Episode 124: Coby Karl, Simplicity and Perspective in Coaching Basketball

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League head coach Coby Karl joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss simplicity and perspective in coaching basketball.

His journey has taken him around the world (Spain, Italy, and Germany) and allowed him the unique opportunity to live in multiple cultures as well as learn as a player from some of the best coaches, Phil Jackson, Don Nelson, Mike Brown, Mike Malone, Terry Stotts, Tex Winters and his father George Karl. He has also been a teammate to some great players, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Karl played in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and was in training camp with the Portland Trailblazers. As a G-League (D-League) player, he spent time with the Los Angeles D-Fenders, Idaho Stampede (now the Salt Lake City Stars), and the Reno Big Horns (now the Stockton Kings). He has also played extensively overseas for teams like Armani Jeans Milano and MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Karl is now using these experiences to help others as a coach and professional speaker. The former guard served as an assistant coach on the Westchester Knicks staff during the 2015-16 season at the conclusion of his playing career, helping the Knicks to earn their first playoff berth in franchise history as the team improved from 10-40 in 2014-15 to 28-22 just a year later.

Breakdown

1:00 - Becoming a Better Coach

2:30 - Understanding the Game Beyond Physical Skill

4:00 - Conceptual Concept of Spacing

7:30 - Gap Offense

11:30 - Perception and Decision

16:00 - True Guided to Live

20:00 - Biggest Struggle for Players in the Conceptual Process

23:00 - Simplicity and Space

26:00 - Possibilities and Sequences

29:00 - Choosing Actions

32:00 - Concept of Structure