Hoop heads get ready for an episode that can’t be missed! So fortunate to have a guest fresh off the Olympic experience! Although raw and some tough memories, James gives us some amazing insight and thoughts about Team Canada and the Paris Olympics!

James DePoe is a GTA and Humber Hawk through and through, plus our current Men’s Senior National Team Manager. The former baseball player and semi-hooper has fond memories of growing up in Toronto watching many famous players at the high school level during the prime time of hoops in the city.

After spending lots of time trying to figure out what he wanted to do after high school, James found himself in the radio program at Humber, from there a former teammate asked him to come be the manager of the Hawks Men’s basketball team and his life turned for a path he couldn’t have imagined!

Currently, James finds himself not only the full-time manager for the Senior Men’s team he also has an important role at Humber College, mentoring young up-and-coming managers all while running the college facilities as well. Recently he was nominated for being one of Humber’s top 50 most influential staff members, a great accomplishment to say the least!

The stories James brings are amazing; from all the warriors who have fought for Canada Basketball, to times on the road, amazing wins, and lots more. Tap into this one, James is a thoughtful and motivated person in his field all while impacting many along the way, we really appreciate him being with us!

James DePoe - Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-depoe-4a505660/?originalSubdomain=ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.depoe/

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 141 with former UBC TBIRD shooting guard and current overseas pro, Jess Hanson. Mitch and Jess go way back, probably further than you can imagine! Since her early days Jess was surrounded by basketball, her dad a former collegiate star and current UBC Men’s head coach, plus her mom being an NAIA standout it’s no surprise basketball was the pick!

That said, other sports had a chance and Jess found track very intriguing, however, basketball was the choice and she never looked back. After some great high school seasons at Little Flower Academy including making the Provincial Final, Jess worked through the recruiting process and ended up choosing UBC. You might say to yourself “Duh” but there’s more to it, Jess wasn’t a guarantee to attend UBC and other schools were on her doorstep. In the end, Jess decided to stay home, becoming a Can-West all-star and much more!

We wish Jess the best as she gets ready to head over to Portugal for another season of professional hoops. This episode was so fun, with some insightful conversations and more! Tap in!

Jess Hanson - Guest https://gothunderbirds.ca/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessica-hanson/7557

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 133 with 2024 Canada West All-Rookie, Adam Olsen. It was fun to sit down with the recently drafted Vancouver Bandit to talk further about his high school years and rookie season.

Born and raised in South Surrey and being the youngest of three Adam learned to be a competitor and loved the game at an early age. From there and with a big growth spurt the UBC Forward found a group of buddies for life all on the same block, which ended up becoming the Elgin Park High School team. Under the guidance of legends Kirk Homenick (CC: @hardbitechips) and Mike McDonnell, the Orcas made two straight trips to the BC’s with deep runs.

After a successful Grade 11 year, playing on Team B.C. and seeing the AAU scene, Adam took time going back and forth about where he wanted to go, in the end deciding early in his grade 12 year that the T-Birds were the right place for him. Last season was one of personal growth both physically and mentally with Adam finding himself playing key minutes for a majority of the season, averaging 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He reflects on what he has learned, the power of routines and gives really good advice to young players about what’s appropriate to send to a post-secondary coach and what’s not.

After his upcoming off-season with the Bandits under the guidance of Kyle Julius, Adam is excited to get back with UBC and see if they can make it to the Final 8 consistently once again! We know Adam is just getting started and we wish him all the best in his future, more to come!

Ep. 133 is live, tap in!

To see more of the work Josh has made you can find it on his website https://www.joshkahn.tv/.

We thank Josh for being with us!

Tap in!

Adam Olsen https://www.instagram.com/adam_0lsen https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/adam_olsen

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Jordie McTavish joins us for Episode 45 of A Hoops Journey. He may not say it, but we will: he is one of the best guards to not just come out of BC, but to come out of Canada period. What a story we have for you folks, as he recaps a short but great playing career, starting with humble beginnings in the small town of Salmon Arm, winning a provincial MVP, playing for the controversial Rick Majerus, his National team experience, and dealing with injuries that ultimately ended his career. Despite that, Jordie has such a great story - all those who do know this man could ball out - and we know you'll enjoy these two old friends chopping it up!

pisode 44 features current Langara College Men's Basketball Head Coach - Paul Eberhardt. A coaching career that has now spanned over 40 years at the high school, college and national team level, Paul Eberhardt has been a staple in BC Boys basketball, serving in various capacities, winning provincial titles at both the high school level and in the PACWEST. This episode could've gone on for 4 hours just about ketchup on hot dogs, the GOAT debate, and Ace of Base. Folks, if you love BC Hoops, this is the episode for you!

