Jason James

Former D1 Head Coach; Head Boys Basketball Coach at Milan High School

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

My girl is 14yrs old today. She keeps everybody on their toes and makes each day an adventure. We love the young lady that she is and we are excited to see what’s next. I am proud to be her Daddy! #HBDBear #LoveMyCrew

[Hitmen Hoops @HitmenHoops]

This @BartlettHoops team just cemented itself arguably one of the best Memphis-area teams of all time.

- 4A State Champs / #7 in the nation
- 4-6 D1 prospects (Jones, Okoth, Perry, Williams, Taylor, Hill)
- Finished 35-4 overall w/ losses to #1 Paul VI, #4 Principia, and #6 Archbishop Stepinac

Fantastic coaching job from @CoachDionReal @Coach_McFall35 and staff. Most exciting part is: They return every one of their D1 prospects outside of Axton Perry.

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Wishing my oldest a happy 15th birthday today! We are so proud of the young woman she is becoming. I am grateful to be her dad. Keep on keeping on baby girl. #ProudGirlDad #LoveYouBug

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@LHSEagleHoops Last guy gets the trash! Love it! #Oski

[Greg Berge @GregBerge]

Transactional vs. Transformational Coaching

Dan Hurley shared a story about asking Geno Auriemma for advice after a rough start last season.

Geno didn’t mince words:

“Listen, if the only gratification and the only part of coaching that excites you is winning the national championship, then you’ve lost your way, buddy! Where’s the joy in the things that you’ve always been about as a coach before you went on the championship run, like relationships with your players, like helping people get better, like making your team the best it can be.

Be a coach, man. This is when you really need to be a leader. This team isn’t as good as last year’s, so what the hell are you going to do about it? Are you going home? Are you going to let this thing unravel?”

That’s the tension every coach feels: Transactional vs. Transformational.

Transactional coaching is outcome-obsessed. It’s about the wins, the losses, the trophies. The problem? When results don’t come, your purpose crumbles with them.

Transformational coaching is different. It’s about people. It’s about growth. It’s about building something that lasts whether the scoreboard agrees with you or not.

And this is why mentorship matters so much in coaching. Left on our own, it’s easy to drift into a transactional mode without even realizing it. A trusted mentor can pull us back to center, and remind us why we started coaching in the first place.

To build relationships.
To develop players as people.
To make teams the best they can be.

Wins matter. But they’re not the why. The why is impact. The why is growth. The why is leaving your players better than you found them.

The process is the prize.

Stay grounded. Stay on the path. Always remember your why.

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

It’s late in the day but my guy is 12 years old today. We are so proud of the person he is and we are excited to see what this year has in store for him. Keep being a leader my man! Happy Birthday AJ! #LoveYouBuddy

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

The first day of school was yesterday. I am late sending a picture but I am proud of these 3 and we look forward to a great school year! #LoveMyCrew #MilanStrong

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Big time birthday shoutout to my middle daughter who turns 13 today! We are so proud of her and how much she has grown up. We can’t wait to see what this year has in store for her. I am absolutely honored to be her dad! #HappyBirthdayClaire #Proudgirldad

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@OleMissMBB vs. @MSU_Basketball was a great basketball game! Two very tough teams who defend together and play the right way. Very fun to watch!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

14 yrs ago today, this young lady came into our world and changed everything. We are proud of the young lady that she is & of the things she has accomplished. We cant wait to see what this year has in store for her. Keep being yourself baby girl! #HBD #LoveYouBug #ProudGirlDad

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@BUcoachp Thanks coach! Same to you and yours!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Early workout with my guy! Nothing like some morning work in the Mayo-Wheeler! Man I’m thankful for this place and the opportunity to be the coach here. Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@TimCorteville Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving! Love you coach!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@22Senters MY MAN! Hope everything is good your way. Let’s catch up soon! Happy Thanksgiving!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Hey @LHSEagleHoops @cubigred72 @patsodemann24 @buddysodemann We all know, never show up to Saturday practice without donuts! #OskiForever

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

If you haven’t been to watch #ShrekJr at Milan Middle School, go see it this weekend. It’s highly entertaining & the kids do a GREAT JOB. Im happy for those students & Im especially proud of my 2 favorite characters Fiona and Donkey. Don’t miss this show! #MilanStrong #ProudDad

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@A_Boggis Nothing like the Treat! Appreciate you, hope you and the family are doing well my man!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Today begins my 25th year coaching basketball. I’m very grateful for all the players over the years who made every season special. There is no place I’d rather be than at Milan HS. Im excited about the journey with this team. No matter what-where we go 1, we go all! #TheMilanWay

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

@TimCorteville Thanks coach! Hope all is well!

[Jason James @Coach_JJames]

Congrats to my guy @Coach_CJackson on his 1st win last night. Many more to come my man! Happy for you! #Family #Lifeonit