A Hoops Journey

Episode 116 - 23 Years in the Making

Special Episode!
Rest in Peace to Greg Francis who passed away on April 2nd, 2023. Greg was an integral part of the 2000 team and a great person and teammate
From 2000 to now! Well, WE DID IT! @canadabasketball has qualified on the men’s side for the first time since the 2000 Olympics in Australia! As a show we thought it would be fun to revisit those memories with a few of the ones that did it- Jay Triano, Andrew Mavis, Eric Hinrichsen, Todd MacCulloch, Shawn Swords, Jonny Lee and Peter Guarasci!
The fellas go back in time and think about their own experience combined with the emotions they felt when realizing Canada had made the Olympics for 2024! Some great insight, thoughts and Canadian pride in this episode plus a guest appearance from a young up-and-coming journalist and hoop head Alex Adams! Alex was on the sidelines in Jakarta reporting on the FIBAWC games and bringing great insight through his podcasts with Raptors Republic.
It goes without saying that if you love basketball in our Country you need to check this one out! Congratulations to every single player, coach, manager, staff, media, parent, etc who had some part in this journey! 23 years gone in a flash and there’s only more to come! Episode 116 is live!!!!!
#AHoopsJourney
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Jay Triano, Andrew Mavis, Eric Hinrichsen, Todd MacCulloch, Shawn Swords, Jonny Lee and Peter Guarasci
Alex Adamshttps://twitter.com/AlexAdamsBTPhttps://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2023/08/25/canada-rout-france-win-2023-fiba-wc-opener/
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 115 - James Karnik

Our latest episode was a unique one in terms of talking with a player from BC who hardly played in BC in his younger years. Across the span of this show, there are some original experiences and takeaways for our listeners as James reflects on an early leap to basketball in the United States. After returning from the AAU / Prep system James talks about his next moves as well as the why and how he ended up committing to Division 1 Lehigh University, then transferring to Boston College in the middle of Covid.
James has some great thoughts on the system here in BC, why kids need mentorship and guidance, and how he’s trying to do his best to impact the youth in BC and Canada. As he currently recovers from a knee injury he is anticipating getting back on the court and playing pro overseas to continue what is sure to be a successful career. Whether it’s pro ball or representing the Czech National team you can guarantee hard work and desire on the court, much like this episode! We wish James all the best and know you need to check this one out!
#AHoopsJourney
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: James Karnikhttps://www.instagram.com/jameskarnikhttps://www.thebandits.ca/roster/james-karnikhttps://bceagles.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/james-karnik/13963
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 114 - Dave Crook

Episode 114 has us sitting down with the Wesmen legend himself; Dave Crook. Coach Crook (And current Athletic Director at the University of Winnipeg) has been around the game a long time and worked to develop many programs across Canada. Dave’s career starts early with a young Michael Grange (Episode 111), all the way to Lethbridge under unique circumstances.
Dave was not only a U Sport coach, he worked with Canada Basketball from 1996-2005 all while creating some great memories and stories that he shared with us. When Dave talks you can hear what those National team years meant to him, the photo in this profile is connected to a story he tells on the episode!
Between enjoy lake life in the summer and getting the Wesmen athletic programs ready, Dave reflects on his life and what’s left for him in his future. We really thank Dave for being with us, if you have come across this man you most likely left with a smile. Episode 114 is a great one, enjoy!
Reach out to us at ahoopsjourney@gmail.com
Podcast Guest: Dave Crookhttps://wesmen.ca/staff-directory/dave-crook/56https://usports.ca/en/news/2018/04/363943933/getting-to-know-dave-crook-winnipeghttps://www.uwinnipeg.ca/foundation/donor-recognition/why-i-give/2021/12/why-i-give-dave-crook.html
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 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/