THE Canadian coaching legend Ken Shields joins us for Episode 43. Get out the pen and notebook folks, as this episode was an absolute masterclass in coaching and team building. The Beaver Lodge born and Prince Rupert raised coaching icon sits down with us to reflect on an absolute prodigious career - developing an a dynasty on Vancouver Island, Canada Olympic coaching, coaching all over the world in various capacities and a cup of coffee in the NBA. An Order of Canada recipient, UVIc Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Canada Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, a James Naismith Award winner, a multiple CIS/USPORT Coach of the Year winner - we think this list speaks for itself.

Jamaican born big man Michael Meeks joins us for Episode 42 of A Hoops Journey. The Ontario raised Olympian is another member of the iconic 2000 Canadian Men's basketball team, but his story is so much more than that; a prodigious pro career all over Europe and being a walking bucket at Division 1 and leading the Canisius College Golden Griffins to their only NCAA appearance. An ode to a Brazilian legend, crazy European stories, a technical mishap - the current Manager of Youth Player Development for Canada Basketball has a story you HAVE to listen to!

With Episode 41 we chat with the most accomplished guest we've had so far, hailing from Mission, Kim Smith Gaucher. The Heritage Park Highlander is a 3-time Provincial Champ, 2-time Provincial MVP, a 4-time MWC Conference Player of the year, Associated Press All-American, a 3-time Kodak All-America HM; all at the University of Utah. She is the first female to have her jersey retired by the Utes, and currently is a professional overseas in the France women's league with USO Mondeville. With multiple medals and national team appearances in both the Junior and Senior team capacity since 2006, the 13th overall pick 2006 WNBA Draft sits down with us to reflect on a storied career, from the Heritage Park dynasty of the 00's, the importance of playing against older and better players, to wearing the maple leaf and representing Canada, Kim has been a great example for not just young female hoopers, but to the entire Canadian hoops landscape. We are bring the HEAT with this episode!

Two Scott Morrison's are always better than one; as Scott Morrison, the former Argyle Piper and Portland State Viking joins us for Episode 40. The North Shore native reflects on the impact of coaches like Glen Chu, the culture building and player development done at Argyle in the early 2000's and Scott's transition into Division 1 basketball at Portland State. Plus, he outlines a long and prodigious professional career all over Europe - from Hungary, to Estonia, to Okinawa - we can definitely call his journey a hoops one. Episode 40, in the books, we know you'll love this episode!

We were in Nanaimo last week, so we hop in the car and drive down to Victoria to chat with former UVic Vike and national team player, Phil Ohl. The proud Vancouver Island native explicates a basketball career with humble beginnings, culminating in a national team and professional career overseas, and now using his experiences to foster leadership in small business leaders. A journey full of highs and lows, battling both personal and professional adversity; folks, we know you will enjoy this episode!

We hop the ferry over to Nanaimo for Episode 38 to chat with current VIU Men's Basketball Head Coach, Matt Kuzminski. The former UVic and SFU player, hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, reminisces on a growing list of basketball achievements, both as a player and a coach. With two national championship rings (2013, 2019) and multiple PACWEST championships, Matt shares how he's built a successful program on the small Vancouver Island city. Plus, we touch on an overlooked coaching figure and culture building within a team.

We kick off 2021 with a bang - by sitting down with former Capilano Blues and UBC Thunderbird, Gerald Cole. A proud Vancouver College alum, Gerald recaps a hoops journey filled with highs and lows - falling in love with the game with the late John Dumont, dealing with personal adversity, running camps with our favourite German and a certain Canadian player, and so much more. Plus, we touch on the impact of Bruce Enns and Bob Corbett and their coaching legacies. We know you'll enjoy this episode!

