A Hoops Journey

Episode 128 - Ben Howland

With the madness of March just around the corner, it’s perfect timing to sit down with a long-time Division 1 basketball coach and 2002 Naismith Coach of the Year; Ben Howland.
Born in Oregon but growing up in Santa Barbara, Coach Howland fell in love with the game like many of our former guests; he was invited to check out a neighbourhood youth league and it all went from there! Shout out to the Goleta Boys and Girls Club! Developing and growing his skills as a player, Ben then had his eyes set on Division 1 and he ended up going the Junior College route first, with his final years being played out at Weber State.
From there Coach had some great opportunities as an assistant, including being a graduate assistant at Gonzaga and having to guard future HOF PG John Stockton! Ben got his first head coaching gig at the University of Northern Arizona where he turned the program from one of the worst in the whole NCAA to Conference Champions and the schools first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament in 1997-98. (Yes you are correct, our friend and former guest Andrew Mavis was a key part of this tournament run and program turnaround).
From Northern Arizona to PITT, then onto UCLA Coach Howland gives great reflection on how he approached each program with a different lens and mindset on who he wanted to recruit and why, finding a way to lead all those programs (including NAU) to a tournament appearance.
At UCLA coach worked with numerous future overseas and NBA pros, most notably names like Jrue Holiday, Kevin Love, Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook. He also led the Bruins to three straight Final Fours from 2006-2008.
The last chapter finds Ben at Mississippi State where in 2018-19 he took his team to yet another Tournament appearance, their first since 2009 (Sidenote- Only a handful of coaches have led four programs to March Madness appearances, with Coach Howland being one of them). His resume, pedigree and experience speak for themselves, this episode is fantastic and one you really won’t want to miss.
In the meantime please don’t forget to like, share and subscribe, we thank Coach Howland for being with us! Tap in!
Ben Howlandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Howlandhttps://twitter.com/ben_howland
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 127 - Jasmine Bascoe

Episode 127 is an opportunity to meet and know more about young gun, Villanova commit and National Team member; Jasmine Bascoe. Someone who shows maturity and game beyond her age, Mitch and Jasmine have a great conversation about life and hoops!
Early in the episode, Mitch realizes that Jasmine is indeed the daughter of Shane, a former CCAA All-Canadian and Player of the Year! From there the conversation turns to having a family so tied to the game (Mom and older brother included) and what that means for the Bascoe’s. Jasmine is another product of being around hoops at a young age, finding herself riding her bike and watching her dad’s team practices from day one! From there she was drawn to the sport and everything that came with it, embracing and enjoying the grind to get better and hopefully play Division 1 for her Country.
Knowing that Jasmine has her best years ahead of her, she discusses how she was able to become the player she is, why representing her Country means so much to her, having a positive mindset during COVID, being called up an age level for Team Canada and why Villanova felt like home!!
Next up are the playoffs for her Kings Christian team and then getting ready for post-secondary! We will be watching, and wish Jasmine all the best in her future career!
Tap in!
Jasmine Bascoehttps://www.basketball.ca/athlete/jasmine-bascoehttps://www.instagram.com/jasminebascoe
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 126 - Steve Baur

Episode 126 has us chopping it up with long-time coach and specifically with our women’s national teams; Steve Baur. Steve truly has one of the most unique stories out there with his career starting in an unorthodox way.
After spending time finishing his degree and coaching some community ball in his hometown, Steve then has a few opportunities that come across his table, luckily for him he decided to go for it and follow his heart!
Steve ends up going all the way to Brandon, Manitoba where he and Mitch first met. Helping take over the women’s program in a rebuild, Steve and long-time mentor Les Berry stayed the course recruiting and trying to get the lady Bobcats on the map. From there is where things get wild, moving to coaching the Men’s program in Brandon, heading back to his alma mater and so much in between, this episode cannot be missed.
Throw in his experience with Canada Basketball to this day, Steve carries one of the best coaching stories in Canada, he offers great reflection and insight, sit back and enjoy this one!
Steve Baurhttps://twitter.com/coachbaur?langhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-baur-a1396545
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 125 - Sean Anthony

Episode 125 might be one of the most unique stories you’ve heard to this day! Sean Anthony is a born and raised Vancouverite but his path turned into an interesting one.
A young Sean was not exposed to the game early on, and it wasn’t until he made the move to St. George’s School that he was introduced to the game and why it was so great. From there Sean played Provincial team, and had successful high school years but carries some interesting reflection on why his grade 12 year maybe wasn’t as heavy a recruiting list as he would have hoped!
Ending up at McGill, where the coach that recruited him had left made for another interesting experience where Sean persevered learning lots about himself and his game! In 2010 Sean was the 6th overall pick and adjusted to the pro game quickly! Fast forward to today, Sean is a long-standing PBA basketball player, with many career and league highlights!
We also touch on things like perspective on business and life after hoops! A great story that shows how many paths there are for us and the game, tap in and hear more about Sean! Let’s go!
Sean Anthonyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Anthony_(basketball)https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Sean-Anthony/Summary/40329
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 124 - Andrew Parker

From the heart of Edmonton and beyond we have the chance to chop it up with a hooper, an educator, a strong human, and someone who is motivated to make the world a better place; Andrew Parker.
A Caribbean native and family man, Andrew immigrated to Canada in 1976 and his family made an impact on the local community. It didn’t take long for Andrew to realize he was athletic, however translating that to becoming a hooper was the challenge Andrew was ready for and it took off from there! For those who know, this man is one of the best dunkers in 🇨🇦 history!
Some life choices and trouble meant Andrew had to go to Concordia College to prove he was ready for the U Sport level. It seemed like destiny as all Andrew wanted was to follow the footsteps of his older brother to the University of Alberta and play for the Golden Bears! Andrew worked hard at his craft and knew he was built for all that came and more. From there AP finished his teaching degree, started coaching again and found himself to be a huge positive influence for many in his community.
This episode really has it all, we hope you and yours have a great holiday season and are thankful for Andrew taking the time to be with us!
Andrew Parkerhttps://andrewgparker.com
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 123 - Kayla Alexander

