Learning Basketball

Ep. 89 Learning Basketball with Michael Roth @_MikeRoth

Michael Roth runs Prep Hoops basketball scouting in Ohio and Kentucky.

Today we take a look at the Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise Outlook, and dig into Michael Roth's Basketball Scouting Philosophy & Player Evaluation Process, with a Spotlight on Ohio & Kentucky Standout Prospects, plus Scouting Notes on Shon Abaev & Cincinnati Hoops

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Background - what goes into Building a Basketball Scouting Service?

03:00 Scouting Process & Player Evaluation Philosophy

09:00 Valuing Player Development

15:00 Importance of Role & Fit in College Prospect Decisions

21:00 Spotlighting Rising Prospects in Ohio & Kentucky

50:00 Scouting Shon Abaev & Cincinnati Basketball Expectations

55:00 Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason + Franchise Outlook

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 88 Learning Basketball with Jake Paynting

Jake Paynting covers the Minnesota Timberwolves on the Howls and Growls YouTube channel.

Today we learn about his film breakdown process, appreciate FIBA Australia, celebrate the rumors of Kevin Garnett's jersey retirement, and dive into the state of the Minnesota Timberwolves between Anthony Edwards' shooting development, Julius Randle's playmaking, and Rudy Gobert's defensive impact.

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction & Background

2:00 Growing Howls and Growls YouTube Channel, Film Breakdown Process

9:00 State of Minnesota Timberwolves

15:00 Anthony Edwards Shooting Development, Julius Randle Playmaking Role, Rudy Gobert Defensive Impact

52:00 Celebrating Kevin Garnett's Legacy & Jersey Retirement Rumors + Minnesota Timberwolves "Black Trees" Jersey & Court Rebrand

Podcast LINKS

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 87 Learning Basketball with David Molins @DMolins

David coaches Youth Basketball with FC Barcelona, with experience coaching in Minicopa, scouting film, and focusing on player development.

Today we learn about the role of analytics in Euroleague, celebrate legends of Barcelona Basketball, and discuss player development, coaching, and scouting at the youth levels.

The podcast opens with my questions and answers from Orlando Magic Media Day with Coach Mosley and Magic Players.

Timeline:

00:00 Orlando Magic Media Day Q&A with Coach Mosley and Magic Players

12:00 Player Development, Scouting, Coaching Youth Basketball, Experience with FC Barcelona, Minicopa

30:00 Legendary Names of FC Barcelona Basketball - Juan Carlos Navarro

42:00 The Competitive Landscape and The Role of Analytics of Euroleague

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 86 Learning Basketball with Blake Murphy @BlakeMurphyODC

Blake Murphy is the Host of Jays Talk Plus and co-host of The Raptors Show covering the Toronto Raptors.

Today we learn about the Toronto Raptors Franchise Outlook, the gameplan behind Ingram Scottie and Murray-Boyles in the front court, salary cap implications, and the rumors emerging of Kawhi-Raptors free agency demands from 2019 being similar to the recent Clipper rumors.

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background, Sports Media Advice

09:00 Toronto Raptors Franchise Outlook – How does Toronto balance Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Collin Murray-Boyles? Do any of the offensive minded backcourt guys pop in Gradey, Quickley, and Barrett?

21:00 Defensive Identity, bench mob of dawgs

45:00 Rumors leaking of Kawhi Leonard's 2019 Free Agency Demands for Toronto resembling these recent allegations with the Clippers

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 85 Learning Basketball with Leader Johnson @WriterLeader247

Leader Johnson is a Senior Writer and Analyst for NBA Draft Room, Villanova sports analyst for 247 Sports, Publisher and Podcaster for High Level Sports, Writer/Draft analyst for Draft Diamonds and Prep Hoops

Today we check in on hoops around Pennsylvania, from Dr. J to Villanova and the 76ers. How will next season look for Villanova’s new Head Coach Kevin Willard who recruited two NBA Draft Prospects in Acaden Lewis and Nico Onyekwere? Are the 76ers sleeper contenders when healthy and has Daryl Morey built the real Two Timelines Team? Who are some of the top young basketball prospects around the country to keep an eye on in future draft talks?

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background, Scouting Philosophy

02:00 Evolution of Villanova Basketball Culture from Jay Wright to Kyle Neptune and now Kevin Willard from Maryland

08:00 Villanova Season Expectations and NBA Draft Prospects to Watch: Acaden Lewis + Nico Onyekwere with Eric Dixon now on Luka LeBron Lakers

26:00 Philadelphia 76ers Franchise Outlook, 2025 Offseason, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Johni Broome

42:00 Philadelphia 76ers, The Real Two Timelines Team

48:00 Rookie VJ Edgecombe's Potential

56:00 Future Top NBA Draft Prospects to keep on the Radar - Ryan Hampton, Marcus Spears Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., Brandon McCoy1:10:00 Importance of Confidence and Comfortability in NBA Draft Prospects

Villanova Hoops, Philadelphia 76ers Two Timelines Franchise Outlook, Future NBA Draft Prospects with Leader Johnson – Acaden Lewis, Nico Onyekwere, Kevin Willard, Dr. J, VJ Edgecombe, Scouting Process

Podcast LINKS

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 84 Learning Basketball with Grant Afseth @GrantAfseth
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based reporter covering the NBA & WNBA locally with Dallas Hoops Journal, Roundtable Network and nationally for Ballislife, Newsweek, RG Media

Today we talk about the Dallas Mavericks Franchise Outlook, Dallas Wings Rebuild, Cooper Flagg, Paige Bueckers, Anthony Davis, and the general mix of hope and vibes among basketball fans in Dallas going from The Luka Trade to both their NBA & WNBA teams winning potential #1 pick superstars.

00:00 Introduction & Background, Sports Media Advice

02:00 2025 Eurobasket Standouts - Franz, Luka, Giannis, Sengun, Mikka, Markkanen

05:00 How are Fan Vibes in Dallas Since The Luka Trade?

08:00 Future of the Mavericks: Cooper Flagg 

11:00 Dirk Nowitzki's Insights on Team Owners restoring team image

14:00 Dallas Mavericks Franchise Outlook & Season Expectations

42:00 Anthony Davis Navigating Injuries, MVP/DPOY Award Races

01:00:00 Paige Bueckers, Basketball Phenom, Dallas Wings Franchise Cornerstone

01:15:00 Did the Basketball Gods gift Dallas Basketball Fans two #1 Pick potential superstars in the summer immediately following the Luka trade?

The State of Dallas Basketball After Luka with Grant Afseth – Mavs & Wings Win #1 Picks Cooper Flagg & Paige Bueckers, AD for MVP/DPOY?, Front Office Expectations, 2025 Eurobasket, Sports Media Advice

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 83 Learning Basketball with Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson is a lawyer and the co-founder of Swish Theory who covers the Chicago Bulls.

Today we learn what went into creating the Swish Theory platform, the legal perspective and potential ramifications for Kawhi and The Clippers possibly circumventing the cap, the Chicago Bulls Franchise Outlook with Buzelis and Essengue and a new Josh Giddey contract, and The Most Confusing NBA Teams

Timeline:00:00 Introduction & Background2:00 The legal perspective & NBA consequences if the Clippers circumvented the cap to sign Kawhi

11:00 Creating Swish Theory with Larry

17:00 Chicago Bulls Franchise Outlook with Buzelis & Essengue

20:00 Josh Giddey Contract

30:00 Pat Will Island

40:00 Ayo Dosunmu: The Underrated Defender

45:00 The Most Confusing NBA Teams: Toronto, New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, Milwaukee

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 82 with @GiftedHoops_ !

Gifted Hoops covers the NBA on Twitter, YouTube, and Playback, a Twitch-like streaming service for Sports

Today we draft the first official 2025-26 NBA Playback League Pass Rankings! Whichever teams we draft are the only teams we'd theoretically be allowed to watch all season - can we both survive?

Ranking all 30 teams in order of who we are choosing first to watch and stream on Playback if they’re playing on league pass any given night

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background & Sports Media Advice
05:00 2025-26 NBA League Pass Rankings for Playback

Top-5 Picks:

1. Warriors
2. Spurs
3. Thunder
4. Nuggets
5. Rockets

18:00 Orlando Magic 

21:00 Chicago Bulls!

24:00 Luka Lebron Lakers Star Power

27:00 Detroit Pistons - Cade Ivey Ausar Duren

30:00 Cleveland Cavaliers - Mobley Garland Mitchell
32:00 Minnesota Timberwolves - Ant Randle

33:00 Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis Turner

36:00 Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi(?) Harden Zubac  Beal CP3 

48:00 Atlanta Hawks - Trae Kristaps

50:00 Memphis Grizzlies - Ja Jaren

53:00 New York Knicks - Brunson Kat Bridges Anunoby

55:00 Toronto Raptors

58:00 Indiana Pacers

01:01:00 Portland Trail Blazers

01:03:00 Philadelphia 76ers

01:05:00 New Orleans Pelicans

01:09:00 Dallas Mavericks

01:11:00 Washington Wizards: 

01:15:00 Boston Celtics

01:16:00 Final 6 Picks:

Phoenix Suns

Charlotte Hornets

Brooklyn Nets

Sacramento Kings

Miami Heat

Utah Jazz

Whose lineup would you rather have?

RK -

SpursNuggetsMagicLakersCavaliersBucksHawksKnicksPacers76ersMavsCelticsHornetsKingsJazz

Gifted Hoops -

WarriorsThunder
Rockets
Bulls
Pistons

Timberwolves
Clippers
Grizzlies
Raptors
Blazers

Pelicans

Wizards
Suns
Nets
Heat

Ep. 81 Learning Basketball with Nathaniel Butler @natlyphoto

Nathaniel Butler is a photographer who has captured countless iconic moments in NBA History and just published a new book “Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography”, co-authored by Dave McMenamin.

Today we get a sneak peek into Nathaniel Butler's portfolio, diving into countless all-time classic moments in hoops history, unraveling the challenges of capturing these moment in a single click, and hear the stories behind these iconic photos that every basketball fan has seen before from magazine covers to posters on the wall.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Background - Journey into NBA Photography
3:00 Nathaniel Butler’s new book “Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography” coauthored by Dave McMenamin
5:00 Iconic NBA Photos & Moments Captured - Magic’s Hook Shot

17:00 Nate Over Dwight Dunk Contest - Camera Angles, The Perfect Shot
34:00 Kobe Bryant Passes Through Traffic
37:00 Jayson Tatum Championship Celebration Raises Deuce - Virality of Social Media Today
41:00 The Ray Allen 3 to help Heat beat Spurs in LeBron’s first title
44:00 Michael Jordan 6 fingers up after winning title, wrong jersey one game, and kissing trophy... Tim Duncan Champagne Shower, Celebrating with Popovich

50:00 Kobe Bryant Passes Through Traffic - Part 2 + NBA 2K Cover
55:00 Knicks John Starks Dunks On Bulls
56:30 1996 NBA Draft Class Slam Magazine Cover - Kobe, Ray, Nash, Starbury
58:30 Kobe Missing Dad After Title Holding Trophy
1:06:20 Michael Jordan Floating Backward Air Stepping Dunk Poster
1:11:30 Bill Russell Smiling Through 11 Rings

FULL PODCAST LINKS

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...⁠

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc⁠

Ep. 80 Learning Basketball with Drew Munley! @Drew_Munley14

Drew Munley is an analytics basketball coach with the Syracuse Women's Basketball team and City Rocks EYBL team.

Today we learn about Syracuse Men's and Women's basketball, the role of analytics on the sideline, playcalling strategy, ball screen continuity offense, Carmelo and Kiyan Anthony, and the defensive versatility of Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction & Background
2:00 Carmelo Anthony Syracuse Legacy
5:00 Kiyan Anthony Freshman Expectations
9:00 Syracuse Roster Depth & Dynamics - Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White Defensive Versatility 

18:00 What the role of Syracuse WBB Analytics Coach looks like

22:00 Film Breakdown: City Rocks EYBL, Playcalling Strategy, Ball Screen Continuity Offense

33:00 Syracuse 2026 Recruitment - Jordan Smith Jr. & Deron Rippey Jr. on the radar

FULL PODCAST LINKS

Syracuse Basketball, Carmelo & Kiyan Anthony, Ball Screen Continuity Offense with Drew Munley – City Rocks EYBL, Playcalling Strategy, Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White Defensive Versatility, 2026 Recruits

Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...

Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc