A Hoops Journey

Episode 138 - Aaron Mitchell Q&A

A hoops journey finds itself in Vegas this week so it’s a brief Q&A with Mitch and Mitch only! We cover the game between the US and Canada on Wednesday, some thoughts on local hoops, how to improve within the club AND high school system and more! A fun episode tap in!!!
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 137 - John Dykstra

Another triple OG joins us on AHJ! We know this is a guest the people have wanted for a long time! Stop for a second……there are serious layers to this episode. Many in the BC hoops community would know John as the outgoing and fun personality he is, however, his story has lots of details you might not know.Growing up in Chilliwack, BC, John fell in love with hoops after the mentorship and guidance of his Grade 5 teacher who made him believe in himself. From there John spent most summers heading to camps in the United States, staying with family and stacking up against American talent!!After two dominant years in high school, the Provincial (Yup, jumped over 3 people!!) slam dunk champion got what he finally wanted; a Division 1 scholarship offer. The offer was from a small school deep in the United States, Tennessee Tech University. Once John steps on campus is where his journey really starts to take twists and turns, and where we will stop typing and you should start listening. Ironically this episode drops over Canada Day weekend, a time that changed John’s life forever. After diving into shallow water John had a moment where he thought his life was over, breaking his neck and unable to move in the water he had the literal “flash before my eyes” moment, but it wasn’t meant to be for him. He went on to have a risky surgery that worked, rehabbed his way back to health and finished his eligibility at UBC!! Tap in!Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 136 - Blake Murphy

“Why Not?”
For those who don’t know Blake Murphy’s story, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. The Cambridge, Ontario native was born and raised a hockey kid, spending time at the rink only until a change in scenery for him and a new friend group exposed him to the game of basketball.
During high school, Blake and his crew found a love for the game and enjoyed hooping together. After his Grade 12 year, like many teenagers Blake, had no idea where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do. After spending time in University he decided to head west and do his Masters in Journalism at UBC. With that move a big opportunity to work with the university's athletic teams in many different facets came about, from sports writing, to play-by-play and all in between. This is a sports junkie's dream and Blake dove in head first, covering numerous teams and gaining as much experience as he possibly could.
During his program at UBC Blake landed a job at The Score network, an offer he couldn’t refuse so he packed up and moved back to the Toronto area. At The Score Blake did a lot of reporting and writing, trying to build his craft. Because of this, his stories and reports start to gain eyes, with the likes of The Athletic and others who come knocking for his work.
Blake is now on Sportsnet covering the Blue Jays full-time but still has a huge passion for the game of hoops (Shoutout Raptors Republic). Mitch and Blake talk the future of the Raptors, Canada Basketball, and how he thinks the Olympics will shape out! This a unique episode with a hard-working and classy guy, our listeners will definitely enjoy this one, nothing but the best for Blake and his future endeavours! tap in!
Blake Murphyhttps://blakemurphy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/eblakemurphy
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 135 - Marcus Carr

If you follow hoops, especially NCAA then you know the name! Episode 135 was fantastic as Mitch chops it up with former Texas Longhorn and Montverde basketball player, Marcus Carr.
A Toronto native Marcus found himself following around his big bro @duanenotice at a super early age. Marcus often notes in this episode the importance of having Duane as an example to him. (Sidenote, Mitch slipped up and forgot to ask who Marcus most important people are, however we know Duane would be one for sure!)
As a young, talented baller Marcus felt the right move for him was to transfer to Montverde in Florida so he could pursue a D1 path, but also to compete against the best night in and night out. Playing on a top ranked team with multiple future NBA players was an experience Marcus will never forget, in the end leading him to choose PITT for his freshman year.
After a rocky season for the PITT athletic department Marcus felt he needed a change and decided to transfer to Minnesota under the guidance of Richard Pitino where he averaged 19ppg. The NCAA deemed Marcus ineligible due to transfer rules (Which are much different now), so he had to red shirt his first year before playing.
It doesn’t end there as Marcus decided one more time to transfer and head to the prestigious University of Texas to play of the Longhorns. Marcus ended up being a 5th year senior and had two great seasons at Texas, leading them to the NCAA tournament and averaging 16ppg in his senior year.
The former Big 12 and Big 10 All-Team player is now in between pro contracts and looking to continue his career overseas. We loved this episode for a variety of reasons and you will too, make sure you tap in and Thank you Marcus for being with us!
Marcus Carrhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Carrhttps://www.basketball.ca/athlete/marcus-carr
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 134 - Miranda Ayim

