The "JamRockers" Men's Basketball Head Coach, Rick Turner - a former Executive with the Seattle SuperSonics dropped by to have a chat about the exciting era of international basketball the team is heading into!

Since becoming the Head Coach in 2019, Coach Turner has turned a once dormant programme into a thriving and exciting team of skill, culture and enthusiasm, making the island proud and as competitive as it's ever been.

With their recent victories against Puerto Rico in the FIBA Basketball Americas Qualifiers, the signing of NBA Champion Norman Powell, an influx of Professional talent showing genuine interest in playing for their country and with the amazing backing of Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation in tow, the team is poised for success and a hopeful berth in the upcoming 2027, FIBA Basketball World Cup!

Coach Rick discusses the challenges involved in running and constructing the team, the influence of NBA basketball on the international game and we share a laugh about whether he transitioned into fandom of the Oklahoma City Thunder, as someone who grew up as a fan of and worked for the Seattle SuperSonics!

All this and more in Episode 11!

Hall of Fame Media Legend Peter Vecsey joined us to drop some absolute gems of NBA history and also clear the air on a few topics that have been narrated and covered incorrectly for DECADES!

In this interview we discussed his start in the reporting business to becoming the pioneering news breaker that he is known to be

He gave his thoughts on the Michael Jordan - Isiah Thomas "feud" and revealed that Michael Jordan had nothing to do with Thomas being left off the 1992 Dream Team - contrary to popular belief and has been perpetuated in the media for decades

He let us know that Caitlin Clark and Steph Curry are actually his favourite basketball players to watch as a fan. Despite their drastic difference in playing style to those players he covered in the 70s-90s and into the 2010s, he gushed about how he totally enjoys watching them play and is their biggest fan!

He discussed his disdain for Draymond Green and players like him.

He had a pointed suggestion for LeBron James, who's coming to the end of his career.

We touched on whether David Stern would be happy with all the changes made to the formats of the NBA if he were still alive.

And we had a little laugh about his time travelling to Jamaica as Alister tried to pitch his home country of Saint Lucia as a viable option for visiting anytime Peter wanted a relaxing break!

All this and so much more on this Episode of Baseline to Baseline with Alister and Orane!

Reference link added here of previous interview conducted by Alister's website The Actors' Post, in 2019 who had a great discussion with Peter: https://www.theactorspost.com/the-reflections-of-peter-vecsey-an-interview-with-sports-writer-peter-vecsey-2019/

In our return episode for 2026 after the Christmas break Orane and I delved into the trending topics of the last few weeks which have been gaining immense traction in the headlines to start the calendar year.

We discussed the first major trade of the season with the Atlanta Hawks shipping away former franchise star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. We both agreed that it was a trade that was best for both teams and parties and that the future could potentially look bright for Trae with the current young pieces in Washington...but right now, the Hawks won that trade.

Next we discussed the outstanding rise of Jaylen Brown into the MVP conversation this season, with him averaging nearly 30 PPG and almost singlehandedly raising the Celtics’ floor with his play and extended their ceiling to contendership, especially with the potential return of Jayson Tatum during this season. Can Brown now also claim himself to be a “Superstar?” We talk on this and we reflect on his recent rant on free throw disparity for him and team when facing other contenders.

We paused briefly to remember the life and times of our SportsMax colleague Donald Oliver who passed away recently and left a huge whole in Jamaican and regional sport broadcasting expertise.

We resumed the ever-present talk of Ja Morant as the Grizzlies have now officially put him on the trading block and look to shift their disgruntled start before the February 2026 trading deadline. With that, we automatically revisited our previous discussions in episodes prior about landing spots for the mercurial star

And finally we reviewed the NBA’s 2nd All-Star ballot returns against our predictions in November 2025 to see how far off we were, a quarter way into the season. Who gets selected, who gets replaced in our earlier selections and who gets snubbed? All up next in our 9th Episode of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

In this new Episode, Orane and Alister engage in a wide-ranging discussion that started with Christmas in Jamaica and Saint Lucia and ended with the teams that have disappointed so far this season, into the December with a star-studded Christmas slate on the horizon!

We discussed the thrilling NBA Cup and how the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks battled their way to the In-Season Tournament Final and more importantly, whether their showing in the Cup Final could foreshadow deep Playoff runs.

They also discuss the impact of the NBA Cup to the league and whether it has been a positive to the league, whilst assessing viewership statistics and how the tournament has impacted the players.

Whilst discussing the teams that have disappointed so far this season, Orane delivered the quote of the podcast series so far, when he revealed his take and feelings about Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors...you don't want to miss this one!

All this and more on Episode 8, of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

“So Far” All-Stars for the 2025/26 season in December; Chris Paul’s dismissal from the Clippers and Giannis and the Bucks Drama were on the topic sheet for the 7th episode of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

At beginning though, Alister confessed to committing the #1 Cardinal Sin of podcasting that affected the episode but was able to recap and reel things back into control by going through the discussions had with himself and Orane. Firstly the Chris Paul dismissal by the Clippers which they both were astounded by and agreed that it improperly handled by the team.

