A Hoops Journey

Episode 186: Ottawa to Louisville, National Teams to 3x3 — Elite 8 Runs, World Cup Experience, and the Next Chapter with Merissah Russell

This episode is all about a young up-and-coming hooper on the women’s side, but someone who has been with our National teams since she was 17, Merissah Russell!
What a fun episode, the energy Merissah brings to this one is so good, and you can see why she is a do-it-all type on the court! 
Once basketball became the focus (and not volleyball like her big sister), Merissah pursued the next level and traveled North America to see the best. In the end, she committed early to the Louisville Cardinals program, a storied program that made two Elite 8’s and one final four! That, plus national team experience with two World Cups (U17 and U19), is why it feels like Merissah has been around so long!
The Ottawa native found herself on a recent new adventure, hoopin' up in the 3x3 with our legendary Women’s team! This episode has it all, don’t forget to tap in!
Merissah Russell  - Guest
https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/merissah-russell
https://www.instagram.com/mruss15
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merissah-russell-9b52b2309
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 185: Kits to UBC to a Championship Run in Hong Kong — Growth, Longevity, and Life as a Pro with Tommy Nixon

Today we go back with a guy who used to coach summer camp with Mitch, current pro player in Hong Kong coming off a championship run, one of Kits finest, Tommy Nixon! 
Mitch and Tommy have a bit of a story about how they met each other, and they enjoy reminiscing on those times. Tommy recently just completed a playoff run with is SCAA pro team, a club that has been around for over 100 years. After an outstanding high school career where lots of growth and development took place, under the guidance of people like Jeff Gourley, Randy Coutts and Mel Davis. 
Tommy was a self admitted slow starter, and shy, but once he got the love for the game he continued to expose himself to the best players and levels, training alongside the likes of Kelly Olynyk and more. A decision to attend UBC, a solid five year career and now being in HK for ten years are what make this story great! Best to Tommy and his family, as usual don't forget to tap in!
Tommy Nixon - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/tommynixon7
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-nixon-03a44bb5
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 184: Surrey to Burnaby, Laurier to the Pros - U Sports, Overseas Hoops, and the Vancouver Bandits with Majok Gum

From Burnaby to overseas, we chop it up with former Byrne Creek Bulldog, U Sport hooper at Laurier and now pro baller Majok Gum!
Majok has a great story, early on learning the game at the YMCA in Surrey and then moving to Burnaby and playing for the Bulldogs, his career took off. After 3 great high school years with back-to-back final 4s and one finals appearance, Majok decided to attend Laurier University. After a solid 5-year career, he has recently finished his second season overseas and is now with the Vancouver Bandits. 
The future is bright! Tap in
Majok Gum - Guest
https://www.thebandits.ca/roster/majok-gum
https://www.linkedin.com/in/majok-gum-b8b225174/
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 183: Quebec to Valparaiso, the CEBL, and the Utah Jazz — A Playing Career, a Young Coaching Journey, and What’s Next with Tevonn Walker

Episode 183! Today we are celebrating 6 YEARS of podcasting, thank you to each of our listeners, guests and subscribers! 
No better way to celebrate than having a young up and coming coach with an amazing playing resume, Tevonn Walker.  Tevonn comes out of Quebec and we all know the lineage and hoopers that have been developed out of that area. After a solid year at CCAA Vanier College, he made the decision to attend Valparaiso!
During his time there Tevonn won both offensive and defensive awards, he led his team in scoring and ended in the top 15 all-time at Valpo. From there a short stint overseas and in the CEBL were next, but Tevonn knew when it was time to walk away. 
The journey continues on a young coaching path and Tevonn gives great reflection on what he’s been through and how he’s still learning. After coaching AAU and Division 1 he is now with the Utah Jazz and growing each day. The future is bright for this young man and we are thrilled to be sharing his story today! 
Tap in!
Tevonn Walker - Guest
https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sea-bears-assistant-coach-tevonn-walker-departs-for-nba-opportunity-team-welcomes-jerry-williams-to-coaching-staff/n-6243723
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 182: Vancouver Island to the NCAA and Back Home — Trinity Western, Coaching, and Life in Haida Gwaii with Cal Westbrook

From Courtenay to California, Langley and now Haida Gwaii! Today we have the story of a guy Mitch had the chance to coach on the BC U17 team… wayyy back, and now is a coaching colleague, Mr. Cal Westbrook.
Cal’s love for competition and the game was evident early, and a few coaching mentors in his area on Vancouver Island helped nurture his basketball career and ability to compete. Some early blooming, making the Provincial Team as an underager, and the ability to score the ball made for a great high school career! 
Once his time at GP Vanier Secondary came to an end, Cal started to explore some different options, deciding on heading to a D2 school in California, Cal State Stanislaus. After a frustrating Sophomore year, Cal felt like maybe it was time for some change, and he came back to play for the Trinity Western Spartans.  It wasn’t a difficult decision as Cal knew players like Tyrell Mara (Portland State) and Jacob Doerksen (UVic) were heading home. A great three-year run and a national title appearance were the topping of the cake for Cal.
In the end, Cal finished his degree and now finds himself coaching and in administration in Hadai Gwaii. This part of the story is special and truly where all the good stuff happens. We appreciate Cal taking the time to be with us, and know there will be all sorts of takeaways in this one!
Tap in!
Cal Westbrook - Guest
https://varsityletters.ca/calvin-westbrook-how-the-record-setting-g-p-vanier-twu-guard-found-his-coaching-paradise-amidst-the-remote-splendour-of-haida-gwaii/
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 181: From Regent Park to St. John’s — Teammates with Jamaal Magloire, the ABCD Camp Journey, and Giving Back as a Coach with Collin Charles

If you know, you KNOW! Collin Charles is one of the most famous players to ever come out of the Toronto area, and for good reason! Collin and his high school teammate Jamaal Magloire broke down the doors in good fashion for Canadians, and carved out great paths for themselves
Growing up in the Regent Park area with his Grandma, Collin loved hockey as a young person but quickly realized the cost that came with the sport, and decided to make a shift. He started hooping and couldn’t wait to get to Eastern Commerce and put his talents on display. 
During those high school years it was a trip down to ABCD camp where it all changed for Collin. Even though he didn’t think he played well the interest started to come in and after some other trips in the states he gained the attention he so deserved! St. John’s was the choice and man did he get to play on some squads with some teammates. Felipe Lopez, Ron Artest, Zendon Hamilton, Erick Barkley and so many more. 
Collin is now an educator back in Toronto and involved in coaching with his Toronto Gauchos and Little Hoopers programs. A story that can’t be missed, make sure you tap in!
Collin Charles - Guest
https://tmubold.ca/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/collin-charles/13
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

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/