A Hoops Journey

Episode 180: From Vancouver College to the Australian National Team — Jacob Holt on Germany, the NBL, and the Road to the Pros

What a story we have today, a young hooper beyond his years and growing everyday, Jacob  Holt. The Vancouver College grad is currently in Germany after a great season in the NBL with the Brisbane Bullets! 
After high school Jacob decided to attend Santa Clara and after two seasons there he transferred to Sacramento State where he averaged 17ppg and 6rpg in his senior year! Turning pro was the next step but Jacob had to have hip surgery, a nerve wracking experience but all went well and this young man finds himself trending in the right direction, especially after his recent call up to the Australian Senior National Team! Tap in!
Jacob Holt - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Holt_(basketball)
https://www.instagram.com/jacobbholt
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 179: From Orangeville Prep to D1 Assistant Coaching — Lu Dort, the NCAA, and Succeeding as a Coach with Nathan Johnson

What a journey we have to share today! Nathan Johnson has been on the coaching grind for some time now, and is only really just getting started! 
After the former U Sport player walked away from playing, his first stop was an assistant coaching role at Lakehead with former guest Scott Morrison and from there it took off! 
Experiences in Asia, Montverde, Orangeville, a grad assistant role under legendary Penny Hardaway and now an assistant at Vermont! This episode has so much to it, be sure to tap in!
Nathan Johnson - Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-johnson-85623789
https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/nathan-johnson/3085
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 178: From Player to Coach at the Same School, Navigating the Transfer Portal, and Becoming One of Only Two Canadian D1 Head Basketball Coaches with Chris Kraus

Today, we chop it up with one of only TWO Canadian Division 1 head coaches, Stonehill College’s Chris Kraus. Chris has a deep lineage of basketball; his father was a coach at legendary Markham High School, and Chris followed the team around at a young age. 
Because of that situation, it seemed like basketball was always going to be, and although Chris was involved in a bunch of sports he couldn’t break the passion for hoops.  He excelled at the game and even found himself playing in the historical grassroots program alongside the likes of Denham Brown and Jermaine Anderson. 
After a couple of attempts at pro hoops, Chris realized it was time, and he dove right into the coaching world. His story is great, and even took a flyer on how he started out! He now finds himself back at Stonehill, the same place he played and is having success while navigating the move to Division 1. A great episode for all aspiring coaches and hoop heads, tap in!
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
 
Chris Kraus - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Kraus_(basketball)
https://x.com/CoachChrisKraus
https://stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/chris-kraus/1324
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 177 - Life lessons, D1 coaching legends, Broadcasting for the Raptors and growth mindset with Jack Armstrong

HELLOOOO!
What a banger we have for you today, as we sit down with Brooklyn native, Division one coach and current broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors (Since 1998), Jack Armstrong!!! 
Mitch and Jack have a great conversation, and it covers a ton of ground, from life, to adoption, coaching, the Raptors, pretzels, broadcasting, and so much more! 
If you didn’t know, Jack is a former Division one basketball coach. As he reflects on that part of his life, he shares many stories and reflections of who he shared the court with and learned from, it truly is amazing the amount of people he has come across! 
We don’t want to say anymore, in fact, the term is “say less” are we right? This one is so great, as usual, make sure to tap in………….and tell a friend! 
The return of Eli this episode too! (IYKYK)
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
 
Jack Armstrong - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Armstrong_(basketball)
https://www.instagram.com/jackhellooo
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 176 - Playing overseas, ups and downs of D1 recruiting, Playing for Team Canada, with Trae Bell-Haynes

Scarborough, stand up! What a beauty we have for you today with a Canadian National Team rock, a deep thinking, hard-working point guard currently overseas in Spain, Trae Bell-Haynes!
We actually catch Trae a couple of days after a matchup with former guest and Canadian legend himself Melvin Ejim (Trae’s squad got the W If you’re wondering). The episode starts from there, and it makes perfect sense, Melvin the steady veteran for Team Canada and Trae, still a young 30 but a constant on our National Teams who’s slowly becoming that Veteran as well, possibly an “UNC” role too! 
Trae had a great four-year career at Vermont, leading his team to an NCAA appearance in 2017, where they lost to Purdue. (Trae had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists).
Since college Trae played professionally in Germany, Finland, the NBA G League, the CEBL, Spain, and Montenegro and contributed everywhere he goes. 
The one constant that remains is Trae always stepping up when his number is called for his country, no matter the time or place he represents the maple leaf with pride! Tap into episode 176 with this massive Nas fan and hear more of his journey! Best to Trae going forward!
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
Trae Bell-Haynes - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/trae_ball
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trae_Bell-Haynes
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 175 - Understanding how to figure out your career path, becoming great at marketing and building communities with Canada Basketballs Cailey Theos

The layers to basketball in Canada grow each year, and today we have someone who’s connecting a lot of dots in the hoops world around us, Cailey Theos!
The current “Manager, Partnership Marketing & Community Impact” at Canada Basketball has a great story, and that job title doesn’t come close to all the things Cailey has on the go! 
After breaking her dad’s heart and choosing the rival University, Cailey came back to Windsor, where she graduated from the sports management and leadership program! If you know the show then you know that peaked our interest!  Much like the Blake Murphy episode, it was an experience in the Windsor athletics department that really gave Caley the opportunity to learn, change and grow. Using those moments led to a major job in the NHL, and it all goes from there!
Cailey is a driven, hard working person, passionate about sport and its growth, this episode drops gems all over the place! All love to Cailey, and we know her career will continue to shine, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next! Tap in!
Cailey Theos - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/caileytheos
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileytheos
https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-11-17/sport-management-and-leadership-internship-connects-students-alumni-and-industry
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 174 - Being from Ontario before a lot of D1 coaches were looking, the power of relationships, winning a national title and having a son who’s a top recruit in Michgan, with David Thomas

I lied on this one! Our SECOND National Champion to join us on the show (Shoutout to@kylewiltjer) we have one of the best to do it in the late 90’s, a smooth guard from Brampton Mr. David Thomas!
David has a great story from time in high school to figuring out what College to attend. In the end he chose Michigan State University, home of legends like Magic Johnson and many others. What came to fruition was a moment in history for MSU, the 2000 National Championship defeating the Florida Gators in the final! 
Being around so many great teammates like Mateen Cleaves and Mo Pete, David elevated his game and although his stats weren’t high he put his name into the NBA draft. After a month long stint in Miami David didn’t crack a roster and took his talents to Australia where he had lots of success. It was a trip with the Canadian National Team where David knew the time had come, and he had to walk from the game. 
Since retiring, David spent multiple seasons with the Michigan State Team but took time away to be closer to family. David now finds himself working multiple jobs, balancing life and kids who are great athletes themselves! His son is a top recruit in the State! 
Episode 174 is a gem, with a great person. We thank David for being with us and hope you can find time to spend your Boxing Day with us!
David Thomas - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/dtdavidthomas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Thomas_(basketball)
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/ 

Episode 173 - The work it takes to become a cold 3 point shooter, managing struggles in the pro world, and making your name in the hoops world when being from a small community, with Bridget Carleton

Today’s episode comes in hot with one of the best Canadian hoopers to ever do it, and currently do it, Ms. Bridget Carleton. We get the chance to chop it up with the former All-American, Overseas pro, long time National Team Member and current WNBA star about so many different parts of her journey.
From small-town roots but a big heart, Bridget realized basketball was the sport she wanted to pursue in her high school years, but a healthy mental approach helped her understand there would be bumps along the way. That said, it was her first experience with Team Canada that she realized she belonged, and since then, her career has taken off. 
Drafted in 2019 by Connecticut and then getting released was the biggest eye opener for Bridget so far, and a time she is now grateful for as it was the parachute to drive her to greatness. Don’t skip over this one, Episode 173 is a banger! We thank Bridget for her time and wish her continued success!!!
Bridget Carleton  - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Carleton
https://www.instagram.com/bridgecarleton
https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/3906972/bridget-carleton
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 172 - Why anyone would become an author and the choice to write about Canada Basketball, figuring out what to put in the book, all with author of “The Golden Generation” Oren Weisfeld

“The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse”
Get your copy today! We sit down with the author of this recently released book and discuss how and why he decided to write it, the process and all in between.
Oren, a Western University grad and Toronto native, loved sports growing up as a kid and basketball started to really catch his eye when he attended powerhouse Oakwood High School. Following his love for sport and media, he finished his degree and hit the ground running. Since then Oren has been a freelance writer and ventured into many avenues so far in his young career.
We appreciate Oren’s time as he talks about his career to this point and how excited he is for the 2028 Olympics, the book has it all, from history to current players and it’s an easy, light read worth checking out! 
If you’re a hoop head this episode is a must!
Oren Weisfeld  - Guest
https://www.orenweisfeld.com
https://x.com/OrenWeisfeld
https://www.instagram.com/orenweisfeld
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 171 - Philosophies on personal growth and within your team, the struggle of navigating D1 hoops, why slowing down is good for you, and what the future holds with Mihai Raducanu

Let’s go! Today, we mix it up with the current head coach at Mohawk College, a former D1 player, skills and life coach, Mihai Raducanu!
We have a great conversation when the Romanian born who found himself in love with the game early, and once his family immigrated to Hamilton, it was over. Spending his high school years around great coaches and players, including former guest Kyle Julius Mihai started to gain interest at the D1 level. 
The self-admitted stoic had a great time at Coastal Carolina and, since then has been expanding his knowledge of the game across the world. Mihai is slowly turning the culture around at Mohawk and impacting the lives of many. Grab a pen and paper, the knowledge dropped in today’s episode is next level!
Mihai Raducanu - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/mihairaducanuofficial
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihai-raducanu-047728100
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/