As The Real Deal Conversations continues its March Madness series, host Megan Deal sits down with New Covenant Academy head coach Anthony Shavies to discuss his journey from playing at Missouri State to a decade of professional basketball in Europe—and how those experiences shape his coaching philosophy today.

Shavies opens up about the importance of mentorship in coaching, especially after the heartbreaking loss of a former player to suicide. He shares how he balances winning with personal development, why youth basketball should focus on individual growth over win-loss records, and how he builds team culture rooted in character and resilience. He also dives into the challenges of managing playing time, keeping players confident, and ensuring transparency with parents through open practices.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about basketball, leadership, and the power of sports to shape young lives beyond the scoreboard!