A Hoops Journey

Episode 55 with Don Van Os and Rich Chambers

Those two names speak for itself - the two iconic coaches of BC Basketball in the 90's sit down with us for Episode 55. What more can we say? A wildly entertaining episode filled with amazing insight, hilarious stories and incredible banter. We talk abou the '93 North Delta team, the '94 Richmond team, how the two became co-coaches, Rihanna, and so much more. Grab your favourite Parkside beer, enjoy the sun on this beautiful Friday afternoon and listen to two of the greatest coaches ever in BC chat with your favourite podcast.
 

Episode 54 - John McKeachie

You wanted stories? You got them, with storied broadcaster John McKeachie. While many in the lower mainland know him for his sports radio career at CKNW New Westminster, Hockey Night in Canada, covering the Barcelona Olympics for CTV and so forth, he sits down to talk about his basketball roots and how it eventually shaped his career. This episode is filled with lots of stories, tangents and hilarious anecdotes that could've gone on for hours. A double treat for hockey lovers and basketball hoopers, sit down and enjoy your Saturday with a Parkside beverage and some HardBite chips and listen to a great episode!

Episode 53 - James Derouin

Current Ottawa Gee-Gee's Men's Basketball coach and one-time roommate of Aaron's is none other than James Derouin. The Ontario native has an incredible journey from a hockey background, grinding his way to one of the best coaches in the country. Stints with the renowned late 90's Langara Falcons teams and the University of Ottawa is just the start of an incredible story. Get out the pen and notebook; the winningest coach in Gee-Gee program history, touches on recruiting, how the game has changed, the early adult days of GoldenEye and spicy doritos, another take on the GOAT debate, the assistant coach grind and a lot of advice for young coaches. Plus, going up against Dave Smart, getting tossed in the national final, another addition to the chip game and recognizing what roads and decisions have led him to become a CIS Coach of the Year.
 
Sounds and Music by: Storyblocks and Youtube
Sponsors: Parkside Brewery and Goodlad Clothing
 

Episode 52 - Gabrielle Laguerta

A Hoops Journey sits down with graduating UBC Thunderbird and former STMC Knight: Gabrielle Laguerta. A journey filled with overcoming adversity, she chats about her introduction to basketball through her brothers, overcoming multiple ACL tears, finding strength within her family and community, the recruiting process throughout her high school days, what a USport COVID season was like, and her future plans. A great story with a ton of takeaways, especially for our young female listeners. Carpools, drive-by shots at producer Corbs, an honest conversation about her career ending, being the more successful Laguerta (shout out Episode 4 guest Denzel) - we have got it!
 
Sounds and Music from: Storyblocks and Youtube
Sponsored by: Parkside Brewery and Goodlad Clothing

Episode 51 - Lars Hansen

We return after a small break and sit down with another BC and Canadian basketball legend - Lars Hansen; a BC Sports Hall of Fame and Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. The former Centennial Centaur and University of Washington Husky chats about the basketball scene in the 70's in the lower mainland, playing at the UW, being a multi-sport athlete, being drafted into the NBA, being the top scorer in the Liga ACB (top Spanish league) in 1981 and so much more! Plus, a wild lightning round, chocolate thunder, Led Zeppelin and an interesting answer to our final questions. So many great stories and takeaways here with Episode 51!
 
 

Episode 50 -Aaron Mitchell with guest host Novell Thomas

A Hoops Journey celebrates the big 50 by bringing in former guest Novell Thomas to interview our host, Aaron Mitchell. We flip the script and put Mitch on the hot seat. One of the very few to win a provincial title as a player, a national college title, and a provincial title as a coach, Aaron has had a long storied basketball career, starting off with his time at Terry Fox and ending in Brandon University. Plus, the back story of Corbs and Aaron, deep reflections, hilarious anecdotes, tough challenges - we have all that in this special episode!
We want to thank YOU, our audience for supporting us in so many ways. There is zero chance we make it to Episode 20, let alone 50 of these without your continued support.
Lastly, this episode is dedicated to the life of Rich Goulet.

Episode 49 - Fardaws Aimaq

Current Utah Valley Wolverine Fardaws Aimaq joins A Hoops Journey for Episode 49. The Richmond native and former Steveston-London Shark sits down with us during his quarantine back from the conclusion of his season to chat about his growing basketball journey. Some "scuffles" with us during his time at Steveston-London, growing up in Richmond, the Division 1 recruiting process, having Mark Madsen be his coach - all this and more in this great episode with the big fella!

Episode 48 - Conor Morgan

For episode 48, we (metaphorically) hop on the plane to Spain to chop it up with current Club Juventut Badalona forward, Conor Morgan. The first guest that's still playing, the former Mount Douglas Ram and UBC Thunderbird sits down with us after practice to outline a growing professional and national career, some provincial team shenanigans, Spanish league stories and more! With many great tidbits and advice for the younger guys, get out the pen and paper folks!

Episode 47 - Gerald Kazanowski

One of Canada's living basketball legends in Gerald Kazanowski joins us for Episode 47. The Nanaimo native has been a winner all throughout his career; starting with a provincial MVP in 1978 and parlayed that into a storied UVic, National team, and professional career. Multiple CANWEST All-Stars, a 2-time All-Canadian, multiple appearances representing Canada in the Olympics and World University Games, a Basketball BC Sports, Nanaimo Sports and Naismith Hall of Fame inductee. Now in the finance industry, Gerald reflects on his storied career.

Episode 46 - Shawn Swords

Current Laurentian Voyageurs Men's Basketball Head Coach Shawn Swords gets on the hot seat for episode 46 of A Hoops Journey. Coach Swords reflects on a career that includes over 100 games representing Canada, a fork-in-the-road moment, a lengthy overseas professional career and entering the coaching ranks at his alma mater - as a player, he was a multiple OUA East all-star and All-Canadian player during his 5 years at Laurentian ('92-97). We touch on work ethic, social media, and the famous 2000 Olympic Team. Enjoy your Friday with us!