Best ahoopsjourney Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 161 - Emily Potter 1:03:32

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12d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Emily Potter is a proud Manitoban, a stud hooper and a long time member of Canada basketball! Her journey starts out at a young age being addicted to ringette, loving the game and what came with it but also realizing she was super competitive as well! After a few long seasons of Ringette and being 5’11 in Grade 9, Emily figured she would give hoops…

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Episode 160 - Scott Morrison 51:56

27d ago51:56

51:56

Right alongside our mental health episode with the @kevinlovefoundation this might be our most important one ever! Mitch has the opportunity to sit down with friend and guest Scott Morrison to discuss hoops and life! This episode is different though, after a brief catchup on a recent vacation, the Jazz, NBA playoffs and Canada basketball hire Gordi…

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Episode 159 - Davis Sanchez 1:38:39

1M ago1:38:39

1:38:39

TRIPLE OG time! Yes, you recognize this man from being a @cfl superstar on the field, grey cup champion, former Oregon Duck and current TSN @nfl and @cfl analyst! HOWEVER, what you might not know is Davis first love was and still is hoops! Chez was a problem on the court in high school, guarding and attacking the rim, causing havoc all over the pla…

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Episode 158 - Sam Maillet 1:07:58

2M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

What timing and opportunity to sit down with recent USPORT DPOY, Final 8 MVP and National Champion Sam Maillet! The Acadian named Maillet gives Mitch a quick education on his name and family history, setting the table for a fantastic episode. Growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick has lots of advantages and disadvantages, and Sam isn’t afraid to disc…

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Episode 157 - Adam Paige 1:07:04

2M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Mr. Consistency! Once you tap into Episode 157 with Adam Paige, you realize you have a bright, hard-working and talented young man on your hands! From high school days dominating at Semiahmoo Secondary, to carrying his team all the way to the Provincial finals, to being named top defensive player of the tournament, to 5 years at storied University …

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Episode 156 - Eric Smith 1:45:13

3M ago1:45:13

1:45:13

Back-to-back episodes with people in the industry! You got it, today we chip it up with long-time hoop and sports head, Raptors analyst and super dope human, Eric Smith! This is one of those episodes Mitch felt like he could just sit back and listen, stories for days, reflections on life and how you work your way through a tough industry, and many,…

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Episode 155 - Brad Fay 1:10:32

3M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

Out on the West Coast today it’s “Final 4 Friday” at the BC Boys Provincials, and this week we have a guest who played high school ball in the Lower Mainland, turning his love for sport into an entire career, Brad Fay! You most likely know the name but not the story, as stated Brad comes from Vancouver and was a huge hockey fan and player in his su…

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Episode 154 - Kur Jongkuch 1:16:25

3M ago1:16:25

1:16:25

Sometimes it’s human nature to wake up and start our day with a negative mindset, and throughout that day we can sometimes feel sorry for ourselves or see the glass as half empty. I would push you to sit down and check out this episode with @kurjonkuch, and realize that life is really about perspective. A Sudanese refugee, a family torn apart, to K…

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Episode 153 - Warren Ward 1:18:30

4M ago1:18:30

1:18:30

Warren Ward. If you take one thing away from this powerful episode, it’s when you see the name don’t just think “hooper.” Think businessman, brother, son, friend and a growing human. Episode 153 has us go back with one of the coldest U Sport hoopers we have seen, an absolute walking bucket (who could also guard, don’t get it twisted), and an all-ti…

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Episode 152 - Jack Cruz-Dumont 1:04:51

4M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Disclaimer: Huge props to JCD who has recently signed his first ever pro contract with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL! Let’s get it! This is a super unique story; one of hoop lineage from both mom and dad, of heartbreak and sadness at an early age, one of resilience, one of seeing the light and to keep on fighting. Jack grew up in a fun and active ho…

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Episode 151 - Diego Kapelan 1:14:59

5M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

What’s the definition of work? Or never giving up? Or always believing? Look no further, episode 151 with a BC UNDERRATED (yes in capital letters) guard, Mr. Diego Kapelan. Growing up in one of the most unique locations of Vancouver, combined with an immigrant family, it wasn’t always easy for Diego to figure out what he wanted. With that said once…

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Episode 150 - Mike Provenzano 1:33:54

