Counted Me Out Episode 1 "Two Former College Athletes Trying To Figure It Out"

THE GENERAL. THE COACH. THE PIONEER.

Coach Desmond Eastmond is one of the most prominent and well-respected pioneers in grassroots basketball. Whether you know him as “The General” or simply “Coach,” one thing remains consistent, his reputation for being straightforward, knowledgeable, and highly respected throughout the basketball community.

After relocating from New York, Coach Desmond has spent 30+ years making his presence felt in Atlanta, establishing himself as a true figure in Georgia basketball. From player development and skill training to coaching and sports business, his influence reaches far beyond the court.

In Part 1 of this 2-part conversation, we sit down with Coach Desmond to discuss:

🏀 How he got his start in basketball training and coaching

🏀 Working with some of the top talent in Georgia

🏀 The evolution of his AAU program, Game Elite

🏀 His approach to player development and skill training

🏀 The growth and evolution of grassroots basketball

🏀 His thoughts on the transfer portal

🏀 The rise of AAU programs and how the landscape has changed over the years

This conversation gives you a deeper look into the man behind the reputation and helps paint a clear picture of why so many players, coaches, parents, and basketball professionals respect Coach Desmond and his knowledge of the game.

And this is only Part 1.

🎙️ COUNTED ME OUT PODCAST Real conversations. Real adversity. Real stories from people who refused to stay counted out.

Watch. Listen. Subscribe. Share.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Counted Me Out Podcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Coach Dez (guest) https://www.instagram.com/coach_abc/?hl=en

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/?hl=en

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/?hl=en

#CountedMeOut #DesmondEastmond #GameElite #GrassrootsBasketball #AAUBasketball #BasketballTraining #PlayerDevelopment #AtlantaBasketball #YouthBasketball #TransferPortal

What happens when a former college hooper, media personality, and FFTV Magazine owner gets completely unfiltered about athletes, social media, parenting, AAU basketball, and the culture surrounding today’s players?

Fonz joins JQ and Spoon for a conversation that gets real, controversial, funny, and at times uncomfortable.

One of the biggest conversations centers around social media and gender. Fonz argues that social media is essentially a female platform and challenges men to stop catering to women online. He also breaks down why so many men consume Instagram content silently and what that says about the way men interact with social media.

The conversation then shifts to young athletes and the pressure surrounding specialization. Should kids play multiple sports, or should they focus on one sport early? At what age should an athlete really start choosing a primary sport?

Fonz and the crew also dive into the role parents play in an athlete’s development—from athletes whose parents played professionally to the impact of growing up in a functional home. JQ raises another uncomfortable question: Are moms sometimes babying their sons too much?

And of course, no basketball conversation would be complete without talking AAU basketball. Is AAU still developing players the right way, or has the culture changed?

This episode is exactly what Counted Me Out is about: honest conversations, different perspectives, uncomfortable truths, and stories that make you stop and think.

🎙️Subscribe to Counted Me Out Podcast for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders who turned obstacles into opportunities.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Counted Me Out Podcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Durrall "Fonz" Peterson (Guest) https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019?igsh=MW5haXNncW90N3ViNg==

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/?hl=en

JQ (founder & co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/?hl=en

#CountedMeOut #FFTVMagazine #Basketball #SportsCulture #SocialMedia #AAUBasketball #CollegeBasketball #AthleteCulture #BasketballCulture

In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo "Zo" Brown for an honest conversation about the highs, lows, and defining moments of his basketball journey.

Zo takes us back to his early days, beginning at Centennial High School in Georgia before transferring to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia to further develop his game. He reflects on his college career at NC State, where he experienced two very different coaching styles under Sidney Lowe and Mark Gottfried, and how each coach utilized him differently on the court.

From there, Zo shares what it was like hearing his name called on NBA Draft night and the realities of chasing a professional career through the NBA, the NBA G League, and eventually overseas. While many fans only see the highlights, Zo opens up about the challenges that came with his first opportunity abroad, arriving in a new country without friends or family, adapting to an unfamiliar culture, and dealing with the frustration of not getting consistent playing time.

