We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up right after the Kings' 2005 three-peat sweep of the Hawks and tracking how the "Freeway Series" evolved through the chaos of Firepower, the Kings' disappearance, the rivalry's rebirth in 2010, and the Hawks' huge 2015/16 rebrand and recruiting spree.

Host Dan Boyce breaks down the 2005/06 shootouts (and that bizarre Roland Roberts dunk contest injury), the Hawks' underrated 2006 campaign, and the Kings' near-miss 4-peat that ended at the hands of Chris Anstey and Melbourne, before shifting into the biggest off-court implosion in Sydney hoops history — the Firepower Kings era — and how Glenn Saville's move north became a "kick in the guts" moment for Wollongong fans (including a young Xavier Cooks).

Featuring first-hand accounts from Glenn Saville, Brian Goorjian, Tim Conrad and Greg Hubbard, this episode blends rivalry game recaps, locker-room stories, and the behind-the-scenes reality of the NBL's wildest period — from bounced cheques and broken promises, to the Hawks' "three-headed monster" era and the viral beer tipping incident as we approach the modern day rivalry between the two clubs.

Topics include:

• How the rivalry reset in 2005/06 — opening night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and two more Kings nail-biters (04:25)

• Roland Roberts' bizarre slam dunk contest injury, the import swap to Sedric Webber, and monster seasons from CJ Bruton and Cortez Groves (05:52)

• The Kings falling short against Chris Anstey's Tigers in the Grand Final (07:46)

• Glen Saville joins Sydney (10:26)

• The Firepower Kings and Sydney's 2008 collapse (17:08)

• The rivalry returns in 2010 with the "Resurrection" Kings and Gary Ervin's MVP season for the Hawks (33:25)

• 2015/16: The Hawks become Illawarra again and the Marcus Thornton beer incident goes viral (52:06)

• 2016/17: Hawks lose Lisch to Sydney and the Kings welcome Andrew Gaze (59:17)

• 2017/18: NBLxNBA games and the Kings begin to rise (1:08:32)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley

• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

We continue diving deeper dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up from the Wollongong Hawks' historic 2001 championship and tracking how the Kings and Hawks battled for New South Wales bragging rights through the mid-2000s.

Host Dan Boyce revisits Wollongong's underdog run to become the first NSW club to win an NBL title, then jumps into Sydney's response — the arrival of Brian Goorjian, the recruitment of Chris Williams and Kavossy Franklin, and the three-year stretch that saw the Kings finally shed the "Violet Crumbles" tag and dominate the league.

Featuring first-hand accounts from Glenn Saville, Shane Heal, Bill Tomlinson and Brian Goorjian, this episode blends locker-room stories, X-and-O breakdowns and playoff memories to show how the "Freeway Series" evolved from a regional feud into a clash between genuine title contenders.

Topics include:

• How the 2001 Hawks title changed the rivalry and put a target on Wollongong's back (02:00)
• Glenn Saville on trying to defend the crown in 2001–02 and suddenly becoming the hunted (05:00)
• Brett Brown to the Spurs, the Titans folding and how Brian Goorjian ended up in Sydney (13:50)
• Bill Tomlinson on recruiting Chris Williams, early doubts about the Kings' chemistry and fixing the "Violet Crumbles" reputation (16:00)
• Shane Heal's version of the 2003 title run — ownership drama, Chris Williams' rise and finally delivering a championship to Sydney (21:30)
• Goorjian breaks down the 2003 finals, the comeback vs Perth and how the Kings' culture flipped overnight (27:00)
• Inside the 2003–04 repeat: Nielsen's MVP breakout, CJ Bruton's arrival and losing Jason Smith mid-season (32:30)
• 2004–05 sees both clubs become true championship at the same time and culminate with an all-NSW grand final (38:30)
• Goorjian on the 1–1–3 zone that Wollongong "had no answer for" and how the Kings swept the 2005 series (48:00)
• Glenn Saville's memories of facing that Kings juggernaut and what the 2005 grand final meant to Hawks players and fans (54:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

We continue our deep dive into one of Australian basketball's greatest rivalries... Sydney versus Illawarra.

This episode we continue on through the late 1990s and into the Hawks' historic 2001 championship run.

Host Dan Boyce picks up the rivalry from 1995 onward, exploring the coaching swaps, player defections, and the rise of a new generation of stars — from Shane Heal's move to Sydney and Marcus Timmons' breakout in Illawarra, to the emergence of Glen Saville, who would soon become the face of the Hawks.

Featuring first-hand accounts from Bob Turner, Shane Heal, Gordie McLeod, Greg Hubbard, Bill Tomlinson, Stephen Jackson, and Glen Saville, this episode covers a turbulent era for both clubs — the Kings' struggles to live up to their star power, and the Hawks' transformation from underdog to champion under Brendan Joyce.

