In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with Daren Kalish, whose basketball journey has taken him from the college sidelines to the corporate and professional side of the game.

Daren shares how he went from recruiting at Loyola Marymount University and the University of Oregon to leading grassroots basketball as the Adidas Director of Grassroots Basketball , and now serving as the Director of Client Management, representing and supporting professional athletes across the country.

We talk about the business of basketball, relationships, mentorship, and what it really takes to transition from the coaching world into player management at the highest level.

Daren’s journey shows that basketball isn’t just a game — it’s a network, a business, and a platform for growth. Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or fan, there’s something in here for you.

We’re back with Jed Tai from @PrepHoopsOR to break down the updated 2027 class rankings — who’s rising, who’s underrated, and how these young hoopers are already making noise across Oregon. Jed talks about what goes into building the rankings, and which players could blow up this season.

We sat down with Braylon Gaines — one of Oregon’s most dynamic young guards — to talk about his grind, his mindset, and what’s fueling his game heading into the new season.

He’s confident, competitive, and hungry to prove he’s one of the top players in the state.

We sat down with Elijah Thompson, one of Oregon’s top guards in the Class of 2027, to talk about his journey, his leadership at Southridge, and the work he’s been putting in all offseason.

From late-night workouts to big-stage performances — Elijah’s locked in and ready to prove he’s one of the best in the state.

This week we’re sitting down with Coach Ryan Orton, head coach at Western Oregon University — talking about building a winning culture at the D2 level, developing Oregon talent, and what it really takes to make the jump from high school to college basketball.

Coach Orton breaks down recruiting, mindset, and what separates good players from great ones — plus, gives us a look at what to expect from the Wolves this season.

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Tai, Prep Hoops Oregon’s lead evaluator, to talk about his latest 2026 class rankings — what goes into the process, how the top players earned their spots, and which prospects are trending up heading into the 2025–26 season.

We debate the toughest calls, and spotlight players who may not be ranked yet but deserve to be in the conversation.

How the rankings are built – what factors Jed and Prep Hoops value most

Breaking down the top players – Jemai Lake, Zamir Paschal, Robbie Long, Adrian Montague, Bryce Lowenbach, and more

How evaluation differs between projection and production

Players who should be mentioned – the sleepers, late bloomers, and rising prospects in Oregon’s 2026 class

In this episode, Buckets in the 503 sits down with Eli Hopkins, one of Oregon’s rising guards who’s been putting in serious work this offseason. Eli talks about what he’s been focused on, how his leadership is evolving, and what to expect from his squad heading into the 2025–26 season.

He shares his NBA comparison, the game he’s got circled on the calendar, and even shouts out a few teammates who might surprise people this year.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with a parent reflecting on their son’s journey — from youth leagues and long road trips to his first year as a college freshman.

It’s about more than basketball — it’s about growth, sacrifice, and watching your kid chase a dream one step at a time.

🎙️ Tune in for real stories, real emotion, and the heart behind every player’s journey.

The Spotlight Invitational was 🔥 — packed gyms, big-time performances, and Oregon hoopers stepping into the spotlight. In our recap episode of Buckets in the 503, we break it all down — the atmosphere, the standout players, the sleepers, and what it all means heading into the 2025–26 season.

Catch the full recap now — only on Buckets in the 503

In this episode, we sit down with some of the top talent at the Spotlight Invitational and let the players tell their own stories. Listen as they reveal:

• 🏀 Their NBA comparisons – who they model their game after
• 📅 The games they have circled on their high school calendar this season
• 👀 Which teammate is a sleeper ready to break out this year
• 🔦 How the Spotlight Invitational helps their game and prepares them for the season ahead

Featured Players:

• Sebastian Larsen – Centennial
• Isaac Bongen – Central Catholic
• Jaxson Lawson – Canby
• Darius Andrew – Centennial
• Liam Rigney – Lake Oswego
• Tko Westbrook – South Salem
• Muhammed Carter – Ida B. Wells
• Elijah Thompson – Southridge
• Rigdhen Khyungra – La Salle
• Kahllel Jackson – Jefferson
• Carter Lockhart – Nelson
• Maddox Young – Barlow
• Jamela Baker – Centennial
• Rocco Ebenal – Sunset