thereby reshaping the recruiting dynamic. We look at the misalignment between what players think college coaches value and what the coaches actually value including the following six categories.

1. Mental Capacity
2. Intangibles (e.g., leadership)
3. Skill
4. IQ
5. Strength & Conditioning
6. Instincts

Dyami explains the critical idea that effective leadership on the court does not solely rest on a single individual; rather, it thrives when all players embody leadership qualities, allowing them to elevate one another.. The discussion extends to the significance of athletes understanding their roles within a team framework, fostering mental resilience and adaptability. Ultimately, Dyami advocates for a holistic approach to player development and why players need a deep appreciation for teamwork and leadership.

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 Apple, Spotify, 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.

Be sure to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Dyami Starks, trainer & player development coach for All Iowa Attack.

Website – https://dyamistarks.com/

Email – dyamistarks@gmail.com

Twitter/X - @dyamistarks

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 the path to committing.

Listen Now