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Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

Visit aussiehoopla.com for an in depth analysis of Aussie Basketball and its players both here in the NBL and overseas. Subscribe to our podcast for regular interviews with players, coaches and legends discussing everything on the Australian Basketball scene. NBA, NBL, SEABL, BIGV, ABA or Internationally (FIBA).
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Now displaying: 2022
Nov 26, 2022

The Melbourne Tigers left possibly the biggest imprint in Australian basketball history, winning four NBL championships in fifteen years (1993 to 2008) and being home to basketball royalty like Andrew Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Mark Bradtke and Chris Anstey.

Al Westover, who was born in California and originally left the states to join the Tigers as a player during the 1970s, re-joined the team as a coach in 1992 and was a part of all four of the club's championship runs.

Al, who left the Tigers after playing in one NBL season with the team, returned eight years later to assist head coach Lindsay Gaze, a partnership which lasted until 2005 when Lindsay retired, and Al was named head coach.

In his first year as coach, Al not only won the NBL Coach of the Year Award but won the NBL championship with a re-tooled roster featuring Chris Anstey on his return from stints in the NBA and Europe.

Two years later, Westover and Anstey won another NBL Championship, a feat that saw Westover become the first coach in NBL history to reach the Grand Final in each of his first four years as coach, resulting in two Championships and two Runners Up.

Four NBL Championships and four runners-up later, Al was unceremoniously fired from his coaching role with the Tigers and never coached again in the NBL.

Westover remains the second-winningest coach in NBL history (134-74 win-loss record).

Topics include...
  • Where Al Westover is coaching these days (2:00)
  • Arriving in Australia as a player and memories of the VBL of the ’70s and ’80s (4:00)
  • Why the Melbourne Tigers chose to play in the Victorian Basketball League instead of the NBL in the 1980s (7:00)
  • Playing in the NBL during the 1980s and memories of the competition (10:00)
  • Joining the Tigers as an assistant coach (11:00)
  • How the Melbourne Tigers linked China to the NBL (14:00)
  • The Tigers V Magic rivalry of the 1990s (17:00)
  • The Tigers' first championship in 1993 (19:00)
  • The second title in 1997 (21:00)
  • How Lindsey and Alan juggled the coaching responsibilities of the team between 1992 and 2005 (24:00)
  • Taking over as coach in 2005 and adding Chris Anstey to the roster (25:30)
  • Winning the 2006 championship as head coach of the Tigers (27:00)
  • Falling short to the Brisbane Bullets in 2007 (32:00)
  • Coaching Chris Anstey (36:00)
  • Coaching against his former Tigers teammate Brian Goorjian (40:00)
  • Facing the South Dragons in the Tigers' fourth Grand Final in four years (44:00)
  • Did the ‘Gaze Era’ Melbourne Tigers underachieve by only winning two titles (48:00)
  • The Tigers sack Al Westover despite delivering 4 Grand Final appearances in five seasons (49:30)
  • Coaching in Japan (57:00)
  • The highlights and learning moments of his basketball journey (59:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Nov 9, 2022

With the release of the NBL salary cap figures and player salaries via a number of News Corp articles, it has become very clear that there are many nuances within the economics of the NBL, so our host Dan Boyce reached out to Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass to help explain how the cap works, soft cap vs hard cap numbers, the myriad of player exemptions and how NBL teams utilise them to benefit from NBL salary cap rules.

Topics include...
  • Thoughts on how the Kings roster has come together so far (1:30)

  • Jaylen Adams' chances of returning to the Sydney Kings (3:30)

  • The nuances of the NBL salary cap and how teams navigate it (7:00)

  • The inaccuracies of News Corp’s article on player salaries and how the salary cap works (10:00)

  • How do the Sydney Kings prioritise salary cap exemptions when signing players (14:00)

  • How the Marquee Player rule works (18:00)

  • What parts of a player's salary go towards the NBL cap (22:00)

  • How the Next Stars Program works within the cap and why building your team around them is a risky move (23:00)

  • Special Restricted Players and why Asian players are so valuable to NBL teams right now (27:00)

  • How the NBL is a better option for players than China’s CBA… in some scenarios (33:00)

  • The Reconciliation Action Plan exemption and how it works (37:00)

  • The NBL’s soft cap, how it works and how the ‘luxury tax’ is distributed amongst teams (40:00)

  • Thoughts on player salaries and team salaries being released to the public and the pros and cons of it (43:00)

  • What Chris learned from his six years with the Memphis Grizzlies and how he uses those learnings with the Kings today (47:00)

  • What the Kings 2022 championship meant to Chris and the Sydney Kings (58:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Oct 20, 2022

Jacob Wiley joined the Adelaide 36ers as a replacement for Mitch Creek in 2018. 

His 'one and done' season saw him finish the year as one of the premier forwards in the league and fill the highlight reels with multiple posterizing dunks.

Wiley averaged 12.3 points and 5 rebounds playing for then coach Joey Wright, who he credits with helping to shape his basketball career.

After initially re-signing with Adelaide for another season, Wiley exercised his European out-clause in June 2019 to play with Spanish team Gran Canaria.

He now plays for the Shiga Lakes in Japan's B.League, a team that also competes in the newly launched EASL (an Asian champions league).

He joins Dan Boyce on the podcast to share with us his thoughts on playing in the NBL and how he is already talking to NBL teams about returning next season.

Topics include...
  • Playing in Japan and the newly formed EASL league (2:00)
    Why Japan is after the best frontcourt players in the world (3:30)
  • Why he wants to return to Australia and play in the NBL next season (5:00)
  • How imports in Asia view the NBL right now (6:30)
  • How Jacob ended up playing in Adelaide for the 2018 season (8:00)
  • His experiences being coached by Joey Wright (11:00)
  • The ups and downs of the Adelaide 36ers 2018-19 season (13:00)
  • Being aware of your 'stock' as an import and making the right contract decisions (23:00)
  • Playing in Europe (27:00)
  • An import's role in Europe and making the adjustment there (28:00)
  • Winning a championship in Puerto Rico (30:00)
  • The biggest learning moments and highlights from his career so far (34:00)
 
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Oct 8, 2022

Tim Soares joins the Sydney Kings as one of their newest imports, and he's focused on being the best centre in the league and leading the team to back-to-back championships.

He's a player who has taken an unusual journey to reach the NBL. With his mother and father, both professional basketball players who met while in Brazil, he developed his early game in Brazil (he is only the second NBL player ever to grow up in Brazil) before moving to the USA to play college basketball.

With his family having a strong Christian faith, he chose to play at the little-known Master's University in California, an NAIA school, before nominating for the NBA Draft.

Due to COVID-19 he was unable to participate in any pre-draft workouts for teams and ultimately wasn't selected in the 2020 NBA Draft. Since then, he's played in Turkey and Israel prior to signing a deal to play in Australia, which he hopes to use as a springboard to the NBA like former Brazilian and Sydney Kings star Didi Louzada.

He joins Dan Boyce on the podcast to take us through all of this and much, much more.

Topics include...
  • Thoughts on the NBL after playing in his first NBLgame (2;00)
  • His NBA summer league experience with Milwaukee (6:00)
  • Thoughts on Australia and the NBL before arriving (7:00)
  • Thoughts on coach Chase Buford and which teammates have been getting him accustomed to the Australian lifestyle (8:30)
  • How is his resume not the same as your usual NBL import (11:00)
  • Attending an NAIA university instead of an NCAA university to become a pro (14:00)
  • Basketball genes run deep in the Soares family (18:00)
  • Graduating college and interest from NBA teams (19:00)
  • Playing in Europe for his first seasons as a pro (22:00)
  • Things he's planning to do while in Australia (24:00)
  • How he was offered the opportunity to play for the Sydney Kings (25:00)
  • Players and teams, he's keen to face during the NBL season (28:00)
  • Hurdles and highlights faced during his career so far (30:00)
 
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Sep 30, 2022

General Manager of Basketball Operations for the Perth Wildcats Danny Mills joins the podcast to provide some insights into the hirings and firings made by the Perth Wildcats this season.

The team added Corey Webster and imports Brady Manek and TaShawn Thomas while saying goodbye to Vic Law and Michael Frazier. Danny provides clarity on what motivated the Wildcats to make each roster change and how he expects it to improve the team.

Topics include...
  • What's been happening behind the scenes at the Wildcats since the team's 35-year consecutive playoff streak was broken six months ago (2:00)
  • John Rillie's integration as head coach and his first few months with the team (4:00)
  • What role will the Cleveland Cavaliers play with Luke Travers during this NBL season (11:30)
  • What surprised Danny in NBL during his first year as Perth Wildcats GM (13:00)
  • What's different in the NBL season this season compared to last (17:00)
  • Why Perth decided against the NBLxNBA games and plans to face Euroleague teams in the future (19:00)
  • How do NBL players like Dusty Hannahs, Greg Whittington, BJ Johnson have moderate success in the NBL yet still get NBA deals (25:00)
  • NBA Exhibit 10 contracts (27:30)
  • How SEN's New Zealand team, the Otago Nuggets, is giving the Perth Wildcats an advantage in the NBL (29:00)
  • The biggest learnings from running the Wildcats program over the past 12 months (34:00)
  • What Perth Wildcats fans can expect from the team this season (36:00)
 
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Sep 22, 2022

Off the back of winning a silver medal as part of Australia's 3x3 team at the Commonwealth Games Daniel Johnson joins the podcast to discuss the Adelaide 36ers re-look roster and what he's hoping to achieve in his fifteenth season in the NBL.

