Before The League

Demetrius Lilley's college basketball journey has been filled with challenges, major changes, and plenty of personal growth. From navigating coaching changes and roster turnover at Penn State to losing 40 pounds in a single summer, Demetrius shares what it took to keep pushing forward and earn his opportunities.

He opens up about the importance of discipline, nutrition, and making lifestyle changes, including how working with a dietitian helped transform his approach to fitness. He also discusses the impact of playing at La Salle in his hometown of Philadelphia, what led him to Binghamton, and how his development as a rebounder has taken his game to another level.

As he enters the 2026–27 season, Demetrius has one thing on his mind: winning the America East Championship, hanging a banner, and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Inspired by Kobe Bryant's relentless work ethic, he's determined to make his final college season count.

Keyshawn Mitchell has experienced plenty of big moments throughout his college basketball journey. From winning an America East Championship and reaching the NCAA Tournament at Bryant to transferring to VCU, competing in the A-10, and helping take down North Carolina during March Madness, he's continued to challenge himself at every stop.

Now at Iona, Keyshawn discusses the difficult decision to leave VCU, what made Coach Jerome and the Iona staff stand out, and how he plans to turn his potential into consistent production on the court.

With a team-first mindset focused on winning, competing, and playing for one another, Keyshawn has his sights set on a major goal: making his third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Victor Okojie’s basketball journey started with an unexpected change of direction. After playing soccer in Ireland until he was 15 or 16, a Christmas basketball hoop and a teacher’s suggestion helped spark a new passion that eventually took him from Dublin to college basketball in the United States.

Victor discusses his recruiting journey, his decision to stay at UMass Lowell, and some of his biggest moments on the court, including a 22-point, 11-rebound performance against Albany. He also reflects on representing Ireland with the senior national team and U20 squad, which made history with a fifth-place finish in Slovakia.

From working his way out of a limited role to becoming a starter, Victor shares advice for freshmen navigating their own challenges, the influence of Paul George on his game, and why trusting the process, his abilities, and his faith remain central to his journey.

Jakai Newton’s basketball journey has been anything but straightforward. From building LEGO sets and creating stop-motion videos as a kid to becoming a top-50 recruit and committing to Indiana, his creativity and ambition have always been part of who he is.

After battling multiple injuries and surgeries, Jakai reflects on his time playing under Mike Woodson, his move back home to Atlanta at Georgia State, and ultimately finding a new opportunity in the America East. He also discusses the intense practices, competitive team culture, and coaching staff that made his latest transition feel right.

Through every setback, Jakai has learned to embrace the entire process, focus on what he can control, and keep moving forward. Five years from now, his goal is simple: stay the course and become the best version of himself.

Tre Powell’s journey is a testament to what can happen when you bet on yourself and commit to the work.

After several Division I programs shifted their attention to the transfer portal, Goldey-Beacom College continued to believe in him. Tre discusses why that genuine interest made his decision easy, how a conversation with his coach changed his approach to the game, and the offseason dedication that helped transform him into a breakout player.

His hard work paid off in a historic sophomore season, helping Goldey-Beacom reach the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time in program history. He also reflects on scoring 33 points in a playoff win over Georgian Court, the support that grew around the program, and his transition to Division I basketball.

Now focused on becoming a better point guard, leading his team, and competing for championships, Tre shares the mindset that continues to drive him: “Be where my feet are.”

Gavin Doty grew up just 20 minutes from Syracuse, dreaming of one day being part of the program he watched his entire life. Now, he’s living that dream—and sharing the court with Kiyan Anthony, son of his childhood basketball idol, Carmelo Anthony.

Gavin discusses how his mother introduced him to basketball at just three years old, why he committed to Siena after connecting with coach Gerry McNamara, and how he stayed ready through a difficult freshman stretch when he wasn’t seeing the floor. He also opens up about the role faith played in his team’s conference tournament championship and the mindset that drives him: “It’s not the skill of the man, it’s the will of the man.”

With his sights set on the NBA and a national championship at Syracuse, Gavin is ready to keep proving himself.

Landen Joseph believes Dayton has the talent to make the 2026–27 season one to remember. After seeing the team's skill and chemistry during their first pickup practice, he’s confident they can compete for an A-10 championship and make a run at the NCAA title.

He also talks about his energetic, crowd-pleasing style and why he’s excited to play inside Dayton’s impressive arena. 🔥

Panagiotis Lefas started playing basketball at just 6 years old in Serres, Greece, following in his father’s footsteps. By 13, he had moved to Thessaloniki to join PAOK and was already competing against players several years older than him.

After developing alongside professional talent at PAOK and Aris, Lefas reflects on his favorite EuroCup memory, the biggest differences between basketball in Greece and the United States, and what he’s learning from his teammates.

Now focused on improving every day in the U.S., he has a major goal in mind: playing in the EuroLeague within the next five years. 🇬🇷🔥

From growing up around Chicago basketball to earning conference tournament MVP honors, this guard has built his career through hard work, resilience, and faith.

He joins the show to reflect on how an injury strengthened his basketball IQ, what facing Michigan State taught him about the physicality of high-level college basketball, and why he ultimately chose to transfer to Boise State. He also shares his goals for the upcoming season, including First-Team All-Conference recognition and potentially Player of the Year.

His mindset remains simple: put faith first, keep working, and do whatever it takes to help his team win.

Jack McCaffery joins the show to discuss growing up around Iowa basketball, modeling his game after LeBron James, and choosing to build his own identity away from the “coach’s son” label.

He also opens up about a frightening wisdom teeth infection that derailed his freshman season at Butler, how his redshirt year helped him transform his body and shooting ability, and his goals for the upcoming season—including hearing his team’s name called on Selection Sunday.

From lessons learned around elite basketball talent to overcoming a setback that nearly took 20 pounds off his frame, Jack shares the experiences shaping his journey and what it will take to reach the next level.