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A Hoops Journey enters the Arcade as we sit down with former Canadian National team, Philadelphia 76er and New Jersey Nets center, Todd MacCulloch. The Winnipeg native and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inductee reflects on his hoops journey; from the University of Washington and being a 2x All-Pac-10 First team, playing with Allen Iverson, battling against Shaq in the NBA Finals, and dealing with a premature end to his basketball career. Plus, Todd talks about the 2000 Olympics with Jay and Steve, and some of the funniest stories ever told on this podcast. Sit down, grab a cold one, and enjoy your Friday night with this hilarious episode!

Episode 132 is a banger as we dive into the life of a gentleman who has found himself behind the scenes in the professional sports world and NBA; Josh Kahn. A New York native Josh has an interesting story about how he has been able to carve out a life of directing and film/content producing.

From starting at NYU film school, then interning at NBC Josh slowly built his resume right before the economy crashed in the United States. From there a funny but also inspiring story about going after something you want has Josh landing a position as the senior creative producer for the Chicago Bulls! With the Bulls, Josh had to really find his skill set as his role was a pretty unique one for that time; not many NBA teams were creating content and it wasn’t a priority yet.

Using his interpersonal skills to connect with players like Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler, Josh has great reflection and insight on what it takes to keep moving forward in the industry.

After his time with the Bulls, Josh gets a unique opportunity to work for Uninterrupted led by Maverick Carter and Lebron James, leading to Josh being involved in many major projects. Josh is an award-winning director and holds a unique (not so anymore) hidden talent which has become a fun little adventure for him. A creative, insightful and talented person this episode has some great stories and conversation.

To see more of the work Josh has made you can find it on his website https://www.joshkahn.tv/.

We thank Josh for being with us!

Tap in!

Josh Kahn https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1939746/ https://www.instagram.com/joshkahn.tv

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

BC's own Renaissance Man Ransford Brempong joins us for Episode 35. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native muses on a long and storied basketball career that has taken him all over the world, and mostly recently with the Fraser Valley Bandits. Stories about a walking bucket in Kevin Martin, some strong AOL game and a lot of lessons that he now shares with kids today, this is an episode for all kinds of hoop heads!

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Songs:

• Jay-Z - Jockin' Jay-Z
• Black Pumas - Colors
• Nines - Fire in the Booth

Current University of Alberta Head Coach Barnaby Craddock hops on A Hoops Journey for Episode 34. The former Lord Byng Grey Ghost and Lethbridge Pronghorn sits down to recap a great playing career and reflects on his early coaching years. Plus, a special guest pops into the pod; so you do NOT want to miss it!

Former Kitsilano Blue Demon, Pittsburgh Panther and National Team player Levon Kendall joins A Hoops Journey for Episode 33. The big man sits down with us to recap a long basketball journey starting in a hipster Vancouver neighborhood, all the way through representing Canada, playing overseas and dealing with personal adversity. Plus, we talk about an underrated coach, how music has played into his life and so much more. Episode 33 is here!

Episode 32 of A Hoops Journey features a name known to many around Canadian hoops: Carl English. For many people, his name became synonymous with hard work, determination, and rising through adversity. The University of Hawaii alum and former national team and professional baller sits down with us to talk about an incredible career filled with plenty of highs and lows - both professionally and personally. The retired Patrick's Cove native relives some of his craziest stories on this episode as he starts up a new chapter in his life - opening up a basketball academy for kids in Newfoundland. You do not want to miss this episode!

Peter Guarasci joins us on the 31st Episode of A Hoops Journey as he outlines a prodigious basketball career. A member of the famous 2000 National Team, Peter reflects on his career, starting from Niagara, Ontario, to all over the world with the national team and as a professional in Europe. Another fantastic story for us to share on A Hoops Journey!

The man, the myth, the legend; on Episode 30 we sit down with BC coaching legend Rich Goulet to outline a storied coaching career spanning more than 50 years. If you love BC Basketball history, you do not want to miss this episode with arguably the greatest high school coach in BC history!

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The 29th episode of A Hoops Journey features our toughest guest, Trixie Cruz. She opens up about growing up as a female baller in the streets of Richmond, her transition into post-secondary ball, having 3 kids, dealing with tragedy and hardship, navigating and coaching young men in a male-dominated sport, the (in)famous Kerrisdale Co-Ed Rec League, and so much more! Plus, we talk about the role of club and high school coaches, and features arguably the deepest and fleshed-out Lightning Round answers. A guest that we've wanted on for a long time, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

This episode is dedicated to the memory of John Dumont; a man beloved by all who crossed paths with him.

