Court-side moms

“Luka Magic”, “The Next Face of the NBA” - common headlines these days in NBA circles to describe young Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and today we welcome his mom, Mirjam Poterbin, at age 13 he began playing with Real Madrid and now, at 22, when most players are just starting out, his years of experience shine through on the court as his star continues to rise in Dallas.

His mom talks about letting him go at a young age, moving to Spain from Slovenia, the sacrifices made and the incredible career he had in Spain, capping things off when his team won the EuroLeague Finals, he was named MVP and soon thereafter was chosen 3rd overall in the 2018 NBA draft.  

Mirjam shares what it was like for her and Luka to adjust to North American life and culture, how he’s coped with all of his success, both in Europe and in the US. and how different it’s been playing in the different leagues.  She shares her insights on having a child in the NBA spotlight, and how they both deal with the hype including the praise and the criticisms bestowed upon her son.  

Mirjam shares some fun facts about Luka, the foundation they have started and her dreams for him now and in the future.

When Zanthia Reddish is asked when basketball became a part of her son, NBA star Cam Reddish’s life, she says it was from the time he was born. Basketball is part of who he is.

Zanthia shares Cam’s story. From earning Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in his senior year, to being selected to play in the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, 2018 Jordan Brand Classic and 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, Cam has had many incredible moments. 

Zanthia tells us what it was like behind the scenes, including teaming up with Orlando Magic’s  Mohamed Bamba while both played high school ball together, playing for Duke University and draft night when Cam was drafted 10th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2019 draft. The historic night Zion Williamson went No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by R.J. Barrett at No. 3 to the New York Knicks. Cam Reddish then went 10th overall to the Atlanta Hawks. This is the first time Duke has ever had three top-10 picks in the same draft. It is a feat that has only been accomplished twice in the last five decades.

We talk about how Cam manages the celebrity that comes with playing in the NBA both the good and the bad, the impact of COVID and the role Zanthia has played in nurturing his career.  

We hear about Impoweredd, the organization the Reddish family runs, that empowers parents of student-athletes as they support their children in navigating sport and educational programs.

We wrap up with some fun facts about Cam.

As we wrap up Magic Mom Month we turn the tables and welcome Cam Reddish's mom Zanthia Reddish as our guest host interviewing our very own Magic Mom, Court-Side Moms host Wendy Sparks, mom of Khem Birch.  

After hearing so many stories from mom’s of NBA players, it’s special to hear Wendy’s story.  Different from many, Khem didn’t actually like basketball as a young boy. Football was his game until he was about 13 when he realized basketball was his true calling. Wendy talks about the limited opportunities to play pro ball in Canada and why they made the choice to send him to prep school in the US.  

Khem’s road to the NBA was a difficult one. Declaring in 2014 was a tough decision. Wendy talks about the experience including draft night and the disappointment when he went undrafted.  Determined not to give up on his dream his journey took him to Summer League and more disappointment. Offered a contract to play in Turkey, he decided it was the right time for him to play overseas. In 2017, the Orlando Magic came calling and taking the risk, he finally realized his dream, making the team and playing in the NBA.

As Magic Mom Month continues we welcome Mandy Carter-Zegarowski, mom of Michael Carter-Williams of the Orlando Magic. His parents met while they both were playing basketball at Salem State University and basketball has always been a huge part of Michael’s life. Mandy talks with us about how her experiences have helped shape the choices Michael has made on his journey to the NBA.  

We explore how Mandy prepared mentally and emotionally during the time leading up to the draft, how she helped create an unforgettable draft night for her son and her family and the indescribable feeling of it all when he was drafted in the first round, 11th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.  

From the high of winning rookie of the year to recovery from a shoulder injury, multiple trades and the negativity of social media, Mandy talks of how Michael coped with the uncertainty, the impact on him mentally and physically and how they’ve come through it all.

In our second episode of Magic Mom Month, we welcome best selling author and mom of NBA player Cole Anthony, Crystal McCrary McGuire. Having practiced entertainment law, she made the decision to leave it all behind and focus on her writing career. She is a television personality, producer and filmmaker and we had a great conversation about her life and what it’s been like to be an NBA mom.

Crystal talks with us about Cole’s journey to the NBA, his competitive nature, how deeply passionate he’s always been about the game of basketball, and with his dad, former NBA star Greg Anthony, as his role model, how he made his dream of playing in the NBA a reality, in the midst of the pandemic.

We talk about what it’s been like for Crystal to watch him play, the surrealness and the blessing of seeing him succeed. She talks about the difference between being an NBA mom versus an NBA wife and she shares her thoughts on the marketing of the game, especially with the onset of social media.

In 2019 Chuma Okeke was dominating during March Madness when the unthinkable happened and he found himself lying on the basketball court in agony.  His mom was watching in the stands and hurried down to be by her son’s side. Wondering if his career was over before it had begun, Chuma began the long road back from an ACL injury and was rewarded for his hard work when he was drafted that same year by the Orlando Magic. Welcome our newest Court-Side Mom, Renee, who talks to us about what life has been like being on this journey with her son..  

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chuma began playing basketball at the young age of two, started playing organized basketball at age 4 and has never stopped.  Renee takes us through his high school and college experiences, the injury and the decision to declare, draft night and what it’s been like for her to be so involved in the choices he’s made along the way as his mom and his manager. Amidst the pandemic, he signed his rookie contract with the Magic and Renee shares her hopes for the future as her son starts his NBA career.

One of the things that makes our show unique is the opportunity to learn who our sports heroes really are and in today’s episode Renee gives us insight on the real Chuma Okeke - a humble, funny and exciting up and coming NBA star!

Wendy Sparks, mom of Khem Birch of the Orlando Magic, is joined by Sue Danforth, mom of Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet, Michelle Riddick, mom of Damion Lee of the Golden State Warriors and Kennie Crawford, mom of Orlando Magic Dwayne Bacon to talk about the highs and lows of 2020.

In a year unlike any other, NBA fans and beyond were shocked by the tragic loss of one of the NBA’s greatest stars with Kobe Bryant and the impact he had on the League and their sons.

The conversation turns to the All Star game, the NBA hiatus, COVID and the uncertainty of what was to come, and how and if the season would resume. Overshadowing all of this Wendy, Sue, Michelle and Kennie talk about the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Wrapping up we touch on the NBA bubble and the restart of the season, how NBA players and families used their platform to effect change, the US election and the power of voting and their hopes for themselves and their sons in the coming year.

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Mary Turner, mom of Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers.

Entering his sixth season in the NBA, Mary shares Myles’ story from a young age playing YMCA ball to playing college ball at the University of Texas to draft night in 2015 where he was selected 11th overall by the Pacers and everything in between.

From his first NBA game to playing in the bubble in Orlando, Mary gives us insights into her experience as his mom.  She talks about everything it took to get him there and how it was worth it to see him fulfilling his dream.  Mary talks about how his success has impacted them, the importance of sticking together as a family, the value of keeping the circle small and how they have managed the many people who want a part of her son.  

Mary talks about how they have managed the pandemic over the last few months, Myles’ favorite foods, his childhood nickname and her tips and advice for other Court-Side Moms.

Today we welcome Darlyn Brooks, mom of MarShon Brooks currently playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. Living in China during the outbreak of COVID, Darlyn talks about MarShon’s experience during this time including having tested positive himself and the start of their new season which began in October.

Coming from a basketball family, it was natural for him to gravitate towards the game almost from the time he could walk.  The one who was always overlooked, his success is even more special and Darlyn shares the obstacles MarShon overcame to make it as far as he has.  

We hear about the stops along the way, how MarShon made the most of his opportunities, his work ethic, being drafted by the Celtics and minutes later being traded to the Nets.  She gives us her insights on the politics of the NBA and the impact on his career, how he’s kept positive, his ability to reinvent himself time and again and the moment Darlyn realized the most important thing to her son was to play basketball.  

We wrap things up with some fun facts about MarShon and some of her best advice to other moms, so join us for another great episode!

Welcome to Court-Side Moms where NBA mom Wendy Sparks gives you a courtside seat outside of the arena.