In this episode of the Hoopwise podcast, hosted by Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal, two standout college basketball players from Duke, Oluchi Okananwa & Taina Mair of Duke basketball, join the discussion. The episode covers a comprehensive look at their basketball journey, experiences playing in New England and at Duke, their perspectives on recruitment, memorable games, and the impact of influential coaches like Kara Lawson. Both players share insights on their growth, mental toughness, and the experiences that shaped their college careers. The episode also dives into fun segments with light-hearted questions about basketball memories and preferences.

Topics

00:34 Meet the Guests

02:24 March Madness Memories

05:04 Facing Top Competition

08:08 Coach Kara Lawson's Impact

13:23 Lessons from College Basketball

18:24 Recruitment Insights and Experiences

23:09 Intense Competition

23:53 Memorable Matchups and Games

25:29 Coaching and Transition to College

27:35 New England Basketball Recognition

29:27 Full Court Press: Fun Questions

36:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller welcome Michael Crotty, director and head coach of the Middlesex Magic 17U team. Crotty discusses the history and impact of the Middlesex Magic program, established by his father in 1993. They delve into his summer experiences, commitment season, and the developmental journey of standout players like Alex Wilkins and Ryder Frost. Additionally, Crotty shares stories involving NBA players Pat Connaughton, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Kolek, who are Magic alumni. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of grassroots basketball, the importance of mental toughness and role definition, and future goals for the program.

Topics

00:28 Special Guest: Michael Crotty of Middlesex Magic

00:40 Middlesex Magic's Impact and Achievements

00:56 Mike Crotty's Journey and Career

01:44 Summer Activities and Current Season

02:08 Commitments and College Recruitment

04:44 Challenges and Gratification in Coaching

08:34 Managing Multiple Players and Expectations

12:11 Alex Wilkins' Journey to Division I

15:20 Ryder Frost's Development and Success

19:18 The Importance of Physical Development

21:47 Joining the Under Armour Circuit

27:12 Defying Stereotypes in Grassroots Basketball

30:49 Building a Team Culture

32:26 Legacy and Values

33:21 NBA Success Stories

34:22 Lessons from Pat and Duncan

38:52 Memorable Moments

44:47 Future of the Program

47:42 Full Court Press: Panel Discussion

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive deep into the basketball scene in New England with special guest Vinh Bui. They explore Vin's significant impact on the Boston City basketball community, his experiences with Shooting Touch, and his coaching journey at Nobles and other institutions. The conversation takes a personal turn as Vin shares insights about his niece, Christina Pham, and the relationships and challenges that shape inner-city Boston basketball culture. They also discuss the impact of three-point shooting and analytics on modern basketball, highlighting both positive changes and potential drawbacks. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Full Court Press,' where the hosts and Vin share their thoughts on favorite non-star players.

Topics

00:24 Guest Introduction: Vin Bui's Impact on Boston Basketball

01:01 Vinh Bui's Hong Kong Experience

03:16 Nobles Basketball Success and Challenges

07:12 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

15:09 Building an Independent Program: Shooting Touch

22:56 Game Planning and Toughest Opponents

26:31 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Personal Reflections

33:09 Reflecting on Parental Influence in Sports

33:44 Balancing Support and Criticism

34:43 Coaching Philosophy and Responsibilities

37:18 Challenges of Growing Up in Boston

41:13 Community and Basketball in Boston

44:26 Christina's Basketball Journey and Aspirations

49:13 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution

53:45 Analytics in Basketball: Boon or Bane?

57:27 Favorite Non-Star Players

01:02:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts