A Hoops Journey

Episode 43 - Ken Shields

THE Canadian coaching legend Ken Shields joins us for Episode 43. Get out the pen and notebook folks, as this episode was an absolute masterclass in coaching and team building. The Beaver Lodge born and Prince Rupert raised coaching icon sits down with us to reflect on an absolute prodigious career - developing an a dynasty on Vancouver Island, Canada Olympic coaching, coaching all over the world in various capacities and a cup of coffee in the NBA. An Order of Canada recipient, UVIc Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Canada Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, a James Naismith Award winner, a multiple CIS/USPORT Coach of the Year winner - we think this list speaks for itself.
 

Episode 42 - Michael Meeks

Jamaican born big man Michael Meeks joins us for Episode 42 of A Hoops Journey. The Ontario raised Olympian is another member of the iconic 2000 Canadian Men's basketball team, but his story is so much more than that; a prodigious pro career all over Europe and being a walking bucket at Division 1 and leading the Canisius College Golden Griffins to their only NCAA appearance. An ode to a Brazilian legend, crazy European stories, a technical mishap - the current Manager of Youth Player Development for Canada Basketball has a story you HAVE to listen to!

Episode 41 - Kim Smith Gaucher

With Episode 41 we chat with the most accomplished guest we've had so far, hailing from Mission, Kim Smith Gaucher. The Heritage Park Highlander is a 3-time Provincial Champ, 2-time Provincial MVP, a 4-time MWC Conference Player of the year, Associated Press All-American, a 3-time Kodak All-America HM; all at the University of Utah. She is the first female to have her jersey retired by the Utes, and currently is a professional overseas in the France women's league with USO Mondeville. With multiple medals and national team appearances in both the Junior and Senior team capacity since 2006, the 13th overall pick 2006 WNBA Draft sits down with us to reflect on a storied career, from the Heritage Park dynasty of the 00's, the importance of playing against older and better players, to wearing the maple leaf and representing Canada, Kim has been a great example for not just young female hoopers, but to the entire Canadian hoops landscape. We are bring the HEAT with this episode!

Episode 40 - Scott Morrison (BC)

Two Scott Morrison's are always better than one; as Scott Morrison, the former Argyle Piper and Portland State Viking joins us for Episode 40. The North Shore native reflects on the impact of coaches like Glen Chu, the culture building and player development done at Argyle in the early 2000's and Scott's transition into Division 1 basketball at Portland State. Plus, he outlines a long and prodigious professional career all over Europe - from Hungary, to Estonia, to Okinawa - we can definitely call his journey a hoops one. Episode 40, in the books, we know you'll love this episode!

Episode 39 - Phil Ohl

We were in Nanaimo last week, so we hop in the car and drive down to Victoria to chat with former UVic Vike and national team player, Phil Ohl. The proud Vancouver Island native explicates a basketball career with humble beginnings, culminating in a national team and professional career overseas, and now using his experiences to foster leadership in small business leaders. A journey full of highs and lows, battling both personal and professional adversity; folks, we know you will enjoy this episode!
 

Episode 38 - Matt Kuzminski

We hop the ferry over to Nanaimo for Episode 38 to chat with current VIU Men's Basketball Head Coach, Matt Kuzminski. The former UVic and SFU player, hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, reminisces on a growing list of basketball achievements, both as a player and a coach. With two national championship rings (2013, 2019) and multiple PACWEST championships, Matt shares how he's built a successful program on the small Vancouver Island city. Plus, we touch on an overlooked coaching figure and culture building within a team.

Episode 37 - Gerald Cole

We kick off 2021 with a bang - by sitting down with former Capilano Blues and UBC Thunderbird, Gerald Cole. A proud Vancouver College alum, Gerald recaps a hoops journey filled with highs and lows - falling in love with the game with the late John Dumont, dealing with personal adversity, running camps with our favourite German and a certain Canadian player, and so much more. Plus, we touch on the impact of Bruce Enns and Bob Corbett and their coaching legacies. We know you'll enjoy this episode!
 

Episode 36 - Todd MacCulloch

A Hoops Journey enters the Arcade as we sit down with former Canadian National team, Philadelphia 76er and New Jersey Nets center, Todd MacCulloch. The Winnipeg native and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inductee reflects on his hoops journey; from the University of Washington and being a 2x All-Pac-10 First team, playing with Allen Iverson, battling against Shaq in the NBA Finals, and dealing with a premature end to his basketball career. Plus, Todd talks about the 2000 Olympics with Jay and Steve, and some of the funniest stories ever told on this podcast. Sit down, grab a cold one, and enjoy your Friday night with this hilarious episode!

Episode 35 - Ransford Brempong

BC's own Renaissance Man Ransford Brempong joins us for Episode 35. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native muses on a long and storied basketball career that has taken him all over the world, and mostly recently with the Fraser Valley Bandits. Stories about a walking bucket in Kevin Martin, some strong AOL game and a lot of lessons that he now shares with kids today, this is an episode for all kinds of hoop heads!
 

Episode 34 - Barnaby Craddock

Current University of Alberta Head Coach Barnaby Craddock hops on A Hoops Journey for Episode 34. The former Lord Byng Grey Ghost and Lethbridge Pronghorn sits down to recap a great playing career and reflects on his early coaching years. Plus, a special guest pops into the pod; so you do NOT want to miss it!