Today’s episode is with one of the most decorated Canadian hoopers ever, Ms. Miranda Ayim! The three-time Olympian, Japan Team Canada flag bearer and overseas pro has such a great conversation with Mitch!
We go back and talk about Miranda as a young person, what it’s like going through a growth spurt at a young age, especially as a female, and lots more. After high school, Miranda went all the way west to Pepperdine University to not only hoop (One of the all-time great women's basketball players in Pepperdine program history, Ayim was a three-time All-WCC first-team selection during her four-year career. Ayim is Pepperdine's eighth-leading scorer with 1,377 points, ranks ninth with 735 career rebounds and is the program leader with 182 career blocks) but for school as well. At Pepperdine, Miranda was even the Division I-AAA ADA Scholar-Athlete of the Year!!
Later in the episode, we take a trip down memory lane discussing Team Canada, the Olympics, playing overseas, the WNBA, NIL and so much more. Miranda has a great energy and spirit about her, she continues to lead and guide many in her profession and will do so for years to come. It was an honour and privilege to chat with Miranda, hear more of her story and have some fun connecting. This episode you won’t want to miss, Tap in!
Miranda Ayimhttps://mirandaayim.com/https://www.instagram.com/mjayimhttps://olympic.ca/team-canada/miranda-ayim
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 133 - Adam Olsen

Episode 133 with 2024 Canada West All-Rookie, Adam Olsen. It was fun to sit down with the recently drafted Vancouver Bandit to talk further about his high school years and rookie season.
Born and raised in South Surrey and being the youngest of three Adam learned to be a competitor and loved the game at an early age. From there and with a big growth spurt the UBC Forward found a group of buddies for life all on the same block, which ended up becoming the Elgin Park High School team. Under the guidance of legends Kirk Homenick (CC: @hardbitechips) and Mike McDonnell, the Orcas made two straight trips to the BC’s with deep runs.
After a successful Grade 11 year, playing on Team B.C. and seeing the AAU scene, Adam took time going back and forth about where he wanted to go, in the end deciding early in his grade 12 year that the T-Birds were the right place for him. Last season was one of personal growth both physically and mentally with Adam finding himself playing key minutes for a majority of the season, averaging 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. He reflects on what he has learned, the power of routines and gives really good advice to young players about what’s appropriate to send to a post-secondary coach and what’s not.
After his upcoming off-season with the Bandits under the guidance of Kyle Julius, Adam is excited to get back with UBC and see if they can make it to the Final 8 consistently once again! We know Adam is just getting started and we wish him all the best in his future, more to come!
Ep. 133 is live, tap in!
To see more of the work Josh has made you can find it on his website https://www.joshkahn.tv/.
We thank Josh for being with us!
Tap in!
Adam Olsenhttps://www.instagram.com/adam_0lsenhttps://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/adam_olsen
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 132 - Josh Kahn

Episode 132 is a banger as we dive into the life of a gentleman who has found himself behind the scenes in the professional sports world and NBA; Josh Kahn. A New York native Josh has an interesting story about how he has been able to carve out a life of directing and film/content producing.
From starting at NYU film school, then interning at NBC Josh slowly built his resume right before the economy crashed in the United States. From there a funny but also inspiring story about going after something you want has Josh landing a position as the senior creative producer for the Chicago Bulls! With the Bulls, Josh had to really find his skill set as his role was a pretty unique one for that time; not many NBA teams were creating content and it wasn’t a priority yet.
Using his interpersonal skills to connect with players like Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler, Josh has great reflection and insight on what it takes to keep moving forward in the industry.
After his time with the Bulls, Josh gets a unique opportunity to work for Uninterrupted led by Maverick Carter and Lebron James, leading to Josh being involved in many major projects. Josh is an award-winning director and holds a unique (not so anymore) hidden talent which has become a fun little adventure for him. A creative, insightful and talented person this episode has some great stories and conversation.
To see more of the work Josh has made you can find it on his website https://www.joshkahn.tv/.
We thank Josh for being with us!
Tap in!
Josh Kahnhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm1939746/https://www.instagram.com/joshkahn.tv
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 131 - Chris Porteous