Topics include:

• Alan Black's move from Illawarra to Sydney and the fallout that followed (06:00)

• Shane Heal on leaving Brisbane, joining Sydney, and facing the "Violet Crumbles" stigma (08:00)

• Gordie McLeod on discovering Glen Saville and his early Hawks journey (11:30)

• Marcus Timmons' 30-point debut and Illawarra's rebuild under Brendan Joyce (16:00)

• Stephen Jackson's short but memorable stint with the Kings (20:00)

• Wollongong's rise, the 2001 playoff run, and Damon Lowery's legendary free throws (38:00)

• The Hawks claim NSW's first NBL title — Saville named Finals MVP (40:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

We continue our deep dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — looking at the success of both teams during the 1990s.

Host Dan Boyce picks up where Episode 1 left off, bringing in Hawks legend Gordie McLeod to get his throughts on whether his move to Sydney in 1983 was the starting point of the Kings v Hawks rivalry, before moving their the success of both teams during the 1990s

Featuring first-hand accounts from Gordie McLeod, Greg Hubbard, Dwayne McClain, and Bob Turner, this episode continues to blends personal stories of the NBL's boom period, while continuing to flesh out the history of the Hawks v Kings rivalry season by season.

Topics include:

• McLeod on how the feud predates the Kings: state-league roots and the Snakepit lore (02:00)
• The early Snakepit atmosphere and crowd legends (24:00)
• 1988–89 Kings v Hawks: Norman Taylor's 41-point explosion as told by Greg Hubbard (33:30)
• Dwayne McClain and Bob Turner discuss how they helped turn Sydney into a contender (41:30)
• The 1993 defection: Greg Hubbard's first return to Beaton Park in purple and gold (48:30)
• Why the 1993 Kings imploded — McClary's exit, McClain's frustrations, and Bob Turner's rebuild (52:00)
• Discovering Leon Trimingham and Mario Donaldson — the new era of the Kings (56:00)

• Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

We crack open one of Aussie hoops' spiciest grudge matches: Sydney vs Illawarra.

Host Dan Boyce traces the rivalry back before the Kings even existed—into state-league days at the Snakepit—then follows it through the 1986 replay controversy, the Kings' 1988 merger and rise, and the big-city v small-town energy that's fuelled decades of heat.

Featuring first-hand stories from Bob Turner, Greg Hubbard and Chuck Harmison, this episode blends history, on-court flashpoints, and off-court theatre to show how the "Freeway Series" became must-watch basketball.

Topics include:

• What this series is and why the rivalry matters (02:00)

• How the feud predates the Kings: state-league roots and the Snakepit lore (04:00)

• The 1986 "replay game" drama and why it still stings (12:00)

• Remembering Robert Scrigni and the emotion of 1987 (20:00)

• The Snakepit as a sixth man: noise, power cuts, and balcony bar tales (23:00)

• Birth of the Kings ('88): merger, marketing, and turning Sydney into a show (37:00)

• Early flashpoints and defections that super-charged the hate (49:30)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Brian Wethers shares his journey from a standout NCAA career at Cal and NBA aspirations, to becoming one of the most explosive imports in Australian basketball during the mid-2000s. He breaks down the Pirates' underdog rise in 2004 under Adrian Hurley, his dynamic partnership with Kavossy Franklin, and the unforgettable playoff push that followed.

We also revisit his return to the league with New Zealand, a blistering run of form that included multiple 30-point nights before injury struck. Wethers opens up about how the game has evolved since then, what came next after his playing days, and the legacy he hopes to leave in Australian basketball circles.

Topics include:

🏀 Life after the NBL and what he's doing now (2:00) 🏀 NCAA career at Cal and chasing the NBA dream (6:00) 🏀 Signing with the Hunter Pirates in 2003–04 (10:00) 🏀 How coaching styles have evolved since his playing days (19:00) 🏀 His MVP season and the Pirates' playoff run (25:00) 🏀 Signing with the NZ Breakers and battling back from injury (38:00) 🏀 Wrapping up his pro career (42:00) 🏀 Career highlights, hurdles, and moments that still stick with him (45:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Fabijan Krslovic joins the podcast to reflect on his NBL journey so far, a 2024 championship run with the Tasmania JackJumpers, and what lies ahead in his new chapter with Melbourne United.

Krslovic shares stories from his Boomers debut, his time as a junior alongside Ben Simmons and Dante Exum, and how he's consistently earned his place in the league through grit, defence, and leadership.

We also dive into his college days in Montana, his first pro stint in Europe with Phoenix Hagen, and his role in building the JackJumpers' winning culture from day one.

