Up Hill Down Under

In this episode, Simon and Matej reconnect after a longer than anticipated break, discussing the latest developments in Euroleague basketball, including team performances, financial troubles faced by Monaco, and playoff predictions. They also delve into player movements, coaching changes, and MVP candidates, before reflecting on the recent All-Star game and its evolving format. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of basketball and the importance of player commitment. Chapters 00:00:00 Reconnecting After a Break 00:02:38 Current Euroleague Standings and Team Performances 00:06:44 Monaco's Financial Troubles 00:10:55 Impact of Financial Issues on Team Performance 00:15:00 Partizan's Struggles and Coaching Changes 00:18:53 Tony Parker's Coaching Role and Team Goals 00:20:11 MVP Contenders and Player Performances 00:25:30 Nigel Hayes-Davis's Return to Euroleague 00:28:17 The Rise of Exciting Players in EuroLeague 00:31:38 The Debate on Player Potential and Club Choices 00:34:55 Comparing Player Styles and Their Impact 00:37:48 Reflections on the NBA All-Star Game 00:41:47 Innovations in the NBA and Future Directions   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this engaging conversation, Simon and Matej discuss various topics ranging from personal fitness resolutions to the latest happenings in the Euroleague basketball scene. They analyze surprising game results, the challenges teams face during the demanding season and the implications of roster changes. The discussion also touches on the Greek Derby, the rise of Fenerbahce plus the need for strategic moves by teams like Barcelona. Additionally, they delve into the evolving landscape of college football, highlighting the impact of new formats and player transfers. The episode concludes with reflections on the upcoming sports year and a warm New Year's greeting to listeners. Chapters 00:00:00 Getting in Shape: New Year Resolutions 00:02:30 Euroleague Updates: Surprising Results 00:04:41 The Split New Year's Eve Rounds: A Fan's Perspective 00:06:54 The Meat Grinder Season: Roster Depth and Performance 00:10:43 Greek Derby: Olympiakos vs. Panathinaikos 00:16:31 Fenerbahce's Rise: The Hottest Team in Euroleague 00:24:43 Roster Moves: Teams in Need of Change 00:32:04 Competitive Spirit in Basketball 00:36:21 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 00:42:30 Navigating Difficult Situations in Sports 00:46:41 The Evolution of College Football 00:54:41 The Changing Landscape of College Basketball   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

Ho ho ho! In our final episode of the year, we’re unwrapping the gift that keeps on giving: the EuroLeague Coaching Carousel. Before we head off for the winter break, we dive deep into the recent sidelines shakeups that have sent shockwaves across Europe: The Coaching Merry-Go-Round: We break down the biggest moves, including Bayern Munich’s decision to part ways with their head coach and Efes’ new direction. (00:03:20) The Partizan Puzzle: Belgrade is still on the hunt—what’s the latest on their search for the perfect fit? (00:05:57) The Hot Seat: Which EuroLeague coach is currently under the most pressure and might not make it to the New Year? (00:25:38) Euroleague to NBA: Which players offensive game would translate best across the Ocean. We debate (00:37:57) Holiday Special: On a more personal note, we share our own Christmas Eve traditions and how we’ll be spending the festive break (hopefully with less stress than a EuroLeague coach!) (00:47:30) Thank you for an incredible year of support. Grab your mulled wine, settle in, and enjoy our last huddle of 2025! Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this episode, we break down Round 14 of the EuroLeague and discuss the hottest storylines that defined the week. We begin with the positives: Valencia picks up another impressive road win in Athens, Barcelona delivers a strong performance in Belgrade, and Monaco puts on a historic offensive display with 125 points in 40 minutes (00:01:34). On the downside, Zalgiris drops a disappointing home game against Maccabi, the Olympiacos–Fenerbahce clash is postponed amid a swirl of blame.  The biggest storyline, however, is Partizan’s turmoil. The club finds itself in complete disarray—fans vs. management, fans vs. players, internal tensions around the coaching situation—painting a picture of instability that goes far beyond on-court issues. Barcelona’s broader strategic direction continues to spark debate, particularly in light of the recent discussions around a potential “NBA Europe” concept (00:42:38). After unpacking the implications of this storyline, we shift gears and close the episode with a look at the FIFA World Cup 2026 landscape—examining Austria’s path against global competition and asking the lingering question: what exactly is the “FIFA Peace Prize,” and why does it exist?   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

We break down the situation in Belgrade and explore the early signals for Partizan’s future. Further, we look at how the coaching carousel across Europe is starting to spin — from Ettore Messina’s departue to Igor Kokoškov’s exit and the ripple effects across top clubs. We also touch on some of the feel-good stories emerging around the league as some teams surprise us for the right reasons. And finally, we take a closer look at the growing uncertainty around the NBA Europe project and what this really means for European Basketball and especially the EuroLeagues future.   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

This week on Up Hill Down Under, we dive into another wild round of EuroLeague action — including a deep look at the El Clásico showdown and what it revealed about both powerhouses (00:01:56). We also break down which teams are poised to take a big step forward in the coming weeks and who might be slipping (00:25:33). To wrap things up, we explore the “NBA Europe” project — what it could mean for the EuroLeague and how the future of European basketball might change if it ever comes to life (00:44:13).   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this episode, we look back at the latest EuroLeague round — with a special focus on Partizan vs. Barcelona, one of the standout matchups of the week (00:04:17). We talk about the biggest surprises and disappointments so far, and which players still seem to be waiting for their breakthrough performance this season (00:11:11). To wrap things up, we discuss NBA players who could thrive in today’s EuroLeague and why the gap between the two competitions might be smaller than many think (00:44:06).   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this episode, we recap Round 3 of the EuroLeague — key performances, surprising results and early-season trends starting to take shape (00:03:37). We also share our personal Top 3 players we love to see get hot, those guys who can change the entire energy of a game once they find their rhythm (00:37:20).   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this episode, we look back at the first two rounds of the EuroLeague season — a busy double week with 20 games and plenty of talking points. We discuss: Our biggest surprises so far — good and bad Standout performances from the opening rounds What we’ve learned since Round 1 and what might already be shifting Then, we stir the pot with a heated debate: Who’s got the best guard combo in the EuroLeague right now?   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

It has been a wild summer of free Agency. As the new EuroLeague season approaches, we dive deep into all 20(!) teams and predict their over/under results for the upcoming year (00:12:30). Who’s poised for a breakout season? Which powerhouse teams might fall short of expectations? Will there be a Cinderella-like team similiar to Paris last season?  So much to cover - let‘s go… Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

After the EuroBasket is before the EuroLeague, right?! As the new season is just around the corner, we take an early look at what has happened so far in the offseason? What's new? Some of the players movement and who are the new maestros on the sidelines?  Sounds good? Enjoy the listening.    Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In what has been an epic final, Germany did prevail against Turkey to win this years EuroBasket. The World Cup Winner from 2023 now also sits in Europes throne. In this Emergency Pod we break down how they got there and what's next to come.   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

We almost there folks! One last day of Eurobasket 2025 to decide who will be crowned Europe's new champion! But first, let's recap the games and how we got to this epic final of Germany vs. Turkey: Analysing the Quarterfinals (00:01:16) Recapping the Semifinals (00:11:31) Preview of the Eurobasket Final 2025 Germany vs. Turkey (00:24:29)   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

EuroBasket 2025 is heating up and the Round of 16 is officially underway! We kick things off with a deep dive into Saturday’s action – starting with the clash between Serbia and Finland, in which Finland might have delivered the upset of the Century (00:01:14). We then break down the rest of the day’s games, highlighting some of the key storylines, standout performances and the turning points that shaped the opening knockout battles (00:21:18).   To close, we look ahead to the remaining Round of 16 matchups: which teams have the momentum, which underdogs could surprise and what the road to the Final might look like for the tournament favorites (00:34:10). Whether you’re backing a powerhouse or an outsider, this episode gets you ready for the drama still to come in Riga.   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

After a longer than anticipated break, we are finally back! What has happend? Well, Simon moved across the continents and is officially back on the old continent. And obviously there's lots to discuss: Fatherhood pride when the son gets to represent his country internationally and the development of successful youth programs (00:02:57) Eurobasket 2025 in full swing (00:20:12) Most interesting NBA storyline of this years summer (00:42:27)   Don't miss out! More to come.... Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

