One of New Zealand’s finest home-grown basketball successes, Jordan Ngatai is a regular on the world stage leading his squad’s pregame Haka, as recent as the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he was the starting Small Forward. In a storied career spanning over a decade and counting, Jordan won multiple championships in New Zealand and Australia, and was honored as an All-Star Five in 2020.

In this slam-dunk episode on the back of his FIBA tournament return, Jordan takes us through the nuts and bolts of his career, and dissects the anatomy of a hoop dream. How to transition from college to pro? What sets great teams apart from the mediocre? How to lead by example? How to overcome injuries and prolong the playing career?

Where it gets more interesting, we dive deep into the lesser-known business side of the sport - landscape of overseas opportunities, earnings potentials, agent conversations, player contracts, choosing the right organization. It is truly a treasure trove for fans and aspiring athletes alike. Nylon, folks. Let’s lace up!

Timestamps
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:07:31) NCAA and Turning Pro
(00:33:57) Organizational Culture and Leadership
(00:48:32) Injuries and Career Longevity
(00:58:49) New Zealand NBL vs Australia NBL
(01:04:11) Business of Basketball and Playing Overseas
(01:22:40) National Team & Steven Adams
(01:29:02) Michael Jordan, Olajuwon, Manu Ginobili
(01:36:21) Next Chapter & Family

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent personal project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any employer or organization. All views expressed are solely those of the host and guests. The content is for information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or professional advice. The host, guests, and associated parties assume no liability for any actions taken based on this content.