NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record

High School All-American and eight-year NBA veteran, Mitchell Butler. Mitchell reflects on his outstanding high school career. From 1987 to 1989, he was named the Southern Section Small Schools Division, Player of the Year. In 1988, he led Oakwood to the (Liberty League) Division Championship, notching an astonishing 47 points, 19 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks, in his team's 61-60 victory. We talk about his 1988 quarterfinal game, where he tallied a staggering 50, of his team’s 55 points, in an eight-point win (55-47).

In November of 1988 – in the early-signing period ahead of his senior year at high school - Mitchell signed a letter of intent with the UCLA Bruins. He discusses how heavily he was recruited and what led him to ultimately choose the Bruins.

At the time of recording our conversation, Mitchell ranked sixth all-time, in total games played (130) for the UCLA Bruins. Whilst researching for our chat, I discovered that in the last warm-up game (November, 1989) prior to his freshman season, Butler's Bruins played against my fellow countrymen, the Australian Boomers. UCLA defeated the Aussies, 80-68, at Pauley Pavilion.

Mitchell played in the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons. We chat about his freshman campaign, where he made it to the Sweet Sixteen, against Duke - the eventual National Finalists (who lost to UNLV). As a sophomore, Butler started almost every game, before the Bruins were upset by Penn State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. We discuss how close Mitchell came to transferring from UCLA after that second season. UCLA made it to the Elite Eight, in 1992, before losing out to Calbert Cheaney and his Indiana Hoosiers. Though it was a disappointing end to the season, Mitchell won his team's Player Improvement Award, due to his all-around play and positive mental attitude. As a senior, he was named team captain and also enjoyed (arguably) his best season as a Bruin, with 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. We cover UCLA's near-upset of Michigan's Fab Five, in a classic, second-round overtime game, in the 1993 NCAA Tournament.

We talk about the circumstances behind Mitchell being overlooked on (1993) draft day, and how he made his way into the league, in the months that followed.

Individually, Mitchell's best NBA seasons were his first two years in the league, averaging almost eight points and three rebounds, in just 19 minutes per game. We cover his first stint with Washington and also, his links to Australian legend - and former podcast guest - Andrew Gaze. Butler twice scored an NBA-career high of 26 points. Mitchell describes the feeling of being 'on fire'. All this and plenty more in our wide-ranging conversation.

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Founder of Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, Peter Capolino.

We talk about Peter's family and its relationship to sports. Peter's father, Sisto - later renamed James, by original founders, Frank Mitchell and Charles Ness - began work with Mitchell & Ness (1917), at just 13 years of age. In the early 1950s, Sisto purchased the business, bringing Peter into the fold.

Peter describes the meticulous research conducted, allowing Mitchell & Ness to produce such high quality, throwback uniforms. Countless hours were spent, combing through archival newspapers, visiting libraries, museums and numerous sporting halls of fame. We discuss the advances in technology and its impact on how the business manufactured apparel.

In 1998, Peter was asked to recreate the history of the NBA (Hardwood Classics), as he had done with MLB's Cooperstown Collection. Peter discusses how he obtained licences for each professional league (including the NFL and NHL), allowing him to produce historically-accurate uniforms.

Just before the turn of the millennium, Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company's profile exploded, thanks is large part to links with hip-hop and rap artists. Peter shares some stories about Big Boi and André 3000 (Outkast), plus the classic background behind the improbable link between one of his favorite footballers, Sammy Baugh, and Jay Z.

Peter also elaborates on the deal he struck with Michael Jordan, getting the licence and exclusive rights to reproduce MJ's Chicago Bulls jerseys.

Sports Illustrated has published three-prominent features - Baseball Flannels are Hot (1987), Throwback Hip-Hop Style Points (2002) and Rockin' the Retros (2003) - on Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company.

Peter sold Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company to Adidas, in 2008 - continuing to work for them, a further four years - and still consults with the company today. This conversation is a must-listen for fans of any major-league sport.

People mentioned in this episode, include: Tom Gola, Connie Simmons, Bill Russell, Rick Barry, Bill Walton, Richie Ashburn, Dale Murphy, Nolan Ryan, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Roy Sievers and Bob Skinner.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season - November 9 through 23, 1985

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the second 15-day block of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – three wins and five losses.

We chat about the Bulls' transition from its heavy reliance on (recently injured) Michael Jordan. Chicago was trying to adapt to not having MJ on the floor - this allowed star, Orlando Woolridge, to mesh with lesser-known talents like Sidney Green, Dave Corzine, Jawann Oldham and Kyle Macy; assuming more responsibility for the team's fortunes.

We also talk about the role that Michael Jordan played, helping the North Carolina Tar Heels, secure the signature of Scott Williams (future three-time NBA Champion).

Further, we discuss the Lakers' best start to a season since the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1960, Quintin Dailey's return to playing duty, Alex English's 54-point explosion versus Houston, Xavier McDaniel's cameo in (1992 movie) Singles and much more.

This episode continues our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Others mentioned in this episode, include: George Gervin, Steve Stipanovich, Ken Bannister, Bill Walton, Terry Cummings, Mychal Thompson & Derrick Gervin.

Chicago Bulls games discussed:

85-11-09 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ New York Knicks

85-11-12 - Box Score: Milwaukee Bucks @ Chicago Bulls

85-11-13 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Philadelphia 76ers

85-11-15 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks

85-11-16 - Box Score: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls

85-11-19 - Box Score: Indiana Pacers @ Chicago Bulls

85-11-20 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Atlanta Hawks

85-11-23 - Box Score: Golden State Warriors @ Chicago Bulls

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season - October 25 through November 8, 1985

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the first 15 days of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played seven games in this span – three wins and four losses. Without doubt, the biggest news of the young season, was Michael Jordan's fractured left foot - initially reported to be a 'jammed ankle' - suffered in the team's third game. He'd miss 64 regular-season games.

We chat about Larry Bird's near quadruple-double that opened the Celtics' season. That same game was also Bill Walton's debut with Boston. We also talk about the great play of the L.A. Clippers' Derek Smith, who lit up the newly-relocated Sacramento Kings, for 36 points. Patrick Ewing made his NBA debut, however, suffered more losses in his first two weeks as a pro (seven), than he did in his entire senior season at Georgetown (three).

Further, we discuss John Paxson signing with the Bulls and Manute Bol's first NBA points. Also, we mention 40-plus point performances from Mark Aguirre, Alex English and Akeem Olajuwon, chat about Chris Mullin's heroics in his first regular-season game and much more.

This episode continues our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Buck Williams, Isiah Thomas, Terence Stansbury, Charles Oakley, Wes Matthews, Tom Chambers, Georgi Glouchkov & Orlando Woolridge.

Chicago Bulls games discussed:

85-10-25 - Box Score: Cleveland Cavailiers @ Chicago Bulls

85-10-26 - Box Score: Detroit Pistons @ Chicago Bulls

85-10-29 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Golden State Warriors

85-10-31 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ L.A. Clippers

85-11-02 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Seattle SuperSonics

85-11-06 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ Detroit Pistons

85-11-07 - Box Score: Chicago Bulls @ New Jersey Nets

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Kansas State Wildcats standout and 10-year NBA veteran, Eddie Nealy.

Eddie's father was his high school basketball coach. He describes what it was like to have his dad calling the shots. The main focus was an emphasis on developing the fundamentals of his game. This would prove vital, as Nealy's longevity at the highest level was due in no small part, to his tireless work ethic and mastery of hustle.

Nealy was a two-time Academic All-American, largely recruited by two schools - Yale and Kansas State. He talks about the reasoning behind his decision to play for the Wildcats. We also chat about a major role that he played in a fantastic game, in his freshman season. He hit crucial free throws to seal victory in the closing seconds. Eddie's Wildcats made it to the NCAA Tournament, in three of his four college seasons. In 1981, they advanced to the Elite Eight. I ask Eddie to talk about some key memories from his time at Kansas State, which also included an oversea tour to Japan, prior to senior season. Nealy left college with averages of 10.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. For three of those seasons, he was teammates with the great Rolando Blackman. We cover his recollections of teaming with the future, four-time NBA All-Star.

We talk about Eddie's (1982) NBA Draft-day whereabouts and how he first heard the news that he was selected by the Kansas City Kings. He also reflects on what it meant to be selected by his home-state team.

Along with (former podcast guest) Eddie Johnson, Nealy played all 82 regular-season games in his rookie season. He recalls some memories from his first year in the league. The following year - his first trip to the post-season - Eddie's Kings lost to eventual NBA Finalists, the L.A. Lakers. Nealy talks about his experiences playing the might of the L.A. Lakers. After missing most of the Kings' (1984-85) training camp, Eddie was released, signing on with the Continental Basketball Association's (CBA) Sarasota Stingers - for part of the 1984-85 season - before signing as a free agent and returning to the Kansas City Kings, in late February, 1985. Following the Kings' off-season relocation to Sacramento, Nealy was released by the team. He returned to the CBA and was a member of the 1986 CBA Champion, Tampa Bay Thrillers, led by Bill Musselman. Eddie fondly recalls his experiences playing in the CBA.

In mid-July, 1986, Nealy signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs. He played with the team for two seasons. These days (2015), Eddie resides in Texas. We talk about his playing days in San Antonio and what it could have been like to play with David Robinson. Eddie also reflects on some former San Antonio teammates.

Before the 1989 season, Nealy signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls. He played 13 games in his first stint as a Bull, before Chicago traded him to Phoenix (mid-December), in exchange for Craig Hodges. Hear this and lots more in our chat.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- Cleveland at Chicago - October 25, 1985

- Detroit at Chicago - October 26, 1985

In this episode, we discuss the first two games of MJ's second season. We were fortunate to have access to the game DVDs, giving us plenty of topics and moments to talk about. In our first game for review, Chicago needed an overtime session to determine their fate, against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. Next, we chat about a remarkable contest between the Bulls and Pistons, featuring unique moments on and off the court.

Aside from a focus on Jordan's burgeoning career, we cover numerous sub-plots, individual milestones, amusing moments and minutiae from both games.

This episode continues our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Orlando Woolridge, Charles Oakley, Dave Corzine, Jawann Oldham, Kyle Macy, George Gervin, World B. Free, Billy McKinney, John Bagley, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Roy Hinson, Bill Laimbeer & Rick Mahorn.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- Off-season news, notes and quotes

- 1985 NBA Draft

- Chicago Bulls 1985-86 training camp and preseason games

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

We're back with a new series. Starting mid-June, 1985, we discuss a wide array of interesting topics and happenings, from the NBA's off-season.

We chat about the Chicago Bulls' moves to sign a new head coach, in the wake of Kevin Loughery's firing. We cover the 1985 NBA Draft and the multitude of deals that Chicago made, to secure Charles Oakley's arrival and the team's future.

You'll learn about the 'Schlitz Malt Liquor Summer Basketball League', hosted at Chicago State University, in late June and early July, 1985. Professional players who took part, included Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Reggie Theus, Terry Cummings, Orlando Woolridge & Maurice Cheeks.

We also talk about the burgeoning career of (Washington Bullets draftee) Manute Bol. The Chicago Tribune ran a great feature on Bol, covering his then-stint with the United States Basketball League, where he was averaging an astonishing 12 blocks per game.

In late July, 1985, the University of Illinois at Chicago, hosted an NBA Rookie Summer League, featuring the Bulls, Hawks, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers & Bucks. The teams played a series of exhibitions, open to the public. Players involved - referred to as rookies, free agents and fringe pros - included Spud Webb, Joe Dumars, Kevin Willis, Tony Campbell, Ron Anderson, Antoine Carr, Terence Stansbury & Randy Breuer.

To encourage camaraderie and team unity, the Bulls held their (1985-86) preseason training camp at Beloit College, Wisconsin. Aside from basketball, Michael Jordan served as an honorary official (coin toss) at the Beloit-Cornell football game.

We detail the Bulls' interest in (free agent) Kyle Macy and the formerly-retired Billy McKinney. Plus, Spencer Haywood made a comeback attempt - attending training camp with the Pistons - two seasons removed from his last NBA game.

We recap Chicago's 1985-86 preseason games. They were the only team without a win.

We detail the Bulls' interest in (free agent) Kyle Macy and the formerly-retired Billy McKinney. Plus, Spencer Haywood made a comeback attempt - attending training camp with the Pistons - two seasons removed from his last NBA game.

To round out the episode, we talk about the Bulls' trade for George Gervin, on the eve of the regular season. That deal had ramifications - for more than one reason.

This episode begins our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here's our 30-episode series, exploring Michael Jordan's rookie campaign.

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Mike Dunleavy, Quintin Dailey, Dave Corzine, Wes Matthews & Adrian Branch.

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Veteran broadcaster of more than 50 Michael Jordan rookie games (1984-85), Bill Hazen.

Hazen previously appeared on the finale of our #NB85 series. However, that was an edited-down version, relating solely to the 1985 Chicago Bulls. This is the entire conversation, covering Bill's whole career, to date.

Hazen was born and raised in Chicago. We briefly discuss the city's history of professional basketball; leading to the expansion Bulls' entry, in the NBA's 1966-67 season.

Bill discusses his career in broadcasting. His journey began in Columbus, Indiana - working as a disc-jockey and producing commercials - before he landed "the break of a lifetime" and moved to Milwaukee, becoming Sports Director for WISN Radio. This also gave Bill the opportunity to call play-by-play for the Marquette Golden Eagles, surrounded by luminaries Al McGuire, Hank Raymonds and Rick Majerus.

Later, Bill took a job as a sports broadcaster and talk-show host, at Houston's KTRH. As circumstance would have it, when the talk show was not on the air, the station broadcast Houston Rockets games. Bill then worked play-by-play on TV games, for the Rockets' late-1970s teams, calling names like Moses Malone, John Lucas and Rudy Tomjanovich, to name a few.

You'll hear some amazing accounts of Michael Jordan's first season in the NBA. Hazen was in attendance at Angel Guardian Gym - the Bulls' practice facility for Jordan's rookie season - he watched Michael shake hands with new coach, Kevin Loughery, before training camp had even commenced.

We reminisce about some of the great moments during Jordan's first season as a pro, including this remarkable piece of commentary that Bill exclaimed, in November, 1984.

Another stellar piece of Bill's commentary, was later used in the iconic advertising campaign, 'America's Game / NBA Action: It's FANtastic'.

We also discuss Bill's early use of computer technology to prepare for games and the dismantling of numerous personnel - coaches, executives and broadcasters - following the Bulls' 1985 season.

In the mid-1990s, Bill worked for ESPN International, recording live audio to accompany 'Game of the Week' packages, distributed overseas. Also at this time, Bill called games for the NFL and produced live audio for the 1995 MLB World Series.

We conclude our wide-ranging conversation, chatting about Bill's production company.

The most prominent people mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Kevin Loughery, Johnny Red Kerr, Paul Westhead, Orlando Woolridge, Jerry Sloan, Sidney Moncrief, Jawann Oldham, Dave Corzine, Rod Thorn and Vernon Maxwell.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- Bill Hazen's broadcasting career with the Chicago Bulls (1983-85)
- Never-before-told accounts of Michael Jordan's rookie NBA season
- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

The ultimate episode of #NB85. We finish our series with an in-depth interview, inviting Bill Hazen on the show, to talk about his experiences covering the Chicago Bulls (1983-85). Bill was the play-by-play man for more than 50 of Michael Jordan's rookie games.

Hazen was born and raised in Chicago. We briefly discuss the city's history of professional basketball; leading to the expansion Bulls' entry, in the NBA's 1966-67 season.

You'll hear some amazing accounts of Michael Jordan's first season in the NBA. Hazen was in attendance at Angel Guardian Gym - the Bulls' practice facility for Jordan's rookie season - he watched Michael shake hands with new coach, Kevin Loughery, before training camp had even commenced.

We reminisce about some of the great moments during Jordan's first season as a pro, including this remarkable piece of commentary that Bill exclaimed, in November, 1984.

Another stellar piece of Bill's commentary, was later used in the iconic advertising campaign, 'America's Game / NBA Action: It's FANtastic'.

We also discuss Bill's early use of computer technology to prepare for games, the dismantling of numerous personnel - coaches, executives and broadcasters - following the 1985 season, Bill's production company and much more.

This episode concludes our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the series. If you enjoyed the content, please share it with your friends!

People mentioned include Michael Jordan, Kevin Loughery, Johnny Red Kerr, Paul Westhead, Orlando Woolridge, Jerry Sloan, Sidney Moncrief, Jawann Oldham, Dave Corzine, Rod Thorn, Fred Carter, Dick Motta, Bill Blair, Vernon Maxwell & Phil Johnson.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- 1985 NBA Finals (May 23 through June 9)
- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

The penultimate episode of #NB85. We discuss numerous happenings from the 1984-85 NBA season. This time, The Finals. Make sure you stay tuned for our final episode. We have a tremendous guest joining us, to finish the series in style.

NBA Finals: L.A. Lakers v Boston Celtics

This episode continues our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

People mentioned include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Julius Erving, Scott Wedman, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dennis Johnson, Kevin Loughery, Jawann Oldham, Quintin Dailey, David Greenwood, Bryant Reeves, Jim Jackson & Hot Rod Williams.

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