Europe has new kings of Basketball Europe. Fenerbahçe Istanbul are EuroLeague champions for the second time (00:03:56)! In a dramatic Final Four run, they outlasted Panathinaikos in the semis and took down Monaco in the final convincingly. We break down Saras’ masterclass, Hayes-Davis clutch performance and the defensive toughness that defined their title run. And what does this mean for AS Monaco? Plus, the ANGT has a new champion as well Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

The stage is set. Four teams, four coaches, and countless storylines collide as we break down the EuroLeague Final Four 2025.   We go matchup by matchup — starting with Fenerbahçe vs. Panathinaikos: Two of Europe’s loudest fanbases meet in Abu Dhabi, but it’s the coaches who might steal the spotlight. Will Ataman’s swagger outmaneuver Saras’ discipline? Can Sloukas lead another fairytale run for Pana? Or will Fener’s shooting outpace the Greens’ size and rebounding?   Then: Monaco vs. Olympiacos — a contrast in styles. Mike James brings the flair, but Olympiacos brings the system. Can Bartzokas’ squad contain Monaco’s isolation-heavy offense? Will Walkup and Papanikolaou clamp down the wings? And is this finally the year Monaco breaks through?   We spotlight the key players shaping the moment — from Mike James chasing a legacy to Mathias Lessort attempting to come back in stride. Plus: coaching mind games, emotional returns and legacies on the line. And yes, we’ve got our prediction of who‘s going to win it all this time. This isn’t just a Final Four. It’s a showdown of philosophies, egos, and championship hunger. Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

This one hurts. We open the episode with a little therapy session — because if you watched the Monaco-Barça series, you know it was that kind of heartbreak. Plus possibly the greatest semifinal matchup in Champions League history (00:01:32) Then it’s time to shift gears and break down how Monaco and Panathinaikos made it to the Final Four to Abu Dhabi (00:05:08): Mike James showed up when it mattered most, KP made… interesting decisions, and Barça is left with questions (and maybe some hope in the form of Toko). Pana blitzed Efes early, rode a vintage performance from Cedi Osman, and now finds itself back on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, questions swirl around Kendrick Nunn’s inconsistent series — but respect where it’s due, Efes fought hard and might be a serious threat in 2026.   We preview the Final Four (00:25:19): Saras vs. Ataman. Bartzokas vs. Spanoulis. Get ready for high-stakes chess with a heavy dose of ego.   To round up this episode (00:34:35): NBA Playoffs surprises — is Indy for real? ALBA exits the Euroleague stage Marko Pesic to leave Bayern in 2025 Marcelinho Huertas: 41 years old, back-to-back BCL MVP, still cooking Shaq investing in Napoli Basket — yep, that’s a thing now   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com

In this episode, we kick things off with a chat about the NBA headlines: Greg Popovich is officially done coaching — what a loss for the Spurs and the league. Was he the best ever? (00:01:26). Meanwhile, the Lakers are out in five, and the Luka-leadership-bashing is back in full swing (00:12:30). Oh, and yes — the O-O-Finals are more likely than ever (00:23:43).   Then we switch gears to the Euroleague Playoffs, where half the Final Four is set. Fenerbahçe and Olympiacos punched their tickets. Can Saras finally get his first Euroleague trophy as a head coach? Is Paris heading for a sell-off or are they here to stay? Olympiacos exorcised their Real Madrid demons — are they now the favorites to win it all? And where does Real go from here? (00:28:19)   We also preview the two remaining Game 5 matchups: Barca clawed back but Monaco still holds the edge at home, while Pana vs. Efes has turned into a defensive battle with drama, emotion, and star power (00:37:38). Tune in for hoops talk with edge, energy and just the right amount of chaos.

First we take an (unusual) first dive overseas as the NBA Playoffs are on full display and we take a look at some of the most exciting matchups so far (00:01:52). Later we dive into the EuroLeague Awards, breaking down the season’s top performers and biggest surprises. We also shift our focus to the thrilling EuroLeague Playoffs, analyzing key matchups and what’s at stake. From MVP debates to clutch playoff moments, we cover it all with passion and insight. Get ready for a fast-paced ride through the best of European basketball (00:14:28)!   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com