That adversity became fuel.

Over time, Lorenzo Brown transformed himself into one of the most respected guards in international basketball, becoming a household name throughout the EuroLeague and the global basketball community.

He also addresses one of the most surprising moments of his career, which was never receiving an NBA championship ring after spending part of the 2018–19 season with the Toronto Raptors before they went on to win the NBA Finals.

This conversation is filled with transparency, perseverance, and lessons for athletes, basketball fans, and anyone pursuing success through adversity.

In this episode, we discuss:

Lorenzo Brown's journey from Georgia to Hargrave Military Academy

His experience playing at NC State under Sidney Lowe and Mark Gottfried

The NBA Draft and the reality of professional basketball

Life in the NBA and NBA G League

Adjusting to playing overseas for the first time

Overcoming adversity and becoming an international basketball star

Building a legacy in the EuroLeague

Why he did not receive an NBA championship ring after the Raptors' 2018–19 title run

🎙️Subscribe to Counted Me Out Podcast for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders who turned obstacles into opportunities.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Counted Me Out Podcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Lorenzo "Zo" Brown (Guest) https://www.instagram.com/officialzobrown/?hl=en

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/?hl=en

JQ (founder & co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/?hl=en

#LorenzoBrown #Basketball #NBA #EuroLeague #InternationalBasketball #NCState #NBADraft #NBAGLeague #TorontoRaptors #SportsPodcast #BasketballPodcast #AthleteStories

What happens when the game you've dedicated your life to suddenly leaves you behind?

In this powerful episode of the Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with Stevie Baggs Jr.—former 3-time All-American, Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee, author, entrepreneur, speaker, actor and professional football veteran who spent 11 seasons across 10 NFL and CFL organizations. Stevie shares an unfiltered look at what it was like playing football at Bethune-Cookman University, representing HBCUs at the highest level, and navigating the challenges of being overlooked despite elite talent.

But this conversation goes far beyond football.

We dive into:

• The reality of becoming a professional journeyman
• Why discovering his identity beyond football changed his life forever
• How he turned adversity into purpose by writing Greater Than the Game Battling self-doubt through GODfidence instead of confidence
• Why he believes the game didn't retire him—it simply left him
• The recruiting challenges HBCUs continue to face
• The life lessons every athlete, entrepreneur, and dream chaser needs to hear

One of the most unforgettable moments comes when Stevie says: "I didn't leave the game... the game left me."

Whether you're an athlete chasing your dreams, someone rebuilding after a setback, or simply searching for purpose beyond your profession, this episode will challenge the way you think about success, identity, faith, and perseverance.

If you've ever been counted out, this conversation is for you. If you've ever been counted out, faced adversity, or are looking to take your game to the next level, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Subscribe to Counted Me Out Podcast for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders who turned obstacles into opportunities.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/

Stevie Baggs JR (guest): https://www.instagram.com/steviebaggsjr/

Spoon (co-host): https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/

JQ (co-host): https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/

#Countedmeoutpodcast #steviebaggsjr #athletestories #atlantapodcast #nflfootball #cflfootball

Former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball joins the Counted Me Out Podcast to share the story that most fans have never heard.

Before becoming one of the most recognizable quarterbacks in Georgia Tech history, baseball was actually his first love. Reggie opens up about being recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school, how football unexpectedly became his path, and the relentless training his father put him through to prepare him for greatness.

He also shares how his father questioned whether his height would allow him to succeed as a quarterback, the recruiting process that ultimately led him to Georgia Tech, and why—years after stepping away from the game—he still receives incredible love and recognition from fans everywhere he goes.

More importantly, Reggie reflects on legacy, fatherhood, and why it's important for his children to witness the positive impact he's made on so many people throughout his career.