5M ago1:33:54

1:33:54

Wow! Tap in today! Mitch sits down with a young up-and-coming coach, former D2 hooper and huge Lil Wayne fan, Mike Provenzano! Mike and his family have deep roots in the Ontario hoops scene and the sport has been in his blood for a long time. Growing up he would follow his dad to practices and games finding a love for the game that would never go a…

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Episode 149 - Sami Hill 53:44

6M ago53:44

53:44

Paris Olympian!!!!! The story of Sami is a great one, from being raised in Toronto to making the decision of re classifying in high school, quitting basketball for a year and moving to New Jersey for senior season it’s an action packed episode!! Growing up in a competitive family it really didn’t matter what the sport was, Sami was all in and ready…

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Episode 148 - Melvin Ejim 1:25:50

6M ago1:25:50

1:25:50

Episode 148 is an absolute must with a long-time Canadian legend, National team member, Division 1 star and overseas pro, Melvin Ejim. We get right into the episode and talk about the recent Paris Olympics, Melvin has a unique perspective as he’s been a part of Canada’s Senior Men’s team for a long time and has seen it go from where it was to what …

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Episode 147 - Hayes Grooms 1:51:01

7M ago1:51:01

1:51:01

Layers upon layers of connections has us finally chopping it up with a former D1 hooper, big time Michigan high school player and one heck of a dude Mr. Hayes Grooms! This is an episode of adversity, success, failures, growth and maturity! Hayes is a proud Detroit native currently living in Brooklyn who grew up in the prime era of the Bad Boys Pist…

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Episode 146 - Leo Rautins 1:48:40

7M ago1:48:40

1:48:40

Well, folks it’s here! One of the most decorated Canadian hoopers our country has ever seen, a teenage national team member, Division 1 star, NBA draft pick and legend….the one and only Leo Rautins! We were able to catch Leo just before he headed from Florida to Toronto where he picks up another season of working with TSN and the Raptors. As you kn…

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Episode 145 - Eric Newman 1:48:34

8M ago1:48:34

1:48:34

Mitch finally gets the chance to sit down with producer, director and content creator Eric Newman! The monster Boston Celtics fan and lover of all sports has worked hard to build his craft and talents, which landed him at Showtime Sports where he was the executive producer of Showtime Basketball where he directed & produced the feature documentary …

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Episode 144 - Myck Kabongo 41:06

8M ago41:06

41:06

Episode 144 has a quick check-in with a former McDonald’s All-American, Texas Longhorn and overseas pro, Myck Kabongo. You probably remember the name for many reasons, however, the former Findlay Prep star has a great story and finds himself currently coaching with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G-League. Mitch gets the chance to chat with Myc…

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Episode 143 - Allison McNeill 1:45:44

9M ago1:45:44

1:45:44

Finally the chance to chop it up with Canadian basketball royalty, the former Women’s National Team Coach, SFU women’s dynasty, high school and all in between as we have none other than Allison McNeill with us for Episode 143! If for some reason you don’t know Allison’s story then let us remind you…..as a player- back-to-back Championships in both …

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Episode 142 - James DePoe 2:11:33

9M ago2:11:33

2:11:33

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 Tea…

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Episode 141 - Jess Hanson 1:15:27

10M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

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 …

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Episode 140 - Chris McLaughlin 2:01:52

10M ago2:01:52

2:01:52

We head back overseas for episode 140 with the big fella, Chris McLaughlin! The current overseas pro has been hooping in Hong Kong for some time now, has found himself some great experiences both on and off the court and continues to enjoy life and ball! A true islander at heart, Chris grew up in Ontario but always had a soft spot for “the rock”. A…

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Canadian Olympic Basketball Preview 1:50:28

10M ago1:50:28

1:50:28

Damn! Let’s do this! It’s Paris 2024 and basketball starts today, so of course we had to bring you some content! The episode starts with friend of the show and our guy, Alex Adams who has grown in his reporting space and brings great insight on the women’s side of the tournament plus many adventurers. Mitch and Alex discuss the potential of the wom…

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Episode 139 - Glen Yang 1:18:45

10M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

This is a really cool episode, all be it number 139! We have the chance to chop it up with current @bandits guard and dynamic overseas pro, Glen Yang. Burnaby-born and semi Hong Kong / Calgary-raised Glen has a unique story worth checking out. Moving to a major international location like Hong Kong at a young age can have positives and negatives. T…

