From his early years as a military brat moving from Japan to various states, to the cultural shock of settling in Jennings, Louisiana, Melvin Adams a standout running back (Top 5 National Recruit) shares his story. The impact of his family and their unwavering support shines through as Melvin reflects on his high school years, excelling in multiple sports and nurturing his athletic talent.

Experience the thrill of his intense recruitment process with top-tier football schools like Texas, UCLA, and LSU vying for his signature. Despite initially committing to Texas, Melvin's strong bond with a teammate and an unforgettable visit to Tulane led him to switch his commitment at the last moment.

Life after football posed new challenges for Melvin, and he candidly discusses the transition from athlete to post-college life. The importance of academic commitment, the emotional toll of injuries, and the support systems that helped him persevere are all part of his journey. Melvin's story comes full circle as he returns to complete his degree, spurred on by the encouragement of his wife and a supportive retiring dean.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode, and make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more engaging conversations.

(00:00) Melvin Adams

(09:05) College Recruiting and Commitment to Tulane

(25:09) Life After College Football

(38:32) Legacy

Join us for an engaging episode of TTalk, where Carmen Jones and Harold Sylvester sit down with the remarkable John Arthurs, a celebrated Tulane athlete and former professional basketball player. We explore John's early years in New Orleans, where he developed his athletic prowess at Wisner Playground. John reminisces about his time at De La Salle High School, where he not only excelled in sports but also served as student body president. The conversation then shifts to his impactful collegiate career at Tulane, discussing the significance of his athletic scholarship and the meaningful relationships he formed during his time there.

John shares vivid recollections of intense games, including memorable matches against LSU and UCLA, and the personal stories that shaped his athletic journey. We also touch on the transitional phase from college to the professional leagues, offering a rare glimpse into John's experiences with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and the camaraderie among players during the early days of the NBA.

Finally, we delve into John's life after professional sports, highlighting his successful career in banking and commercial real estate, and his enduring connection to Tulane University and New Orleans. As we wrap up, we share heartfelt memories and the joy of reconnecting with old friends, showcasing the deep bonds and shared experiences that continue to shape our lives. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with rich stories and reflections on a life well-lived both on and off the court.

00:01) Intro
(09:10) Basketball Memories Similar Upbringing, Different Realities
(17:22) Tulane Basketball Memorable Senior Year Basketball Wins
(26:08) Historic UCLA Matchup
(33:28) Transition From College to Pros Rooming With Alcindor
(45:39) Post-Professional Life Reflections
(51:53) College Athletics' Experience and Relationships
(01:02:21) Supporting Student-Athletes
(01:09:13 ) Summer Baseball League With Stephen Martin
(01:14:36) John and Harold Reminisce 

Imagine growing up with a life filled with ballet, gymnastics, and piano lessons, only to discover your true calling is the competitive world of track and basketball. That's the story of Mashandra Hall a dynamic Tulane Hall of Famer, who joins us to share her incredible journey from Memphis to collegiate sports stardom. 

She tackles the contentious issue of youth sports specialization, leveraging both personal anecdotes and professional insights to weigh the pros and cons. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of following one's dreams, the impact of educators, the legacy of strict fun, and the lasting power of kindness.

(00:00) Meshandra Hall Introduction

(05:20) Youth Sports Specialization

(20:05) Transition to College Athletics Experience"

(31:52) Navigating Freshman Year in College Sports

(41:06) Track vs. Basketball

(49:52) Athlete's Struggle With Transition and Injury

(54:59) Former Athlete Reflects on Coaching Track

(58:40) Career Transition and Academic Success

(01:03:18) Life Reflections and Memorable Moments

(01:14:01) Inspiring Young People Through Kindness

Hall, was a two-sport athlete for the Green Wave from 1989-1994, and later served as a track & field assistant coach. As a standout on the Tulane women's track and field team, Hall was a two-time Metro Conference Track & Field Most Valuable Player in 1993 and 1994, the Tulane Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994 and ranked No. 7 in the nation among United States women in the long jump.

She holds the Tulane record in the long jump, ranks fourth all time in the 400-meter dash and was the Green Wave's three-time MVP of running and field events (1992, 1993 and 1994). When she wasn't performing on the track, Hall was a defensive standout for the TU women's basketball team from 1989-91. She was voted defensive MVP in 1989-90 and played her final hoops season in 1990-91.

In the classroom, she received the Sophie B. Newcomb Academic Award in 1993, served on the African-American Congress of Tulane from 1989-94, was a Tulane Student-Athlete Advisory Board member from 1991-93 and was a member of Tulane's 3.0/4.0 GPA Club in 1993 and 1994.

