A Pen And A Napkin Presented by Ruiz Auto-Episode #324 Rob Brost

A Pen And A Napkin Presented by Ruiz Auto-Episode #324 Rob Brost

Author: Martin Plum April 30, 2026 Duration: 1:35:00

A terrific coach originally from the Hawkeye State, Rob Brost is our guest this week! Coach heads up the program at Bolingbrook (IL) HS with the boys program, where he has built one of the most consistent winners in the state! In this episode, we discuss his journey, coaching his son, coaching the elite player, being the hunted, building great relationships, playing fast on offense and much more! A really fun conversation with one of the best out of the Windy City!


Imagine a whiteboard session after a big game, the kind where strategy gets scribbled on whatever's handy. That's the spirit of A Pen And A Napkin. This weekly conversation lives at the crossroads of sport and creative thinking, diving deep into the art of coaching basketball. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a gym office, listening to the nuanced discussions about player development, offensive sets, defensive adjustments, and the philosophy behind building a team. It’s less about Xs and Os in a vacuum and more about the why-the human elements and the creative problem-solving that define the craft. You’ll hear authentic breakdowns of game situations, reflections on leadership, and practical ideas that often start with a simple sketch. Think of it as a portable mentors’ roundtable, a clinic distilled into conversation, offering perspectives that resonate whether you’re on the sidelines or just appreciate the deeper layers of the game. Tune in for a podcast that captures the ongoing, ever-evolving dialogue at the heart of coaching.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A Pen And A Napkin
Podcast Episodes
A Pen And A Napkin Presents "The Notebook" Volume VI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
The latest edition of "The Notebook" features an extended discussion of "January Season" and how to navigate perhaps the toughest season of the year, including growing your own team. We also have a segment on game situat…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #307 Chris Mayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:03
Really excited to have on Chris Mayes, the author of the "Drive The Gap" Substack series! Coach Mayes has two decades of international basketball experience that he has brought here to the United States and is now sharin…
A Pen And A Napkin presents "The Notebook" Volume V [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:12
Merry Christmas from APAAN! We've got a bunch of things to talk about this week in "The Notebook", including game situations, a great 1 on 1 drill, analyzing the 49-0 stretch of the Heartland going into Christmas break,…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #306 Amy Eagan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
We had a terrific conversation with Amy Eagan, the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Lindenwood University (MO), a Division I program on the rise in the Ohio Valley Conference! Coach Eagan has been a winner at every level…
"The Greatest Teams" Podcast-Volume IX-The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:09
Bonus Pod Time! Today we're dropping our "Greatest Teams" podcast covering the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, owners (or previous owners) of some of the greatest records in NBA history, including the (perhaps) unbreakable r…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #305 Todd Fergot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:40
Episode #305 features Todd Fergot, the head boys basketball at LaCrosse Central (WI) and newly minted Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer! In this episode, Coach and I break down a bunch of topics, inc…
The Notebook-Volume IV [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
In this episode of "The Notebook" we take a look at Indiana football, it's Cinderella story and how studying their formula for success can help you! In addition, we talk Giannis trade rumors, the amazing streaks of LBJ (…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #304 Mark Svagera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:42
It's time to "Rave On" w/ Briar Cliff Men's Basketball HC Mark Svagera! Coach Svagera and I discuss variety of issues, from stepping into a tradition-rich program, growing as a head coach, the challenges of coaching at a…
The Notebook-Volume III [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:04
In the 3rd edition of the notebook, we dive in on a variety of topics, including the state of Michigan and college basketball, things to think about for December, taking care of yourself, hot teams in the NBA and an appr…
The Notebook Volume II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
The second edition of "The Notebook" is here! In this episode we're talking about some great women's basketball achievements, injured NBA players, some X's and O's to prepare for, "Feast Week" and a story to give those w…