Johnson, who has scored more points in the NBL than any other player since 2008, is a seven-time All-NBL Team member, including three All-NBL First Team recognitions. Johnson is also a long-time Australian state league player and has had many stints overseas.

Topics include...
  • Winning the silver medal in 3x3 competition at Commonwealth Games (2:00)
  • Heading into season 15 and what he's been able to achieve during this career to date (4:00)
  • Thoughts on the 36ers new-look roster for 2022-23 (6:00)
  • Mental health, balancing basketball and life and the Kings forfeiting the championship in 2020 (12:00)
  • His pathway to the NBL (11:00)
  • His rookie season with the Melbourne Tigers (15:00)
  • Moving to Adelaide and his time with the 36ers so far (20:00)
  • His relationship with former coach Joey Wright and his most productive season in the NBL (23:00)
  • A missed opportunity for a championship in 2018 (28:00)
  • Finally making it onto a Boomers squad in 2019 and Daniel's thoughts on what kept him off the Australian team for the majority of his career (33:00)
  • The biggest highlights and learning moments of his career (36:00)
 
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Aug 25, 2022

Jordan Hunter exploded in his second year in the NBL, his production jumping from averaging 0.9 points and 1 rebounds in 63 total minutes to 9.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.

Then, prior to the 2021/22 season an unfortunate fracture to both his finger and his foot then saw him miss the entire 2021/22 season.

Hunter joins the podcast to take host Dan Boyce through his rehab, the mental hurdles players he faced and the importance of having passions both on and off the court.

He also dives deeper into the tutelage he has received from Aussie basketball greats like Luc Longley, Andrew Bogut, Daniel Kcikert and Aleks Maric and how they've helped shape his basketball IQ.

Topics include...
  • His season ending injuries and working himself back into shape via the NBL1 (2:00)
  • The soul searching that players face during injury and how he handled it missing an entire season (7:00)
  • Jordan's passions off the court and his goal to write a fantasy novel in the future (9:00)
  • Mental health, balancing basketball and life and the Kings forfeiting the championship in 2020 (12:00)
  • Making it to Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (20:00)
  • Playing college basketball at St Mary's University (25:00)
  • The big man 'brains trust' the Sydney Kings have with former Boomers Andrew Bogut, Luc Longley, Daniel Kickert and Aleks Maric being part of the team (33:00)
  • His breakout season in 2020/21 where he finished runner-up for the NBL Most Improved Player award (35:00)
  • Jordan's mental approach to the game of basketball and how he fell back in love with the game thanks to the Sydney Kings (40:00)
  • Expectations for the coming NBL season (42:30)
  • The biggest highlights and learning moments of his career (45:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jul 28, 2022

CJ Bruton is currently building his first NBL roster as an NBL head coach, and he joins Dan Boyce on the Aussie Hoopla podcast to talk through his process and how he's managed to land some big names like Robert Franks and Antonious Cleveland.

 Bruton took over as the team's head coach just prior to last season's tip-off, with the roster having already been finalized by former 36ers GM Jeff Van Groningen and Coach Connor Henry.

Bruton, a six-time NBL championship winner as a player, joined Adelaide after a stint as an assistant coach at the Brisbane Bullets.

Prior to that, he played 17 seasons in the national league, winning 6 NBL championships as well as being a dual Olympian, playing for the Boomers 104 times.

He was part of Australia's gold-medal winning Commonwealth Games team at the 2006 Melbourne Games and was an assistant coach for the Boomers when they also won Commonwealth gold in 2018 on the Gold Coast.

