Dave Klatsky on Program Philosophy and In-Game Coaching (EP346)

The Basketball Podcast

In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York University head coach Dave Klatsky joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on program philosophy and in-game coaching.

Dave Klatsky was appointed head coach of the New York University men’s basketball program in May 2022 and has quickly made an impact. In his second season (2023-24), he guided the Violets to a stellar 21-6 record, capturing the University Athletic Association (UAA) Co-Championship—their first conference title in 30 years—and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Under Klatsky’s leadership, NYU excelled nationally, finishing seventh in three-point shooting percentage (39.02%) and 19th in assist/turnover ratio (1.43). Star player Spencer Freedman thrived in Klatsky’s system, earning D3hoops.com National Player of the Year, UAA Player of the Year, NABC Third Team All-American, and First Team All-Metropolitan honors.

His remarkable debut year earned him numerous accolades, including UAA Coaching Staff of the Year and D3hoops.com Region 4 Coach of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top coaches in Division III basketball.

At Colgate, under three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Matt Langel, Klatsky had numerous responsibilities including scouting, practice and game planning, recruiting and analyzing advanced statistics. He was the primary recruiter of four All-League selections and two Defensive Players of the Year while directing Colgate's Elite Prospect Camp.

Prior to Colgate, Klatsky served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology from 2007-11. While there, he played a key role in all facets of the program, helping guide the Ducks to their first-ever ECAC Metro Championships (2008, '11).

After graduating from Penn, Klatsky worked as an equity analyst and trader in Manhattan and Jersey City, NJ. He is also the creator of StatChat, a podcast centered around how different programs utilize advanced statistics, and mentored a Colgate student in developing the startup company ShotQuality which measures the expected value of all shots attempted.