Hoopsology

In this episode of Hoopsology, Blazers insider Sean Highkin and author of Rose Garden Report the goes inside the Blazers' draft strategy of picking Yang Hansen and he reveals what led to the surprise pick, and unpack comparisons to Nikola Jokić. Plus, we break down Portland’s win-now moves, Jrue Holiday’s arrival, a revamped coaching staff, the looming ownership sale, and the rising buzz around Portland's incoming WNBA team.

You’ll hear:

• Why the Blazers ignored consensus and trusted their gut

• How Yang Hansen became "Chinese Jokic" in scouts' eyes

• Why the Jrue Holiday trade signals a shift in Portland's timeline

• The real impact of ownership changes and coaching hires

• What the WNBA expansion means for basketball in Portland

Hoopsology is presented by Ballislife.

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In this episode of Hoopsology, Justin chats with WNBA insider Jackie Powell, who covers the New York Liberty, and hosts the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast for the Next Hoops about the New York Liberty’s pursuit of a dynasty, their recent struggles despite being one of the top teams in the W, and standout performances from Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu. We dive into injury updates on Jonquel Jones, what’s next for the team ahead of the All-Star break, and how the Liberty are managing sky-high fan expectations.

We also break down the growth of the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries’ surprise start, and what to expect from the upcoming CBA negotiations and expansion draft. If you're a fan of women's basketball, this is a must-listen.

Follow Jackie Powell on social: @ClassicJpow

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WNBA, New York Liberty, Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Jackie Powell, WNBA podcast, women's basketball, WNBA CBA, WNBA expansion, Golden State Valkyries, WNBA injuries, Liberty fan base, WNBA news, basketball podcast, Hoopsology, sports podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify sports, WNBA 2025 season

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In this episode of Hoopsology, we dive deep into the global growth of basketball with an exclusive conversation featuring a key executive behind the Asia University Basketball League, AUBL CEO Jay Li. Learn how NBA legend Yao Ming’s legacy inspired a new movement to elevate college basketball across Asia and how the AUBL is building the next generation of international hoops stars.

Our guest discusses:

Jay working with Yao Ming as chief of staff

Why college sports are the missing piece in Asia’s sports culture

How the AUBL is modeled after March Madness and the NCAA

The global future of basketball—including possible NBA expansion into Asia

Behind-the-scenes of the hit anime basketball series Left-Hand Layup, now streaming on Crunchyroll

Whether you're an NBA superfan, Rockets loyalist, or passionate about basketball culture around the world, this is a must-listen.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

📍 First AUBL tournament tips off August 18–24 in Hangzhou, China.

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Blockbuster NBA Trade Alert! Kevin Durant has been traded to the Houston Rockets on the same day as Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and Hoopsology is here with the full breakdown! 🏀

In this episode, Justin Goodrum and Allen Muenzler react to the stunning deal that sent KD to Houston in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, draft picks, and more. Was this a win for the Rockets? Did the Suns get enough back? And what does this mean for KD’s future and the Rockets’ championship hopes?

💬 We also break down:

The impact on Phoenix’s rebuild

Quentin Grimes rumors

Houston’s playoff potential with KD

What this trade means for the NBA landscape

🗣️ Have thoughts? Drop a comment or email us at [email protected]

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Kevin Durant trade, KD Rockets, NBA trades, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, NBA Finals 2025, Jalen Green trade, NBA offseason news, Hoopsology podcast, NBA breaking news, KD trade reaction, basketball analysis, NBA YouTube, Dillon Brooks trade, Quentin Grimes, NBA rumors

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In-studio analyst for the Golden State Valkyries, the co-host of The Athletic’s No Offseason: Women's Basketball Show, and the NBA Daily Pod, Zena Keita joins Hoopsology to break down why the Golden State Valkyries are making waves in their first WNBA season — from electric fan energy in "Valhalla" to a top-tier defensive system, roster depth, and a Becky Hammon-influenced coaching mindset.

🏀 Are we witnessing the blueprint for expansion team success?

🎙️ Full breakdown on Hoopsology

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🔗 Follow Zena Keita: @itszenakeita

🎧 Listen to the Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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The WNBA is at a tipping point—and the Golden State Valkyries are leading the charge. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation, Chris Brooklier from The Current joins Hoopsology to explore the launch of the league’s first expansion team since 2008. Chris hosted a behind-the-scenes video on the Golden State Valkyries' opening night. He discusses the team’s marketing innovation in women's sports and record-breaking ticket sales. We also break down the WNBA media rights boom and the business moves reshaping women’s pro basketball. 💥

We also dive into the impact of Caitlin Clark, private equity in sports, Unrivaled’s challenge to the WNBA, and how streaming is shaking up regional sports networks. 

🏀 Topics Covered:

WNBA Expansion: Golden State Valkyries launch

Record season ticket sales & fan buzz

Private equity’s impact on sports ownership

Future of sports streaming & RSNs

Business of women’s sports and its $2B+ boom

Hoopsology is presented by Ballislife.

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Hoopsology is presented by Ballislife.

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New to the WNBA? In our chat with WNBA journalist Karli Bell we break down why the WNBA offers elite basketball, rivalries, and powerful storylines from the first half of the season. The hosts discuss the sophomore seasons of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark to underrated teams like the Mystics and Mercury. Plus, we unpack the impact of Unrivaled, CBA negotiations, roster limits, and why the future of the league is hanging in the balance in 2026.

Hoopsology is presented by Ballislife.

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Don't get me wrong, SGA is an incredible basketball player and we congratulate him on his MVP award. But I still ask... what is the argument that supports he had a more outstanding season than Jokic?

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In this edition of Hoopsology, Allan, Matt, and Justin recap the Eastern Conference Finals, break down the recent news of Tom Thibodeau being fired from the Knicks, the Thunder’s quest to complete a historic season with a title, and the future of Inside of NBA now going to ESPN.

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