Canada Hoops

Spencer McKay, Victoria Vikes legend, BC Basketball Hall of Fame Member and SMNT Canada Basketball Alumni pulls up on Canada Hoops Podcast ! Spencer sits down with us to share his basketball story. Spence tells us about running club teams and camps back in the Oliver and Penticton area which keeps him giving back to the game. Spencer tells us about growing up in Oliver, British Columbia, where he started to play basketball. The game was a family affair and Spencer also did swimming which helped with his hoops game. Spencer talks about basketball in the province at that time, how strong the competition was and that fierce competition allowed Spencer to get noticed from Division 1 schools in the States. Spencer weighed his options but opted to stay at home and chose to play basketball for the University of Victoria under the legendary HC Ken Shields. Spence put together a truly remarkable career at UVIC and he speaks fondly of his time as a Vike. Spencer then takes his game pro and takes us through that transition and tells us about his pro journey which took him all over the world.

And you know we dive into Spencers' time with Canada Basketball. Spence tells us about some of his favourite teams he played with for Canada Basketball, his outstanding teammates which included the likes of Steve Nash and Rick Fox and reflects on his many friendships and relationships from his time with Canada Basketball. And then Spencer drops his great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball on us. Much love to Spencer McKay for joining us on Canada Hoops !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Keishana Washington, the Drexel Dragon legend, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Keishana sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. KW talks about her off season right now as she gets ready for her upcoming season. Keishana tells us about being back in Philly at Drexel to train and how she is embracing some downtime in Toronto right now with her family. KW tells us about growing up and starting to play basketball and who she looked up to on the basketball court. Keishana talks about playing in high school, playing at Durham Prep and summers with Team Ontario. KW tells us about her decision to attend Drexel and how she knew it was a good fit. Keishana talks about her time as a Dragon and her number being retired at Drexel. KW shares how her pro career got started and what she has enjoyed about being a pro thus far.

And you know we get into the Canada Basketball side. Keishana talks about playing for Canada and what that means to KW and her family. KW tells us about playing at the 2023 GLOBL JAM and having a monster game in the Final with 25 points. Keishana shares who she is close with from her time with Canada Basketball and the drops a legendary Top 5 for Canada Basketball on us. Much love to Keishana Washington for joining us on Canada Hoops !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Our guy Jonathan Chen, writer for the Raptors Republic and Canada Basketball specialist, pulls up on Canada Hoops to chat about Gordie Herbert being named the Head Coach of the SMNT for Canada Basketball. Matty and Chen also talk some Canadian NBA storylines as the 2nd round of the 2025 NBA playoffs are underway. SGA, NAW, Nemby and more..... 

Thanks for the listen ! 

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Niyah Becker, representing Winnipeg, Manitoba, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Niyah sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. Niyah talks about wrapping up her 2nd season as pro in Spain and being back home in The Peg to rest and get ready to train again for the summer and her next season professionally. Niyah tells us about her goals ahead of the next season before she shares how basketball came into her life. The game is a family affair for the Beckers' and Niyah confirms to us that she is indeed the best hooper in her family ! NB talks about looking up to Emily Potter as a young player as well living in Winnipeg. Niyah tells us about playing her last season of high school in the OSBA with Lincoln Prep and how that prepared her for the next level. The next level took NB to the University of Utah as she started her career as a Ute.  Niyah shares her memories of Utah with us and why being a Ute will always be special for her. NB then heads to Wake Forest to play for the Demon Deacons and Niyah shares with us why she loved playing at Wake as well. When she turned pro Niyah headed to Slovenia for her season and leaned on others to navigate being a professional.