Are we really 123 episodes in? Damn right we are, and we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon! We have an all-time episode for you today as we chop it up with Syracuse grad and multiple record holder, WNBA draft pick, current professional in Paris and long-time national team member Kayla Alexander!
ATHLETE. ARTIST. ADVENTURER. AUTHOR. SPEAKER
Considered to be a “vet” with @canadabasketball now, we go back with Kayla to discover her roots and experience as a young person. For those that don’t know Kayla comes from an athletic family where competition ran high! Trying to sum up the accomplishments of this star in one write-up would just not do justice. More than just one of Canada’s all-time hoopers Kayla has worked hard to be a well-rounded person, with the most important being an example for the young women of our future! There’s so many layers to this episode, tap in and take note!Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Kayla Alexanderhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayla_Alexanderhttps://www.kaylaalexander.net
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 122 - Duane Notice

Today’s episode is a banger for many reasons! We sit down with current Vancouver Bandits guard and former Division 1 star; Duane Notice.
Born from Jamaican roots and growing up in Toronto there was no option for Duane other than the game we all love. In his senior season of high school Duane made the decision to go to Prep school in Connecticut, opening up more opportunities and the chance to have Frank Martin visit his home. The Notice family loved what coach had to say and committed to the young South Carolina program hoping all would go well.
Needless to say, it did! Duane played many different roles at South Carolina with the pinnacle being a trip to the 2017 Final 4; the first and only time South Carolina has been.
The 2010 Jordan Brand Classic International MVP and 2016 SEC defensive player of the year also reflects on battling through injuries, the important role of Kyle Julius and others in his life, being on the West Coast and so much more! Duane is also a huge movie guy, hosting his own podcast @scenesdm, where him and his guy @mervm_22 discuss all things cinema!
You will love this episode and hear from a player who’s been in the trenches and still in it. We wish Duane the best going forward, that he recovers well and is prepared to help lead the Bandits next year! Tap in!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Duane Noticehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duane_Noticehttps://twitter.com/DuuTakeNoticehttps://www.instagram.com/duunoticehttps://www.basketball.ca/athlete/duane-notice
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 121 - Josh Masters

This one! It could be the highlight dunks or the half-court shots, but either way, you know the name! A special episode as Mitch was a former teammate of Josh and they grew up playing Provincial team together and battling each other in high school.
Josh takes us back and shares a bunch about his young life that many might not know. Always a great athlete Josh talks about why hockey was his first love, how basketball became part of his life and how McNair High was the right school for him!
Josh has a great perspective on life and hoops, understanding the importance of a certain coach this podcast is familiar with, getting close to winning a national title (twice), hooping for the Harlem Crowns and all in between!
The dolphin park dunk champion now finds himself in Victoria, BC surrounded by a growing family and loved ones. We really appreciate Joshy coming on and sharing more of his story with us, a true BC legend you don’t want to miss this one!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Josh Mastershttps://gobobcats.ca/news/2020/4/19/alumni-spotlight-josh-masters.aspx
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 120 - Gordie Herbert

When do you get the chance to connect with someone who can call themselves a FIBA Basketball gold medal champion? Before this summer one of the best Canadian player/coach stories out there might have been unknown, however now all you need to do is a quick search and find out not only is Gordie an accomplished coach but a player as well.
Born and raised in Penticton, BC, we peel back the layers for coach and find out he’s a huge hockey fan! Unfortunately, Gordie grew a little too much and ended up at Idaho State Junior College with two goals in mind: playing Division 1 and playing for Team Canada. Gordie can check those both off as he transferred to Idaho for two years and suited up for Team Canada on multiple occasions, including the Olympics.
Mitch and Coach discuss the importance of mentorship, why he thinks Ken Shields is the greatest basketball mind Canada has ever seen, his thoughts on adversity and how it shapes us, plus the background of sports psychology and what it’s done for him and his teams over the years. We also get Gordie’s thoughts on the difference between European systems at the youth age Vs what happens here in Canada.
Of course, we had to break down a ton on what happened this summer, his relationship with Dennis Schroder, and why this past German team was so unified and together. This is a must-listen! Best of luck to Coach Herbert and Germany at the Olympics!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Gordie HerbertCanada Basketball: https://www.basketball.ca/coaches/gordie-herbertWiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Herbert
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 119 - Joe Raso

You most likely know the name if you’ve been around the game, and if not then tune in and get to know more about the current Director of Basketball Operations for the @cebl; Mr. Joe Raso.
A true Canadian and gentleman who represents Hamilton to the fullest, we go back with coach and talk about his upbringing in an immigrant family and how the game we all love was drawn to him.
As stated, coach worked tirelessly in his backyard, Hamilton, growing as a coach becoming an assistant at McMaster early on and then going back to the high school game before becoming the head coach at Mac. Fast forward 18 years at Mac, multiple OUA titles, national championship appearances, All-Canadians coached and time with our national team, Joe finds himself in a unique role with the CEBL and is excited about this growing league's future!
Add in some personal reflection on his love for the high school game, why sometimes being the best player on your team is important, and having a son who’s still involved you have one heck of an episode. An opportunity to learn and hear from a great, tap into Ep 119!#AHoopsJourney
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Joe RasoTwitter: https://twitter.com/coachraso
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/