Its Just Different Podcast

Its Just Different Podcast

Its Just Different Podcast is just what the title says... Different! Different people, Different conversations and different experiences! All with the same common goal... Success! I am your Host Ashley Roberts former collegiate player turned serial entrepreneur. We will talk all things youth/women's basketball and life. Join us on this journey as we share stories, give valuable insight and provide relevant information as it relates to all things basketball from dope people doing dope things. Episodes will drop every Tuesday!

Episodes

May 6, 2025 60 mins

About the Guest(s):

Anthony Anderson is an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Houston, known for his valuable insights into the college recruitment process. With experience in both men's and women's basketball, Anthony has a rich history working with student-athletes to help them find the right fit and maximize their potential in the competitive world of college sports.

He started on the boys' si...

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In today’s episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, Ashley Roberts sits down with Clemson Associate Head Coach Chris Ayers to break down one of the most overlooked truths in college basketball recruiting: talent alone isn’t enough anymore.

With the rise of NIL deals, transfer portals, and evolving recruiting strategies, more athletes than ever are slipping through the cracks — not because they aren't good enough, but because they...

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About the Guest:Jordan Jones is a McDonald’s All-American, former Texas A&M standout, and an accomplished coach at every level — from college basketball as a defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois, to high school state champion at Faith Family Academy, to AAU coaching with Team Mo Jeff, and now a respected trainer and mentor for young athletes.Her experience on every side of the game gives her a rare and powerful perspectiv...

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About the Guest(s):

Coach Leroy Grigsby is a seasoned basketball coach, parent, and trainer, known for his expertise with both youth and high school basketball teams.

Based in Texas, he is currently the GUAA coach at Texas U where he manages teams and channels his passion for basketball into developing young athletes. He is recognized for his commitment to fostering talent, focusing on honesty and hard work, and helping young athlet...

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About the Host:

Ashley Roberts is the host of It’s Just Different Podcast and a trusted voice in the basketball community. With years of experience coaching, mentoring athletes, and guiding parents, Ashley helps families navigate the complex world of AAU basketball, college recruiting, and personal development.

She’s also the author of The Little Girl with Big Dreams and the creator of tools that empower parents to make inform...

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🎙️ About the Guest:

Pauline Love—known as Coach Love—is a respected coach at the University of Alabama with a rich background as both a player and mentor. Her candid voice on social media and experience in player development make her a powerful resource for athletes and families trying to understand the evolving world of college sports, especially as it relates to the transfer portal and recruiting realities.

Episode Summary:

In thi...

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About the Guest:

Michael Cooper, widely known as Coach Coop, is a respected AAU director and grassroots basketball coach with nearly 30 years of experience. As the current head of Team Lex 2031 and an event director for Queen of the Court, he’s been instrumental in developing youth talent and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed on and off the court. Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Just Different Podcast, host Ash...

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About the Guest:

Mike Simmons, also known as Lefty Mike, is a national basketball evaluator and co-director of Sudden Exposure. With years of experience in media scouting, player recruitment, and exposure, he has helped countless athletes gain visibility and secure scholarship opportunities.

Mike is known for his candid insights into youth basketball recruiting, offering real advice on how to stand out, avoid common mistakes, and nav...

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About the Guest:

Kevina Lawrence is a respected basketball coach, mentor, and Texas Elite Basketball Operations with over 25 years of experience in the AAU basketball circuit.

She has coached for top programs like All Its Swoosh, Team Ichiban, Texas Express, and Texas Elite.

Kevina’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the court—she teaches life principles through basketball, emphasizing commitment, integrity, and player development.

...

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About the Guest:

Katie Hensle is a highly respected coach and the Director of Southwest Select. With a background in both AAU and college basketball, Katie has coached at prestigious programs like Cy Fair and Team Texas and even won Nike Nationals.

She is also a member of the McDonald's All-American & Naismith Committees, making her a key voice in player development and recruitment.

As a 3SSB Director, Katie is committed to h...

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About the Guest:

Earl Rooks is a renowned expert in sports marketing and management, specializing in basketball. He is the director of Pro Skills and a prominent trainer and coach, responsible for creating development exposure platforms for players ranging from grassroots to professional levels.

Earl has a deep understanding of the essentials in athlete development and recruitment, and his program has produced many successful colleg...

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AAU basketball is often called the Wild West and in this episode, we break down exactly why!

🏀I sat down with AAU Director Joey Simmons to expose the harsh realities of AAU basketball, including:

- Why the lack of regulation creates chaos for parents and players.

- How to choose the right AAU team and avoid getting lost in the system.

- The difference between getting exposure vs. being exposed in front of coaches.

- What parents need ...

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About the Guest(s):

Mariqus Alexander is a seasoned basketball coach and entrepreneur with extensive experience in youth and college basketball.

Over the past 15 years, Mariqus has mentored and guided more than 120 students to pursue college basketball careers at various levels.

He has also been actively involved in AAU basketball, collaborating with renowned trainers and forming significant partnerships.

Mariqus has contributed greatl...

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About the Guest(s):

Brittany Christian is an experienced basketball coach and a former player who has transitioned to become a key figure in the junior college (JUCO) basketball community.

Currently positioned at Paris Junior College, Coach Brittany, or "BC" as she is commonly addressed by her players and peers, has been pivotal in developing young athletes.

Her coaching approach emphasizes skill development, leadership, and pers...

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About the Guest(s):

Jaelyn Richard Harris is an accomplished assistant coach at Nebraska Omaha with a rich background in basketball. Known for her strategic insights and passion for the game, Jaelyn has been instrumental in guiding young athletes towards success. Her journey from a kinesiology graduate with aspirations in medical school to a thriving career in coaching showcases her diverse interests and commitment to the sport.

D...

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About the Guest(s):

Donny Ott is a seasoned basketball coach with a rich history of success across various high schools in Texas. Ott has a notable coaching background, including a transition from coaching boys to girls' basketball, and has led teams to multiple state championships.

He has been the head coach at Cedar Park, where he achieved exceptional success with two state titles, and Summer Creek, where he reached the state se...

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About the Guest(s):

Nicki Collen is the head coach of the Baylor University Women's Basketball Team. With a rich history in both collegiate and professional basketball, Collen brings a wealth of experience and a focus on development and relational dynamics within her teams.

Before joining Baylor, she served as a head coach in the WNBA, adding to her repertoire of managing high-talent players and achieving strategic game success.

T...

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About the Guest(s):

Joni Taylor: Joni Taylor is the head coach of the Texas A&M women's basketball team. With over two decades of experience in the SEC, both as a player and a coach, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to A&M. Taylor has a strong background in coaching elite athletes and emphasizes holistic development on and off the basketball court.

Rodney Hill: An assistant coach at Texas A&M, Rodney Hill is...

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About The Guest(s):

Jason Burton: Jason Burton is the head coach of the University of North Texas women's basketball team. Bringing over a decade of coaching experience, Burton has continually emphasized culture, fit, and player development. Under his leadership, the team has maintained its focus on creating an environment that fosters both academic excellence and athletic prowess.


Brittney Brown: Serving as the associate head coa...

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About the Guest(s):

Coach Bishop is the head coach of the women's basketball team at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). As a respected figure in the basketball community, Coach Bishop brings years of experience as both a player and coach, contributing significantly to SFA's success.

Coach JoJo (Jordan Hernandez) serves as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at SFA. With a focus on building strong relationships wit...

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