Alex Popp of Winchendon School Talks NEPSAC Basketball, Player Development, and College Recruitment

PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast

Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball’s most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today’s transfer portal and NIL era? Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment.

💡Key Topics:

📌 Choosing the right prep school for basketball and academics (prep school basketball, NEPSAC, player development)
📌 Honest advice on playing time, roster spots, and maximizing college exposure (playing time, college basketball recruitment, exposure events)
📌 How NEPSAC prepares athletes for high-level college basketball (NEPSAC, college readiness, competitive scheduling)
📌 Building relationships and realistic recruiting strategies for families (recruitment, college placement, family guidance)
📌 Innovative player development and balancing academics (player development, strength and conditioning, academic-athletic balance)
🏀 About Alex Popp:

Coach Alex Popp is the head boys’ basketball coach at The Winchendon School, bringing a wealth of experience from his time leading Vermont Academy and five years at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top basketball programs. A former NEPSAC post-grad player and McDonald’s All-American nominee, Popp is known for his direct, relationship-driven approach to player development and college placement. His track record includes coaching future D1 and NBA athletes and building programs that prioritize both athletic and academic growth.

🔗 Connect with Alex Popp:

Email | [email protected]
X | https://x.com/coachalexpopp?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/teamalexpopp/
X | https://x.com/winchhoops?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/winchendon_bvbb/

🔗 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
🔖 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. Intro: Cory welcomes Coach Alex Popp, new head coach at The Winchendon School, and previews the episode’s key topics (00:00:00)

2. Why Alex left IMG Academy for Winchendon and returning to NEPSAC (00:01:25)

3. The Winchendon School’s academic and athletic environment (00:02:23)

4. Lessons from IMG Academy and how they’ll shape Winchendon’s program (00:03:18)

5. Vision for building Winchendon’s basketball program and maintaining high standards (00:04:44)

6. What Coach Popp looks for in players and families: relationships, fit, and campus contribution (00:05:39)

7. Changes in NEPSAC and college basketball since COVID, the transfer portal, and NIL (00:06:47)

8. Why top players should consider NEPSAC over new academies or pro leagues (00:09:29)

9. Does NEPSAC class (AAA, AA, A, etc.) matter for player development and exposure? (00:11:39)

10. Playing time: how it’s earned, analytics, and the art/science of rotation decisions (00:13:42)

11. Placement strategy: how Winchendon helps players get recruited and placed in college (00:15:59)

12. Honest recruiting conversations: matching player goals with realistic opportunities (00:17:28)

13. The importance of relationships and networking in college recruitment (00:20:31)

14. Value of summer showcases and open gym periods for exposure (00:22:12)

15. How college coaches network and help each other with player placement (00:24:12)

16. Player development at Winchendon: gym access, strength training, and accountability (00:26:26)

17. Customizing development: balancing gym work, academics, and athlete needs (00:30:09)

18. Playing time vs. team strength: what’s best for player growth? (00:31:26)

19. Academic options for post-grads at Winchendon, including AP and college credit (00:35:08)

20. The future of prep school basketball: changes coming to NEPSAC and the landscape (00:36:45)

21. Final thoughts, gratitude, and closing remarks (00:37:54)