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A Hoops Journey
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Today, we chop it up with one of only TWO Canadian Division 1 head coaches, Stonehill College’s Chris Kraus. Chris has a deep lineage of basketball; his father was a coach at legendary Markham High School, and Chris followed the team around at a young age.
Because of that situation, it seemed like basketball was always going to be, and although Chris was involved in a bunch of sports he couldn’t break the passion for hoops. He excelled at the game and even found himself playing in the historical grassroots program alongside the likes of Denham Brown and Jermaine Anderson.
After a couple of attempts at pro hoops, Chris realized it was time, and he dove right into the coaching world. His story is great, and even took a flyer on how he started out! He now finds himself back at Stonehill, the same place he played and is having success while navigating the move to Division 1. A great episode for all aspiring coaches and hoop heads, tap in!
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
Chris Kraus - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Kraus_(basketball)
https://x.com/CoachChrisKraus
https://stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/chris-kraus/1324
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
HELLOOOO!
What a banger we have for you today, as we sit down with Brooklyn native, Division one coach and current broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors (Since 1998), Jack Armstrong!!!
Mitch and Jack have a great conversation, and it covers a ton of ground, from life, to adoption, coaching, the Raptors, pretzels, broadcasting, and so much more!
If you didn’t know, Jack is a former Division one basketball coach. As he reflects on that part of his life, he shares many stories and reflections of who he shared the court with and learned from, it truly is amazing the amount of people he has come across!
We don’t want to say anymore, in fact, the term is “say less” are we right? This one is so great, as usual, make sure to tap in………….and tell a friend!
The return of Eli this episode too! (IYKYK)
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
Jack Armstrong - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Armstrong_(basketball)
https://www.instagram.com/jackhellooo
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Scarborough, stand up! What a beauty we have for you today with a Canadian National Team rock, a deep thinking, hard-working point guard currently overseas in Spain, Trae Bell-Haynes!
We actually catch Trae a couple of days after a matchup with former guest and Canadian legend himself Melvin Ejim (Trae’s squad got the W If you’re wondering). The episode starts from there, and it makes perfect sense, Melvin the steady veteran for Team Canada and Trae, still a young 30 but a constant on our National Teams who’s slowly becoming that Veteran as well, possibly an “UNC” role too!
Trae had a great four-year career at Vermont, leading his team to an NCAA appearance in 2017, where they lost to Purdue. (Trae had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists).
Since college Trae played professionally in Germany, Finland, the NBA G League, the CEBL, Spain, and Montenegro and contributed everywhere he goes.
The one constant that remains is Trae always stepping up when his number is called for his country, no matter the time or place he represents the maple leaf with pride! Tap into episode 176 with this massive Nas fan and hear more of his journey! Best to Trae going forward!
#Canadabasketball
#ahoopsjourneypodcast
Trae Bell-Haynes - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/trae_ball
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trae_Bell-Haynes
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
The layers to basketball in Canada grow each year, and today we have someone who’s connecting a lot of dots in the hoops world around us, Cailey Theos!
The current “Manager, Partnership Marketing & Community Impact” at Canada Basketball has a great story, and that job title doesn’t come close to all the things Cailey has on the go!
After breaking her dad’s heart and choosing the rival University, Cailey came back to Windsor, where she graduated from the sports management and leadership program! If you know the show then you know that peaked our interest! Much like the Blake Murphy episode, it was an experience in the Windsor athletics department that really gave Caley the opportunity to learn, change and grow. Using those moments led to a major job in the NHL, and it all goes from there!
Cailey is a driven, hard working person, passionate about sport and its growth, this episode drops gems all over the place! All love to Cailey, and we know her career will continue to shine, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next! Tap in!
Cailey Theos - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/caileytheos
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileytheos
https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-11-17/sport-management-and-leadership-internship-connects-students-alumni-and-industry
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
I lied on this one! Our SECOND National Champion to join us on the show (Shoutout to@kylewiltjer) we have one of the best to do it in the late 90’s, a smooth guard from Brampton Mr. David Thomas!
David has a great story from time in high school to figuring out what College to attend. In the end he chose Michigan State University, home of legends like Magic Johnson and many others. What came to fruition was a moment in history for MSU, the 2000 National Championship defeating the Florida Gators in the final!
Being around so many great teammates like Mateen Cleaves and Mo Pete, David elevated his game and although his stats weren’t high he put his name into the NBA draft. After a month long stint in Miami David didn’t crack a roster and took his talents to Australia where he had lots of success. It was a trip with the Canadian National Team where David knew the time had come, and he had to walk from the game.
Since retiring, David spent multiple seasons with the Michigan State Team but took time away to be closer to family. David now finds himself working multiple jobs, balancing life and kids who are great athletes themselves! His son is a top recruit in the State!
Episode 174 is a gem, with a great person. We thank David for being with us and hope you can find time to spend your Boxing Day with us!
David Thomas - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/dtdavidthomas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Thomas_(basketball)
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
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/
“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/
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 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/
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/
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/
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 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/
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/
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/
Episode 163 is here, and we have the chance to sit down with one of the best from BC, current @cebl and overseas pro Mr. Mason Bourcier!