Take a trip down memory lane with us to Tulane University in 1985, where Preston Washington (Healthcare Executive), John Ripoll (Sr. VP Investments), and Marvin Allen (Asst. GM Miami Dolphins) recount their college football days. The raucous tales of camaraderie formed in Sharp Hall and the life lessons learned from influential coaches like Mack Brown. Filled with humor and nostalgia, these stories highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating collegiate athletics and solidifying lifelong friendships in the process. 

(00:01) Introductions
(06:41) College Freshmen Football Memories and Bonds
(14:05) College Roommates and Shenanigans
(27:03) Academic Success
(38:45) Navigating College Challenges and Stress
(42:05) From Athlete to Finance Career
(50:00) Post-Football Careers and Personal Success
(01:00:08) Reflection on Friendship

Join us on this episode of TTalk as we sit down with Jerome McIntosh, a dynamic athlete who shares his incredible story from growing up on military bases to making waves on the football field. Jerome's unique upbringing across Idaho, Germany, California, and Florida instilled in him the resilience and adaptability that became the cornerstones of his athletic career. From family traditions on military bases to the challenges of constantly adapting to new environments, Jerome's early years are a fascinating blend of discipline and determination. His transition from junior high sports to high school stardom as a two-time 4A state quarterback Player of the Year is a tale of overcoming setbacks and finding a true calling on the football field.

What happens when a top-notch quarterback pivots to wide receiver and makes history? McIntosh recounts how a fateful recruiting pitch led him to Tulane, his competitive relationship with teammate Terrence Jones, and the unforgettable moments on the field, including a memorable performance against Florida State. Now an assistant wide receiver coach, Jerome discusses the evolving landscape of college sports with NIL deals and the transfer portal, sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities they present.

(00:04) Athlete's Childhood Moving Around Military Bases

(05:22) From Junior High to College

(13:46) Recruiting and Freshman Impressions

(17:11) Quarterback Competition and Development

(23:09) Freshman Year Challenges and Successes

(26:30) Transitioning to Wide Receiver in College

(40:48) College Football Memories and Transition

(53:31) Career Transitions and Coaching Advancements

(59:12) Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal

(01:10:57) Life Lessons

(01:15:03) Reflecting on Memories

(01:21:44) Academic Sports and Life Perspective

We welcome James McKinley, a former Tulane defensive back who made his mark for Coach Mack Brown in the 1987 Independence Bowl. Witness a tale of unwavering spirit, familial influence, and a steely determination that catapulted a late bloomer from a vocational high school into football stardom and a career in mortgage financing. We explore how the values he learned on the gridiron—teamwork, resilience, and competition—translate into career success and personal fulfillment. Join us for this episode of TTalk, where every play counts towards a life well-lived.

00:00) Early Life

James McKinley's story showcases perseverance, family influence, and community support in his late start and success in football.

(12:29) Recruiting Trip to Tulane

A former athlete reflects on his recruiting trip, conversations with Dr. Hill, camaraderie with teammates, and determination to succeed in college athletics.

(23:59) Achieving Success Through Hard Work

Mastering cover two defense, coaching changes, team goals, and camaraderie led to a winning season and graduation in '88.

(31:02) Independence Bowl Experience and Career Highlights

Standout performances, media interactions, strategic responses, personal redemption, and family support.

(39:38) Life After Sports

Transitioning from student athlete to post-athletics, leveraging experiences, resilience, mentors, finances, support, self-improvement, and defining success through faith, family, and community.

(50:10) Transfer Portal's Impact on Junior College Athletes 

The complexities in college sports transfer portal, struggles of junior college athletes, personal preferences, and enduring connections

In this episode, we chart the evolution of a high school phenom into a junior college standout at Delgado and shares the camaraderie and growth that propelled him to Tulane University and the Posse. With a life as vibrant as a game-winning buzzer-beater, Michael Christian opens up about his international upbringing, the formative influence of his Air Force father, and the pivotal encounters with future NBA legends that defined his early years.

Feel the heartbeat of those fierce NCAA games, where rivalries were as intense as the Southern heat, and the weight of a coach's expectations could make or break a young athlete's dreams. Christian doesn't shy away from the raw moments of self-doubt and the resilience demanded to excel in the highly competitive world of collegiate athletics.

Michael shares the wisdom gleaned from coaching, the impact of youth basketball culture, and the responsibilities of nurturing the next generation of talent in an era of NIL and the Transfer Portal. This episode is a celebration of friendship, mentorship and the deep-seated connections that bind the past, present, and future of Tulane Men's Basketball.

