Chris Kreider is the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Rice University where he is in his second stint at Rice and his sixth season working with Head Coach Rob Lanier, including the last two years as an assistant coach at SMU and three seasons at Georgia State.

Kreider was selected to the Top Connect Basketball Symposium in 2022 and 2023, a networking and leadership event that includes athletics directors and some of the top assistant coaches in the country. He was also invited to the 2023 Jay Bilas Coaches Leadership Program, which is intended to help experienced Division I assistant coaches continue to refine their philosophy both on and off the court.

Kreider’s first stint at Rice was from 2017-19. Prior to that he worked in various roles at Virginia Military Institute, George Mason, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, USC Aiken, and the University of Great Falls.

As a college player Kreider started as a small forward at three colleges, playing one year at Mansfield University before transferring to Grove City College (Pa.). In his junior season, Kreider led the Wolverines in scoring (12.3 ppg) and steals (52). He finished his playing and academic career at Lebanon Valley College.

On this episode Mike & Chris discuss coaching, player development, and the evolving landscape of college basketball. Kreider emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and authentic relationships with players, highlighting how these connections enhance both individual and team growth. He reflects on his journey through various coaching roles, discussing the challenges and joys that come with balancing a demanding career and family life. He provides valuable advice for high school players navigating the recruitment process, urging them to understand their goals and find the right fit academically and athletically. As the conversation unfolds, Kreider also addresses the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on recruiting, advocating for a more sustainable model that maintains the integrity of college athletics while adapting to new realities.

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Have your notebook ready as you listen to this episode with Chris Kreider, Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Rice University.

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

Email - ckreider@rice.edu

Twitter/X - @CoachKreider