Ballislife Podcast Network

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by TJ Kidd, son of NBA Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, to revisit the Dallas Mavericks championship in 2011, Jason's time in New Jersey in the mid 2000's, him being traded to the Mavericks in 2008 and much more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/tjkidd__ (@tjkidd__) Full video on youtube.com/cruzcontrolpodcast

Randy Cruz, Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh discuss the All-Star Starters, were there any snubs and they do their own All-Star mock draft and more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu) Full video available on youtube.com/cruzcontrolpodcast

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by Gregory Esposito, former Suns postgame radio host as they revisit Charles Barley's tenure with the Phoenix Suns in the 90's, including the initial trade from Philadelphia in 1992, his MVP season in 1993, leading the Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993, classic playoff battles with the Houston Rockets in 1994 & 1995, getting traded to the Rockets in 1996, how the Suns finished the decade acquiring Jason Kidd from the Mavericks and more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/espo (@espo) VIDEO: Youtube.com/cruzcontrolpodcast AUDIO: Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Randy Cruz, Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh discuss Draymond Green's recent comments about 'players vs owners', the All-Star starters, picking their reserves, where Blake Griffin will play next, the Top 5 KD kicks and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu) Full video available on youtube.com/cruzcontrolpodcast

On Episode 94 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the latest FAB 50 National High School Basketball Rankings and which players are front-runners in the annual Mr. Basketball USA Player of the Year poll. The guys also discuss Jalen Johnson's decision to "opt out" of the rest of Duke's season and their initial thoughts on the G-League Ignite team in the G-League Bubble.

Randy Cruz, Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh discuss the week that was in the NBA, including whether the Cavs are ready to trade Andre Drummond, debate who's the best point guard in the NBA right now, which is the best version of Kevin Durant, Melo becoming 12th all-time in NBA scoring and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu) Full video available on YouTube! Subscribe today!

Randy Cruz is joined by Jabari Davis from the 'Dunks & Discourse' podcast to revisit moments from NBA All-Star Weekend, including All-Star Games, Slam Dunk Contests, the greatest starting 5's in All-Star Game history, its best jerseys and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/jabaridavisnba (@jabaridavisnba)

Randy Cruz, Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh discuss the Derrick Rose trade to New York, who's the front runners for Coach of the Year, best big man in the game: Embiid or Joker and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu)

On 'The Retro Room', Randy Cruz and Terrance Watson are back at it again to this time revisit the NBA Drafts from 2000-2009 and pick their top 5 from each of those drafts. They also debate on the top 5 players that were drafted from 2000-2009. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/lowereastscribe (@lowereastscribe)

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by David Zenon, NBA & Collegiate Athlete Trainer, to discuss his career as a trainer and what it entails working with high profiled athletes, as well as debating on the top 2 players ever from each NBA franchise. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/davidzenon1 (@davidzenon1)

On Episode 93 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland go in-depth on the booming sports trading card industry with owner of Denver-based Vices, Noe Magdaleno. From nostalgia to supply and demand to social media promo, Ron Dev and Noe discuss what sparked this trend to make its comeback. Ron and Dev also touch on the new-look Brooklyn Nets with James Harden in the fold, standout high school players from the NIBC St. James Invitational, the latest FAB 50 National Ranking update and some news from the CIF Southern Section putting SoCal high school sports at further risk of postponement/cancellation.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by Robin Lundberg from Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports Radio to discuss the James Harden trade to Brooklyn, Superhero Movies and more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/robinlundberg (@robinlundberg) Full video is available on YouTube! SUBSCRIBE TODAY! https://youtu.be/4qOlJz0tAl8

On Episode 92 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the College Football National Championship game in which Alabama defeated Ohio State. Should there be an asterisk next to this year's National Title? Is Nick Saban the GOAT of college football coaches? Next, Ron and Dev discuss the NBA's first set of COVID issues and the latest FAB 50 National Rankings and the standouts from the first set of games at the NIBC St. James Invitational. ESPN's National Director of Recruiting, Paul Biancardi, is the show's first guest as he joins to break down what he saw at the St. James and his approach to scouting and evaluating during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The final guest of the show is La Lumiere head coach Pat Holmes who gives the listeners an inside look at how the St. James Invitational was born and how the precautions they are taking to avoid a COVID outbreak.

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh to talk about Becky Hammon getting a coaching job in the NBA, LaMelo Ball's triple double, Stephen Curry vs Allen Iverson and debate on the 2017 Warriors vs the 2001 Lakers. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu)

On Episode 91 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the rumors of the NBA expanding and adding two more teams. Are Seattle and Las Vegas the no-brainer locations to add an NBA franchise? Devin gives a west coast city he believes would embrace a new NBA team. Ron and Dev also breakdown their pre-season NBA content where they picked the impact rookies and players who were primed to have breakout seasons. Where did they hit and where did they miss? To close the show, the guys give an update on the FAB 50 National Rankings and what to expect from high school basketball based on the current state of the pandemic.

