))
Cary Herer of CATS Academy: Exposure & College Pathways
Manage episode 479744804 series 2863691
This week, host Cory Heitz sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AAβs fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If youβre navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen.
Ready to find the right path for your player? Subscribe and get the facts on prep basketball success.
π‘ Key Topics:
π Elite player development at CATS Academy (prep school basketball, skill training, strength & conditioning)
π Maximizing college exposure through NEBL and open gyms (college basketball recruitment, college coaches, showcases)
π Honest prep school selection: Competition, team structure, and fit (prep school advice, player placement, development guarantees)
π Navigating the transfer portal and NIL for families (recruitment strategies, NIL deals, transfer portal impact)
π Balancing academics and athletics for prep/post-grad students (academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, post-grad prep)
π The evolving landscape of prep basketball leagues and future trends (NEBL, league competition, player pathways)
π About Cary Herer:
Cary Herer is the Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at CATS Academy Boston, where heβs built the program from the ground up into a NEPSAC AA and NEBL contender. A former point guard at UMass under John Calipari, Cary brings decades of experience in grassroots basketball, elite player development, and high-level coaching. Heβs known for his direct, practical approach and has helped numerous athletes reach the collegiate level.
π Connect with Cary Herer:
Email | [email protected]
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cary_herer/
Twitter | https://x.com/caryherer
π Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166
π Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Chapters
1. Introduction: Meet Coach Cary Herer, CATS Academy Head Coach, NEPSAC AA & NEBL, and overview of his basketball journey (00:00:00)
2. Basketball Roots: Growing up in Connecticut, family influence, and early exposure to high-level basketball programs (00:01:45)
3. UMass Experience: College recruitment, playing for John Calipari, lessons in player development and competition (00:02:22)
4. Corporate Sports Career: Transition from basketball to Starter, Reebok, and Adidas; impact on sports business and branding (00:04:16)
5. Grassroots Coaching: Launching youth basketball teams, developing D1 talent, and building the Boston Bobcats (00:06:13)
6. CATS Academy Overview: School pitch, academic strengths, international student body, and unique dorm features (00:10:42)
7. Player Development Philosophy: 6am workouts, individualized skill training, strength & conditioning, and development guarantees (00:14:29)
8. Team Structure & Competition: Multiple teams, playing time policies, college position preparation, and importance of competing (00:20:56)
9. College Exposure: Open gyms, Power Five coach visits, exposure for all players, and maximizing recruitment opportunities (00:22:13)
10. Recruitment Strategies: Placement planning, transfer portal challenges, NIL advising, and personalized college pathways (00:24:31)
11. NEBL League & Class System: Impact of league/class on exposure, scheduling for maximum visibility, and national competition (00:28:43)
12. Showcase Events & Scheduling: Importance of high-level showcases, NEBL streaming, and college coach evaluation (00:33:31)
13. Academic Programs: Post-grad academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, and balancing athletics with coursework (00:38:30)
14. D1 Guard Skills: Shooting, defense, positional size, physicality, and what college coaches look for in guards (00:40:01)
15. Future of Prep School Basketball: Trends, league evolution, program differentiation, and building pros (00:42:41)
16. Coaching Insights: Toughest opponents, best players coached against, and personal basketball stories (00:45:28)
17. Family Advice & Contact: Who thrives at CATS Academy, honest guidance for families, and how to reach Cary Herer (00:51:02)
127 episodes
Share