And you know we get into Canada Basketball ! Niyah talks about playing for Canada, what it means to her and her family and who she has grown close with from her time with the Program. NB talks about her goals for the 2028 LA Olympics and playing for the SWNT. And then Niyah gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to Niyah Becker for joining us on Canada Hoops !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Tara Wallack, Washington State Cougar and Canada Basketball GLOBL Jam player, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Tara sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. Fresh off of finishing her Senior season at WSU TW reflects on her time in Pullman. Tara talks about her memories as a Cougar and why WSU will always be home. Tara tells us about growing up in Surrey, British Columbia, where she started loving basketball and playing with her brothers. TW shares how competitive it was playing against her brothers. Tara talks about playing for the legendary Allison McNeill and how Allison really helped shape her basketball career and future. TW tells us about her upcoming pro season and what that will look like. Tara shares how she loves to play Canada, her favourite memories thus far playing for Canada and who she has grown close with during her time with the Program. Tara speaks on her future goals with Canada before she gives us an iconic Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to Tara Wallack for joining us on Canada Hoops !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Courtnay Pilyapitis, Canada Basketball SWNT Alumni and 2012 Olympian, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Courtnay sits down with us to share her basketball story. Courtnay tells us about another season winding down as an Assistant Coach for the Fresno State Bulldogs and how the recruiting work has already started for the Program. Courtnay talks about how her coaching journey began and how she felt she would likely coach after her playing career ended. Courtnay gives us her NCCA Tournament winner before she starts into how basketball took shape for her. The game was a family affair for Courtnay and she soon grew to love basketball. Courtnay talks about her legendary time as a Vermont Catamount and how she will always remember her time at the U of V. Courtnay shares her pro journey with us before we talk Canada Basketball. CP tells us about the 2012 Olympics, her friendships with teammates, the pride of playing for Canada and more. And you know Courtnay gives us a great Top 5 for Canada Basketball. Much love to Courtnay Pilypaitis for joining us on Canada Hoops !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Karl Tilleman, 2 time Olympian with the SMNT for Canada Basketball and University of Calgary Dinos Legend, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! King Karl sits down with us to share his basketball story. Karl tells us about retirement yet he still keeps a close eye on Canada Basketball and his beloved Dinos Mens Basketball. Karl talks about moving from Utah to Calgary at a young age and how he became immersed in the basketball community in the city and the province. Till tells us about his days at Winston Churchill and how he knew he'd play at the University of Calgary. Karl speaks about his time as a Dino which is a career that has been cemented as the best to ever do it at the U of C. Karl is quick to praise his teammates for his success and acknowledges that others helped him achieve his success and goals. Till shares how he mades the SMNT under Jack Donohue and dives deep into his time with Canada Basketball. Karl tells us how much he admires the current players for the SMNT, why he thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is so special and how the SMNT is poised to win a medal at the next Olympic games. Till reminisces about his time alongside his teammates and how much they all cared for each other. And you know Karl gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to King Karl Tilleman for joining us on Canada Hoops ! 

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Kadre Gray, Laurentian Legend and Canada Basketball SMNT Veteran, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Kadre sit down with us to share his basketball story thus far. Kadre tells us about his season this year in Romania and how he and his team are optimistic for the playoff run. Kadre talks about growing up in Toronto and loving basketball from an early age. KG shares how he played multiple sports and who he looked up to in basketball. Kadre shares how he made his way to Laurentian University where he would cement himself as an all time great in USports basketball; playing under Head Coach Shawn Swords. Kadre touches on the impact Shawn and the Swords family had on him both on and off the floor. KG tells us about the start to his pro career, favourite stops on the journey and why the CEBL is important to basketball in Canada.

And you know we get into the Canada Basketball stories with Kadre. KG shares why he loves to play for Canada, his friendships with his teammates, playing for Nathaniel Mitchell and more. Plus, Kadre gives us his great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Kadre shared a lot of wisdom and reflection with us and we are grateful he could join us. Much love to Kadre Gray for joining us on Canada Hoops!

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

James DePoe, SMNT Team Manager for Canada Basketball, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! If you know Canada Basketball you have surely heard the name James DePoe. James sits down with us to share his basketball story and takes us deep into Canada Basketball. James tells us about balancing his roles at both Humber College and Canada Basketball and how he is excited to get back with the SMNT for the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifier next month. James tells us about his sports background and how he eventually got started with Canada Basketball. The Canada Basketball career of James DePoe is INCREDIBLE and James shares all kind of memories and stories of his time with the Program thus far. From the age group teams, the 2017 U19 FIBA World Cup Championships , the SMNT at the 2023 FIBA WORLD CUP and the 2024 Paris Olympics the nuggets don't stop with James. James speaks on the leadership and work ethic of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks being the ultimate teammate and why Lu Dort is an underrated player for Canada Basketball. And you know James DePoe gives us an incredible Top/Favourite 5 for Canada Basketball. If you love Canada Basketball this episode with James DePoe is a MUST. Much love to SMNT Team Manager James DePoe for joining us on Canada Hoops Podcast !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors Reporter for TSN, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Josh sits down with us to talk the Toronto Raptors, his career in broadcasting and journalism, early memories watching the Raptors at the SkyDome and Canada Basketball. Josh talks the SMNT for Canada Basketball and why he thinks the Program is in really good shape. And Josh gives us a great Top 5 for Canadian players to interview and interact with. Much love to JLew, Josh Lewenberg, for joining us on Canada Hoops Podcast !

Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland
Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast

Email: [email protected]

https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast