A Hoops Journey

Episode 152 - Jack Cruz-Dumont

Disclaimer: Huge props to JCD who has recently signed his first ever pro contract with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL! Let’s get it!
This is a super unique story; one of hoop lineage from both mom and dad, of heartbreak and sadness at an early age, one of resilience, one of seeing the light and to keep on fighting.
Jack grew up in a fun and active house, sharing space with not only his immediate family but his cousins as well. At an early age the inside or outside of the Cruz - Dumont house would be littered with sports and a bunch of battles! As he grew older Jack developed a real love for the game of hoops and football, eventually finding himself and his brothers at storied Vancouver College (Thanks to his dedicated mom who went back to school to earn her degree!!). In Jacks grade ten year football was really his main thing, however the sickness of his dad John impacted his grade 10/11 year and he had challenges with focusing and being committed as any teenager would!
It was through this time watching his dad battle for his life that Jack found the inspiration and motivation to keep going, to fight and not give up. From there the switch happened and he lit the fire we see today. After a solid senior year at VC, he committed to UBC to play for the T-Birds. While there Jack was on pace to graduate early due to a covid year, and realized he could eventually turn himself into a pro. Wanting to get a feel for what that might look like, a trip out to the Philippines showed Jack something special and he decided to make the move, leaving UBC after 3 years of eligibility to play in the University league with the hope of signing a pro contract…..and here we are!
This young bull has lots of hoops left in him, it was a great time connecting and we are excited to see Jack’s future! Tap in!
Jack Cruz-Dumont - Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/jcruzdumonthttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/jack-cruz-dumonthttps://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/jack-cruz-dumont-plans-to-turn-pro-at-the-end-of-ue-career-a5172-20241127
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 151 - Diego Kapelan

What’s the definition of work? Or never giving up? Or always believing? Look no further, episode 151 with a BC UNDERRATED (yes in capital letters) guard, Mr. Diego Kapelan.
Growing up in one of the most unique locations of Vancouver, combined with an immigrant family, it wasn’t always easy for Diego to figure out what he wanted. With that said once basketball was introduced to him it was over, his main stay and favorite sport it was something he wanted to work at.
Years at King George with a great group led to lots of success, but it took some wild moments and stories for Diego to figure out how the next step would work for him. Eventually he ended up at McNeese State where his four year career had him average 12 pts a game, 15 in his senior year!!
As stated, Diego’s career is sort of slept on as he ended up playing overseas for over a decade of multiple leagues and locations, which included scoring titles and many finals appearances.
Between that and representing Bosnia and Canada, Diego knew the time was right to hang up the kicks after some success in the NBL, and now he finds himself giving back coaching the youth and helping the future! It’s where the heart lies for Diego, we know he will crush it! Tap in!
Diego Kapelan - Guesthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Kapelanhttps://www.instagram.com/diegoswish604
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 150 - Mike Provenzano

Wow! Tap in today! Mitch sits down with a young up-and-coming coach, former D2 hooper and huge Lil Wayne fan, Mike Provenzano!
Mike and his family have deep roots in the Ontario hoops scene and the sport has been in his blood for a long time. Growing up he would follow his dad to practices and games finding a love for the game that would never go away.
At a young age Mike started to realize he could be pretty good at hoops and began to enjoy the daily grind of improving. Once he reached his high school years he decided to transfer to North Carolina and try ball south of the border. This experience let him compete against many future D1 and NBA players, finding himself stacking up against the competition.
As high school started to wind down the decision of where to go came up, and Mike had his heart set on being a D1 player, even to the point of dropping the game forever if he couldn’t get there!
In the end after a redshirt year at a D2 he made the choice to go back to a school that originally recruited him, SFU. Mike had a great career up on Burnaby Mountain which led to a couple years overseas. From there his coaching journey began, with a former AHJ guest taking a chance on hiring him to being a student assistant now at Michigan State the story is great! Lots more to come for Mike and his future, all the best as he continues to work!
Tap in!
Mike Provenzano - Guesthttps://www.lightningbasketball.ca/sports/mbkb/coaches/Michael_Provenzanohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-provenzano-05550a292
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 149 - Sami Hill

