Episode 325: Fran Fraschilla, Trends in Coaching, 3x3, and a Passion to Learn

Guest: Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst

In this week's coaching conversation, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst, Fran Fraschilla shares insights on trends in coaching, 3x3 and a passion to learn.

Fran Fraschilla joined ESPN as a college basketball game and studio analyst in 2003. Fraschilla has an extensive coaching background, having coached at the collegiate level for 23 years. His teams made eight postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. He was the head coach at the University of New Mexico, St. John’s University and Manhattan College..At ESPN, he worked on NBA Draft coverage, the FIBA World Championships, as well as the NBA and high school basketball. He was also an analyst on ESPN’s NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball coverage from 2007-2014.

Fran Fraschilla had an impressive coaching career before transitioning to ESPN.

Manhattan College (1992–1996): As head coach of the Manhattan Jaspers, Fraschilla led the team to the NCAA Tournament twice. In 1995, the Jaspers pulled off an upset as a 13-seed, defeating Kelvin Sampson’s No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners. St. John’s University (1996–1998): At St. John’s, Fraschilla coached four NBA players, including Metta World Peace. His overall record with the Red Storm was 35–24.University of New Mexico (1999–2002): Fraschilla continued his success at New Mexico, posting a 55–41 record. His teams made postseason appearances, including the NIT and NCAA Tournaments.

In total, Fran Fraschilla’s coaching career spanned 23 years, with an overall record of 176–99. His expertise and insights now benefit ESPN viewers as he analyzes college basketball games and covers the NBA draft, particularly focusing on foreign players.

Breakdown

1:00 - International Basketball Growth

6:00 - Pick and Roll Basketball Techniques

13:00 - Five Out Offense and Big Men Passing Ability

16:00 - Effective Weak Side Actions

18:30 - Practice Design and Habits

25:00 - Coaching Techniques in College Basketball

28:30 - Offensive and Defensive Approaches

33:00 - Importance of Switching

35:30 - Difference of 3x3 vs 5x5

39:00 - Benefits of 3x3

46:00 - Family Involvement