A Hoops Journey

Episode 113 - Jamie McNeilly

Episode 113!! We hope you are all soaking up the last days of summer!
This is one for the ages. Jamie is a young man who has worked hard and now finds himself as an assistant with TCU men's basketball. Jamie’s story goes back to growing up in Toronto and playing lots of hoops, however not realizing what it took to go play Division 1 made for an interesting path.
A wild story about Hurricane Katrina, playing for and working with Buzz Williams, mentoring Jimmy Butler and our former guest Junior Cadougan- this episode really has it all!!
This is one you might have to play twice, it was a pleasure to chat with Jamie and hear his story. As he says at the end of the episode we need to keep sharing and letting people know the path that was built so we thank him for being with us! Episode 113 is a must!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: Jamie McNeillyhttps://gofrogs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jamie-mcneilly/1018https://www.basketball.ca/coaches/jamie-mcneillyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-mcneilly-2426609a/https://twitter.com/CoachMcNeilly
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 112 - Emmy Unaegbu

For Ep 112 we sit down with the current @nba Basketball Operations Manager for Europe and the Middle East, Emmy Unaegbu.
From Vancouver to Port Coquitlam, to SFU and beyond Emmy unpacks his life and journey on how he made it to his current destination; Abu Dhabi. Emmy’s story is a great one, a hard-working and consistent basketball player who excelled at many levels and has used those skills to translate to his work and personal life, this episode has lots of “minor details” you might want to hear.
Plenty of great takeaways, reflection on showing up even when you aren’t invited, and how the power of LinkedIn found him a career……it was great to catch up with Emmy and go back in time! Appreciate you family.
Ep 112 is live!
#AHoopsJourney #Canada #CanadaBasketball #JRnba #Basketball
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: Emmy UnaegbuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emunaegbuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-c-unaegbu
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 111 - Michael Grange

Michael Grange is a renowned sports columnist, radio personality, and television commentator associated with Rogers Sportsnet. With a vast knowledge of sports and a keen analytical mind, Grange has made significant contributions to the world of sports journalism.
Grange's journey in sports began at an early age, fueled by his passion for athletics. Growing up, he developed a deep appreciation for various sports and became captivated by their intricacies. This love for sports paved the way for his future career as a sports writer.
After completing his education, Grange embarked on his professional journey in the world of sports media with The Globe and Mail. 16 years later he joined Rogers Sportsnet, a leading sports network in Canada, where he gained recognition for his insightful analysis and engaging writing style. Grange's work as a columnist resonated with readers, establishing him as a respected authority in the field.
Over the years, Grange has covered a wide range of sports, including basketball, hockey, baseball, and football. His in-depth knowledge and ability to provide thoughtful commentary on games, players, and industry trends have earned him a loyal following of fans and readers.
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: Michael GrangeSportsnet: https://www.sportsnet.ca/insiders/michael-grange/Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelgrangeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grange-7b27a913
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 110 - Marial Shayok

Know the name? If not then tap in and think of Team Canada, University of Virginia, Iowa State and all the way to the Philadelphia 76ers. Marial has years ahead of him and after a positive season with the Maine Celtics, he looks forward to signing somewhere soon. Marial takes us back to his time growing up in Ottawa being surrounded by four siblings (two who were serious hoopers), and his father who is a former D1 basketball player. In his Grade 12 year, Marial made the decision to move from St. Patrick’s high school to the storied program at Blair Academy in New Jersey, where names like Luol Deng and Charlie Villanueva also attended. From there the decision on which school to attend became a tough one. After committing to Marquette, then head coach Buzz Williams left for Virginia Tech so Marial decided to attend the University of Virginia instead. Some great insight and thoughts about his three years there, but in the end he ultimately decided to transfer for his senior year at Iowa State where he averaged 19 ppg in 2018-19, was an Associate Press Honorable Mention All-American and BIG 12 Tournament MVP. The ups, downs and in-between are all in Episode 110. Marial shows great reflection and understanding of who he is all while staying positive and reflecting on where he’s come. Anyone in the Ottawa region check out the showcase we have shared and support Marial’s push to grow the game! We wish him nothing but the best going forward, Episode 110 is live!Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.comPodcast Guests: Marial ShayokWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marial_ShayokTwitter: https://twitter.com/marialshayokEspn: https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3138201/marial-shayokAaron 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 109 - Dani Langford