A local BC Legend joins us on A Hoops Journey today; Mr. Chris Porteous. Chris's basketball life is literally a “journey”, one that is full of ups, downs and so many in-betweens. The 2-time Provincial Champion and former MVP goes back to tell us about his early life, growing up in Whistler and then moving all the way to Montreal.
From there Chris finds himself back in Vancouver at the age of 12 and stepping into the historical program at Kitsilano Secondary. Chris took off and built a huge name for himself in the hoops world, filling the bucket and being one of the best players in the Province for a two-year dominant run. Alongside many great teammates Kits was able to be one of the few programs to win back-to-back Championships.
The important part of this episode is how Chis reflects on his struggles with school, and how being able to go to post-secondary wasn’t as easy for him as it might be for many. In the end, Chris found himself at Cap University College under Paul Eberhardt. Chris dominated the league in his rookie year being the leading scorer and helping guide the Blues to the Nationals.
After Cap Chris then has a turn with basketball where he tries to find himself as a person, working hard and trying to figure out what his future might be. Today he is an employee for Safe Schools and coaching with one of the local clubs in Vancouver, knowing he will have and is having an impact on kids means the world to Chris. What an episode, so many takeaways and possibly some things you may have not known about him. Episode 131 is legendary! Tap in!
Chris Porteoushttps://www.raincitybasketball.ca/coaches
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 130 - Ro Russell

Today we chop it up with a coach whose name has been mentioned many times on AHJ, Ro Russell. Coach Ro has an extensive resume with ties to many people in our game not only in Canada but in all of North America.
At an early age, the Jamaican immigrant was taking notes from his entrepreneurial parents and started his vision at the ripe age of 18. Decades ago Coach Ro started taking club teams and programs across America and many say he was the first to do so!
Coach has great reflection on the things he’s learned along the way, sometimes not always the greatest moments but lessons that have helped him get to where he is today. Yes, the man is still coaching after all this time and he’s doing his best to impact the youth and find them places to hoop!
Mitch and coach also discuss the current state of AAU in Ontario compared to other Provinces, if the high school game can last and so much more! An episode you need to check out, we thank Coach for being with us! Tap in!
Ro Russellhttps://www.instagram.com/coachrorussellhttps://twitter.com/CoachRoRussell
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
Sponsors: PGC Basketballhttps://pgcbasketball.com/
Parkside Breweryhttps://www.theparksidebrewery.com/
ATO Basketball Merchantshttps://www.atobball.com/

Episode 129 - Michael Bartlett

On Episode 129 of A Hoops Journey, we get a unique opportunity to sit down with the CEO of Canada Basketball Michael Bartlett. Growing up around sports and loving the intricacies that came with it, Michael had a passion for all but baseball is what stood out most! After being in a good job role with MLSE the job at Canada Basketball came open and Michael jumped at the opportunity, feeling like it was exactly what he needed. Since that time (3 years ago come March), Michael and his team have worked tirelessly to build Canada into a hoops nation!Mitch and Michael have great conversation around values, being vulnerable and the importance of being open-minded as a leader. Further to that, they discuss the upcoming Olympics, why Canada basketball fans should fear no more, and so many other great things!A fun episode and a great snapshot of what happens at Canada basketball, this episode is for all the real heads out there! Thank you to Michael for being with us, and we’ll see you in Vegas!Michael Bartletthttps://www.basketball.ca/news/canada-basketball-president-ceo-michael-bartlett-selected-to-fiba-americas-boardhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrobertbartlett/?originalSubdomain=caAaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/Sponsors: PGC Basketballhttps://pgcbasketball.com/Parkside Breweryhttps://www.theparksidebrewery.com/ATO Basketball Merchantshttps://www.atobball.com/