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Episode 28 brings us to back to the Toronto Raptors; this time, with current Raptors 905 Head Coach Jama Mahlalela. The proud Swaziland (now Kingdom of Eswatini) native outlines his journey to the Raptors 905, falling in love with basketball, moving to Ontario at a young age, his time playing for Bruce Enns and Kevin Hanson at UBC; while also talking about his growth in the Toronto Raptors organization, shaking hands with world class coaches, his time in Hong Kong, and so much more!

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Episode 27 finds us sitting down with former Oak Bay High coach and legendary CIS/U Sport Head Coach for Alberta: Don Horwood. The proud Carbonear native reflects back on more than 40 years of coaching lessons, life stories and funny memories while manning the sidelines primarily at Oak Bay High School on Vancouver Island, and is perhaps more well-known for his tenure with the Golden Bears; winning three National Titles and is a three-time recipient of the Stuart W. Aberdeen Memorial Trophy as CIS Coach of the Year. Plus, a very interesting lightning round, recruiting stories for Aaron, a look back on some of the best Golden Bears to come through, and so much more!

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Episode 26 brings us from Vancouver Island to Dallas, Texas with current Texas Legends GM, Vice President of Basketball Operations and Special Assistant to the Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Al Whitley. A proud BC guy, he talks about being childhood friends with Steve Nash, the level of basketball on Vancouver Island during the early 90s, playing at the University of New Brunswick before transferring back to SFU, meeting Mark Cuban, transitioning into a marketing role, becoming the Head Equipment Manager and so much more! Plus, we dive into his relationship with Mark Cuban, the magic and character of Dirk Nowitzki, the '06 and '11 Mavs, and more drive-bys at our favourite German guest. We hope you enjoy!

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A local BC Legend joins us on A Hoops Journey today; Mr. Chris Porteous. Chris's basketball life is literally a “journey”, one that is full of ups, downs and so many in-betweens. The 2-time Provincial Champion and former MVP goes back to tell us about his early life, growing up in Whistler and then moving all the way to Montreal.

From there Chris finds himself back in Vancouver at the age of 12 and stepping into the historical program at Kitsilano Secondary. Chris took off and built a huge name for himself in the hoops world, filling the bucket and being one of the best players in the Province for a two-year dominant run. Alongside many great teammates Kits was able to be one of the few programs to win back-to-back Championships.

The important part of this episode is how Chis reflects on his struggles with school, and how being able to go to post-secondary wasn’t as easy for him as it might be for many. In the end, Chris found himself at Cap University College under Paul Eberhardt. Chris dominated the league in his rookie year being the leading scorer and helping guide the Blues to the Nationals.

After Cap Chris then has a turn with basketball where he tries to find himself as a person, working hard and trying to figure out what his future might be. Today he is an employee for Safe Schools and coaching with one of the local clubs in Vancouver, knowing he will have and is having an impact on kids means the world to Chris. What an episode, so many takeaways and possibly some things you may have not known about him. Episode 131 is legendary! Tap in!

Chris Porteous https://www.raincitybasketball.ca/coaches

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

A quarter-century worth of A Hoops Journey episodes! We travel to Spokane, Washington to talk with proud Handsworth Royal, Gonzaga Bulldog and LA Laker: Robert Sacre. Having his own podcast with Jack Ferris (Bleav in the Zags), he sits down and talks about the ballers he grew up with and that came from his era, the famous 2007 U17 BC Provincial Team, being recruited, his time at Gonzaga and being drafted by the Lakers; and so much more! Plus, the most unique ending to a podcast in the history of A Hoops Journey happens here. With a personality matched only by his laugh and sense of humour, this is a can't miss episode!

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Robert's podcast: Bleav in the Zags

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Episode 24 of A Hoops Journey travels from Thunder Bay to Taiwan with current Formosa Dreamers Head Coach and Global Blueprint Basketball founder, Kyle Julius. A former Division I and National team player, Coach Julius outlines his unconventional journey into being one of Canada's best coaches. His road from being a real estate agent, losing his job through the Raptors 905, to playing with Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and to present day, Kyle Julius' story is a story like no other in the coaching ranks of Canada (or in this podcast). Plus, he chats about his time being the coach and GM of the Fraser Valley Bandits, lays out the most intelligent take on the GOAT, Royce White and more. Get out the pen and notebook, because this episode has so many takeaways!

