A Hoops Journey

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/

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/