EPISODE 285: HAROLD BABER
In this powerful JAMODI Podcast episode, Matt Sayman sits down with longtime high school and college coach Harold Baber for a deep, honest conversation about coaching, leadership, growth, and legacy.
Coach Baber reflects on his journey from playing at The Colony High School and Oakland University to decades of coaching at the high school and collegiate levels. He shares stories about legendary mentors like Coach Thomas and Greg Campy, the evolution of his coaching style, and what experience has taught him about relationships, culture, and perspective.
This episode dives into the realities of coaching beyond wins and losses — reaching the 9th–12th players, creating program continuity, building alumni connections, and balancing family life while fully committing to the profession. Coach Baber also discusses how insecurity can show up early in a coaching career, how growth changes leadership style, and why being authentic matters more than emulating others.
Whether you’re a young coach just starting out or a veteran reflecting on the journey, this conversation offers wisdom, humility, and practical insights you can apply immediately.
Topics Covered 🎙️ • Growing up in a strong high school basketball culture • Lessons learned from legendary coaches and mentors • How coaching styles evolve with experience • Why authenticity matters more than imitation • Building relationships with players beyond the rotation • Creating lasting program culture and alumni connections • Managing egos, expectations, and team dynamics • Balancing coaching demands with family life • Defining success beyond wins and championships • Why coaching is a calling, not just a job
About Coach Harold Baber 🏀 Coach Harold Baber brings decades of experience as both a player and coach. Known for his leadership, perspective, and ability to connect with athletes, he has coached at the high school and college levels and remains passionate about developing young people through the game of basketball.
About the JAMODI Podcast 🎧 The JAMODI Podcast is hosted by Matt Sayman and focuses on authentic conversations with coaches about leadership, culture, growth, and the realities of the profession. Each episode goes beyond X’s and O’s to explore what it truly means to lead young people through sport.
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