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Episode 23 of A Hoops (Hot Mess) Journey travels all the way to a familiar place - Brandon University where we chat with current Women's Basketball Head Coach, former National Team player and proud Richmond native: Novell Thomas. From his path from Steveston High, to Simon Fraser University, to EA Sports, Novell outlines his journey through the highs and lows of his playing career and his transition into coaching. Plus, funny stories living and coaching with Aaron, a freestyle that never came to be, and a hot Kobe take; we got it all in this episode of the podcast.

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Labour Day brings in arguably one of the most recognizable names and voices in Canadian broadcasting; former TheScore broadcaster and current host of Tim and Sid on Sportsnet Tim Micallef joins the podcast. Tim and Aaron chat about calling USport games, their initial meeting during Aaron's playing days, quote walls, moving up in the broadcasting world and so much more! Plus, a definitive take on the ever growing ketchup-on-mac debate, dealing with tragedy, and the value of work ethic. We hope you enjoy this Labour Day special!

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Current Toronto Raptors Head Strength and conditioning Coach Jonny Lee is our guest for Episode 21. The Philippine-Born Canadian joins us from the bubble as the Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a playoff run, and he spends some time talking about his days as a proud Richmond Colt, starting a youth mentorship program, his time being a ball boy with the Vancouver Grizzlies, and much more! Plus, Jonny reflects on his journey from being a high school teacher and coach in Richmond, to an NBA Champion, and a long list of those who have helped shape his path. We hope you enjoy this special episode of A Hoops Journey!

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For Episode 20 of A Hoops Journey, current UBC Men's Basketball head coach Kevin Hanson joins the podcast. The winning-est coach in CANWest history, the Seaquam alum and retired elementary volleyball coach talks about growing up in Regina, playing under legendary basketball and baseball coach Bill Stebbings, going up the coaching ranks, coaching Aaron at Langara College and their infamous recruiting story that highlights the importance of communication, his time coaching at UBC and so, so much more. Plus, the former player-coach duo discuss the development of their relationship, Aaron babysitting Kevin's daughter, and features a very, very unfortunate incident involving too much coffee for producer Corbin. For good measure (in case it wasn't clear), this is Episode 20 of A Hoops Journey.

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Episode 19 of A Hoops Journey enters The Swamp with Grit Performance Athletics and Vancouver Basketball, Inc founder, Doug Plumb. He talks about growing up under Rich Goulet, transferring to Minnesota, his experience on the U17 Provincial Team, getting cooked by Isaiah Thomas, his wild post-secondary career and jumping into the deep end with being a professional coach in Canada. Plus, he talks about Grit Day 2020, his relationship with the late Quinn Keast, and much, much more!

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Grit Day is a full-day affair testing the physical and mental GRIT of participants while raising awareness and fundraising to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease. 

In 2019, Grit Day started as a fundraiser and way for Doug and Colin Plumb to show solidarity with their father, Norm, after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease six years ago. The brothers wanted to inspire others to challenge personal limits and become involved in something bigger than themselves. 

To donate and learn more about this great cause,  click here to go to their page.

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Episode 18 features the always entertaining head coach of the Sir Charles Tupper Tigers: Jeff Gourley. A two-time member of the Canadian National team, Jeff outlines his basketball career starting in Nova Scotia, hitchhiking across the Maritimes to attend camps, working camps in the states, and his foray into coaching high school basketball in Vancouver. Plus, we talk about his time coaching the provincial teams, fur coats, what coaching at Tupper means to him with a huge shout out to Pat Cumaual, and what Safeteen does for kids across Canada.

To learn more about Safeteen: Powerful Alternatives to Violence, please visit it here!

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Episode 17 brings newly hired UFV Men's Basketball Head Coach Joe Enevoldson. Growing up in Kamloops Vernon and playing at UCC (now Thompson Rivers University), his hoops journey has taken him all across Western Canada. Joe touches on his entry into coaching at his alma mater, his time coaching against Gonzaga, his stint at Douglas College and much more! Plus, a new take on the heated "ketchup-on-mac" debate and a stinging jab at Aaron's pickle-ball skills.