Paris Olympian!!!!! The story of Sami is a great one, from being raised in Toronto to making the decision of re classifying in high school, quitting basketball for a year and moving to New Jersey for senior season it’s an action packed episode!!
Growing up in a competitive family it really didn’t matter what the sport was, Sami was all in and ready to try and win! Battles with siblings led to her developing a super competitive nature and that would help her later on in life for many reasons. A true understanding of roles, fierce determination, and a willingness to always try and get better had Sami being heavily recruited in her senior year.
In the end she decided on Virginia Tech University and the ACC. After three great seasons the coaching staff was gone and a new group came in which ended up being great for Sami as she averaged almost 11 points and 5 rebounds that year!
From there Sami dove into professional basketball and now is overseas in Spain. We couldn’t get away without discussing Sami’s time with Canada and the National team; starting out with the student and U18 teams to becoming an Olympian are all part of her journey! That said it wasn’t always easy, Sami got super close for the Tokyo Olympics but wasn’t chosen to go, it only made her more hungry to be with the team in Paris and she did it!
Tap into Episode 149 and hear the story of a great hooper who’s passionate about the game and its growth. We thank Sami for being with us and wish her nothing but the best going forward!
Sami Hill - Guesthttps://www.basketball.ca/athlete/sami-hillhttps://www.instagram.com/samihill04
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 148 - Melvin Ejim

Episode 148 is an absolute must with a long-time Canadian legend, National team member, Division 1 star and overseas pro, Melvin Ejim.
We get right into the episode and talk about the recent Paris Olympics, Melvin has a unique perspective as he’s been a part of Canada’s Senior Men’s team for a long time and has seen it go from where it was to what it is now.
The unique story of Melvin started with really only being exposed to soccer at a young age, however, it was an important Uncle who saw there could be some potential in the big man and he pushed Melvin to give basketball a try. From there the trajectory and improvement was intense, Melvin developed and kept improving to the point where he went down south and played High School in the States. Many of his teammates became future NBA and Division One stars and Melvin started to see that was something he wanted as well.
In the end, he chose Iowa State, and after a solid Freshman season, Melvin was having a hard time living up to his expectations in year 2. It was an important face-to-face conversation with head coach Fred Hoiberg that changed things around. Iowa State was on the map for those years, making the NCAA tournament and Melvin was Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds in his senior year.
From there he has had a great overseas career, continued to be with the National team all while balancing his life as a dad as well. This episode has lots of great reflection, Melvin is a hard-working and intelligent young man with a story worth checking out! Tap in!
Melvin Ejim - Guesthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvin_Ejimhttps://www.instagram.com/melvinejim3
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 147 - Hayes Grooms

Layers upon layers of connections has us finally chopping it up with a former D1 hooper, big time Michigan high school player and one heck of a dude Mr. Hayes Grooms!
This is an episode of adversity, success, failures, growth and maturity! Hayes is a proud Detroit native currently living in Brooklyn who grew up in the prime era of the Bad Boys Pistons plus Michigan basketball! At an early age Hayes got lucky- he had a father who built a court in his backyard! This became the local neighborhood hoops spot and location where Hayes developed a love for the game. After seasons with AAU teams, hooping with friends and developing his skills, his mom made the tough decision to send him 45 minutes away to a well known private high school, Brother Rice Michigan.
After finding out he wouldn’t be playing Varsity as a Freshman, Hayes got after it. He walked into gyms and lit them up on every occasion he could, waiting for his turn at the highest level. He also had a hunger to become a D1 player and the letters started pouring in. However this is where the story takes a twist, after his high school coach got fired Hayes had a solid junior season but hurt his knee. He decided to play his senior season without surgery and it had a big impact on his recruitment.
To go from a top player in the state and every school recruiting you, to realizing the mailbox is empty would be hard for any graduating senior, but somehow Hayes found a way to take it in stride, look at this as an opportunity to refresh and head to Lamar University in Texas. After two years there and another major injury Hayes found his reality, realizing that basketball was coming to a close….BUT he wouldn’t give up.
Some amazing stories on how he ended up playing at Michigan, the career path he took and how his future took off after basketball are the whole reason you should check out this episode. The places he’s worked and people he’s connected with (Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter and more!) are a huge testament to Hayes leadership ability and understanding of people. Another banger of an episode that cannot be missed! Tap in!
Hayes Grooms - Guesthttps://x.com/hg4https://www.instagram.com/hgrooms4
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 146 - Leo Rautins

Well, folks it’s here! One of the most decorated Canadian hoopers our country has ever seen, a teenage national team member, Division 1 star, NBA draft pick and legend….the one and only Leo Rautins!
We were able to catch Leo just before he headed from Florida to Toronto where he picks up another season of working with TSN and the Raptors. As you know, Leo has been thriving on the broadcasting side of things which if you didn’t know was always part of the plan!
Mitch and Leo go back, to times in the city, playing ball and finding a love for hoops. Those times weren’t always easy as the recruiting process was overwhelming for a young teenager, often avoiding phone calls and even going home because of the attention he was gaining.
Leo reflects on an important relationship, one of many but one that stood out and changed his life; connecting with and learning under the legend Jack Donohue. Leo touches on many moments and people in this episode, however you can tell there’s something special when it comes to coach. Giving Leo the chance at 16 to be a part of the National Team means Jack saw something in him, and he flourished under his guidance.
We could honestly keep writing, but all you need to do is tap in. Syracuse, the 76ers, Europe, coaching Team Canada and more! Thanks to Leo for being with us, an all-time Canadian legend and an Ep you surely don’t want to miss!
Leo Rautins - Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/leo.rautins/?hlhttps://www.tsn.ca/%20%20%20%20%20%20/talent/leo-rautins-1.57195
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 145 - Eric Newman

Mitch finally gets the chance to sit down with producer, director and content creator Eric Newman! The monster Boston Celtics fan and lover of all sports has worked hard to build his craft and talents, which landed him at Showtime Sports where he was the executive producer of Showtime Basketball where he directed & produced the feature documentary Kevin Garnett: Anything is Possible and was part of the team building shows like ALL THE SMOKE and KG Certified.
As a young kid Eric spent time with his dad watching every movie possible, finding himself enjoying the films and seeing different sides than most, an early sign that his creative mind was there!
As a three sport varsity athlete for three years which included a basketball conference championship it was football that ended up being the sport Eric pursued as he went to D3 Ithaca College. His College experience is where the journey starts to gain traction, meeting someone who would become his collaborator at Showtime two decades later.
As it happens for many people Eric found his life in a bit of a crossroads, he was a full time teacher and basketball coach all while creating content and doing film on the side, when he realized he wanted to go for it, and did he ever! He left the teaching profession and followed his passion, building his connections and resume along the way!
There are no flukes in this episode! This is a journey of hard work, “going for it” all combined with some timing and luck!
Eric Newman - Guesthttps://x.com/coachenew
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 144 - Myck Kabongo

Episode 144 has a quick check-in with a former McDonald’s All-American, Texas Longhorn and overseas pro, Myck Kabongo.
You probably remember the name for many reasons, however, the former Findlay Prep star has a great story and finds himself currently coaching with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G-League. Mitch gets the chance to chat with Myck in between practices and they discuss all things hoop-related; from where the passion of the game grew for him, to playing for Coach Hurley, Myck has great reflection on his journey up to this point.
The list of stars he has teamed up with or against is fantastic, and in May he decided that retirement was meant for him, however, Myck has been involved in the game since, working with our National Team, coaching youth and now working with pros. You’ll have to wait for part 2 to find out what he likes for cereal, in the meantime we thank Myck for being with us and wish him all the best on his continued hoops journey! Tap in!
Myck Kabongo - Guesthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myck_Kabongohttps://www.instagram.com/kabongofirehttps://x.com/MyckK9
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 143 - Allison McNeill

Finally the chance to chop it up with Canadian basketball royalty, the former Women’s National Team Coach, SFU women’s dynasty, high school and all in between as we have none other than Allison McNeill with us for Episode 143!
If for some reason you don’t know Allison’s story then let us remind you…..as a player- back-to-back Championships in both high school AND University, transferred to Division 1 Oregon, and played pro ball overseas. Life certainly changed for Allison when she made the move to Salmon Arm, where her and Bev Smith created a women’s high school dynasty, from there her hoops life took off!
Once playing wrapped up at the University of Oregon and a short stint overseas, Allison came back home and found herself in Revelstoke with a teaching and coaching job, knowing for a long time that she wanted to become a coach. From there she continued to develop her craft, watching the National team practice on VHS and in person, building her notes and helping grow the game anyway she possibly could.
After she moved to the lower mainland and coached at a couple of high schools the job came open at Simon Fraser University, she applied, got the job and never looked back. The mid 80’s and 90’s “up on the hill” found fantastic hoopers and people come through the program, all while being Nationally ranked at the NAIA level along the way!
Allison (alongside her lifelong partner and amazing hoops brain Mike) was then appointed the Senior Women’s National Team job after a couple of experiences with the student and junior teams. She takes great pride in the time put in with the program, watching the women climb in the world rankings with the pinnacle being a trip to the 2012 Olympics!
We could literally go on forever, just do yourself the favor and tap in to this episode with one of the greatest in Canadian history!
Allison McNeill- Guesthttps://bcsportshall.com/honoured_member/allison-mcneill/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_McNeillhttps://x.com/allisonmcneill
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/