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Heath Barn Hoopcast is a new podcast featuring former Illinois Men’s Basketball players, hosted by Jon Heath. This pod provides a great way for Illini nation to hear entertaining stories from their favorite players of the past. Whether it’s the all-time leader in scoring, assists and steals, or a walk-on that carved out an important role for 4 seasons, Heath Barn Hoopcast provides an outlet for these players to rehash some of their fondest memories while wearing the Orange and Blue. They cover their childhood all the way to what they’re doing now, with stories and advice that can range from hilarious to inspirational. It’s an honor to have these men on as guests, and I hope you’ll check out Heath Barn Hoopcast.
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Such a great episode with former Illini and current EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael. We discuss his AD duties, growing up in a small town, having his dad as a coach, playing at a high major college coming from a small town as opposed to a big city, his recruitment, his playing days at Illinois, his favorite places to play, his thoughts on Coach Lou Henson, and what he’s been up to since playing at Illinois (lotta commas there). THEN, we discuss how the game’s played today and how kids are today compared when he grew up. And last, but certainly not least, he gives AMAZING insight as to what it’s like being an Athletic Director at a Division 1 school during the craziness of NIL and the transfer portal. It’s GREAT. ENJOY.
GREAT episode with former Illini RIchard Keene. We discuss him being inducted into the Collinsville Hall of Fame, growing up playing sports, and when he started hearing from colleges. He tells some TOP NOTCH recruiting stories, including getting his name chanted at a Duke home game his senior year in HS. He gives great thoughts on his time at Illinois and his relationship with Coach Henson. Finally, next year Rich will have 3 children participating in Div 1 athletics, so we discuss recruitment as a player and parent, with a healthy NIL conversation. Finally, my son Stevie asks a question about his favorite player of all time. Rich was awesome, and I’m very happy he was able to come on. ENJOY.
GREAT time talking to Marcus Griffin live from Riggs Brewery prior to last Fridays big win over Purdue. We discuss the current team, who he thinks will stay for next year, as well as preview the Purdue game. Then we have fun with comparing old Illini teams of the past, and tell a lot of fun stories. There’s also questions from the crowd that are a lot of fun. This episode is also a great one for PARENTS and KIDS to listen to. For you parents that want to find some dumb loophole in the school handbook, or blame the school, or a teacher, or anyone except your own child when they get in trouble because you think your child’s perfect, PLEASE listen to Marcus’ thoughts on that subject. Ok rant over, it’s a great episode. ENJOY.
The 2nd all time leading scorer in Illinois Men’s Basketball history Kiwane Garris is the guest for episode 9 of Heath Barn Hoopcast. He discusses growing up and playing basketball in Chicago, as well as when he began hearing from colleges. He tells recruiting stories, what led him to choose Illinois, and his relationship at the time with Coach Henson. He tells a great story about Lou, and talks about the transition to Coach Lon Kruger his senior year. We get into his experiences in the NBA as well as overseas, and his son’s outstanding high school career. Oh, and wait for the end when we discuss his adventures as a middle school referee. Thank you Kiwane for a great interview. ENJOY.
Another awesome episode with former Illini point guard Tony Wysinger. Tony talks about his upbringing in Peoria, IL and how basketball became his favorite sport. He also talks about an individual sport in which he’s always flourished and actually thought would be his best way to a college scholarship. He tells a story about Coach Henson involving mustard, his favorite moments as a player, as well as his teammates. We then discuss how he got involved with coaching, and continue to have great conversations involving his coaching philosophies and recruiting. Finally, we get into his very serious recent health scare, and how he’s feeling now. Oh, and my son Stevie throws in a question toward the end. Great man, and a very inspirational episode. ENJOY.
On this very special episode, former Illini guard Nate Mast tells his story and discusses his journey to becoming a Fighting Illini. It’s an outstanding episode for many reasons, but it’s very inspirational and would be a great listen for young players. Nate’s story is a big reason why I’ve enjoyed talking with all of these former Illini, because every one of them has a different story, and they’re all unique in their own way. He was a great guest and I hope to have him on more in the future. ENJOY.
GREAT episode with TJ Wheeler live from Riggs Brewery. We discuss the current Illini squad, play a game of “will they transfer,” and if Deon Thomas would have been a lottery pick if he had Fletch as his strength coach. Then, he tells Lou Henson stories, recruiting stories, and RIPS on a couple former Illini that have transferred. Finally, he takes questions from my son Stevie and some Illini fans. Great time, easy, fun listen, and plenty of laughs. ENJOY.
In part 2 Marcus goes into depth on his time at Illinois, including his role, relationship with Coach Henson, and how seriously he considered transferring. He then discusses the NBA draft, where he thought he’d go and where he actually went. He talks about his NBA career in Denver and Detroit, along with great stories about Isiah Thomas “running the team.” Finally, he goes into his time playing overseas, some of his favorite current players, the overall state of the game, and what he’s up to currently. Great insight and he doesn’t hold back. ENJOY.
AWESOME episode with former Illini Marcus Liberty. Marcus starts from the beginning and discusses playing/living in Chicago, switching high schools, playing for Sonny Cox, his record setting IHSA state tournament run, his recruitment (with awesome stories), and his time starting out with Illinois. He sprinkles in GREAT stories, and doesn’t hold back at all. Exactly what you want out of a guest, and it’s just PART 1. ENJOY.
In this very fun episode, Michael and I meet at Riggs Brewery for a great conversation. We discuss how his life’s changed since the last time we chatted, the current Illini team, and which style of basketball we each prefer. Then we have an Illini draft where we each draft 8 players from 1990-present. Finally, the owner of Riggs Brewery, Matt Riggs, hops on to discuss our plans to continue pods from his awesome establishment. Great, fun episode. ENJOY.
Awesome episode with former Illini Michael Finke. He discusses his quickly approaching fatherhood, his upbringing in Champaign, playing with his brothers growing up, his time at Illinois, his recruitment to other colleges, what led him to Grand Canyon as a transfer and how close was to going to another college, his time playing overseas, and what he’s up to now. GREAT stories throughout, and he participated in “Stevie’s stumpers,” where my son Stevie asks him a question. Great time talking with Michael Finke. ENJOY.
In this episode, Bruce discusses the dreaded Final 8 game against Kentucky, his outstanding teammates from his Illini playing days, and his relationship with Coach Henson. He also talks his time in the NBA, and what led him to his path of becoming a pastor. We talk about faith and family, and my son Stevie sneaks in to ask him a question as well. Very inspirational episode, and an amazing man. ENJOY.
It’s the all time assist and steal leader for the University of Illinois, Bruce Douglas. In part 1, he discusses his upbringing, playing for then perennial powerhouse Quincy in High School, as well as some of his favorite moments as a player in HS. He then tells great recruiting stories, including Bobby Knight sitting on his couch giving his sales pitch to get Bruce to Indiana. We also get into what makes a great defensive player. GREAT ADVICE FOR KIDS. He’s an amazing man. Enjoy part 1.
In the debut episode of Heath Barn Hoopcast, it’s Illini all-time scoring leader Deon Thomas. I usually go through and give specific details about the episode, but man, just listen. So many awesome stories from growing up, his recruitment, his time at Illinois, as well as overseas. We also compare past Illini teams, and have a lotta laughs. Also, it’s the debut of “Stevie’s stumpers,” where my son asks each player a question. I do have to give away one little nugget; there’s a Brad Underwood story that made me laugh VERY hard. Thank you Deon Thomas. ILL.
On part 2 with Jens Kujawa, we discuss him playing against the original Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics, as well as many other stories from his 13 year professional career in Europe. He also talks about some of his amazing accomplishments since retiring, including charitable endeavors and an extremely successful banking career. Another very fun, interesting episode with a great guest. Cheers to Jens on a successful life with much happiness. ENJOY.
It’s another former Illini with an AMAZING story to tell, Jens Kujawa. In part 1, he discusses his upbringing in Germany, how he got to the US as a foreign exchange student, and his decision to go to the University of Illinois. He also talks about, for the first time, the reason he left Illinois a year early to return to Germany, and gives some stories about the late Coach Henson. Whether it’s recruiting stories about visiting the White House, getting in a fistfight with a teammate before a game, or scoring 100 points in a game as a 15 year old in Germany, Jens is an extremely intelligent and interesting individual. And again, this only part 1. ENJOY.
It’s part 2 with former Illini guard Ahmad Starks. He discusses what brought him back to play at the University of Illinois, and goes into great detail about his season there, and if he considers it a disappointment from a team and individual standpoint. He also tells amazing stories about living and playing overseas, including almost getting into a fight with a teammate in his very first professional game (he also had 36 points that night). Finally, he talks about what he’s up to now, including an extremely successful training & skills academy. And, of course we finish off with my son Stevie asking him a question. Again, a lot of great, juicy info from Ahmad, so big shout out to him for coming on. ENJOY.
On this episode, it’s former Illini guard Ahmad Starks, and it’s another 2 parter. Ahmad BROUGHT IT. We begin by discussing him playing as a youngster in Chicago, and end by discussing his time at Oregon State. But in between we’ve recruiting decisions, juicy stories about reluctance on commitments, and the biggest adjustments from HS to college. Oh, and by the way, he tells a classic, true story about MICHAEL JORDAN giving a little post game speech in the locker room after a big win in high school. When I say classic, I mean CLASSIC. And this is just part 1. ENJOY.
In part 2 of this episode with former Illini TJ Wheeler, we reminisce about his playing days; including teams, coaches, and some of the best players he had to guard. I also get him to tell me the player he still doesn’t like to this day ha. THEN, we get to the NIL, transfer portal, and his thoughts on the current Illini product. Oh, and we have a common dislike for a former player that’s discussed at length. Fun, spirited conversation. Thanks again TJ Wheeler. ENJOY.
In this episode, I was joined by former Illini guard TJ Wheeler. He tells AMAZING (and in some cases HILARIOUS) stories throughout involving his upbringing, his recruitment, and playing for Coach Lou Henson. Oh, and he lets everybody know why people in Illinois hate Iowa and Bruce Pearl so much. Awesome episode and it’s only part 1. ENJOY.
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