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A very special moment for A Hoops Journey as legendary coaching icon, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame inductee as a player and coach, the only Canadian to serve as a Head Coach in the NBA, long-time face of coaching in Canada, and current Charlotte Hornets lead assistant coach Jay Triano hops on the podcast. Hailing from Tillsonburg, Ontario and raised in Niagara Falls, Jay Triano talks about falling in love with basketball as a kid, playing for coaching pioneers like Stan Stewardson at Simon Fraser University and Jack Donahue for the Canadian Olympic Team and his relationship with Canadian Hero Terry Fox. Plus, Jay shares rare stories of the 2000 Olympic Team, EA Sports, admonishing the US Olympic Team, Damian Lillard and so, so many more amazing anecdotes and tidbits. We hope you enjoy this truly amazing episode!

Check out Jay's book ""Open Look: Canadian Basketball and Me" on Amazon

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Today we chop it up with a coach whose name has been mentioned many times on AHJ, Ro Russell. Coach Ro has an extensive resume with ties to many people in our game not only in Canada but in all of North America.

At an early age, the Jamaican immigrant was taking notes from his entrepreneurial parents and started his vision at the ripe age of 18. Decades ago Coach Ro started taking club teams and programs across America and many say he was the first to do so!

Coach has great reflection on the things he’s learned along the way, sometimes not always the greatest moments but lessons that have helped him get to where he is today. Yes, the man is still coaching after all this time and he’s doing his best to impact the youth and find them places to hoop!

Mitch and coach also discuss the current state of AAU in Ontario compared to other Provinces, if the high school game can last and so much more! An episode you need to check out, we thank Coach for being with us! Tap in!

Ro Russell https://www.instagram.com/coachrorussell https://twitter.com/CoachRoRussell

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Sponsors: PGC Basketball https://pgcbasketball.com/

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Bonus episode! Aaron and Corbin take on some NBA Trivia. Tough day in the office for producer Corbin as he struggles through a '90s quiz and sucks at finding questions for Aaron, and Aaron wishes he was back home. Welcome to the NBA Trivia Nightmare!

Episode 15 of A Hoops Journey brings legendary basketball and rugby coach, Ian Hyde-Lay. A long-time teacher and coach at St. Michael's University School in Victoria, Coach Hyde-Lay talks with us about the 1975 Provincial Final against a Rich Goulet-led STM Team, falling in love with both rugby and basketball as a teen, playing for legendary Canadian coach Ken Shields on some historic UVic team, coaching Steve Nash, coaching against a young Aaron Mitchell in '95; and so much more. You can also find Coach Hyde-lay on his blog: A Life In Sport. Plus, a controversial take on the ketchup on macaroni debate.

This podcast is dedicated to the memory of Simon Ibell. You can read about his story HERE.

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Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

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Current Brandon University Men's Basketball head coach Gil Cheung joins A Hoops Journey today! A former badminton National Champion, Gil talks to former teammate and rommate Aaron Mitchell about playing for legendary BC coach Bill Disbrow, being recruited out of high school, his time playing for Langara and Brandon, transitioning into coaching; plus, some funny stories being Aaron's roommate.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

We have a treat for you today! Current Boston Celtics assistant coach Scott Morrison joins the pod. A 3-Time OUA Coach of the Year and CIS Runner-Up, he outlines his journey from the small town of Morell in PEI to sitting beside Brad Stevens in the NBA. He talks about his time learning under the late Carolyn Savoy at Dalhousie, head coaching at Lakehead University, and his stint in the NBA G-League as the Maine Red Claws head coach; plus, so much more!

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

Today we bring in one of the most decorated players in McMaster University history: Steve Maga. A four-time OUA West All-Star, three-time All-Canadian and was awarded the Ivor Wynne Award as McMaster Male Athlete of the Year an unprecedented three straight years, a Moser Award recipient and a Ken Shields award winner. Steve has excelled at every level possible in Canada, starting with a provincial title (Ontario) and a national title playing for the Ontario Provincial team. Steve talks about having his dad as his coach growing up, playing on the Junior National team, his time playing at Simon Fraser University and McMaster University, being inducted into the McMaster Hall of Fame; and so much more.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Beat Parky by Michael Cheung

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

A very special Canada Day episode features former Richmond Colt, Northern Arizona University Hall of Fame player and National Team Member Andrew Mavis. With a decorated basketball career, we sit down with the former Olympian and discuss growing up in Richmond, playing for legendary BC Coach Bill Disbrow, the 1994 Provincial Final playing against our very own Aaron Mitchell, playing for Ben Howland and being in the NCAA Tournament, playing with Steve Nash at the 2000 Olympics and much, much more.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Beat Parky by Michael Cheung

