The Vault: Greg Graham on Boise State, the NCAA Tournament, and a Life in Coaching
In this week’s episode of The Vault, we’re bringing back a great conversation originally released on March 18, 2022 with former college basketball coach Greg Graham.
Coach Graham spent decades around the game of basketball, beginning his coaching journey in the late 1970s and going on to be part of some incredible programs with some incredible people along the way. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons he learned throughout his career, the memories that still stand out, and the relationships that made coaching so meaningful.
For fans in Idaho, Coach Graham’s ties to Boise run deep. He spent eight years as the Head Coach at Boise State, helping lead the program through some special seasons, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament. He also shares insight into what high school athletes need to understand if they want to play at the next level, giving young players and their families a realistic look at what it takes to compete in college basketball.
We also talk about some of his favorite memories from the coaching world, including the memorable 2004 NIT matchup at the Idaho Center in Nampa, and what that experience was like from his perspective.
By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why Coach Graham says, “I never had to work for 40 years.”
This is a fun, insightful, and meaningful basketball conversation filled with perspective, gratitude, and lessons that go far beyond the game.
Special shoutout to Marcus Graham for the connection, and a shoutout to the State Champion Owyhee Storm program out of Meridian, Idaho.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Coach Greg Graham
00:48 Welcome to The Gametime Guru
02:29 How This Interview Came Together
04:09 Greg Graham’s Basketball Background
05:24 From High School Coaching to Oregon
06:30 The Transition Into College Coaching
08:17 Advice for High School Athletes
09:10 What It Really Takes to Play at the Next Level
11:32 The Transfer Portal and Recruiting Changes
16:36 Boise State Memories and the Boise Community
19:25 Coaching Players On and Off the Court
20:36 Holiday Traditions With the Team
23:01 The Championship Game Mindset
25:02 The NIT Game at the Idaho Center
28:08 Boise State’s NCAA Tournament Experience
31:03 When Coach Graham Knew It Was Time to Step Away
34:19 “I Never Had to Work for 40 Years”
41:25 The Biggest Life Lessons Basketball Taught Him