The Dragon's Den

Join me as I talk with TWO legends of the UAB men's basketball program in the early 2000s. Kentucky fans beware: Donell and Ronell Taylor are on the Dragon's Den! The Taylor twins and I had a great conversation! We talked about their life before UAB, growing up in Montgomery, and playing at Okaloosa-Walton Community College (now Northwest Florida State College). We also dove into Mike Anderson's playing style, some of their memories on and off the court, and of course the blind pass during the game against #1 Kentucky in the 2004 NCAA tournament! The conversation continued with their pro careers, their coaching roles, and their lives today! Highly recommend checking this one out!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with a recent star from the hardwood at UAB, Mr. Jordan "Jelly" Walker. Jelly quickly became an icon for the Blazers and left his mark by breaking many records in the program's history. We talked about his time before UAB, playing at Seton Hall and Tulane; his reason for coming to UAB and his game memories; his time in the NBA G League; his current life playing overseas; and more! I really enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you'll enjoy it too!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with a true legend in UAB football history, Pat Green! Pat and I went into so many great stories! He shared his unusual "recruitment" to UAB, what the program's early years were like, his long-standing friendships with teammates, and so much more! UAB fans will enjoy hearing some of the stories that don't often get told about the football program in its infancy. I hope you'll enjoy it! 

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with one of the heroes from the hardwood in the mid-90s, Cedric Dixon! Cedric and I had a great talk about his life growing up in Selma and his recruitment to UAB, his time playing at UAB under head coach Gene Bartow and Murry Bartow, and life after basketball. We also discuss his book, After the Ball Stops Bouncing, and his current career in education. He shares many great lessons he's learned and offers advice to today's young athletes. Hope you'll enjoy!

You can buy the book on Amazon here (https://a.co/d/0g0EAUnM). Available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback.

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with a legend on the gridiron for UAB, Zac Woodfin! Zac has a unique story with UAB because he not only played for the Blazers during some of their most memorable seasons, but he also played and coached for Bill Clark. Woodfin talks about playing for Coach Clark in high school at Prattville and returning to UAB to be his strength and conditioning coach. We also discussed some big game memories, his relationships with teammates, his time in the pros, and his coaching career, which has taken him to the NFL! Zac shares amazing insight into the mind of an athlete and gives great advice for up-and-coming athletes. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with another legend in UAB sports, Robert Vaden! Robert shared his story about his journey from recruitment in high school to Indiana, then to UAB, and finally his professional career in the NBA G League and playing overseas. He also gave a great glimpse into the mind of a player preparing for games, playing in some of the biggest environments in basketball, and how it translates to his training of young players today. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think you will too!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram for new episode announcements to see who is joining me next! Go Blazers!

Join me as I talk with Thomas Cox, UAB Football Quarterback from 1999-2002. Thomas shared some great stories from his playing days at UAB, including his first start versus #17 ECU, what he learned, and what it was like playing alongside some of the greats in UAB football history. We also discussed his coaching career, his transition into business, and his current life. Hope you enjoy! Go Blazers!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram!

Join me as I talk with Janice Ward, mother of the late Torrey Ward, UAB men's basketball guard from 1996-2000. Janice shared great stories about Torrey's early life, time at UAB, and journey into becoming a coach. We also discussed her fandom for our UAB Blazers and what the university means to her as an alum, employee, and fan. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you will too! Go Blazers!

Editing note: I apologize for any technical sounds that might have come into the background. There were a few technical issues during recording. Thank you for understanding.

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram!

Join me as I talk with a legend in UAB athletics, coach Watson Brown. Watson shared some amazing stories about his start in football at an early age, his playing days at Vanderbilt which led to many years in coaching, and his time at UAB as head coach and athletic director. Some great behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss. I truly enjoyed this conversation and I can't thank Watson enough for the discussion and all he did for the University. Hope you enjoy! Go Blazers!

Be sure to follow my social media pages (@DragonsDenEFEL) on Facebook, X, and Instagram!

Join me as I talk with former UAB men's basketball guard Jordan Swing! Jordan has had a great career in basketball dating back to his high school years winning a state championship with Vestavia Hills High School. He played alongside some very talented UAB players and has been playing pro basketball overseas and in the NBA G League (including the Birmingham Squadron in 2022-2023) for over 10 years. He gave some great stories and in-depth analysis of his playing style. Thanks for listening!

Be sure to follow my social media pages @DragonsDenEFEL on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.