A Hoops Journey

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/

What timing and opportunity to sit down with recent USPORT DPOY, Final 8 MVP and National Champion Sam Maillet! The Acadian named Maillet gives Mitch a quick education on his name and family history, setting the table for a fantastic episode. Growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick has lots of advantages and disadvantages, and Sam isn’t afraid to discuss. The personal pride and community feel were apparent to Sam, and once he started falling in Iove with basketball, it was clear he would stay east, choosing Dalhousie as his post-secondary option. After four great seasons at Dal, including second place at the Final 8, Sam made the tough decision to move out west and attend UVic in his final year! Sam tells the whole back story and reasoning behind this decision; there’s more to it than one might think! After a great summer with the Vancouver Bandits, Sam was ready to play for the Uvic Vikes, and what a season it was! A top 3 team all year, losing their top scorer, a rookie coach, that all somehow ended in the things we dream of as hoopers! We thank Sam so much for being with us, he also took the time to answer our listeners' questions - the hair responses will throw you for a loop! Best to Sam as he enters year 2 for the Bandits, and will continue to pursue basketball overseas! This episode has it all, tap in! Sam Maillet - Guest https://govikesgo.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/sam-maillet/6804 https://www.thebandits.ca/roster/sam-maillet Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Mr. Consistency! Once you tap into Episode 157 with Adam Paige, you realize you have a bright, hard-working and talented young man on your hands! From high school days dominating at Semiahmoo Secondary, to carrying his team all the way to the Provincial finals, to being named top defensive player of the tournament, to 5 years at storied University of Alberta (where he was a league all star multiple times, AND academic award winner), trips to nationals with consistent numbers the entire way, Adam is a solidified star. With great reflection on where his career has taken him, Adam is wrapping up his pro season in Germany and has learned lots along the way. Once he returns home and this episode is out, he SHOULD have signed with a CEBL team for the summer. This is only the beginning for the young fella, we know Adam will succeed in whatever he does and wherever he goes, fantastic episode!!! Tap in! Adam Paige - Guest https://www.instagram.com/adampaige https://en.usports.ca/sports/mbkb/2021-22p/players/adampaigef3jn https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/adam-paige Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Back-to-back episodes with people in the industry! You got it, today we chip it up with long-time hoop and sports head, Raptors analyst and super dope human, Eric Smith! This is one of those episodes Mitch felt like he could just sit back and listen, stories for days, reflections on life and how you work your way through a tough industry, and many, many experiences within the game of hoops! If you follow the NBA or the Raptors at all then you have for sure seen or heard Eric on the air, his desire and love for the game started when he got the job following men’s basketball at Humber College! Like many other eps, a few connections and some luck got him cracked into the business and the rest was history. We are thankful Eric took the time to chop it up with us, you can find him on many different platforms, and stay tuned as he has a book release coming in November!!!!! Tap in! Eric Smith - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Smith_(sportscaster) https://www.instagram.com/eric__smith Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Out on the West Coast today it’s “Final 4 Friday” at the BC Boys Provincials, and this week we have a guest who played high school ball in the Lower Mainland, turning his love for sport into an entire career, Brad Fay! You most likely know the name but not the story, as stated Brad comes from Vancouver and was a huge hockey fan and player in his super young years. As he got older basketball became a love for him as he tagged along with his big brother to games and practices. After a couple of good years at Sir Winston Churchill and a season at Cap U, Brad made the move to Mount Royal to play basketball and continue his education. Upon returning home it was the connections with many of the local TV and Newspaper legends, plus an invite to their local run that got him “in the door” so to speak. Former guest John McKeachie became a big mentor to him, and John stuck his neck out for Brad multiple times as he expanded his career. Brad now finds himself in a long term contract with Sportsnet, covering multiple sports from the Raptors, to golf, the olympics and much more. It was a pleasure to sit down with Brad, to learn more about his craft and to reflect back on fun times. Tap in! Brad Fay - Guest https://x.com/snbradfay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Fay Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Sometimes it’s human nature to wake up and start our day with a negative mindset, and throughout that day we can sometimes feel sorry for ourselves or see the glass as half empty. I would push you to sit down and check out this episode with @kurjonkuch, and realize that life is really about perspective. A Sudanese refugee, a family torn apart, to Kenya and back, which led to hard decisions made by his father, eventually landing in London, Ontario of all places led to an amazing episode right off the jump. From there we discover how late Kur was to the game, but how much it meant to him. Under the guidance of former guest @mikeprovenzanos dad at London Basketball Academy, Kur created a foundation for himself through hard work and figuring out how to improve his game. After his grade 12 season, Kur still didn’t really have any post-secondary options, so he created the mindset that U Sport and a good education would be what he needed……..somehow he ended up earning a Division 1 scholarship to play basketball at Northern Colorado! To this day, a moment he cannot wrap his head around. From there, the CEBL, time with the NBL, finishing a master's, and now playing overseas, if this episode can’t change your perspective on life then we don’t know what will! Tap in!!! Kur Jongkuch - Guest https://x.com/kjongkuch https://www.instagram.com/kurjongkuch/ Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Warren Ward. If you take one thing away from this powerful episode, it’s when you see the name don’t just think “hooper.” Think businessman, brother, son, friend and a growing human. Episode 153 has us go back with one of the coldest U Sport hoopers we have seen, an absolute walking bucket (who could also guard, don’t get it twisted), and an all-time leading scorer at the University of Ottawa. Having a late start to the game didn’t hurt Warren or his growth, he developed a love and his skills quite rapidly, eventually getting recruited by a few schools in Canada and the states. It was a trip down to Indiana that took him down his University path, a small JUCO that didn’t have the right feel motivated him to return to Canada and see what his options were. A phone call from a former guest on AHJ, Mr. Dave Deaveiro who was the head coach at Ottawa interested Warren, and after a visit to the campus he committed to the Gee-Gees. Trips to nationals, working on his craft with intention, an All-Canadian and a whole bunch of learning experiences had Warren ready to play the pro game. His story gets wild from here, as he has a brief interest from the NBA (You need to hear the story), eventually finding himself signing his first contract in Germany. After a few seasons, Warren unfortunately had multiple injuries (2 ACL tears and an Achilles), and he knew it was time to move on from the game. The growth and reflection Warren has had since then have made him the man he is today; all the the things we started this writeup with and so much more. Warren also is in the podcast game, give his show @youonlydietwicepod a follow! Such a dope episode, tap in!!!!!!!!!! Warren Ward - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Ward_(basketball) Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Disclaimer: Huge props to JCD who has recently signed his first ever pro contract with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL! Let’s get it! This is a super unique story; one of hoop lineage from both mom and dad, of heartbreak and sadness at an early age, one of resilience, one of seeing the light and to keep on fighting. Jack grew up in a fun and active house, sharing space with not only his immediate family but his cousins as well. At an early age the inside or outside of the Cruz - Dumont house would be littered with sports and a bunch of battles! As he grew older Jack developed a real love for the game of hoops and football, eventually finding himself and his brothers at storied Vancouver College (Thanks to his dedicated mom who went back to school to earn her degree!!). In Jacks grade ten year football was really his main thing, however the sickness of his dad John impacted his grade 10/11 year and he had challenges with focusing and being committed as any teenager would! It was through this time watching his dad battle for his life that Jack found the inspiration and motivation to keep going, to fight and not give up. From there the switch happened and he lit the fire we see today. After a solid senior year at VC, he committed to UBC to play for the T-Birds. While there Jack was on pace to graduate early due to a covid year, and realized he could eventually turn himself into a pro. Wanting to get a feel for what that might look like, a trip out to the Philippines showed Jack something special and he decided to make the move, leaving UBC after 3 years of eligibility to play in the University league with the hope of signing a pro contract…..and here we are! This young bull has lots of hoops left in him, it was a great time connecting and we are excited to see Jack’s future! Tap in! Jack Cruz-Dumont - Guest https://www.instagram.com/jcruzdumont https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jack-cruz-dumont https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/jack-cruz-dumont-plans-to-turn-pro-at-the-end-of-ue-career-a5172-20241127 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

