The Basketball Podcast: E01 with Coach Dave Paulsen on Game Preparation

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, we are joined by Dave Paulsen. Coach Paulsen is the former head coach of the George Mason University men’s basketball program. Dave Paulsen discussed ideas for preparing for a game. Game week, game day, practice, opponent scout, self-scout, and other ideas about coaching basketball, and running a basketball program, are discussed and shared to stimulate your thinking.

Dave Paulsen is a highly accomplished college basketball coach with a career record of 514–347 across head coaching stops at George Mason, Bucknell, Williams, Le Moyne, and St. Lawrence. A three‑time Patriot League Coach of the Year and two‑time Division III National Coach of the Year, Paulsen has guided teams to four Patriot League regular season titles, two Patriot League Tournament championships, and the 2003 NCAA Division III national championship with Williams.

At Bucknell (2008–2015), he led the Bison to four postseason berths, including two NCAA Tournament appearances, and became the winningest coach in program history by percentage. His tenure produced multiple Patriot League Players of the Year, including future NBA veteran Mike Muscala.

At George Mason (2015–2021), Paulsen delivered two top‑five Atlantic 10 finishes, five straight Atlantic 10 Tournament wins, and mentored players who went on to professional careers.
Earlier, at Williams College (2000–2008), he built one of the nation’s elite Division III programs, winning the 2003 national title, finishing runner‑up in 2004, and earning back‑to‑back National Coach of the Year honors.

Most recently, Paulsen has contributed to program turnarounds at Fordham and Holy Cross, including Holy Cross’s first win over Georgetown since 1975 and a Patriot League Tournament victory in 2023.

Dave Paulsen Basketball Offensive and Defensive Absolutes

Defense:

• Nothing in transition.
• No shots deep paint.
• No rhythm 3’s for 3-point shooters.
• No second shots.
• No fouls.

Offense:

• No bad shots.
• No turnovers.
• No emotional baggage.

Listen Here:

Dave Paulsen Breakdown:

1:00 – Do previous games dictate your preparation going into the next game
4:00 – Importance of process
6:00 – Actions to prepare for future opponents
8:00 – Scouting opponents
10:00 – Practicing scout vs. a live defense
13:00 – D.O.D and O.D.O trips
15:00 – Players being more competitive than coaches
18:00 – Practice preparations to develop team strengths and weaknesses
20:00 – Fun and intense practices
22:00 – Practice duration vs intensity
24:00 – Focus on recovery and regeneration
26:00 – Do you care about opponent play calls?
29:00 – Part whole part concept
31:00 – Group or individual film sessions
36:00 – What stats drive game preparation?
40:00 – George Mason offensive and defensive absolutes
41:40 – Dealing with emotional baggage during the game

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