Jayson Wells played three seasons in the NBL (2001-2003) with the Canberra Cannons and Cairns Taipans before embarking on a professional basketball journey that saw him play internationally for 13 years. His playing career saw him spend time in Argentina, Dubai, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Sweden and Ukraine.

Playing under Cal Bruton at Canberra he teamed with Tonny Jensen, David Patrick, David Simmons, Troy Pilon and although the team only won three games that season, he shares tales of the fun they had on and off the court.

Replacing import Matt Garrison he joined the Cairns Taipans for two seasons and helped them become must-see tickets in Queensland's upper north.

He joins Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce to talk about how his time in Australia shaped his career, how he transitioned into an author, coach and motivational speaker as well as working alongside NBA stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durrant and Chris Paul. 

Topics include...

• Since retiring from basketball in 2011 Wells has worked as a motivational speaker and coach alongside NBA stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and more (2:00)
• What is the Jayson Wells experience (6:30)
• Growing up in Cleveland Ohio and his decision to play at Indiana State University (13:00)
• The child inside all of us and how it influences who we are (15:00)
• Making the most of the opportunities presented in college and NBA interest after graduation (19:00)
• Being a witness to Ray Allen's shooting regime and how it taught Wells a valuable lesson (25:00)
• Playing as an import overseas (28:00)
• Arriving in Australia and playing for the Canberra Cannons (32:30)
• Playing with the Cairns Taipans (34:00)
• Reaching his peak as a pro basketball player (39:30)
• The biggest lessons learned during his 13-year pro career (41:30)
• The highlight of his time as a player (46:00)

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Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Kickert

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Vic Law, Jack White, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Brad Newley, Dusty Hannahs

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton, Donald Sloan

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Darnell Mee, Isaac Burton, Adonis Jordan, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry, Gary Ervin, Ebi Ere, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more.

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