Today, Reggie has successfully transitioned from football into business as the Co-Chief Officer of Effect Fitness, one of Atlanta's premier fitness brands, proving that success doesn't stop when the game ends.

This is a conversation about perseverance, purpose, identity, family, and building a legacy that lasts far beyond football.

In this episode:

• Why baseball was his first love
• Being recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates
• His journey to becoming Georgia Tech's quarterback
• The demanding training sessions with his father
• Overcoming doubts about his height
• Why Georgia Tech fans still embrace him today
• Raising children who understand his legacy
• Life after football
• Building Effect Fitness into a successful business

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and changemakers who refused to let adversity define them.

🎙️ Subscribe to Counted Me Out Podcast for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders who turned obstacles into opportunities.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Reggie Ball https://www.instagram.com/thereggieball/

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

#CountedMeOutPodcast #ReggieBall #GeorgiaTech #CollegeFootball #Entrepreneur #EffectFitness #Football #Baseball #Atlanta #SportsPodcast

From viral basketball sensation to respected skill development trainer, Ryan Harrow joins the Counted Me Out Podcast to share the journey behind the highlights. Known as "Mr. HoopMixtape" for having one of the most talked-about basketball mixtapes in the country, Ryan reflects on growing up undersized, overcoming doubt, and eventually experiencing the growth spurt that changed everything. He opens up about his basketball journey through multiple college programs, the challenges of transferring, and the emotional impact of his father's illness that ultimately led him to finish his collegiate career at Georgia State. Ryan also shares his thoughts on today's basketball culture, player development, and why fundamentals and basketball IQ are becoming more important than ever. Plus, we put him on the spot and ask who he'd want to face in the 1v1 scene today, and he names Brandon Knight, Robert Fomby, and Joe Jackson.

In this episode, we discuss:

🏀 Ryan Harrow's rise from undersized guard to national basketball star

🏀 The story behind becoming "Mr. HoopMixtape"

🏀 His college basketball journey and transfer experiences

🏀 Playing through adversity and family challenges

🏀 Why basketball IQ separates good players from great players

🏀 The state of youth basketball today

🏀 His approach to skill development and player training

🏀 The 1v1 matchups he'd love to see

If you've ever been counted out, faced adversity, or are looking to take your game to the next level, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Subscribe to Counted Me Out Podcast for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders who turned obstacles into opportunities.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Ryan Harrow (guest) https://www.instagram.com/rairetraining?igsh=MTV2aWE1cHprY2ZmZw==

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

#CountedMeOutPodcast #RyanHarrow #BasketballTraining #BasketballSkills #HoopMixtape #GeorgiaStateBasketball #CollegeBasketball #BasketballDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #BasketballIQ #BasketballPodcast #YouthBasketball #SkillDevelopment #RyanHarrow

From Farm Life to the WNBA: Miah Spencer's Story of Basketball, Loss & Purpose | Counted Me Out Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with former NC State standout and professional basketball player Miah Spencer as she shares her incredible journey through sports, adversity, and life after basketball.

Miah takes us back to her childhood growing up on a farm in Toccoa, Georgia, before moving to Atlanta, where her basketball career took off after just one summer of AAU basketball. She reflects on how her high school coach prepared her for success at the next level, making her transition from high school to college basketball a smooth one.

We also discuss her collegiate career at NC State, earning an opportunity with the Phoenix Mercury during WNBA preseason, and the realities of playing professionally overseas. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports world, Miah was faced with a life-changing decision. Rather than taking the COVID vaccine to continue her overseas career, she chose a different path and began building her life beyond the game.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Miah opens up about losing her mother in 2023. Through grief, healing, and self-discovery, she found a new purpose and became a published author. Her book, A Heart That Still Beats, serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and finding strength through life's most difficult moments.