Topics include...
  • The day-to-day grind of CJ's first time recruiting as an NBL head coach (2:00)
  • How the 36ers were able to sign both big-name free agent targets Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland (8:00)
  • Background on Kai Sotto's decision to enter the NBA draft early and his return to Adelaide for 2022-23 (11:00)
  • CJ Bruton's thoughts on the Next Stars program and whether Adelaide will sign a Next Stars player for this season (15:00)
  • CJ's attempt at bringing Scoot Henderson, the projected #1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft (17:00)
  • How close are the 36ers to signing some of the big names linked to them right now ie. Scotty Hopson, Cam Bairstow, Travis Trice (19:00)
  • What went wrong during the 36ers' 2021-22 season (27:00)
  • The biggest learning moment from last season and what changes CJ has implemented as a result (38:00)
  •  
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Kai Sotto, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jul 9, 2022

Aaron Fearne was head coach of the Taipans for nine seasons and led the team to three postseason berths. Fearne was named the NBL Coach of the Year in 2015.

Prior to the 2018/19 season, the Taipans announced that Fearne would not return as head coach and shortly after he moved to the US to take up a role as an assistant coach at the University of Charlotte.

Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce spoke with 'Fearny' about the differences between college basketball and the NBL, his time with the Cairns Taipans, his year in the NBA with Nathan Jawai and his message for players or parents of players who want to make it onto an NCAA basketball team.

Topics include...
  • Aaron Fearne updates us on how his transition to coaching in the US college system after 9 seasons as head coach of the Cairns Taipans (2:00)
  • How the University of Charlotte is recruiting players in Australia and New Zealand (6:00)
  • How Covid is still impacting college recruiting, even in 2022 (7:30)
  • The major differences between coaching in the NBL and the NCAA (14:00)
  • Advice for players or parents of players who want to make it onto a Division I college basketball team (18:00)
  • Is there a way to know the best pathway to become a professional basketball player ie. college, AIS, NBL? (24:00)
  • The year Aaron spent in the NBA with Nathan Jawai as his development coach (28:00)
  • The key to creating a winning culture in a short period of time and how he was able to do that with the Cairns Taipans in the NBL (37:00)
  • Aaron Farne's coaching website and how you can purchase his online coaching course (44:00)
  • The biggest hurdles and rewarding moments having transitioned to college coaching (46:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jun 27, 2022

Josh Powell rose up from being a homeless teenager to reach the NBA, where he played seven seasons, before playing overseas which included a stop with the Sydney Kings during the 2016-17 season.

He now plays for the Killer 3's in the Big 3 competition under coach Charles Oakley and Powell joins Dan Boyce on the podcast the discuss overcoming the odds, his time playing for the University of North Carolina State, winning two NBA championships with the LA Lakers, his friendship with Kobe Bryant, highlights from his 17 years as a professional basketball player and what went wrong with the Sydney Kings in 2017.

Topics include...
  • Playing in the Big 3 with the Killer 3's under coach Charles Oakley (2:00)
  • Being homeless as a teenager and how he overcome a rough home life in order to reach the NBA (6:00)
  • Playing college basketball for North Carolina State (11:00)
  • Going through the NBA draft and not being selected and his first years as a pro playing in Europe (14:00)
  • Signing with the Dallas Mavericks and his experiences as a rookie in the NBA (17:00)
  • The 2006 NBA championship, falling short to the Miami Heat and why Josh thinks this is one of the most controversial Finals in NBA history (21:00)
  • Being traded to Indiana and then Golden State, how does being traded affect a players mindset (24:00)
  • His best season in the NBA comes with the LA Clippers (25:30)
  • Fighting to stay in the NBA and the mental toll it requires (27:00)
  • Being signed by the LA Lakers and how their locker room was different to other NBA teams (28:00)
  • His brotherhood with Kobe Bryant and stories from the times they spent together (30:00)
  • The Lakers vs Celtics rivalry (35:00)
  • Signing with the Atlanta Hawks and getting to play back home (38:30)
  • Signing with the Houston Rockets only to be made their player development coach (40:00)
  • Reaching Australia and his season with the Sydney Kings (42:30)
  • Playing under Andrew Gaze and where things went wrong at the Kings  (45:00)
  • Retiring from professional basketball, how Josh knew it was time (54:00)
  • The biggest mistakes and learning experiences Josh went through during his career (57:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jun 13, 2022
Shawn Dennis spent 16 years in the NBL as a coach with the Newcastle Falcons, Perth Wildcats and Townsville Crocodiles, this included winning NBL coach of the year in 2016.

Since the demise of the Crocodiles Dennis has coached in Japan's rapidly growing B.League, the country's premier national league despite having only started in 2016 has become one of the highest paying leagues in the world.

This NBL off-season numerous players are engaged in talks with both Australian and B.League teams with Japan's national league likely to snatch up a number of NBL players for the coming season.

 
Topics include...
  • How basketball is improving in Japan and the rise of the B.League (2:00)
  • What players in the NBL are Japanese teams wanting to sign (7:00)
  • How former NBL players are faring in Japan ie. Nick Kay, Shawn Long, Angus Brandt (9:00)
  • B.League salaries compared to NBL salaries (10:30)
  • The East Asian Super League and how Australia could be involved in the future (15:00)
  • Shawn's scouting role with the Australian Boomers (18:00)
  • Japan's national league seems to be benefitting from Australia's players and coaches, how can Australia take advantage of the Japanese basketball resources (20:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jun 9, 2022
The South East Melbourne Phoenix went through an up and down season in 2021-22 where after sitting among the top team teams in the league for the first half of the season saw a late-season slump cause them to miss the playoffs.
 
Head coach Simon Mitchell joins Dan Boyce on the podcast the discuss where the team fell short, what needs to change and plans for the roster for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
 
Topics include...
  • Missing the playoffs last season and Simon's views on where the team fell down (2:00)
  • Finishing the season with a win against the Wildcats (6:00)
  • What is the process the Phoenix follow to recruit talent in the off-season (12:00)
  • Plans for the Phoenix backcourt and what they need in point guard (17:00)
  • Waiting on Zhou Qi and his decision on where he plays this season (18:00)
  • Simon and his relationship with Mitch Creek and how it's developed over his three seasons with South East Melbourne (20:00)
  • Ryan Broekhoff and his health (22:00)
  • Signing a one year deal and whether it makes puts more pressure on him as a coach to win (24:00)
  • Key learnings from the past season (26:00)
  • What does he feel was the team's highlight of the season (32:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.
Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

May 19, 2022
Last week Jacob Jackomas was announced as the new Illawarra Hawks new coach, replacing his mentor Brian Goorjian.
 
With Goorjian announcing he will be coaching the Bay Area Dragons based in the Philippines Jackomas will take full control with the Hawks and look to take them one step further after their semi-final loss to the Sydney Kings.
 
Jacob Jackomas previously acted as Goorjian's assistant coach for more than a decade, his extensive coaching resume includes stints in the NBL, China and the Australian Boomers program over the past 6 years. 
 

Jackomas has also had a little taste of being the Hawks head coach after he covered Brian Goorjian's absence earlier this year when he came down with the coronavirus.

In his one-off game as an NBL head coach Jacomas impressed fans by delivering a win against reigning champions Melbourne United.

With his new position only being announced a week ago he joins Dan Boyce on the podcast to discuss his unorthodox journey to becoming an NBL head coach, his relationships with the Hawks players, and thoughts on what the team need to improve on heading into NBL Free Agency.

He also shares his experiences as part of the Australian Boomers bronze medal-winning team last year and moments he'll never forget.

Topics include...

  • The way he found out he would be replacing Brian Goorjian as the Illawarra Hawk's new coach (2:00)
  • How he went from cleaning aeroplanes and pizza shops to working the NBL sidelines (4:00)
  • Meeting Brian Goorjian for the first time and funny 'Goorj' stories (6:00)
  • Experiences coaching in China alongside Goorj (7:30)
  • His response to those who think he doesn't have enough experience to coach in the NBL (19:00)
  • His relationship with the Hawks players (22:30)
  • What do the Illawarra Hawks need to change or keep within their roster for 2022/23 (26:00)
  • NBL Next Stars, the positives and negatives and how the Hawks will utilise the program for this season (33:00)
  • What he will do differently to Brian Goorjian as the Hawks head coach (40:00)
  • His hardest moment along his coaching journey (45:00)
  • His experiences being part of the coaching staff for the Bronze Medal winning Boomers squad in Japan (49:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Apr 28, 2022
This week Aussie Hoopla host Dan Boyce put out an open invitation to NBL fans to join him on a 'fans only' podcast to discuss the biggest stories in Aussie Hoops and get a fan's perspective of what's topical in Aussie Hoops right now. Fans joining Dan on the show this week are; - Matt Corcoran - Bullet's Fan

- Ashley Proud - 90s NBL aficionado

Topics covered include…
  • Is the NBL Play In Tournament a good idea? (2:00)
  • NBL Awards, who should have won? (15:00)
  • Nathan Sobey re-signs with Brisbane and Bullets fans groan, are they ungrateful or warranted (23:00)
  • Underachievers and Overachievers this season (35:00)
  • NBL Playoff Predictions (43:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Apr 23, 2022
Ben Knight has been announced as the 2022 winner of the Sydney Kings’ Ring of Honour award. 
 
The fan and member-voted award will be presented officially at Sunday’s massive clash at Qudos Bank Arena against the Illawarra Hawks.  The Ring of Honour recognises players not just for their talents on the court, but for other reasons worthy of recognition consisting of:    
  • The most entertaining;   
  • The most courageous;   
  • A great teammate; or   
  • Those who gave back to our community.  

Ben joined Dan Boyce on the Aussie Hoopla podcast to discuss his NBL career which included playing for nine teams (an NBL record) during his 16 seasons in the league.

He also shares insights into the merger of the South East Melbourne Magic and North Melbourne Giants, helping to create a culture in Cairns, narrowly missing out on a championship in Townsville before returning to his hometown Kings to help them win a championship in 2005.

He talks about his decision to help the Singapore Slingers become the first Asian based team in the NBL and the obstacles it faced and discusses being a part of the Australian Boomers team which failed to qualify for the 2002 FIBA World Championships, losing to New Zealand at home for the first time in history.

Topics include...

  • On being recognised for his role in Sydney Kings history and entering the Kings "Inner Circle" (2:00)
  • Coming up through the Sydney Kings development program the Sydney Sky and making his debut for the Kings in 1997 (4:00)
  • Playing for Brian Goorjian at the South East Melbourne Magic in 1998 (8:00)
  • Is there truth to the narrative that Goorjian pushed his players too hard during the 1990s and by the Grand Final were always too 'gassed' to win the title (14:00)
  • The Magic and the Giants merge to create the Victoria Titans and Ben gets squeezed out of the roster and signs with Brisbane (17:00)
  • His fourth team in four seasons, playing for the Townsville Crocodiles in 1999/00 (20:00)
  • A breakout season in Cairns opens up opportunities with the Australian Boomers (27:00)
  • Being a part of the 2002 Australian Boomers squad which lost to New Zealand and failed to qualify for the FIBA World Championships (32:00)
  • Financial instability in Cairns leads him to move to Wollongong to play with the Hawks (40:00)
  • A homecoming for Knight as he returns to play for the Sydney Kings and helped win the team's third championship (42:00)
  • Falling short in the Kings run for a fourth championship in a row before falling short to Chris Anstey and the Melbourne Tigers (49:00)
  • The Singapore Slingers and the difficulties it faced being Australia's first Asian based team (54:00)
  • A near career-ending injury during his year with the Melbourne Tigers (103:00)
  • A return to the Sydney in 2010 to help re-launch the Kings (105:00)
  • Reaching his 400th NBL game in 2016 (109:00)
  • Coaching and life after the NBL (1:13:00)
  • The highlights and the biggest lessons learnt during Ben's NBL career (1:15:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Apr 19, 2022
Rob Beveridge ticked off a bucket list item when he was named head coach of the Australian Boomers and guided the team to a 3-0 record in February's FIBA World Qualifiers held in Japan.

The team, NBL development players and European talent faced a gruelling quarantine process and only two days or preparation for the tournament which Bevo gives his insights into the experience.

Beveridge added this achievement to a resume that features a Paralympics silver medal from 2000, an assistant coaching role with the Boomers at the 2004 Olympics, coaching Scotland at the Commonwealth Games 2018 and the two medals won at the junior World Championships in 2003 (gold medal) and 2019 (bronze medal).

Beveridge has spent the past three seasons coaching New Zealand's Southland Sharks and he also shares some of his knowledge of the league and why the league is more popular than ever before.

Topics include...

  • The growth of the NZNBL over the past few years (2:00)
  • Signing Mojave King and how recruiting players for New Zealand NBL teams compares to NBL teams (5:00)
  • The reasons why players should to playing in the NZNBL (8:00)
  • Perth Wildcats purchase of the Otago Nuggets and should every NBL team fund an NZNBL team? (15:00)
  • Coaching the Australian Boomers at the FIBA World Qualifiers (22:00)
  • Nick Kay's emergence as a leader on the Boomers squad (26:00)
  • Which of the younger members of the Australian Boomers squad impressed Bevo the most (35:00)
  • Bevo explains the motivation behind writing his book When Winning Matters: Lessons Learned from Sport's Elite (39:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Apr 9, 2022

Whyalla born and bred Chris Blakemore began training with the Adelaide 36ers in 1990 before spending two seasons at the Australian Institute of Sport and signing a rookie contract with the team in 1993. He played three seasons with the 36ers (1993-1995), a period where the team saw a young core of Blakemore, Brett Maher, Scott Ninnis and Brett Wheeler develop into a playing group that ushered in a new era of success in Adelaide.

Blakemore would win Rookie of the Year in his first season and the league's Most Improved Player in his second season.

This early 1990s also saw highly regarded college coach Mike Dunlap hire to coach the team, an era renown for a lot of wins on the court and issues off the court.

Topics include...

  • Early beginnings in Whyalla, SA (2:00)
  • The college football scholarship that could have been (5:00)
  • Choosing between the AIS, NBL and NCAA as a pathway to becoming a professional (7:00)
  • His rookie of the year season in 1993 (11:00)
  • Adelaide 36ers 1994 run to the NBL Grand Final (15:00)
  • The Mike Dunlap era in Adelaide (17:00)
  • A re-built 36ers squad for the 1995 season falls short (25:00)
  • The elbow to Martin Cattalini left 15 stitches, got him suspended from the playoffs and saw the 36ers eliminated from the playoffs (30:00)
  • Leaving Adelaide to play with the Cannons in 1996 (32:00)
  • Blakemore's attempted comeback in 1998 with the Brisbane Bullets which ultimately didn't pan out (38:00)
  • How he feels about his decision to retire looking back at it (40:30)
  • The mental hurdles he faced and biggest challenges (42:00)
  • Rob Rose and Mike Dunlap, why didn't these two see eye to eye? (51:00)
  • The highlights of his career (53:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Mar 1, 2022

Perth young gun Luke Travers has gone from development player to solid contributor to potential NBA lottery pick in the past three years.

Stepping up his game, perimeter shooting and strength each season to now be a major part of the Wildcat's success, Luke joins Dan Boyce on the podcast to discuss his decision to play in the NBL over college, the people within the Perth Wildcats organisation helping him prepare for the NBA draft and lessons learnt along the way.

Topics include...

  • Snapping the Wildcats three-game losing streak with a win over Tasmania (1:00)
  • How the Perth Wildcats players view the JackJumpers roster who many fans refer to as Perth 2.0 (2:30)
  • Growing up in Rockingham and watching the Wildcats as a junior (3:30)
  • At what point as a junior did he feel he could play as a professional (6:00)
  • What led to him deciding he would attempt to reach the NBA via the NBL instead of college (7:30)
  • His first season with the Wildcats and takeaways from his "learning" year (8:30)
  • Winning an NBL championship in 2020 under bizarre circumstances due to COVID (13:00)
  • The differences playing for under Scott Morrison compared to Trevor Gleeson (16:00)
  • Mock Drafts and draft rankings how much attention does he give those types of things? (19:30)
  • Plans on improving his stock prior to the NBA draft (20:30)
  • Which players does Luke get along with the most off the court (21:30)
  • Players who have helped Luke with his development along the way (22:30)
  • What's the go with the haircut? (24:30)
  • His relationship with his Mum and Dad (26:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Feb 24, 2022

This episode host Dan Boyce put out an open invitation to NBL fans to join him on a 'fans only' episode of Aussie Hoopla to discuss the biggest stories in Aussie Hoops and provide a fan's perspective for fans to listen to.

Fans joining Dan on the show this week are;

- Matt Corcoran - Bullet's Fan

- Brendan Boyd (1/3 of the Basketball Blokes Podcast)

- Taylor Cowper - Wildcats Fan

 
Topics covered include…
  • The NBA All-Star Weekend and its NBL flavour this year (2:00)
  • NBL Next Stars is it sustainable? (16:00)
  • Thoughts on the NBL's highest-selling jerseys (21:00)
  • The exposure gained from Asian players Zhou Qi, Liu Chuanxing and Kai Sotto can the NBL maintain the interest and the Asian pipeline next season (28:00)
  • NBL crowd numbers... the good and the bad (33:00)
  • What we like and what we don't like about the Tasmania JackJumpers (40:00)
  • Adelaide, Brisbane and Cairns... which team is in the most trouble of missing the playoffs? (48:00)
  • The passing of Jack Bendat and his legacy and impact on the NBL (58:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on TwitterInstagramFacebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Feb 3, 2022

Xavier Cooks is in his third season with the Sydney Kings but due to injuries has played only 26 games over his NBL career, averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists per game since entering the league in 2019.

This season, with a full bill of health, Cooks is having a career-best season, averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists while leading Sydney to a top-five record thus far.

He joins Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce to talk about the teams big win over the Perth Wildcats this week, his decision to play college basketball and overseas by debuting in the NBL, his experiences with the Australian Boomers and plenty more.

