EPISODE 295: PRESTON TABOR

In this episode of the JAMODI Podcast, host Matt Sayman sits down with Preston Tabor, the new head men’s basketball coach at Paris Junior College. After beginning the season as an assistant coach and being elevated to interim head coach just three games into the year, Tabor quickly embraced the opportunity and was officially named the head coach shortly after.

Coach Tabor shares what it was like stepping into the head chair overnight, the leadership challenges that come with it, and how he immediately established the pillars of his program: togetherness and toughness.

The conversation dives deep into building a culture where players take pride in doing the hard things that lead to winning — diving for loose balls, rebounding with physicality, communicating during adversity, and embracing a blue-collar identity. Tabor also discusses lessons learned from his time at the University of North Texas under Grant McCaslin and Ross Hodge, where he experienced elite defensive culture and championship-level preparation.

Throughout the episode, Coach Tabor explains how intentionality, competitive practices, and player accountability shape the foundation of his program. He shares how small-sided games, constant competition in practice, and a focus on rebounding and defense create a mindset where players thrive in difficult moments rather than avoid them.

Whether you're a coach looking to build a culture, a player wanting to understand what winning habits look like, or a leader seeking to develop toughness in your team, this episode is packed with practical insights and real basketball wisdom.

Topics covered include:

• Transitioning from assistant coach to head coach mid-season• Establishing culture through toughness and togetherness• The difference between playing hard and truly competing• Building a blue-collar team identity• Creating competitive practices that drive improvement• Teaching players to embrace adversity and thrive in tough moments• Defensive mindset and controlling the game without gambling• Developing rebounding habits and winning plays• Coaching with intentionality and clarity

This episode is a must-listen for coaches who want to build a program where players buy in, compete daily, and take pride in doing the hard things that lead to winning.

Subscribe to the JAMODI Podcast for more conversations with basketball coaches and leaders about culture, program building, leadership, and player development.

🎧 Listen if you are interested in:• Basketball coaching philosophy• Building a winning culture• Defensive identity and toughness• Competitive practice design• Leadership and program development

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