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Episode 138 - Aaron Mitchell Q&A 25:36

11M ago25:36

25:36

A hoops journey finds itself in Vegas this week so it’s a brief Q&A with Mitch and Mitch only! We cover the game between the US and Canada on Wednesday, some thoughts on local hoops, how to improve within the club AND high school system and more! A fun episode tap in!!! Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram…

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Episode 137 - John Dykstra 2:14:44

11M ago2:14:44

2:14:44

Another triple OG joins us on AHJ! We know this is a guest the people have wanted for a long time! Stop for a second……there are serious layers to this episode. Many in the BC hoops community would know John as the outgoing and fun personality he is, however, his story has lots of details you might not know. Growing up in Chilliwack, BC, John fell i…

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Episode 136 - Blake Murphy 1:16:22

12M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

“Why Not?” For those who don’t know Blake Murphy’s story, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. The Cambridge, Ontario native was born and raised a hockey kid, spending time at the rink only until a change in scenery for him and a new friend group exposed him to the game of basketball. During high school, Blake and his crew found a love for th…

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Episode 135 - Marcus Carr 1:03:36

1y ago1:03:36

1:03:36

If you follow hoops, especially NCAA then you know the name! Episode 135 was fantastic as Mitch chops it up with former Texas Longhorn and Montverde basketball player, Marcus Carr. A Toronto native Marcus found himself following around his big bro @duanenotice at a super early age. Marcus often notes in this episode the importance of having Duane a…

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Episode 134 - Miranda Ayim 1:11:38

1y ago1:11:38

1:11:38

Today’s episode is with one of the most decorated Canadian hoopers ever, Ms. Miranda Ayim! The three-time Olympian, Japan Team Canada flag bearer and overseas pro has such a great conversation with Mitch! We go back and talk about Miranda as a young person, what it’s like going through a growth spurt at a young age, especially as a female, and lots…

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Episode 133 - Adam Olsen 1:15:10

1y ago1:15:10

1:15:10

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 growt…

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Episode 132 - Josh Kahn 1:32:28

1y ago1:32:28

1:32:28

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 J…

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Episode 131 - Chris Porteous 1:54:31

1y ago1:54:31

1:54:31

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 f…

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Episode 130 - Ro Russell 1:07:22

1y ago1:07:22

1:07:22

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. De…

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Episode 129 - Michael Bartlett 59:00

1y ago59:00

59:00

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 M…

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Episode 128 - Ben Howland 1:18:33

1+ y ago1:18:33

1:18:33

With the madness of March just around the corner, it’s perfect timing to sit down with a long-time Division 1 basketball coach and 2002 Naismith Coach of the Year; Ben Howland. Born in Oregon but growing up in Santa Barbara, Coach Howland fell in love with the game like many of our former guests; he was invited to check out a neighbourhood youth le…

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Episode 127 - Jasmine Bascoe 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

Episode 127 is an opportunity to meet and know more about young gun, Villanova commit and National Team member; Jasmine Bascoe. Someone who shows maturity and game beyond her age, Mitch and Jasmine have a great conversation about life and hoops! Early in the episode, Mitch realizes that Jasmine is indeed the daughter of Shane, a former CCAA All-Can…

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Episode 126 - Steve Baur 1:35:58

1+ y ago1:35:58

1:35:58

Episode 126 has us chopping it up with long-time coach and specifically with our women’s national teams; Steve Baur. Steve truly has one of the most unique stories out there with his career starting in an unorthodox way. After spending time finishing his degree and coaching some community ball in his hometown, Steve then has a few opportunities tha…

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Episode 125 - Sean Anthony 1:26:14

1+ y ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Episode 125 might be one of the most unique stories you’ve heard to this day! Sean Anthony is a born and raised Vancouverite but his path turned into an interesting one. A young Sean was not exposed to the game early on, and it wasn’t until he made the move to St. George’s School that he was introduced to the game and why it was so great. From ther…

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Episode 124 - Andrew Parker 1:24:27

1+ y ago1:24:27

1:24:27

From the heart of Edmonton and beyond we have the chance to chop it up with a hooper, an educator, a strong human, and someone who is motivated to make the world a better place; Andrew Parker. A Caribbean native and family man, Andrew immigrated to Canada in 1976 and his family made an impact on the local community. It didn’t take long for Andrew t…

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Episode 123 - Kayla Alexander 1:28:28

1+ y ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Are we really 123 episodes in? Damn right we are, and we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon! We have an all-time episode for you today as we chop it up with Syracuse grad and multiple record holder, WNBA draft pick, current professional in Paris and long-time national team member Kayla Alexander! ATHLETE. ARTIST. ADVENTURER. AUTHOR. SPEAKER Co…

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Episode 122 - Duane Notice 1:52:08

1+ y ago1:52:08

1:52:08

Today’s episode is a banger for many reasons! We sit down with current Vancouver Bandits guard and former Division 1 star; Duane Notice. Born from Jamaican roots and growing up in Toronto there was no option for Duane other than the game we all love. In his senior season of high school Duane made the decision to go to Prep school in Connecticut, op…

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Episode 121 - Josh Masters 1:52:31

1+ y ago1:52:31

1:52:31

This one! It could be the highlight dunks or the half-court shots, but either way, you know the name! A special episode as Mitch was a former teammate of Josh and they grew up playing Provincial team together and battling each other in high school. Josh takes us back and shares a bunch about his young life that many might not know. Always a great a…

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Episode 120 - Gordie Herbert 1:14:04

1+ y ago1:14:04

1:14:04

When do you get the chance to connect with someone who can call themselves a FIBA Basketball gold medal champion? Before this summer one of the best Canadian player/coach stories out there might have been unknown, however now all you need to do is a quick search and find out not only is Gordie an accomplished coach but a player as well. Born and ra…

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Episode 119 - Joe Raso 1:03:55

1+ y ago1:03:55

1:03:55

You most likely know the name if you’ve been around the game, and if not then tune in and get to know more about the current Director of Basketball Operations for the @cebl; Mr. Joe Raso. A true Canadian and gentleman who represents Hamilton to the fullest, we go back with coach and talk about his upbringing in an immigrant family and how the game …

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Episode 118 - Michael Hamilton 1:36:25

1+ y ago1:36:25

1:36:25

Our guy Hammy! We get to sit down with the creative force behind Hopz Productions / Transition Game Inc. and Crunch Time Film Productions, Michael Hamilton. Michael is a guy from northern Alberta who made his way to the Lower Mainland and has had an impact on our local hoop scene for decades. An accomplished filmmaker, Mitch and Michael go back in …

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Episode 117 - Syla Swords 43:38

1+ y ago43:38

43:38

Episode 117 takes us all the way to New York with the 11th-ranked player in the United States, a Michigan basketball commit, and one of the best up-and-coming Canadian players we have in our country; Syla Swords! Syla is getting ready for her senior season with @luhigirlsbasketball as her squad is the pre-season #1 team in the entire United States!…

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Episode 116 - 23 Years in the Making 1:56:40

1+ y ago1:56:40

1:56:40

Special Episode! Rest in Peace to Greg Francis who passed away on April 2nd, 2023. Greg was an integral part of the 2000 team and a great person and teammate From 2000 to now! Well, WE DID IT! @canadabasketball has qualified on the men’s side for the first time since the 2000 Olympics in Australia! As a show we thought it would be fun to revisit th…

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Episode 115 - James Karnik 1:21:19

1+ y ago1:21:19

1:21:19

Our latest episode was a unique one in terms of talking with a player from BC who hardly played in BC in his younger years. Across the span of this show, there are some original experiences and takeaways for our listeners as James reflects on an early leap to basketball in the United States. After returning from the AAU / Prep system James talks ab…

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Episode 114 - Dave Crook 1:26:48

2y ago1:26:48

1:26:48

Episode 114 has us sitting down with the Wesmen legend himself; Dave Crook. Coach Crook (And current Athletic Director at the University of Winnipeg) has been around the game a long time and worked to develop many programs across Canada. Dave’s career starts early with a young Michael Grange (Episode 111), all the way to Lethbridge under unique cir…

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Episode 113 - Jamie McNeilly 1:19:48

2y ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Episode 113!! We hope you are all soaking up the last days of summer! This is one for the ages. Jamie is a young man who has worked hard and now finds himself as an assistant with TCU men's basketball. Jamie’s story goes back to growing up in Toronto and playing lots of hoops, however not realizing what it took to go play Division 1 made for an int…

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