Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

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.

Lamar Patterson joins the podcast to talk through the highs, lows, and wild turns of a pro career that's taken him from Pittsburgh to the NBA, NBL, China, Puerto Rico, and most recently, India.

Patterson opens up about his time in India's pro league, his rollercoaster ride with the Brisbane Bullets, and why things unravelled during his stint with the New Zealand Breakers. He also shares how close he came to signing NBL deals in each of the past two seasons, what's kept him motivated off the radar, and why he still hopes to return to the league that made him a fan favourite.

🏀 Competing in India's national league (iNBL) and how the opportunity came about (2:00) 🏀 How close he came to signing with both Adelaide and South East Melbourne last NBL season (8:00) 🏀 Growing up in Pennsylvania and why he chose to play college ball at the University of Pittsburgh (13:00) 🏀 His thoughts on the positives and drawbacks of the AAU basketball system in the U.S. (21:00) 🏀 Career highlights from college and key development moments (26:00) 🏀 Playing alongside Kiwi big man Steven Adams—and some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories (27:00) 🏀 When NBA teams started to take notice and how the draft process unfolded (31:00) 🏀 Being selected in the second round and heading to Turkey instead of directly to the NBA (34:00) 🏀 Playing for the Atlanta Hawks and life in the NBA (43:00) 🏀 How his journey led him to the NBL and signing with the Brisbane Bullets (102:00) 🏀 His time with Brisbane—being the focal point, dealing with injuries, and battling through setbacks (110:00) 🏀 Leaving Brisbane for New Zealand, what went wrong with the Breakers, and how he ended up returning (118:00) 🏀 What it was like when coach Andrej Lemanis parted ways with the Bullets (125:00) 🏀 Reflecting on how his NBL career wrapped up and where things currently stand (133:00) 🏀 The toughest moments of his career and the biggest lessons he's taken from them (138:00)

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]

Nick Horvath joins the podcast to reflect on a one-of-a-kind basketball journey—from Duke University to NBL champion and beyond.

Horvath opens up about writing his debut novel Sledge Vs, the highs and lows of his pro career, and what it was really like playing under legends like Mike Krzyzewski and Brian Goorjian.

He shares stories from the heated South Dragons vs. Melbourne Tigers Grand Final, overcoming serious injury setbacks, and making the transition from import to local player in the NBL.

🏀 We talk about Sledge Vs, Nick's highly successful action adventure novel (2:00)

🏀 Receiving a scholarship from Duke University and playing for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski (12:30)

🏀 Finding his way to Australia and the West Sydney Razorbacks (23:00)

🏀 Overcoming a season-ending injury and a stint with the Adelaide 36ers (32:00)

🏀 Playing for the South Dragons under then-player-coach Shane Heal (34:00)

🏀 Winning an NBL championship with the Dragons in 2009 (37:00)

🏀 Playing as a local vs. playing as an import (40:00)

🏀 Brian Goorjian stories (41:00)

🏀 Playing under Coach K at Duke (43:30)

🏀 The very heated Dragons vs. Tigers Grand Final series (49:00)

🏀 How his NBL career finished up (53:00)

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]

Newly appointed Australian Boomers head coach Adam Caporn joins the podcast to discuss his journey to the role, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the national team's future.

Caporn opens up about what it meant to be offered the job, the lessons he's taken from legendary coach Brian Goorjian, and the key changes he plans to implement as he leads the Boomers toward their next major tournament. He also dives into roster considerations, the role of Matisse Thybulle, and his partnership with newly appointed associate coach Dean Vickerman.

🏀 Feelings after being offered the job (2:00)

🏀 Lessons learned from Brian Goorjian's coaching philosophy (10:00)

🏀 Views on the current Boomers roster (14:00)

🏀 Key changes and strategic vision for the Boomers (22:00)

🏀 Where Matisse Thybulle fits in with the Boomers (21:00)

🏀 Working with associate coach Dean Vickerman (24:00)

🏀 Does the Boomers coach need to be based in Australia or overseas? (27:00)

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]

Former NBL player and current Casey Cavaliers head coach Luke Kendall joins the podcast to discuss his journey from junior basketball to professional success and now coaching.

Kendall's path saw him develop under renowned coach Mike Dunlap at Metro State, where he won a national championship before heading to the NBL. He played for the Sydney Kings, Melbourne Tigers, Perth Wildcats, and Gold Coast Blaze, winning a championship with the Kings and battling injuries that ultimately forced an early retirement. Now, he's making his mark as a coach, recently leading the Gujarat Stallions to the INBL championship and taking over as head coach at Casey for the 2025 NBL1 season.

Kendall opens up about the highs and lows of his career, his relationship with Brian Goorjian and his transition into coaching. He also discusses the role Aussie Hoops in the growth of basketball in India and what excites him most about his coaching future.

