A Hoops Journey

Episode 173 - The work it takes to become a cold 3 point shooter, managing struggles in the pro world, and making your name in the hoops world when being from a small community, with Bridget Carleton

Today’s episode comes in hot with one of the best Canadian hoopers to ever do it, and currently do it, Ms. Bridget Carleton. We get the chance to chop it up with the former All-American, Overseas pro, long time National Team Member and current WNBA star about so many different parts of her journey.
From small-town roots but a big heart, Bridget realized basketball was the sport she wanted to pursue in her high school years, but a healthy mental approach helped her understand there would be bumps along the way. That said, it was her first experience with Team Canada that she realized she belonged, and since then, her career has taken off. 
Drafted in 2019 by Connecticut and then getting released was the biggest eye opener for Bridget so far, and a time she is now grateful for as it was the parachute to drive her to greatness. Don’t skip over this one, Episode 173 is a banger! We thank Bridget for her time and wish her continued success!!!
Bridget Carleton  - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Carleton
https://www.instagram.com/bridgecarleton
https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/3906972/bridget-carleton
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 172 - Why anyone would become an author and the choice to write about Canada Basketball, figuring out what to put in the book, all with author of “The Golden Generation” Oren Weisfeld

“The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse”
Get your copy today! We sit down with the author of this recently released book and discuss how and why he decided to write it, the process and all in between.
Oren, a Western University grad and Toronto native, loved sports growing up as a kid and basketball started to really catch his eye when he attended powerhouse Oakwood High School. Following his love for sport and media, he finished his degree and hit the ground running. Since then Oren has been a freelance writer and ventured into many avenues so far in his young career.
We appreciate Oren’s time as he talks about his career to this point and how excited he is for the 2028 Olympics, the book has it all, from history to current players and it’s an easy, light read worth checking out! 
If you’re a hoop head this episode is a must!
Oren Weisfeld  - Guest
https://www.orenweisfeld.com
https://x.com/OrenWeisfeld
https://www.instagram.com/orenweisfeld
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 171 - Philosophies on personal growth and within your team, the struggle of navigating D1 hoops, why slowing down is good for you, and what the future holds with Mihai Raducanu

Let’s go! Today, we mix it up with the current head coach at Mohawk College, a former D1 player, skills and life coach, Mihai Raducanu!
We have a great conversation when the Romanian born who found himself in love with the game early, and once his family immigrated to Hamilton, it was over. Spending his high school years around great coaches and players, including former guest Kyle Julius Mihai started to gain interest at the D1 level. 
The self-admitted stoic had a great time at Coastal Carolina and, since then has been expanding his knowledge of the game across the world. Mihai is slowly turning the culture around at Mohawk and impacting the lives of many. Grab a pen and paper, the knowledge dropped in today’s episode is next level!
Mihai Raducanu - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/mihairaducanuofficial
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihai-raducanu-047728100
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/ 

Episode 170 - From Gatorade All-Ameican to topD1 recruit, finding the right program, coming back to play for Canada and thriving overseas, with Kyle Wiltjer

Episode 170 is live!
- 3 Oregon State Championships 
- 2011 McDonald’s All-American 
- University of Kentucky (2012 National Champion)
- Gonzaga University (A cool 20.6 and 6 RPG in his senior year) 
- Houston Rockets
- 10+ years as an overseas pro, and still rolling
The overall resume has to be one of the best we’ve seen on AHJ, but the dude we chop it up with is even better. Kyle Wiltjer grew up with a dad who put Canada first, and although Greg started hoops late at age 18, he ended up having a storied career as well, an example for Kyle to see and possibly follow!
As stated, that set the tone as Kyle grew up in Oregon, attending Jesuit high school and really flourishing as a player, BUT….he was a dual citizen and was available to play for Canada. Since then, the 6’10 shooter has played for the National Team many times; however Kyle has found himself back with the Senior squad after a short break, and as you will hear, it means a lot to him.
Between the Canada basketball experiences, Kyle attended two of the best NCAA programs in Kentucky and Gonzaga, and we discuss what it was like playing for both those coaching legends, and the style they brought! 
Wiltj comes across “cool as a fan”, but don’t get it twisted, this is one of Canada’s finest ever and an episode worth checking out. We chopped it up while on the road in Romania, so we really do appreciate Kyle’s time being with us! Tap in!
#ahoopsjourney
#podcast
#canadabasketball
#kylewiltjer
#gonzagabulldogs
#kentuckywildcats
Kyle Wiltjer - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Wiltjer
https://www.instagram.com/kwiltj
https://x.com/kwiltj
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/ 
 

Episode 169 - The steps to becoming a S&C coach. Team Canada and the G League with Garrett Blakey