What’s the definition of work? Or never giving up? Or always believing? Look no further, episode 151 with a BC UNDERRATED (yes in capital letters) guard, Mr. Diego Kapelan. Growing up in one of the most unique locations of Vancouver, combined with an immigrant family, it wasn’t always easy for Diego to figure out what he wanted. With that said once basketball was introduced to him it was over, his main stay and favorite sport it was something he wanted to work at. Years at King George with a great group led to lots of success, but it took some wild moments and stories for Diego to figure out how the next step would work for him. Eventually he ended up at McNeese State where his four year career had him average 12 pts a game, 15 in his senior year!! As stated, Diego’s career is sort of slept on as he ended up playing overseas for over a decade of multiple leagues and locations, which included scoring titles and many finals appearances. Between that and representing Bosnia and Canada, Diego knew the time was right to hang up the kicks after some success in the NBL, and now he finds himself giving back coaching the youth and helping the future! It’s where the heart lies for Diego, we know he will crush it! Tap in! Diego Kapelan - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Kapelan https://www.instagram.com/diegoswish604 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Wow! Tap in today! Mitch sits down with a young up-and-coming coach, former D2 hooper and huge Lil Wayne fan, Mike Provenzano! Mike and his family have deep roots in the Ontario hoops scene and the sport has been in his blood for a long time. Growing up he would follow his dad to practices and games finding a love for the game that would never go away. At a young age Mike started to realize he could be pretty good at hoops and began to enjoy the daily grind of improving. Once he reached his high school years he decided to transfer to North Carolina and try ball south of the border. This experience let him compete against many future D1 and NBA players, finding himself stacking up against the competition. As high school started to wind down the decision of where to go came up, and Mike had his heart set on being a D1 player, even to the point of dropping the game forever if he couldn’t get there! In the end after a redshirt year at a D2 he made the choice to go back to a school that originally recruited him, SFU. Mike had a great career up on Burnaby Mountain which led to a couple years overseas. From there his coaching journey began, with a former AHJ guest taking a chance on hiring him to being a student assistant now at Michigan State the story is great! Lots more to come for Mike and his future, all the best as he continues to work! Tap in! Mike Provenzano - Guest https://www.lightningbasketball.ca/sports/mbkb/coaches/Michael_Provenzano https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-provenzano-05550a292 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/