Hot Takes & Hoops IQ ft. White Noise's Alex Welsh | GS MoodSwings
Welcome back to MoodSwings presented by Landmark Lincoln…your new favorite sports therapy show. This episode features special guest Alex Welsh, former UCCS standout and one of Division II’s most dominant players, ranking top-25 nationally in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles. Alex shares his journey after college, the realities of playing overseas, and his close relationship with NBA champion Derrick White — including stories that reveal the person behind the pro and whether his rise to the league was ever in doubt. Plus, NBA hot takes, debating star power vs. system and what happens when key players are absent. Can Denver control the tempo through Nikola Jokić, or does Boston’s structure win out? Game Hot Take: If Jokic goes over his points line, Denver loses.
MoodSwings: with Liv Moods · Liv Moods, Alex Walsh
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Show Notes
Liv Moods is joined by former UCCS basketball standout Alex Welsh to preview the Boston Celtics' upcoming matchup with the Denver Nuggets, while also diving into Derek White’s journey from Division II basketball in Colorado to NBA Champion and Olympic gold medalist. Welsh shares stories from their time as teammates at UCCS and discusses how White’s game evolved into what NBA fans see today.
The conversation expands into a wide-ranging NBA discussion on whether personality impacts award voting like Defensive Player of the Year, who the best player in the league is right now, and why players like Nikola Jokic and Derek White may be overlooked despite elite production. Liv and Alex debate the importance of two-way players in today’s game and whether flashier personalities influence recognition around the league.
They wrap up by breaking down what both teams need to do to win when Boston comes to Denver this week. Liv argues the Nuggets’ key lies in Jokic controlling tempo and creating for others, while Welsh believes Boston’s depth — particularly Jalen Brown, Derek White, and Payton Pritchard — could be the deciding factor if Denver’s supporting cast doesn’t step up.
00:00 – Show Intro & Landmark Lincoln Sponsorship
00:42 – Welcoming Alex Welsh
02:06 – Welsh’s UCCS Basketball Career
04:19 – Overseas Pro Experience (Brazil / Poland / Switzerland)
07:39 – International vs NBA Fan Culture
10:23 – Derek White Off the Court vs On the Court
13:34 – Did Welsh Expect Derek White to Make the NBA?
16:27 – Derek White’s Development & Basketball IQ
18:18 – Personality vs Awards (DPOY Conversation)
25:40 – Best Player in the NBA Debate
30:05 – Wembanyama Discussion
33:04 – Anthony Edwards & Luka Debate
36:34 – Two-Way Players & Defense in Today’s NBA
37:30 – Finals Predictions
38:25 – Western Conference Threats (OKC / Houston / Spurs)
40:27 – Nuggets Injury Concerns
42:31 – Celtics vs Nuggets Preview
47:10 – Jokic’s Role in Controlling Tempo
51:30 – Boston Depth vs Denver System
55:40 – Denver Keys to Victory
58:10 – Final Thoughts & Game Predictions
59:30 – Where to Find Alex Welsh & White Noise
60:00 – Outro