Taking things behind the scenes with the side of our game that cannot be overlooked: strength and conditioning. Episode 169 has us sit down with current Lake City Stars and Canada Basketball Strength Coach, Garrett Blakey.
Garrett’s story is great; he has had strokes of luck but within that a lot of hard work and determination has him where he currently is. Fresh off the 2024 Paris games we go back a bit and discuss the special personalities on that team, and what the Olympics meant to him.
Mitch and Garrett discuss the current climate of S and C, what athletes and families should be looking for and so much more. This is great one, and we are grateful to Garrett for his time! Tap in!
Garrett Blakey  - Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-blakey-95bb2b128
https://www.instagram.com/garrettblakey
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 168 - Coaching an undefeated season, building a University program from humble beginnings with Carly Clarke

If you are any sort of hoops junkie, then this is an episode for you! Carly Clarke has been a U Sport athlete, Coach of the year, National  Champion and led a team to an UNDEFEATED season. On top of that, Carly has been steadily involved with our Women’s National program, where she most recently has come off leading Canada to the U23 Global Jam Gold Medal!
A proud and true “East Coaster”, Carly developed a love for the game in her hometown of Halifax, playing the game and always finding a way to attend the Men’s CIAU Championships at the old Metro Center.
This episode has insight, reflection, leadership, x and o’s and an absolute ton more! Don’t skip, just do your job; like, subscribe and download! We thank Coach for being with us!
Carly Clarke - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/carlyclarke83
https://x.com/carly_clarke
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 167 - Kyle Julius

We go back and have a part two episode with a guest who last time was just coming off coaching the London Lightning and overseas in Asia, to now being the Head Coach (CEBL COY) and General Manager of the Vancouver Bandits, Kyle Julius. 
This episode has it all, we answer a bunch of questions from the listeners, from the state of hoops in BC, to club ball, to what it takes to play or coach at the next level, you really want to check it out. 
Mitch and KJ also discuss the disappointing end to the Bandits CEBL season and how the franchise plans to learn and grow from it. No matter where you are in your Hoops Journey, Episode 167 is a certified banger!!!!!
Kyle Julius  - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/kylejulius33
https://x.com/juliushoops
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Julius
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 166 - Manny Dosanjh

Episode 166 takes us all the way to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Manny Dosanjh finds himself as an assistant coach with Western Michigan! 
Manny has a great journey, starting in Brampton, Ontario, with immigrant parents who allowed him to explore his interests in the game. Manny loved hooping and found himself to be talented, earning a scholarship to a small JUCO in Michigan.  After JC Manny walked on at Oral Roberts University and after some shoulder injuries, he decided to walk away from the game as a player.
Things turned quickly as Manny was offered an opportunity to coach at storied Orangeville Prep, and he jumped at the chance right away. After two years at Orangeville, he became a grad assistant at Michigan State, which led to his job at Western Michigan.  The journey is a good one, for any young coaches out there, it’s a great story to hear about what it takes! 
Just another example of the great coaching out there in Canada!
Tap in!
Manny Dosanjh   - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/coachmannyd/
https://wmubroncos.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/manny-dosanjh/4913
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 165 - Grant Audu

Finally, AHJ has the chance to connect with current @canadabasketball 3x3 player and overseas pro, Grant Audu. We were grateful to carve out some time with Grant as he was just back from a huge 3x3 circuit.
Grant has a great journey, from figuring out where to go for school in the States to coming home and playing ball at UBC, he’s proud of how far he has come and has some reflection that could have changed his path.
Nonetheless, Grant was a solid University player who had the opportunity to represent a top program in the country. When he’s not travelling the world with the 3x3 GOAT and former guest Steve Sir, he’s making music and his next pro contract! Thanks to Grant for tapping in with us!!!
Grant Audu  - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/hoopphilosophy/?hl=en
https://www.thebandits.ca/usports-bio---grant-audu
https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/grant-audu
 
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 164 - Justin Lee

BUCKETS AND BORDERS! A surprise mid-week episode as we have the opportunity to talk with Justin Lee, one of the many leaders behind B and B.
DISCLAIMER - Those in the local Vancouver community, get down to Brit Secondary, July 26th for the court reveal . The day starts at 11:00AM and we need the Hoop Heads out!
In a short amount of time, Buckets and Borders has gone from a pair of twin brothers putting stickers on backboards, to taking on major court renovation projects across Canada in the span of just a few years. Join Mitch and Justin Lee, as they talk about the why behind B and B, how it started and what needs to happen for it to continue. 
From Halifax, to Saskatchewan, to Montreal, the list of communities the B and B team has impacted runs deep. Basketball is a special game that brings special people together, and it was an honour to have Justin speak on behalf of his team to share their story and love for the game! Tap in!!
Justin Lee  - Guest
https://bucketsandborders.com/blogs/news/ctv-interview-with-justin-lee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlee88/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJpZgSpvUdB/
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/