• His experiance coaching in India with the Gujarat Stallions (2:00)
• Playing college ball for Mike Dunlap at Metro State (25:00)
• Back to back game five losses against Brisbane in 2007 and Melbourne in 2008 (53:00)
• Playing against USA at the 2005 FIBA World Championships (55:00)
• The biggest learning moments from his career (107:00)

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]

Rising star Malique Lewis joins the podcast to discuss his incredible journey from Trinidad & Tobago to professional basketball.

At just 16, Lewis left home for Spain, where he developed his game with Fuenlabrada, before making the leap to the G League with Mexico City Capitanes. Now, as a Next Star with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, he's one step closer to his NBA dream.

Lewis opens up about the challenges of leaving his family behind, why he chose the NBL over the G League and Europe, and what he's learned from playing in different basketball systems worldwide. He also shares his thoughts on NBA draft projections, the misconceptions around his game and what to expect in the NBL playoffs.

Topics include:

• His journey from Trinidad to the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne (2:00)
• His thoughts on the NBL's Next Star Program (4:00)
• Acclimatising to Australian life and its various deadly animals (8:00)
• Adjusting to different coaching styles under Mike Kelly, Sam Mackinnon & Josh King (10:00)
• Being scrutinized by NBA draft scouting reports—what's fair and what's not (12:00)
• Thoughts on the Phoenix need to do and what he needs to add for the team to win an NBL championship (16:00)
• How he spends his time off the court (20:00)
• How he views his performance this season (23:00)
• Being away from his family and the takeaways from living in Australia (25:30)

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, 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]

Former Razorbacks coach Mark Watkins joins the podcast to reflect on the team's journey from expansion squad to Grand Final contenders before financial struggles led to their downfall.

A key figure from the club's inception in 1998, Watkins shares insights on recruiting NBL stars like Simon Dwight and John Rillie, the Razorbacks' 2002 and 2004 Grand Final runs, and the challenges of coaching on a budget.

He also discusses the departures of key players, the franchise's collapse, and the lessons he's carried into his coaching career today.

Topics include:

• Building the Kilsyth Basketball program and the differences between coaching men and women (2:00)
• The early days of the Razorbacks – How the team was built from scratch (10:30)
• The first NBL season and how the club improved in Year Two (17:30, 29:00)
• Losing and gaining Sam MacKinnon in the same season (35:00)
• The 2002 Grand Final run against Adelaide (43:00)
• Moving on from foundation stars Derek Rucker and Bruce Bolden (57:00)
• Another shot at a title in 2004 and the Grand Final series against Sydney (102:00)
• Watkins takes over as head coach in 2004 – the challenges of replacing Gordie McLeod (105:00)
• Financial struggles begin to cripple the club – The impact on recruiting and roster decisions (108:00)
• Steve Markovic refuses to play and leaves for Europe (113:30)
• Building a team on a budget while trying to stay competitive (1:19:00)
• Watkins is axed mid-season in 2006 and replaced by Cal Bruton (123:00)
• The final season for the Razorbacks and the franchise's eventual collapse (127:00)
• Lessons learned from the Razorbacks that Watkins now applies to Kilsyth Basketball (1:30:00)
• The biggest hurdles and most difficult moments from his time in the NBL (1:31:30)

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, 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]

Former Perth Wildcats star and 2014 NBL Grand Final MVP, Jermaine Beal, joins the podcast to reflect on his basketball journey—from his standout college days at Vanderbilt, to his championship-winning years in the NBL, and beyond.

We dive into his time playing alongside future NBA and NBL talent like Festus Ezeli and AJ Ogilvy, his experiences in the NBA Summer League, and his journey through professional leagues in Europe and South America before landing in Australia. Beal shares his insights on playing for the Wildcats under Trevor Gleeson, winning two NBL championships, and setting records—including becoming the first player in the NBL's 40-minute era to hit 10 three-pointers in a single game, a feat that's since been matched by Chris Goulding, Bryce Cotton, and Dejan Vasiljevic.

Beal also opens up about his short-lived stint with the Brisbane Bullets, the challenges of being released mid-season, and his final years playing in Belgium and Israel before transitioning into coaching.

Topics Include:

• What is Jermaine doing now, and thoughts on the legacy of the Wildcats' 2014 and 2016 championship teams (2:00)
• His thoughts on how the NBL has changed since he played here (7:00)
• Transitioning from college to pro basketball and the challenges of overseas leagues (9:00)
• Playing overseas in Poland, Belguim, Germany, Brazil and comparing them to Australia (11:30)
• How Jermaine was recruited by Trevor Gleeson and the Perth Wildcats (13:30)
• Forming a lethal duo with future NBA talent James Ennis (15:00)
• His cold start to his first year in the league and how he turned it around to win Grand Final MVP honors and the championship by season's end (17:00)
• Returning for season two in 2015 and falling short in the playoffs (24:00)
• His third year with Perth and teaming with Casey Prather to win his second title (32:00)
• Leaving Perth to play with the Brisbane Bullets (38:00)
• Reflections on his career highlights and biggest challenges (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]