Chloe is the Founder of Simply Free, a platform that advocates for mental health awareness and resources for athletes. She endured her own mental health struggles while playing college basketball at Eastern Mennonite University, causing her to leave the school. Chloe then began to dedicate herself to helping other athletes make their mental health an asset, rather than an obstacle. Managing your mental health is a key component to maximizing your potential both as a player and a person, and Chloe is here to share some ways to do so!

Key Topic: Addressing stigmas against athletes and their need for mental health awareness and resources. Also covering various scenarios along a hooper’s journey in which mental health management is especially important!

Jack is currently a Forward for the Denver Nuggets. He was a 3-Star prospect out of Australia who went on to play 4 years at Duke. Surrounded by young stars each season in college, he worked his way into becoming a consistent starter and 2-time captain until his Senior year was cut short in 2020 due to the COVID Pandemic. Just 2 seasons into his professional career in the National Basketball League in his home country, he suffered a potentially career-ending torn Achilles tendon. With relentless persistence and self-belief, Jack fought his way back from injury not only to return to being one of the best players in the NBL, but back onto US soil as an NBA player that is now participating in the NBA Finals in his 1st season!Key topic: Controlling the controllable. Never let changes in your circumstance or people around you prevent you from putting in the necessary work to get to where you want to be!

Key Topic: Controlling the controllable. Never let changes in your circumstance or people around you prevent you from putting in the necessary work to get to where you want to be!

Michael is currently the Men's National Team Assistant Director at USA Basketball. This interview was held during his tenure as an NBA Scout representing the Orlando Magic. The Magic won the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, and made the selection for the #1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Michael played a pivotal role in the Magic’s decision to unexpectedly select Paolo Banchero, who is having a historic Rookie campaign thus far and undoubtedly the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award. NBA franchises begin their scouting and evaluation well before prospects reach that level. Tune in to hear from Michael about when their evaluations begin, what the process looks like, and how you can make a good impression on NBA franchises no matter how early you are in your career.

Key Topic:

The habits that you need to start working on NOW on and off the court to prepare yourself for your professional evaluations

Cherokee played 9 seasons in the NBA and currently works for the NBA Rookie Transition Program, helping each new generation of NBA players set themselves up for success off the court. Leading up to his playing and working career in the NBA, Cherokee played 4 seasons at Duke where he won a National Championship in 1992 and went on to become the 12th overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. We’re bringing the knowledge from the NBA Rookie Transition Program to this platform so you can start carrying yourself like a professional long before you become one!

Key Topic:

Effectively building your brand around things that you value and are passionate about, managing your earnings and setting yourself up for a path towards a career in the basketball industry.

Jeremy will be the Point Guard and only captain of this years 2022-2023 Duke basketball team. Through his first 2 seasons, Jeremy has shown tremendous progress as his ability to be coachable and ready for big moments helped him earn the trust of his coaches, teammates, and the fan base. Coming off of an NCAA All-Tournament Team selection in a run to the Final 4, he is entering his Junior year projected to be a leader and one of the best players in the entire country! We talk with Jeremy to understand how his discipline, mental toughness and preparation helped him work his way up each season to the position he’s in now, as the face of Duke basketball.

Key Topics:

The importance of being coachable! Buying into what your coaches and trainers are telling you and using that to earn respect and trust with them as well as your teammates

Kerry is currently playing overseas in Japan for the Hiroshima Dragonflies. Entering his 3rd season as a professional, he initially made a name for himself on the college level, as he was widely noted as one of the best players in the country during his 3 seasons at Virginia Tech and 1 at the University of Florida. He is one of a few players in the history of college basketball to earn all-conference honors in both the ACC and the SEC. Each off-season since his name first skyrocketed into 1st team All-American and 2nd round NBA draft pick projections towards his later years in college, he has continually made decisions that were against popular opinion, but put him into positions to continue his success.

Key Topic:

Setting the media and brand names aside, and leaning on personal priorities, a solid and real circle of people, and an open mindset when making decisions on the next step in your career.

Nolan is an Assistant coach for the University of Louisville's Men's Basketball team. Following a legendary college career finishing as a 1st Team All-American, National Champion, and 1st Round NBA draft pick, he returned to his Alma Mater, Duke University and spent 6 seasons on their staff. Nolan is now entering his first season as an Assistant Coach at Louisville and primed to make a huge impact!

Key Topic:

The mindset of high major college coaches as they are scouting and evaluating young prospects.

Chaundee is currently a Guard/Forward for the Atlanta Hawks. Since entering the league in 2021 as an undrafted rookie with the Lakers, he has repeatedly been capitalizing on his opportunities, and turning his NBA opportunities into NBA contracts.

Key Topic:

Preparing for opportunities that come about along your playing career(tryouts, camps, etc.). We'll discuss his mindset as he handles the ups and downs of proving he can compete with and against the best players in the world!

Anfernee is a Combo Guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion, and one of the most promising young stars in the game.

Key Topic:

Being humble when you achieve any level of success, while staying hungry for more. The grind never stops, even after it pays off!

Welcome to the Hoop Dreamers Podcast. Where you can hear stories and advice that guide you along your journey to reaching your biggest hoop dreams!