For those not aware, Mason comes from an (all things considered) small town, Kelowna, BC. Guys like Parker Simpson and girls like Taya Hanson were the ones Mason noticed early on and who he attached to. From there a deep, hard working mentality, almost obsessive is what made Mason want to be the best, and he didn’t hide his thoughts.
His Kelowna Owls teams, notably the 2016 BC champions are still one of the best all-time in high school history, and this is where he saw what a championship standard looked like. However it wasn’t necessarily the other teams, it was the day to day grind with his teammates where Mason saw what true hard work was.
After high school the former Owl decided to attend UBC, but it’s an open share that Mason tells us he was searching for more, and it might change people’s perspectives of him, if they had one from before.
Mason is a young father now, life and priorities have changed but he finds himself still embracing and loving the grind that comes with being a pro player. This episode is raw and real, and it will give you some serious insight into what it takes to get there (young hoopers tap into the end of the episode). All the best to Mason, we are grateful for his time, and we know the first download will be his proud dad!!!
Mason Bourcier - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/mason.bourcier
https://www.seabears.ca/bio-mason-bourcier
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
Warrick Manners! A Humber legend, and the ultimate “glue guy”, we go back with Warrick who is the current assistant coach at Humber where it all began for him.
Basketball started not being something Warrick was overly interested in, he enjoyed running around the streets, playing hockey and hanging with his friends, however once he started to play he couldn’t get enough.
After a couple of tough years in high school record wise in a tough conference, Warrick decided he was going to play volleyball at Humber, with basketball on his mind. After on year he ended up trying out for the men’s basketball team and made it, so he decided to play BOTH sports, however, that didn’t last forever. After a month of trying to be Humber’s Bo Jackson, he stuck with basketball and never looked back. A tough loss in the CCAA final was avenged when Warrick and his squad defeated Langara in the 1995 National Final.
After a great career Warrick began coaching, first at Seneca and now with Kia Nurse Elite, however most of his time is dedicated back to the Hawks program!
Tap in!
Warrick Manners - Guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrick-m-9146562a
https://humberhawks.ca/sports/mbkb/coaches/manners_warrick
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
Emily Potter is a proud Manitoban, a stud hooper and a long time member of Canada basketball! Her journey starts out at a young age being addicted to ringette, loving the game and what came with it but also realizing she was super competitive as well!
After a few long seasons of Ringette and being 5’11 in Grade 9, Emily figured she would give hoops a try and it was over from there. That summer she tried out and made the U17 Manitoba Provincial Team, an experience that shaped her career forever.
From dominant high school years, to being cut and then making the Canadian team, Emily decided to take the jump to big time Division 1 and attend the University of Utah. The decision was tiring and stressful but it became easier knowing how many former and current Canadians had played at Utah!
Emily now finds herself finishing her 7th overseas season, one in which her team went an astonishing 27-0, won the cup and she was named MVP! Emily is back home training and getting ready for Canada Basketball training camp, working hard in her somewhat veteran role and continuing to grown as much as she can! Thanks to Emily for being with us, tap in!
Emily Potter - Guest
https://www.instagram.com/empotter10/?hl=en
https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/emily-potter
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
Right alongside our mental health episode with the @kevinlovefoundation this might be our most important one ever! Mitch has the opportunity to sit down with friend and guest Scott Morrison to discuss hoops and life!
This episode is different though, after a brief catchup on a recent vacation, the Jazz, NBA playoffs and Canada basketball hire Gordie Herbert, we dive into an important topic and week coming up for Scott and his family!
Through their foundation, Scott and his wife Susanne will be auctioning off a bunch of game-worn shoes from NBA media and coaches that were designed by the talented @jsm_801_customs, plus a ton of autographed items from players all to improve our knowledge and understanding of Autism. @tothemaxfoundation is working hard to raise money in the local community to help families who can’t get the resources necessary to support their autistic children.
In this episode Scott gives the story of their son, Max, making the choice to leave a contract in Australia to better Max life, how being open to sharing your story and advocacy are vital, plus so much more!
The auction will be LIVE on, Tuesday, May 13th at @sothebys, all info will be shared on our platforms and at To the Max. A lack of acceptance and inclusion are something no human should ever have to face, please take time to educate yourself and if you have the means make a donation or bid on an item. All the best to the Morrison family!!!
#Ahoopsjourney
#CanadaBasketball
#Autismacceptance
#tothemaxfoundation
Scott Morrison - Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Morrison_(basketball_coach)
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/
TRIPLE OG time! Yes, you recognize this man from being a @cfl superstar on the field, grey cup champion, former Oregon Duck and current TSN @nfl and @cfl analyst! HOWEVER, what you might not know is Davis first love was and still is hoops!
Chez was a problem on the court in high school, guarding and attacking the rim, causing havoc all over the place and letting everyone know about it! After a great high school career Davis played his first year at Capilano U, Mitch and Davis have some great laughs and memories about these times.
The wildest part of Davis story is after playing ONE YEAR of organized football in grade ten, he decided to play community after Cap because a friend brought him out. From there Davis leaves for Butte College in California, becomes an All-American and a future Hall of Famer!
It’s then onto Division 1, CFL, NFL and so much more! We’ll stop here and let you tap in, we appreciate the time and know you will love this one!!!!
Davis Sanchez - Guest
https://x.com/DavisSanchez
https://www.instagram.com/davissancheztsn
Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/



