Episode 321: Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Deep Dive with a Great Coach (EP 321)

Guest: Yolett McPhee-McCuin, University of Mississippi Head Coach

In this week's coaching conversation, University of Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin joins The Basketball Podcast for a deep dive into defensive principles, offensive philosophy and sustaining success.

Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has elevated Ole Miss women’s basketball back into the national spotlight throughout her six seasons in Oxford. McPhee-McCuin keeps building upon success each season at the helm of the Rebels, leading Ole Miss to a program record 12 SEC wins in 2023-24 as well as the school’s third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for its 20th overall.

Along with guiding the Rebels to a program best in conference wins, McPhee-McCuin picked up her 100th win at the helm of Ole Miss during the 2023-24 season to become the second coach in program history to achieve the feat. McPhee-McCuin spent the five seasons before Ole Miss transforming Jacksonville into a perennial power in the Atlantic Sun Conference. During her tenure as head coach, McPhee-McCuin led the Dolphins to a 94-63 record (50-24 in ASUN play) and postseason appearances in each of her last three seasons.

McPhee-McCuin, who has also served as the national team head coach for her native Bahamas, was an assistant at Clemson from 2011-13, where she was recognized as one of the top assistants in the nation by National Women's Basketball Insider. Before her stint at Clemson, McPhee-McCuin was on staff at Pittsburgh for two seasons in 2009 and 2010. Her coaching career also includes stops at Portland, Frank Phillips College, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Breakdown

1:00 - Defense and Adaptability

8:00 - Defensive Strategies for 3 Point Shots

15:00 - Defensive Techniques

18:00 - Embracing Physicality

23:00 - Defending Ball Screens

28:30 - Freedom on Offense

34:00 - Exploit Defensive Weaknesses

36:30 - Data Analysis and Practice Management

43:00 - Maintaining Standards

48:00 - Mentorships in Women's Basketball

53:00 - Conclusion