This episode is for athletes navigating life after sports, anyone dealing with loss, and those searching for purpose after unexpected setbacks.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from athletes, entrepreneurs, and individuals who refused to let adversity define them.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Youtube: / @countedmeoutpodcast

Miah Spencer (guest) https://www.instagram.com/_miahspencer/

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

#CountedMeOutPodcast #WomensBasketball #BasketballPodcast #ProfessionalBasketball #BasketballJourney #AthleteStories

Former OTE standout and professional basketball player TJ Clark joins The Counted Me Out Podcast to share his basketball journey, lessons learned, and what’s next in his career. Born and raised in Covington, TJ opens up about playing alongside NBA star Stephon Castle during high school, competing on the national stage with Overtime Elite, and navigating the pressure, expectations, and business side of basketball at a young age.

In this episode, TJ talks about:

🏀 His experience playing for OTE

🏀 The realities of chasing a pro basketball career

🏀 Being overlooked and staying motivated

🏀 Lessons from playing around elite talent

🏀 His mindset moving forward and what’s next

This episode is packed with perspective, motivation, and game for athletes chasing the next level. If you’ve ever been overlooked, doubted, or counted out—this one is for you. 🎙

Counted Me Out Podcast — Where resilience meets real stories.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Youtube: / @countedmeoutpodcast

TJ Clark (guest) https://www.instagram.com/tj.clark23/

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

#CountedMeOutPodcast #TJClark #OTE #OvertimeElite #BasketballPodcast #StephonCastle #ProfessionalBasketball #CovingtonGA #BasketballJourney #AthleteStories

On this episode of the Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with former NBA player and Georgia legend Al-Farouq Aminu to break down the real story behind his rise from high school phenom to the league.

Known as “Mr. Georgia Basketball,” Al-Farouq takes us back to the early days—when iron sharpened iron. Competing against elite talent like Howard Thompkins and Lou Williams didn’t intimidate him—it fueled him. That competitive fire helped shape the mindset that carried him to becoming the #8 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

We also dive into:

• Why he chose Wake Forest University and how that decision impacted his journey
• The reality of getting drafted and transitioning to the NBA
• His passion for fashion off the court and how athletes build identity beyond sports
• The evolving conversation around college athletes staying longer than 4 years
• Honest insight into life in the G League and what players are really experiencing

This episode is packed with perspective, motivation, and game for athletes chasing the next level.

If you’ve ever been overlooked, doubted, or counted out—this one is for you.

🎙 Counted Me Out Podcast — Where resilience meets real stories.

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcast

Guest Al-Farouq Aminu https://www.instagram.com/chiefhasarrived/?hl=en

Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/?hl=en

JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/?hl=en

In this episode of The Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with Courtside Les from the 'Talk Les' show and she shares her powerful and unfiltered story of growing up as a Russian immigrant and navigating life as an outsider in America.

From not relating to White American privilege to embracing her own identity, Les opens up about what it really felt like to be misunderstood, judged, and counted out. She speaks on her personal experiences, dating preferences, and why she’s always connected more deeply with Black culture and Black athletes.

After moving to Atlanta, Les had to rebuild, find her place, and create her own lane in a city where she initially felt like she didn’t belong. Through it all, she found strength in being different and turned that into confidence, connection, and influence.

We also dive into her perspective on the similarities between Russian and Black culture, sparking a real and honest conversation that challenges norms and encourages deeper understanding.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, been overlooked, or had to figure life out on their own.

If you’ve ever been counted out, this one is for you.

Topics Covered:

• Russian immigrant experience in America
• Feeling like an outsider growing up
• Identity, culture, and belonging
• Life in Atlanta as a newcomer
• Dating preferences and cultural connection
• Overcoming judgment and stereotypes
• Russian vs Black culture similarities
• Building confidence and finding your lane

Keywords (SEO): immigrant story, Russian immigrant, feeling like an outsider, identity and culture, Black culture conversation, moving to Atlanta, Atlanta lifestyle, athlete culture, dating preferences discussion, self identity journey, overcoming adversity, motivational podcast, entrepreneur mindset, influencer story, real life struggles, personal growth story, counted out podcast

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcast

Guest Court Les: https://www.instagram.com/courtsideles/