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/