(00:00) Michael Christian formative years 
(11:08) High School Basketball
(23:12) Junior College Basketball
(31:31) Remembering the Posse Era in Tulane Basketball
(43:44) NCAA Basketball Game Conversations
(48:20) Building a Successful Basketball Team
(57:55) Life After College Basketball
(01:14:54) Coaching Path and Youth Development
(01:20:49) Impact of Youth Basketball Culture
(01:29:51) Discussion on Tulane Basketball Program
(01:37:16) Building a Winning Legacy at Tulane

Barbara Farris has had an exceptional basketball career as a player, coach, and champion on various levels, despite starting late at age thirteen. Her experiences playing and coaching basketball globally demonstrate its role in her personal growth, as well as the profound impact she has had on her players and the community, exemplifying the importance of being more than just an athlete, but a beacon of inspiration for others. The conversation with Barbara celebrates the joys and challenges of basketball, while also spotlighting the long-term influence of supporting women's sports and the growth of individuals involved.

(0:00:00) - Barbara Farris and Growing Up

(0:13:49) - Teaching Discipline and Expectations in Public

(0:18:09) - High School Athletics and Influential Coaches

(0:27:28) - Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

(0:38:45) - College Recruiting Visits and Decisions

(0:43:44) - Tulane Women's Basketball Program Memories

(0:56:10) - Overcoming Challenges for Success

(1:03:11) - Life Lessons Learned Through Basketball

(1:11:39) - Embracing Basketball and Self-Confidence

(1:18:53) - Athlete Transition to Playing Abroad

(1:27:24) - Success in Coaching Basketball

(1:39:27) - College Athletics and Transfer Portal

(1:44:12) - College Basketball Rule Changes and Opportunities

(1:49:40) - Support and Investment in Women's Basketball

(1:55:02) - Favorite Things and Guilty Pleasures

(2:05:55) - Planning Diverse Sports Network Expansion

During her Tulane career, Barbara started in 114 games and scored 1,729 points, making 408 out of 684 free throw attempts, which is second on the record-charts; she also had Tulane’s second-highest career totals of rebounds (939), offensive rebounds (351), defensive rebounds (588), free throws made (408) and free throws attempted (684). She averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in her career, becoming the only player in school history to achieve all-conference honors all four years. She still holds the school’s career field-goal percentage record (63.7 percent). For all of these reasons, and for her outstanding leadership skills, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. 

When a New Orleans East kid dreams of athletic stardom, the road isn't always paved in gold. Bernard Robertson, III knows this all too well, and he takes us through the side streets and sharp turns from swimming pools and tennis courts to the roar of NFL stadiums. Our conversation threads through Bernard's formative years, where family influence and mentorship played critical roles in shaping not just an athlete, but a man of resilience. His story a rich tapestry of triumphs, transitions, and the kind of life lessons you can't find in playbooks—resonates with anyone who's ever faced a hurdle and wondered how to leap.

But what happens when the game is over, the crowd disperses, and the lights dim? For Bernard Robertson, the play simply changed fields—from the gridiron to the world of wealth management. His tale of transition illuminates the many ways athletes can redirect their passion and skills into new arenas. And as we peel back the curtain on Bernard's post-football success, we uncover a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and the never-ending quest for personal growth. Join us as we honor not only Bernard's athletic prowess but also his commitment to guiding the next generation, ensuring that when the stadium lights eventually dim, they're ready to shine elsewhere.

(00:00) Athletic Journey of Bernard Robertson
(13:16) Navigating Police Interactions With Black Youth
(24:34) Recruitment Visit to Tulane Football
(38:55) Tommy Bowden and Tulane Football
(45:04) Turning Around Tulane's Football Program
(59:34) Career Transition and Personal Growth
(01:09:44) Transition From Football to Financial Advisor
(01:14:58) Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal
(01:21:10) Transfer Rules and Athletic Legacy
(01:25:20) Praising a Good Leader and Friend

We talk with Britney Hurst Temple, a volleyball titan whose illustrious career has vaulted her into the Tulane University Hall of Fame. Britney shares a candid retrospective of her sports career, reflecting on pivotal moments from her early days as a high-energy athlete under her mother's guidance, to her transformation into a volleyball prodigy. Throughout the episode, she reveals the nuanced challenges she faced, including embracing her heritage, combating stereotypes, and advocating for diversity within volleyball.

Britney's post-graduation life includes her overseas volleyball career, the creation of a modeling agency and a thriving financial firm. We explore the significant role family legacy plays in her life, including the athletic and educational trailblazing by her mother and in-laws. Britney imparts her wisdom on embracing new passions like tennis and the importance of finding fulfilling activities that keep the competitive spirit alive. This episode is not just about sports, but about life, identity, and the drive to craft a legacy worth remembering.