Secondly the retelling of the situation with Giannis is Milwaukee and where they believe the former champ and 2-time MVP should end up.

Finally, Alister and Orane discussed the strong play of a number of players so far and who would be vying for All Star nods and considering this season! The two discussed the inclusion of a number of potential first-time All-Stars and some honourable mentions that are bound to raise some eyebrows!

Listen up here and share this new drop of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

LeBron James has returned to action and so far, the team continues humming. After winning their first 4 games straight with him in the line-up, the team and LeBron seem to have adjusted to his new role and reality as a key contributor, rather than thee leading man. Approaching 41 years old, is this the "new normal" for LeBron and can this team achieve the ultimate goal with “The King” being the 3rd wheel on a very competitive team now lead by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves?

We next tackle a question that has been asked for multiple seasons prior to this one. Can Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum co-exist? Without Tatum this season - as he recovers from Achilles surgery - Jaylen Brown has upped his scoring average, as the team’s undeniable leader and has actually improved his shooting efficiency, for the first 19 games. However at 11-9 (at time of recording), have the Celtics finally provided the answer that for them to be elite, Brown and Tatum NEED to be on the court together? Can we put to bed the “Should they trade Brown or Tatum?” talk?

Finally Alister and Orane spotlight the Toronto Raptors who have had an impressive start to the season, settling for now as the 2nd best team in the East. Are the Raptors still a “pappyshow,” or a team that should be taken seriously this year behind B.I.3. (and “Bae”) and Scottie Barnes?

All this and more as we roll forward towards Episode 7 on "Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane."

In this 5th instalment of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane, we jump right into the retirement news of Point Guardextraordinaire, Chris Paul. He announced his retirement via X, which was later confirmed by various news outlets thereafter. Alister and Orane discuss CP3’s career impact and Alister goes further, placing him in the all-time PG conversation.

Moving on to his current and old-time team, the Los AngelesClippers, the guys discuss the need for Executives to blow the team up and start a rebuild, in earnest, around James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Alister and Orane lament the disappointing years that have befallen the Clips and how the front office has been too reluctant to break up an ailing and aging core. Thisleads Alister to point the spotlight on Lawrence Frank and takes him to task on his job as an Executive, believing Frank has been too safe!

Finally Alister and Orane talk about their MVPs so far thisseason, with Alister making his case for Nikola Jokic, whist Orane persuades the audience with a eloquent and evidence-based argument for Antigua and Barbuda-roots, reigning league and Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!

In our latest upload, Alister and Orane discussed the latest development of Nico Harrison’s firing from the Dallas Mavericks. They touched on whether Nico was made the scapegoat and whether this team still has a pathway to contention or if they should just rebuild?

Alister debuted a new segment called “Second Take,” which sought to rebut some questions about DeAndre Ayton’s “shocking” resurgence and whether he can contribute to a contending team. The former number 1 overall pick of the 2018 draft has been phenomenal with his new team and they discuss whether he can sustain his productivity with the return of LeBron James. 

Alister and Orane spotlighted the Detroit Pistons who came into this recording as the East’s best team at that time, by record. Alister discussed the hunger of that team and made a provocative prediction that had Orane double-taking! 

And finally, the episode ends with Alister’s interview of Bernadette Albert - EDI and Cultural Awareness Specialist, Musician and Co-Author of book “The Cultural Risk Assessment in Events: Achieving Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity.” They discuss the importance of understanding cultural risk in a basketball and sports settings and how this can be mitigated. Alister also debuted a new song, produced by Bernadette, for the podcast which is sure to leave our listening and singing along! 

In Episode 3, Alister welcomes back Co-Host Orane to the show and we focus on the many “Hot Starts” to this season.

• We first jump into the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs

• We then turn our attention to the Chicago Bulls who started the season 6-1 and were first in the East, beforetheir recent slide

• Orane discussed his favourite player LeBron James and whether he will be able to “fit in” as he approaches his season debut, in a few days. Lots of talk has surfaced about whether he should want a trade and if he would negatively affect Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic’s amazing production whilst he’s been out.

• And finally we look again at Ja Morant and the current Grizzlies dysfunction. Alister and Orane also discuss 3 teams (each) they think they could see Morant on, if a trade was on the horizon!

All this and more on Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

In this 2nd episode, Alister hosts the show solo as Orane and our extended Caribbean family in Jamaica recover from the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa! Alister shares his support and lets everyone know where they can support the recovery efforts via official government platform. He then gives listeners a clearer view of what Baseline 2 Baseline Network is and it's structure. Moving into Block B, Alister delves into the drama-filled week it has been for Ja Morant and how the noise got louder after a disheartening loss to the LakersCan the Atlanta Hawks make noise in the Eastern Conference? Hear what Alister thinks after a mediocre start and injury to Trae Young. And finally, Alister makes an impassioned plea to Chris Boucher to step up his efforts on the Celtics roster as he believes he has a lot more to offer, with his championship experience.