A Hoops Journey

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!

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle Audio Clips from: Youtube 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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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. ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Robert's podcast: Bleav in the Zags Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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. ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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. ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! ----more---- 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. ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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! Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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. Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube

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 Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy Audio Clips from: Youtube ----more----

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. ----more---- Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat, AudioJungle and Finn Leahy ----more----

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

Today we have current UBC Men's Basketball Assistant Coach and former Quest University Men's Basketball Head Coach Sean Shook. He talks about growing up in small town Ferndale, his journey from a small Washington high school to the ABA, the current state of coaching in British Columbia - and much more! Before that, we answer some more mailbag questions. Sponsored by: Goodlad Clothing Follow @ahoopsjourney on Instagram! Send any mailbag questions to [email protected] Sean Shook Twitter: @CoachShook Sounds by: Zapsplat and AudioJungle

Today we have Bal Dhillon, educator and Sr. Boys Coach at Byrne Creek Secondary. He talks about growing up in East Van, his role at Byrne Creek, and many other things involving hoops. Before that, we touch up on Episodes 3 & 4 of The Last Dance documentary. Bal's Twitter: @baldhillon2 Sounds by: Zapsplat Sponsored by Goodlad Clothing - Website @goodladclothing @thefoldgroup on IG

The first ever episode of A Hoops Journey! Today we have a small mailbag segment, and then we bring in Dominic Zimmermann for our first ever guest! We listen to Dom and follow his journey from high school, all the way to playing professionally in Germany.

Welcome to A Hoops Journey! Introductory episode for the new listeners. We talk about the Jordan documentary, the COVID-19 Situation, and outline why we started this podcast.