He also takes us through the ups and downs he faced dealing with his injuries which kept him out of the Australian Boomers in 2019 and has impacted his ability to play at his best in the NBL.

Topics include...
  • The Kings win over the Wildcats and the altercation between Matt Hodgson and Dejan Vasiljevic (2:00)
  • How injuries have impacted his past seasons and how being fully healthy has led him to his best NBL season so far (4:00)
  • Thoughts on being an under the radar talent until making the Australian Boomers squad in 2019 (5:30)
  • His decision to play college basketball and why Winthorp University was the best choice for him (6:30)
  • NBA opportunities with the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns (9:00)
  • Playing overseas in Germany and France instead of the NBL for his first professional season (10:30)
  • Making the Australian Boomers World Cup squad in 2019 but missing out due to injury and how it impacted him (14:00)
  • Learning from coaches Will Weaver, Adam Forde and Chase Buford (19:00)
  • His views on the Kings decision to forfeit the remaining games of the 2020 NBL Finals due to COVID (20:00)
  • Being a part of the Boomers squad who defeated the USA in the Olympic warm-up games (22:00)
  • The highlights and hurdles from Xaviers career so far (24:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Feb 2, 2022

Mike Kelly is currently the associate coach of the Perth Wildcats and recently was named as part of the coaching staff for the Australian Boomers FIBA World Cup qualifying team.

He joins Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce to talk about how the Boomers are preparing for the first round of qualifying games and how the Perth Wildcats are faring during a season heavily impacted by COVID-19.

He also takes us through the ups and downs he faced as head coach of the Cairns Taipans from 2018-2021 and how it developed him as a coach.

Topics include...
  • Thoughts on the Perth Wildcats loss to the Sydney Kings this weekend (2:00)
  • How do the Perth Wildcats split responsibilities among the coaching staff (5:00)
  • Being named as an assistant coach for the Australian Boomers (7:00)
  • How the Boomers coaching staff have been recruiting players for the FIBA qualifiers in February with most NBL players unavailable (9:00)
  • How COVID-19 is making it extremely difficult to count players (14:00)
  • The ups and downs of Mike's three-year stint as head coach of the Cairns Taipans (17:00)
  • The mental hurdles the Taipans faced in 2020-21 during the COVID impacted season (19:00)
  • Did the NBL's move from three imports to two help or hinder the Taipans (21:00)
  • The NBL Next Stars program, how does a coach juggle a team trying to make the playoffs with a young player trying to make the NBA (24:00)
  • Finding out he wouldn't be returning to the Taipans mid-season and the mental toll it took on him (26:00)
  • Taking the job as associate coach at the Perth Wildcats and how it came about (29:00)
  • How does Perth as an organisation compare to Cairns and Melbourne (30:00)
  • The player's Mike has enjoyed working with the most since arriving in Perth (33:00)
  • The return of Majok Majok (35:00)
  • The biggest learnings Mike took away from his time with the Taipans (36:00)
Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.
Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

Jan 25, 2022

Jayson Wells played three seasons in the NBL (2001-2003) with the Canberra Cannons and Cairns Taipans before embarking on a professional basketball journey that saw him play internationally for 13 years. His playing career saw him spend time in Argentina, Dubai, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Sweden and Ukraine.

Playing under Cal Bruton at Canberra he teamed with Tonny Jensen, David Patrick, David Simmons, Troy Pilon and although the team only won three games that season, he shares tales of the fun they had on and off the court.

Replacing import Matt Garrison he joined the Cairns Taipans for two seasons and helped them become must-see tickets in Queensland's upper north.

He joins Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce to talk about how his time in Australia shaped his career, how he transitioned into an author, coach and motivational speaker as well as working alongside NBA stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durrant and Chris Paul. 

Topics include...
  • Since retiring from basketball in 2011 Wells has worked as a motivational speaker and coach alongside NBA stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and more (2:00)
  • What is the Jayson Wells experience (6:30)
  • Growing up in Cleveland Ohio and his decision to play at Indiana State University (13:00)
  • The child inside all of us and how it influences who we are (15:00)
  • Making the most of the opportunities presented in college and NBA interest after graduation (19:00)
  • Being a witness to Ray Allen's shooting regime and how it taught Wells a valuable lesson (25:00)
  • Playing as an import overseas (28:00)
  • Arriving in Australia and playing for the Canberra Cannons (32:30)
  • Playing with the Cairns Taipans (34:00)
  • Reaching his peak as a pro basketball player (39:30)
  • The biggest lessons learned during his 13-year pro career (41:30)
  • The highlight of his time as a player (46:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

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