Easton Bazzoli on The System That Won (EP423)

About this episode

Easton Bazzoli discusses Gannon University's championship season and their basketball system.

National champion head coach Easton Bazzoli discusses Gannon University's 2025-26 national championship-winning season and their approach to the Crutchfield basketball system. Easton explained how they built the program from a 3-win team to a 34-3 national champion, emphasizing the importance of constant pressure defense, decision-making development through game-like practice situations, and individual player development based on each player's unique strengths. Bazzoli discussed their offensive philosophy of creating constant pressure while maintaining high IQ decision-making, their approach to practice where they play 5-on-5 competition almost daily, and their focus on developing high-character players over pure talent. Easton also shared insights on substitution patterns, player development, and how they've adapted the system to fit their personality and team needs while maintaining the core principles of constant pressure and relentless competition. Easton Bazzoli led Gannon University to the 2026 NCAA Division II national championship, guiding the Golden Knights to a 34–3 record. Gannon also captured the PSAC West Division title and finished 19–1 in conference play. Bazzoli…

People in this episode

Host: Chris Oliver

Guest: Easton Bazzoli

Topics covered

• basketball coaching
• player development
• constant pressure defense
• offensive philosophy
• team building

Keywords

• Gannon University
• Easton Bazzoli
• basketball system
• national championship
• player development
• constant pressure defense
• PSAC
• NCAA

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gannon University, PSAC, NCAA Division II

More episodes of The Basketball Podcast

• Chris Carrawell on Duke Basketball (EP428) · June 10, 2026 · 54 min
• Stephen Silas on Training Camp and Practice Preparation (EP427) · June 3, 2026 · 43 min
• Chris Oliver Brain Dump Hoops Lessons (EP426) · May 27, 2026 · 52 min
• Charles Klask on Conceptual Defense (EP425) · May 20, 2026 · 59 min
• Steve Donahue on Teaching the Game that Wins (EP424) · May 13, 2026 · 53 min
• Greg Tonagel on Daily Habits and Fearless Players (EP422) · April 29, 2026 · 53 min