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This week for our On the Court feature we welcome junior Thomas Menk, who was nice enough to find some time to sit down and talk with the guys about some injury updates, his role with the team and what to grab at Kwik Trip for a solid late-night snack. Thanks for taking the time, Thomas! The Johnnies picked up two road wins against Minnesota-Morris and St. Mary's to move to 8-2 (3-0 MIAC) on the season in advance of their trip to the nation's capital for a couple games next week. 

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Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:

- Sixth Man Enterprises

- The Sexton Family Foundation

- Bobbi and John Augustine

- Maggie and Marty McCaslin

- Steve Cummings at Nova Group

- Matt Johnson

- Rick DesLauriers

- Sue and Jim Bowe

- John Schultz

 Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.org

Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

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This week, we welcome Andrew Wagner, senior guard from Prospect Heights, Ill., to the show as he was kind enough to carve out some time Thursday morning following the Johnnies first conference game of the season ... a 75-60 win over St. Olaf to bring the win total to five (1-0 in conference play, 5-2 on the season) for your favorite basketball team. A big thanks goes out to Andrew for being willing to chat with the guys. 

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Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:

- Sixth Man Enterprises

- The Sexton Family Foundation

- Bobbi and John Augustine

- Maggie and Marty McCaslin

- Steve Cummings at Nova Group

- Matt Johnson

- Rick DesLauriers

- Sue and Jim Bowe

- John Schultz

 Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.org

Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us a text

First of all, we hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We’re back today with Head Basketball Coach Pat McKenzie as he was kind enough to talk with the guys first thing Monday morning after the team’s second consecutive weekend on the road, going 2-0 in Iowa and 1-1 at last weekend’s great lakes invitational in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

As always, we are very appreciative of Coach McKenzie's time. Be sure to tune in each week as we continue with our "On the Court" series and shift the focus to current players. 

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Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:

- Sixth Man Enterprises

- The Sexton Family Foundation

- Bobbi and John Augustine

- Maggie and Marty McCaslin

- Steve Cummings at Nova Group

- Matt Johnson

- Rick DesLauriers

- Sue and Jim Bowe

- John Schultz

 Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.org

Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us a text

Welcome back to "No Place I’d Rather Be," the podcast about Johnnie basketball and the legacy of Minnesota’s all-time collegiate wins leader coach Jim Smith. We have a very special episode of the show to bring you today. While we’re hard at work getting the rest of season 3 of the podcast ready to go, the basketball season starts Saturday with a 5 p.m. tip against UW Oshkosh at Sexton Arena, right here in Collegeville. We wanted to make sure everyone was as excited as we are for the start of another great run of Johnnie basketball so we’re kicking things off with something new, as we were there to capture the inaugural Johnnie Basketball tip-off event at Basement Bar in Minneapolis October 30 (huge thanks to owner Brett Johnson, class of 2008). Organized by our very own Tom Connell, the evening featured full team introductions and interviews with three key returning players as well as some questions for head coach Pat Mckenzie. Since this was a special event we decided we needed a special guest host as well. And we got one in the incomparable Eric Thomes, class of ‘94. We just let it roll from there. 

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Thank you to Coach Pat McKenzie and this year’s Johnnie basketball team for their participation in the evening and to ET for doing a masterful job keeping us on the rails. Thank you again to Brett Johnson, class of 2008, owner of Basement Bar for the use of their beautiful facilities. Brett also owns Nolo’s Kitchen and Bar, which is located directly above the basement bar in the north loop on Washington Avenue as well as the Hilltop in Edina. Stop by for some great local fare.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

Please be sure to like, follow, rate and review … No Place I’d Rather Be … on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you go for your podcast needs … and be on the lookout … more information about season 3 coming soon … 

Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

No Place I’d Rather Be is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts. Thanks for listening. 

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Hey Johnnie Basketball fans! While we're hard at work getting season 3 of "No Place I'd Rather Be" all ready to go we didn't want you to miss out on the chance to get together with current players, Head Coach Pat McKenzie and his staff, reconnect with old teammates and meet some new Johnnie alums at the Johnnie Basketball 2024-25 Season Tip-Off Party from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at The Basement Bar, 511 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis.
Hosted by the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association, this is a great opportunity to show your support for Coach McKenzie and the boys as they gear up for what is sure to be another exciting season. Get your tickets today by clicking here. 
Can't make the event but still want to show your support? Sponsor a player or coach by purchasing a ticket and emailing Dan Smith or Tom Connell at [email protected] to let them know. 
We hope to see you there!

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45 years ago today, "Norma Rae" was just released and number one at the box office, Rod Stewart’s "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy" topped the charts of the Billboard Hot 100, and the St. John’s University basketball team was on its way to Mankato for what we have already established as one of the greatest contests in St. John's athletic history. Today we bring it to you as it was heard over the air waves all those years ago … unadulterated, straight from the mouth of the legendary Connie O … so sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of 1979 coming straight at ya … right now … on "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." 

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This week, as the johnnies wrap up the regular season, we welcome Luke Budzyn and Griffin Rushin to the program to talk with the guys about the recruitment process, their approach off the bench, some housing plans for senior year, and Gary’s Pizza takes one from the top rope on our weekly late night food debate. 
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And that was Luke Budzyn and Griffin Rushin. Thanks guys for taking the time. 

The Johnnies picked up a pair of wins against St. Olaf and at Gustavus to secure the regular season conference title and the top seed heading into the conference tournament. But first, the Johnnies host Bethel tonight in a valentines day duel at Sexton Arena, right here, in Collegeville. And speaking of hosting, the Johnnies begin their post season Thursday, Feb. 22 as they welcome one of the winners from Tuesday's two quarterfinal matchups, which is the same night coach Jim Smith will receive a very special honor. From the St. John's University newsroom: “Hall of Fame Coach Jim Smith to receive Saint John's University Presidential Medal. Please join us for a very special award presentation to Hall of Fame Coach Jim Smith during halftime of the Johnnies upcoming MIAC basketball playoff semi-final contest at Sexton Arena on Thursday evening, Feb. 22. Game time is 7 p.m. CSB+SJU President Brian Bruess will present Jim with the Saint John’s University Presidential Medal in recognition of his commitment to inspiring his players to achieve their highest potential as athletes, as students and as principled men educated in the Benedictine tradition over his extraordinary 51-year career. Congratulations Jim!”

This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.

Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

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We are very excited to bring you today's program as we close out season two with '94 grad Travis Weiss along with the last minute addition of our very special guest Bob Alpers, who aside from being athletic director and a hall of fame golf coach was an assistant basketball coach for 20 years and had a front row seat to just how humble and team-oriented Weiss was. They changed the offense because of his particular set of skills and Coach Smith had to implement rules to get him to shoot more. Can you imagine? But that was all with good reason as Weiss was selected to the all-conference team his junior and senior seasons and was conference mvp and first-team all-region his senior year. Which was the season he set the NCAA all-divisions record for field goal percentage in a season at 76.6 percent, a record that stood until the 2008-2009 season.

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And that's a wrap on season two of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." But don't fret ... your favorite podcast about Johnnie Basketball will be back next week with another brand new episode of "On the Court." And the Benchwarmers team has lots of great bonus content planned for the very near future.  We cannot give a big enough thank you to all of you out there listening for the tremendous support this season. We love what we and we are grateful for the opportunity. So to everyone who makes that possible, thank you.

This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.

Thank you to Travis Weiss for all the great stories and to Bob Alpers for making the time to join us on short notice. Thank you, as always, to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings, ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.

Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us a text

This week senior manager Ethan Youso took a few minutes before Monday's game to talk to the guys about his plans after graduation, why he came to St. John's and his role with the team. 

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Thanks Ethan for taking the time.

The Johnnies put on a show Saturday for all those in attendance for alumni/senior day. with a record-setting performance from behind the arc in a win over St. Scholastica. with 21 threes made on 34 attempts. A staggering 11 of those threes came from Kooper Vaughn, who tied a school record set by Larry Bassett at Macalester in February 1992. Vaughn was 12 of 17 from the field and made all three of his free throws to finish with 38 points. He grabbed five boards and had one assist and one steal. Which I'm pretty sure all adds up to one of the all-time great performances in Johnnie basketball history. Accentuated only by the 101-62 final score. Which was followed up with a heartbreaking loss at home Monday night to Concordia by the thinnest of margins – 79-80. 

Conference play continues tonight as the Johnnies welcome St. Olaf for their penultimate home game of the regular season and then travel to Gustavis Saturday, with the regular season finale against Bethel set for one week from today at sexton arena. right here in Collegeville. Catch all the exciting live action right on their website at gojohnnies.com.

This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.

Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us a text

Today, we step off the court and welcome one of the staunchest and longest-tenured supporters of St. John's basketball, ‘58 grad Jim Bassett, who is the 2024 recipient of the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the Saint John's community and is the highest honor given by the Alumni Association. And, as we’ll hear all about on today’s episode, the former alumni board president didn’t find much to enjoy during his initial encounters with the university. But all that changed. And six sons and two daughters have since graced the halls of St. John’s and St. Ben’s. Along the way, Bassett became a fixture of the Johnnie basketball program, fostering a friendship with the head coach that continues to this day.

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This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.

Thank you to Jim Bassett for all the great stories and years of support for Johnnie basketball. And thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings, ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.

Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.

Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.

Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.