A Hoops Journey

Episode 28 - Jama Mahlalela

Episode 28 brings us to back to the Toronto Raptors; this time, with current Raptors 905 Head Coach Jama Mahlalela. The proud Swaziland (now Kingdom of Eswatini) native outlines his journey to the Raptors 905, falling in love with basketball, moving to Ontario at a young age, his time playing for Bruce Enns and Kevin Hanson at UBC; while also talking about his growth in the Toronto Raptors organization, shaking hands with world class coaches, his time in Hong Kong, and so much more!

Episode 27 - Don Horwood

Episode 27 finds us sitting down with former Oak Bay High coach and legendary CIS/U Sport Head Coach for Alberta: Don Horwood. The proud Carbonear native reflects back on more than 40 years of coaching lessons, life stories and funny memories while manning the sidelines primarily at Oak Bay High School on Vancouver Island, and is perhaps more well-known for his tenure with the Golden Bears; winning three National Titles and is a three-time recipient of the Stuart W. Aberdeen Memorial Trophy as CIS Coach of the Year. Plus, a very interesting lightning round, recruiting stories for Aaron, a look back on some of the best Golden Bears to come through, and so much more!
 

Episode 26 - Al Whitley

Episode 26 brings us from Vancouver Island to Dallas, Texas with current Texas Legends GM, Vice President of Basketball Operations and Special Assistant to the Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Al Whitley. A proud BC guy, he talks about being childhood friends with Steve Nash, the level of basketball on Vancouver Island during the early 90s, playing at the University of New Brunswick before transferring back to SFU, meeting Mark Cuban, transitioning into a marketing role, becoming the Head Equipment Manager and so much more! Plus, we dive into his relationship with Mark Cuban, the magic and character of Dirk Nowitzki, the '06 and '11 Mavs, and more drive-bys at our favourite German guest. We hope you enjoy!

Episode 25 - Robert Sacre

A quarter-century worth of A Hoops Journey episodes! We travel to Spokane, Washington to talk with proud Handsworth Royal, Gonzaga Bulldog and LA Laker: Robert Sacre. Having his own podcast with Jack Ferris (Bleav in the Zags), he sits down and talks about the ballers he grew up with and that came from his era, the famous 2007 U17 BC Provincial Team, being recruited, his time at Gonzaga and being drafted by the Lakers; and so much more! Plus, the most unique ending to a podcast in the history of A Hoops Journey happens here. With a personality matched only by his laugh and sense of humour, this is a can't miss episode!

Episode 24 - Kyle Julius

Episode 24 of A Hoops Journey travels from Thunder Bay to Taiwan with current Formosa Dreamers Head Coach and Global Blueprint Basketball founder, Kyle Julius. A former Division I and National team player, Coach Julius outlines his unconventional journey into being one of Canada's best coaches. His road from being a real estate agent, losing his job through the Raptors 905, to playing with Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and to present day, Kyle Julius' story is a story like no other in the coaching ranks of Canada (or in this podcast). Plus, he chats about his time being the coach and GM of the Fraser Valley Bandits, lays out the most intelligent take on the GOAT, Royce White and more. Get out the pen and notebook, because this episode has so many takeaways!

Episode 23 - Novell Thomas

Episode 23 of A Hoops (Hot Mess) Journey travels all the way to a familiar place - Brandon University where we chat with current Women's Basketball Head Coach, former National Team player and proud Richmond native: Novell Thomas. From his path from Steveston High, to Simon Fraser University, to EA Sports, Novell outlines his journey through the highs and lows of his playing career and his transition into coaching. Plus, funny stories living and coaching with Aaron, a freestyle that never came to be, and a hot Kobe take; we got it all in this episode of the podcast.

Episode 22 - Tim Micallef

Labour Day brings in arguably one of the most recognizable names and voices in Canadian broadcasting; former TheScore broadcaster and current host of Tim and Sid on Sportsnet Tim Micallef joins the podcast. Tim and Aaron chat about calling USport games, their initial meeting during Aaron's playing days, quote walls, moving up in the broadcasting world and so much more! Plus, a definitive take on the ever growing ketchup-on-mac debate, dealing with tragedy, and the value of work ethic. We hope you enjoy this Labour Day special!
 

Episode 21 - Jonny Lee

Current Toronto Raptors Head Strength and conditioning Coach Jonny Lee is our guest for Episode 21. The Philippine-Born Canadian joins us from the bubble as the Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a playoff run, and he spends some time talking about his days as a proud Richmond Colt, starting a youth mentorship program, his time being a ball boy with the Vancouver Grizzlies, and much more! Plus, Jonny reflects on his journey from being a high school teacher and coach in Richmond, to an NBA Champion, and a long list of those who have helped shape his path. We hope you enjoy this special episode of A Hoops Journey!
 

Episode 20 - Kevin Hanson

For Episode 20 of A Hoops Journey, current UBC Men's Basketball head coach Kevin Hanson joins the podcast. The winning-est coach in CANWest history, the Seaquam alum and retired elementary volleyball coach talks about growing up in Regina, playing under legendary basketball and baseball coach Bill Stebbings, going up the coaching ranks, coaching Aaron at Langara College and their infamous recruiting story that highlights the importance of communication, his time coaching at UBC and so, so much more. Plus, the former player-coach duo discuss the development of their relationship, Aaron babysitting Kevin's daughter, and features a very, very unfortunate incident involving too much coffee for producer Corbin. For good measure (in case it wasn't clear), this is Episode 20 of A Hoops Journey.
 

Episode 19 - Doug Plumb

Episode 19 of A Hoops Journey enters The Swamp with Grit Performance Athletics and Vancouver Basketball, Inc founder, Doug Plumb. He talks about growing up under Rich Goulet, transferring to Minnesota, his experience on the U17 Provincial Team, getting cooked by Isaiah Thomas, his wild post-secondary career and jumping into the deep end with being a professional coach in Canada. Plus, he talks about Grit Day 2020, his relationship with the late Quinn Keast, and much, much more!