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

Episode 10 of A Hoops Journey features Alexandra (Lexie) Der! A high school standout at St. Thomas More Collegiate, she went on to play on the BC Provincial team and Canadian Junior National teams, then earned a scholarship to play Division 1 Basketball at Boise State University. She talks about playing co-ed athletics, growing up as a multi-sport athlete, being named captain of the u17 National team, overcoming two ACL tears and the lessons that came with that; and much, much more! Plus, Aaron and Corbin talk briefly on the rising Black Lives Matter movement and their incredulity at people's thoughts.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Beat Parky by Michael Cheung

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

Episode 9 of A Hoops Journey features our first non-BC guest: Blain LaBranche! We sit down with the Edmonton native and go through his journey from playing against Ben Gordon, being homeless in Arizona, playing in back-to-back national finals at UBC, finding purpose after finishing his playing career, and the founding of his own basketball program, Enhance Basketball Academy.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Sponsored by: Beat Parky by Michael Cheung

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

Episode 8 features Jordan Yu, current Duchess Park Senior Boys Head Coach. He talks about growing up in Prince George, playing on the Provincial team under Paul Eberhardt, breaking his hand before the National Final with UBC, playing overseas with his younger brother and his coaching journey that has led him up to multiple provincial appearances with Duchess Park. Plus, Aaron and Corbin talk briefly about the protests that are happening globally; A Hoops Journey staunchly opposes hate and racism of any kind.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy

On the 7th episode of A Hoops Journey we have Steve Hanson, current SFU Mens Basketball Coach. He talks about what it was like being a teen dad, his days coaching kid's football and his transition from being a high school coach to an NCAA Head Coach. Also, we talk about the appropriate cooked level of bacon.

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

On Episode 129 of A Hoops Journey, we get a unique opportunity to sit down with the CEO of Canada Basketball Michael Bartlett. Growing up around sports and loving the intricacies that came with it, Michael had a passion for all but baseball is what stood out most! After being in a good job role with MLSE the job at Canada Basketball came open and Michael jumped at the opportunity, feeling like it was exactly what he needed. Since that time (3 years ago come March), Michael and his team have worked tirelessly to build Canada into a hoops nation! Mitch and Michael have great conversation around values, being vulnerable and the importance of being open-minded as a leader. Further to that, they discuss the upcoming Olympics, why Canada basketball fans should fear no more, and so many other great things! A fun episode and a great snapshot of what happens at Canada basketball, this episode is for all the real heads out there! Thank you to Michael for being with us, and we’ll see you in Vegas! Michael Bartlett https://www.basketball.ca/news/canada-basketball-president-ceo-michael-bartlett-selected-to-fiba-americas-board https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrobertbartlett/?originalSubdomain=ca Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/ Sponsors: PGC Basketball https://pgcbasketball.com/ Parkside Brewery https://www.theparksidebrewery.com/ ATO Basketball Merchants https://www.atobball.com/

This is the mailbag episode! We answer some emails and DM's that have been sent to us through the first 5 episodes here and take a crack at them.

Thank you to Jalen Jana, Kyle Madden, Andrew Wu, Joey Balzer, Kyle Turris, Jeff Winslade, Lexie Der, Thomas Tassone, Chayze Deza, Chrispect Ducharme and Dominic Kully for the awesome questions!

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

Social Media Graphics: Clarisse De Guzman

Episode 5 brings someone with an iconic laugh: Denzel Laguerta, a teammate of Corbin's and a player of Aaron's at STMC. He talks about how basketball has impacted his life after immigrating from the Philippines, his time at STMC, how his Team BC coaches have affected him, and playing at Quest University. We also touch on some mailbag questions, and much more!

Denzel Laguerta's Instagram: @denzellaguerta

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

Social Media Graphics: Clarisse De Guzman

Episode 4 brings one of B.C.’s greatest point guards, Randy Nohr. From his early life in Aldergrove all the way to Antigonish, Nova Scotia,  tune in and hear the story of a player who excelled at all levels - including high school, university and professional, coached at the U Sport level and now enjoys devoting time to his young family!

Randy Nohr's Instagram: @randynohr

Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing

Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to ahoopsjourney@gmail.com

Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle