A Hoops Journey

Episode 147 - Hayes Grooms

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 Pistons plus Michigan basketball! At an early age Hayes got lucky- he had a father who built a court in his backyard! This became the local neighborhood hoops spot and location where Hayes developed a love for the game. After seasons with AAU teams, hooping with friends and developing his skills, his mom made the tough decision to send him 45 minutes away to a well known private high school, Brother Rice Michigan.
After finding out he wouldn’t be playing Varsity as a Freshman, Hayes got after it. He walked into gyms and lit them up on every occasion he could, waiting for his turn at the highest level. He also had a hunger to become a D1 player and the letters started pouring in. However this is where the story takes a twist, after his high school coach got fired Hayes had a solid junior season but hurt his knee. He decided to play his senior season without surgery and it had a big impact on his recruitment.
To go from a top player in the state and every school recruiting you, to realizing the mailbox is empty would be hard for any graduating senior, but somehow Hayes found a way to take it in stride, look at this as an opportunity to refresh and head to Lamar University in Texas. After two years there and another major injury Hayes found his reality, realizing that basketball was coming to a close….BUT he wouldn’t give up.
Some amazing stories on how he ended up playing at Michigan, the career path he took and how his future took off after basketball are the whole reason you should check out this episode. The places he’s worked and people he’s connected with (Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter and more!) are a huge testament to Hayes leadership ability and understanding of people. Another banger of an episode that cannot be missed! Tap in!
Hayes Grooms - Guesthttps://x.com/hg4https://www.instagram.com/hgrooms4
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 146 - Leo Rautins

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 know, Leo has been thriving on the broadcasting side of things which if you didn’t know was always part of the plan!
Mitch and Leo go back, to times in the city, playing ball and finding a love for hoops. Those times weren’t always easy as the recruiting process was overwhelming for a young teenager, often avoiding phone calls and even going home because of the attention he was gaining.
Leo reflects on an important relationship, one of many but one that stood out and changed his life; connecting with and learning under the legend Jack Donohue. Leo touches on many moments and people in this episode, however you can tell there’s something special when it comes to coach. Giving Leo the chance at 16 to be a part of the National Team means Jack saw something in him, and he flourished under his guidance.
We could honestly keep writing, but all you need to do is tap in. Syracuse, the 76ers, Europe, coaching Team Canada and more! Thanks to Leo for being with us, an all-time Canadian legend and an Ep you surely don’t want to miss!
Leo Rautins - Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/leo.rautins/?hlhttps://www.tsn.ca/%20%20%20%20%20%20/talent/leo-rautins-1.57195
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 145 - Eric Newman

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 Kevin Garnett: Anything is Possible and was part of the team building shows like ALL THE SMOKE and KG Certified.
As a young kid Eric spent time with his dad watching every movie possible, finding himself enjoying the films and seeing different sides than most, an early sign that his creative mind was there!
As a three sport varsity athlete for three years which included a basketball conference championship it was football that ended up being the sport Eric pursued as he went to D3 Ithaca College. His College experience is where the journey starts to gain traction, meeting someone who would become his collaborator at Showtime two decades later.
As it happens for many people Eric found his life in a bit of a crossroads, he was a full time teacher and basketball coach all while creating content and doing film on the side, when he realized he wanted to go for it, and did he ever! He left the teaching profession and followed his passion, building his connections and resume along the way!
There are no flukes in this episode! This is a journey of hard work, “going for it” all combined with some timing and luck!
Eric Newman - Guesthttps://x.com/coachenew
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 144 - Myck Kabongo

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 Myck in between practices and they discuss all things hoop-related; from where the passion of the game grew for him, to playing for Coach Hurley, Myck has great reflection on his journey up to this point.
The list of stars he has teamed up with or against is fantastic, and in May he decided that retirement was meant for him, however, Myck has been involved in the game since, working with our National Team, coaching youth and now working with pros. You’ll have to wait for part 2 to find out what he likes for cereal, in the meantime we thank Myck for being with us and wish him all the best on his continued hoops journey! Tap in!
Myck Kabongo - Guesthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myck_Kabongohttps://www.instagram.com/kabongofirehttps://x.com/MyckK9
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 143 - Allison McNeill

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 high school AND University, transferred to Division 1 Oregon, and played pro ball overseas. Life certainly changed for Allison when she made the move to Salmon Arm, where her and Bev Smith created a women’s high school dynasty, from there her hoops life took off!
Once playing wrapped up at the University of Oregon and a short stint overseas, Allison came back home and found herself in Revelstoke with a teaching and coaching job, knowing for a long time that she wanted to become a coach. From there she continued to develop her craft, watching the National team practice on VHS and in person, building her notes and helping grow the game anyway she possibly could.
After she moved to the lower mainland and coached at a couple of high schools the job came open at Simon Fraser University, she applied, got the job and never looked back. The mid 80’s and 90’s “up on the hill” found fantastic hoopers and people come through the program, all while being Nationally ranked at the NAIA level along the way!
Allison (alongside her lifelong partner and amazing hoops brain Mike) was then appointed the Senior Women’s National Team job after a couple of experiences with the student and junior teams. She takes great pride in the time put in with the program, watching the women climb in the world rankings with the pinnacle being a trip to the 2012 Olympics!
We could literally go on forever, just do yourself the favor and tap in to this episode with one of the greatest in Canadian history!
Allison McNeill- Guesthttps://bcsportshall.com/honoured_member/allison-mcneill/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_McNeillhttps://x.com/allisonmcneill
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 142 - James DePoe

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 - GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-depoe-4a505660/?originalSubdomain=caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.depoe/
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 141 - Jess Hanson

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 - Guesthttps://gothunderbirds.ca/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessica-hanson/7557
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 140 - Chris McLaughlin

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”. As Chris started to physically grow, basketball became a sport he was interested in learning more about and getting better at. High school led to sharpening his craft and enjoying what came with it. It ended up being a family trip out west that is a great story on how Chris chose his future post-secondary school, the University of Victoria!
After a tough rookie season, Chris starts to figure out the University game, leading his Vikes to multiple national appearances while collecting Canada West POY and All-Canadian awards along the way. In his senior year, the big man averaged 19.8 points and 10 rebounds a game, numbers don’t lie!
Chris is currently playing for Eastern in the Hong Kong league, and after having an MVP season he just had to run it back! This (possible) future teacher used to sub-teach at Mitch’s school, has lots of great stories and reflections plus a positive perspective on life! You know the drill, time to tap in! Much respect and thanks to Chris for being with us, all the best for the upcoming season!
Chris McLaughlin - Guesthttps://www.thebandits.ca/roster/chris-mclaughlin
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Canadian Olympic Basketball Preview

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 women, what it will take to move onto post pool play and lots more!!
After that we chop it up with former guests of the show Mr. David Larkins and Scott Morrison. The three fellas discuss all things Canada on the men’s side; their pool, growth of the program and some calls on how it might all pan out for the team!
If you happen to stay with the episode that long (which of course you will), we have a super fun draft based around the summer Olympics that we need you to chime in on!
Rock with us……..
and GO CANADA!!!!
GuestsAlex AdamsDavid LarkinsScott Morrison
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 139 - Glen Yang

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. The main positive is that Glen found his most important mentor there, a coach who had him drop the X-Box controller and really learn to love the game of hoops! In that time Glen traveled back and forth to his mom’s home city, Calgary. During the summers Glen would go to camps in the states but also spent a majority of his time hooping in the city, finding the parks and local runs and stacking himself up against bigger and older talent. Ironically Glen ends up signing with Mt. Royal, a place he never envisioned untilIt happened. Once pen went to paper he took major pride in trying to build a young U Sport program and help put them on the map. After five great years Glen ended up getting his first pro contract in Spain, and he learned alot, both for the good and bad. Combine covid, the Phillapeans, Hong Kong and so much more his journey is real! Currently Glen is focused on finishing the best he can on a talented Bandits squad which will then lead him to his next spot to hoop. We wish him all the best, and trust us, stick around to hear his all-time teammates to run with, there are some legendary names in it! Respect to the young killer, tap in as usual!!Glen Yang - Guesthttps://www.thebandits.ca/roster/glen-yanghttps://www.instagram.com/g_yang13Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/