Dani Langford’s story to the @warriors is amazing. The current manager of player rehabilitation and 2022 NBA Champion goes into deep detail about the importance of relationships and mentors, citing both Alex McKechnie and Rick Celibrini as driving forces to her success.
As a player, Dani won Provincial and National Championships, including TWO undefeated seasons with the SFU Women’s program under the leadership and guidance of her dad - our former guest on Episode 93!
A team-first player and person, Dani quickly tries to scroll by the fact that she was a multiple Can West all-star and CIS tournament MVP winner.
After basketball Dani follows her academic pursuit all the way to Australia and at times thought she may never come back. From there life takes many twists and turns that have now found her in the Bay Area in a fantastic, but busy role and position. At times our listeners may wonder “what it takes” to reach these certain levels and this episode will give you great insight into that………not to mention being a woman in a male dominant industry!
We really appreciate Dani taking the time during her short off-season to be with us. To our local BC listeners come see her and Alex speak at their clinic on August 1st in Langley!
Episode 109 is live! Tap in!
#AHoopsJourney #GoldenStateWarriors #SFUBasketball

Episode 108 - Diego Maffia

Episode 108 - Diego Maffia
For episode 108 we have a very special guest Diego Maffia! 2023 Canada West Player of the Year, dropped 96 points in a high school game and was recently selected 6th overall by the Vancouver Bandits.
Diego comes on the podcast to talk about growing up in Brazil and moving to Vancouver Island in 2015, the power of community and the importance of giving back, finding his footing at Oak Bay and having a historic high school career, playing for the Vikes and the university experience, and shares his dreams of going pro. 
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guests: Diego Maffiahttps://www.thebandits.ca/roster/diego-maffia
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 107 - Kevin Love Fund

“Everyone is going through something that we can’t see.” - @kevinlove
Kevin Love has been very open about his personal struggles after a public moment years ago. Since that time it’s been Kevin’s mission to help change people’s perspective on mental health.
Mitch sits down with Ellie and Sara from the @kevinlovefund to talk about an important program for school teachers, and how we can support the young people in our lives. Episode 107 is based on a basketball player's story but it’s so much more than that, an important listen for all of us as we work our way through life and the challenges we face.
We hope you enjoy this surprise drop episode, thanks to the great people at KLF for being with us. Feel free to find out more info at kevinlovefund.org! Best of luck to Kevin and his Miami Heat on their historic playoff run!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guests: Kevin Love Fund - Ellie and SaraWebsite: https://kevinlovefund.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlovefundTwitter: https://twitter.com/kevinlovefundMedia: https://www.si.com/nba/2022/09/21/kevin-love-fund-free-mental-health-curriculum
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 106 - Patrick Tatham

Back like we never left! Episode 106 has us connecting with current McMaster head coach Patrick Tatham. “PT” and Mitch go back in time to discuss a variety of things; from some poor decision-making as a young person that led to a unique opportunity involving basketball, and why a small D1 school was the right choice.
Patrick’s coaching journey has been a unique one as well, from assistant coaching roles to the G league with a former guest of the show and now leading a storied University program. Patrick talks mentorship from a former guest and the future of the U19 men’s team he is going to lead this summer. The goals and standards are high, we wish the squad best of luck!
No better way to spend your Friday than downloading and subscribing to your favourite hoops podcast! Thank you to our sponsors @parksidebrewery @pgc_hoops and @atobball.
As always to you—our listeners, we see and appreciate you!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guests: Patrick TathamWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_TathamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tatham-099a881b
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 105 - Marek Klassen

In Episode 105, we catch up with Marek Klassen, a former BC superstar and current French professional athlete. Marek takes us back to his childhood days where he grew up under the guidance of his father, Dave, who was heavily involved in coaching Athletes In Action. From an early age, Marek was surrounded by professionals and witnessed the dedication required to excel in sports. During the episode, Marek, the former 2010 AAA Champion and Most Valuable Player for the Yale Lions, shares fascinating stories from his experiences playing collegiate basketball in the US, professional basketball overseas, and even for his hometown team, the Vancouver Bandits! You don't want to miss this episode, so tune in and remember to like, subscribe, and spread the word to your friends!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: Marek KlassenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marekklassenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarekKlassen3/Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marek_Klassen
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 104 - Alan Tait

Welcome to Episode 104 of A Hoops Journey, where we have the pleasure of hosting Alan Tait, considered one of the greatest BC high school basketball players of all time. Alan takes us through his remarkable journey, sharing his experiences playing for the dominant Richmond Colts and achieving success in high school. He also shares his experience of being one of the first Canadians to play Division 1 basketball and playing alongside AC Green at Oregon State. Alan reflects on the profound impact that basketball has had on his life during this trip down memory lane. Thank you for listening!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Aaron Mitchell - HostInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
Podcast Guests: Alan Tait
Sponsors:PGC Basketballhttps://pgcbasketball.com/
Parkside Breweryhttps://www.theparksidebrewery.com/
ATO Basketball Merchantshttps://www.atobball.com/