Topics include:

🏀 Playing for the Boomers in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers (2:00) 🏀 Representing Australia alongside Ben Simmons and Dante Exum at junior level (4:00) 🏀 The decision to leave Tasmania and sign with Melbourne United (14:00) 🏀 Playing in Germany during the 2024 off-season (18:00) 🏀 Being overlooked by fans and media—what keeps him earning minutes (21:00) 🏀 Breaking into the NBL as a development player in Cairns (24:30) 🏀 Falling one game short of the Grand Final in his second season (28:00) 🏀 Navigating a COVID-disrupted year with the Taipans (31:00) 🏀 Helping build a winning culture in Tasmania (35:00) 🏀 The JackJumpers' 2024 championship run (40:00) 🏀 The opportunity he sees with Melbourne United this season (48:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Jordan Hunter joins the podcast to reflect on his first season with South East Melbourne, his time with the Boomers, and how he's building a voice off the court through podcasting, filmmaking, and comedy.

Hunter opens up about navigating the ups and downs of the Phoenix's 2024/25 campaign, how the team evolved under new leadership, and the real impact of Mike Kelly's mid-season departure.

We also explore his off-season stint in Puerto Rico, international experience with the Boomers, and his passion for storytelling—both on stage and on screen.

Topics include:

🏀 First year in South East Melbourne (2:00) 🏀 His budding career as a podcaster (6:00) 🏀 Off-season experiences in Puerto Rico (8:00) 🏀 Playing for the Boomers in FIBA qualifying games (13:00) 🏀 Thoughts on the Phoenix roster and how it's changed from last year (14:30) 🏀 Recapping last season's ups and downs with the Phoenix (18:00) 🏀 The true impact of Mike Kelly's exit (21:00) 🏀 His plans for film and cinema in the future (27:00) 🏀 Stand-up comedy stints and creative expression (30:00) 🏀 "At the Movies" with Dan and Jordan (35:00) 🏀 Are Australian coaches being overlooked for international hires? (45:00) 🏀 NBL players dealing with abuse from fans (50:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Andrew Svaldenis joins the podcast to reflect on a 13-year NBL career that took him from Bankstown to Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Geelong—appearing in 299 games and carving out a legacy as one of the league's most consistent frontcourt battlers across the '80s and '90s.

Svaldenis opens up about debuting as a teenager under Robbie Cadee, his breakout years in Hobart under Cal Bruton, and what it was like to be part of the original Sydney Kings merger.

We also dig into some of his biggest games, toughest matchups, and the evolution of the NBL through the lens of a blue-collar big man who saw it all.

🏀 Breaking into the NBL at 18 and learning from legends like Cadee and Claus (2:00) 🏀 Surviving the chaos of Bankstown's final seasons and what came next (7:00) 🏀 The Supersonics to Kings transition—and the arrival of Ken Cole (13:00) 🏀 Guarding imports, backing up Ridlen and Polk, and his best Supersonics games (20:00) 🏀 Becoming a starter in Hobart and hitting career-best numbers in '92 and '93 (27:00) 🏀 Life under Cal Bruton and later with a young Devils squad led by Whiteside and Stewart (32:00) 🏀 The 1994 Grand Final run with Adelaide—and what made Mike Dunlap so different (38:00) 🏀 Closing out his career with Geelong (44:00) 🏀 How he reflects on his career, biggest lessons, and what he's up to now (51:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring:

• Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley
• Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff
• Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer
• NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton
• The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch
• The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Brad Newley joins the podcast to reflect on a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, three NBL clubs, countless international tournaments, and a stint with the NBA's Houston Rockets. From his breakout rookie season with Townsville to Olympic campaigns with the Boomers and his late-career leadership role at Melbourne United, Newley shares the highs, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his journey.

We dig into his development at the AIS, becoming the first player to ever win NBL Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man in the same season, and his MVP performance at the 2005 NBL All-Star Game. Newley also opens up about his four-year run with Gran Canaria, international battles against Team USA, and the evolution of the Sydney Kings under Andrew Gaze and Will Weaver.

🏀 Winning gold at the 2003 FIBA U19 World Championships with Bogut and how that team laid the foundation for a Boomers dynasty (2:00) 🏀 Breaking out with the Townsville Crocs and winning Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man in the same season (6:00) 🏀 Drafted by the Houston Rockets and why he chose to launch his career in Europe instead (12:00) 🏀 His time in Spain and Greece—big games, wild stories, and adjusting to life overseas (18:00) 🏀 Why returning to the NBL with Sydney felt right—and the early days under Andrew Gaze (26:00) 🏀 Inside the locker room during the Kings' rebuild, the pressure of expectations, and forming a trio with Kevin Lisch and Andrew Bogut (32:00) 🏀 2020 Grand Final series against Perth and the disappointment of COVID ending the championship chase (41:00) 🏀 Transitioning to Melbourne United and mentoring the next generation (47:00) 🏀 Representing Australia at two Olympics, battling Team USA, and his proudest Boomers moments (52:00) 🏀 Announcing his retirement in 2024—and what's next for Brad Newley (58:00)

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.