A Hoops Journey

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!

Episode 45 - Jordie McTavish

Jordie McTavish joins us for Episode 45 of A Hoops Journey. He may not say it, but we will: he is one of the best guards to not just come out of BC, but to come out of Canada period. What a story we have for you folks, as he recaps a short but great playing career, starting with humble beginnings in the small town of Salmon Arm, winning a provincial MVP, playing for the controversial Rick Majerus, his National team experience, and dealing with injuries that ultimately ended his career. Despite that, Jordie has such a great story - all those who do know this man could ball out - and we know you'll enjoy these two old friends chopping it up!

Episode 44 - Paul Eberhardt

pisode 44 features current Langara College Men's Basketball Head Coach - Paul Eberhardt. A coaching career that has now spanned over 40 years at the high school, college and national team level, Paul Eberhardt has been a staple in BC Boys basketball, serving in various capacities, winning provincial titles at both the high school level and in the PACWEST. This episode could've gone on for 4 hours just about ketchup on hot dogs, the GOAT debate, and Ace of Base. Folks, if you love BC Hoops, this is the episode for you!