Derek Wadsworth: 3 State Titles, College Basketball & Building Ridgeline

Derek Wadsworth knows what winning basketball looks like. Before becoming the head boys basketball coach at Ridgeline High School in Logan, Utah, Derek was a three-year starter at Preston High School in Idaho, where he helped the program win three consecutive state championships. He later played college basketball at the College of Idaho under Coach Colby Blaine before transitioning directly into coaching. In this episode of The Gametime Guru, Derek shares the lessons that shaped him as a player, coach, teacher, and leader. We talk about growing up in Preston, Idaho, where basketball is deeply connected to the community, and why playing multiple sports helped Derek develop as an athlete. He also explains why he still values multi-sport athletes and how football can help basketball players become stronger, more physical, and more comfortable with contact. Derek takes us through his incredible high school career at Preston, including winning three straight state championships and learning under longtime head coach Tyler Jones. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} From there, we dive into his transition to the College of Idaho, where he quickly learned how demanding college basketball can be. Derek discusses the conditioning, preparation, discipline, and mindset required inside a championship-level program, including the philosophy that "Champions Do More." He also shares his perspective on AAU basketball and college recruiting. Derek believes AAU can be extremely valuable for players who want to compete at the next level, but only when they find the right program, the right coaching, and an environment that emphasizes development, defense, and team basketball. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} After his playing career ended, Derek moved almost immediately into coaching. He worked with Select Basketball, returned to Preston as a varsity assistant and JV coach, and eventually earned the opportunity to become the varsity head coach at Ridgeline High School. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} At Ridgeline, Derek is building a culture centered around toughness, defense, effort, and accountability. One of the program's traditions is the Hard Hat Award, which rewards players for the things that help teams win but may not always show up in the box score: loose balls, rebounding, tough defensive assignments, extra passes, and effort plays. Derek's philosophy is simple: if you want a certain behavior from your players, you have to emphasize it and reward it. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} Derek also opens up about the leadership challenges that come with becoming a head coach and realizing that every part of the program ultimately becomes your responsibility. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Preston, Idaho Playing multiple sports in high school Why football can benefit basketball players Winning three straight state championships Learning from Coach Tyler Jones The college basketball recruiting process Playing at the College of Idaho Learning under Coach Colby Blaine The "Champions Do More" mentality College basketball conditioning and preparation The "anticipate and eliminate" mindset Why AAU basketball matters for aspiring college players Transitioning from player to coach Coaching Select Basketball Coaching defense at Preston Becoming head coach at Ridgeline High School The reality of leadership shock Building a defensive basketball culture Ridgeline's Hard Hat Award Why coaches should reward the behaviors they want Derek's biggest life lesson from basketball About Derek Wadsworth: Derek Wadsworth is the head boys basketball coach at Ridgeline High School in Logan, Utah. Before coaching at Ridgeline, he played at Preston High School and the College of Idaho and later coached with Select Basketball and Preston High School. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Connect with The Gametime Guru: YouTube: The Gametime Guru Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly conversations with athletes, coaches, sports executives, agents, entrepreneurs, and other people shaping the sports world. If you enjoyed this conversation, share the episode with a basketball player, parent, or coach who could benefit from Derek's perspective on winning, leadership, development, and building a strong basketball culture.