On Episode 90 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland dive into the NBA preseason, Giannis' supermax extension with the Bucks, James Harden's partying habits, LaMelo Ball's NBA debut, which rookies will make an immediate impact and look forward to the top prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are both joined by Tim Kitzrow, the voice of 'NBA Jam' and Reyan Ali, the author of 'NBA Jam' the book as they discuss the legacy of NBA Jam, the landscape of video gaming when it was released in 1993, how it changed the culture of sports video games going forward, why Michael Jordan wasn't in the original game, EA's remake in 2010 and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/tim_kitzrow (@tim_kitzrow) twitter.com/nbajambook (@nbajambook) Full video available on YouTube!

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco to fantasy book where James Harden will end up this season with destination such as Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Miami being mentioned. They also breakdown ESPN's Top 100 players list and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) Full video is available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Bqyev0CrOHo Subscribe to the channel!

On Episode 89 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss a variety of basketball topics from the NBA's quick offseason, free agency winners and losers, which rookies will make an immediate impact and which teams have the biggest advantage heading into the 2020-2021 season. The guys also discuss the early themes and surprises of the college basketball season. Why are the "Blue Blood" programs struggling? Which college freshmen have stood out the most? Finally, Ron and Dev break down what the high school sports scene looks like across the country.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by Knicks fan Ben Lyons, who's done work at NBATV, E!, ESPN 710 LA, to revisit his Knicks fandom growing up, the new look Knicks heading into the 2020-2021 season, the Phil Jackson era, Carmelo Anthony's time as a Knick, the rise of 'Linsanity' and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/iambenlyons (@iambenlyons) Full video is available on YouTube! www.youtube.com/watch?v=-patmvaz3LM&t=1850s

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco and Joe Cruz from Hoops in the Sun to break down the week in the NBA, including the NBA Draft and Free Agency and more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/hoopsinthesun (@hoopsinthesun) Full video available on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iAbxFDnFgM

On Episode 88 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland take a deep dive into the 2020 NBA Draft with expert analyst Matt Babcock of Babcock Hoops. Matt and the guys discuss the trends of the Top 5 picks, if LaMelo Ball will slip beyond those selections, the top international prospects, which late first round or second round picks will have a long career and much more! Next Ron and Dev discuss the standout performers from the Pangos All-American Festival 4 and bring on one of the co-MVP's of the event, Sandy Creek F Jabari Smith, to get his highlights and takeaways. Lastly, Ron and Dev conduct a pre-draft interview with Kentucky center Nick Richards.

On Episode 87 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland welcome on a handful of college hoops guests to discuss how they are approaching the uncertain 2020-21 season. The guys first speak with first-year LMU head coach Stan Johnson and star Lions' forward Eli Scott. The second guest of the show is UCLA sharpshooter Jake Kyman who breaks down the biggest improvements he has made heading into his sophomore season. Lastly, Ron and Dev talk to 2020 NBA Draft prospect Elijah Hughes, the 2019-20 ACC scoring leader from Syracuse.

Randy Cruz is joined by John Karalis, host of the 'Locked on Celtics' Podcast for Masslive.com as they discuss the NBA in the 1980's, how Magic Johnson and Larry Bird changed the landscape of basketball, CBS's involvement in broadcasting primetime and tape delayed games, ranking the 1980's NBA Finals and more. Presented by Red Bull twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/redsarmy_john (@redsarmy_john) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife) twitter.com/redbull (@redbull) Full video available on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt_dtqGXdwk

On Episode 86 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland break down the Top 50 high school basketball programs as ranked in the FAB 50 National High School Basketball rankings. The guys are joined by the head coaches of ranked teams Sunrise Christian Academy (No. 3), Milton (No. 21) and Coronado (No. 37) who break down their programs in-depth. Ron and Dev also discuss standout players and teams from the Border League event in Arizona.

Randy Cruz and Joe Cruz are joined by NBA veteran referee Zach Zarba to discuss the season ending in the bubble, his drive and passion for officiating, memorable games, most difficult player to officiate and more. Presented by Red Bull twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/hoopsinthesun (@hoopsinthesun) instagram.com/zachzarba (@zachzarba) Full show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt6YZQVYxw0

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are back for Season 4 of "The Retro Room" Podcast as they discuss the Top 10 player in each position from 2010-2019. They also revisit LeBron James' two decade dominance, Derrick Rose's explosiveness in the early part of the decade, some under the radar players who don't get talked about as much in this decade and more. Presented by Red Bull. twitter.com/randyjcruz twitter.com/iamdennyblanco twitter.com/ballislife twitter.com/redbull

On Episode 85 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland hit on a wide variety of topics from the Lakers' NBA Championship victory over the Miami Heat to an interview with projected first-round NBA Draft pick Precious Achiuwa. The guys also welcome on LeBron James' high school coach Dru Joyce to discuss LeBron's legacy and long-time basketball media member Van Coleman who compares LBJ's career to that of Kareem, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Wilt and other legendary NBA figures.

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco to talk about the Los Angeles Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Finals. They're also joined by Chris Henderson from seehendo.com on LeBron's legacy, where they rank Anthony Davis amongst the greatest power forwards ever and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/see_hendo (@see_hendo) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife) twitter.com/redbull (@redbull) Presented by Red Bull Full video version available on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KtOv2qYmSA

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco to analyze Game 5 of the 2020 NBA Finals. They discuss another great performance by Jimmy Butler, as well as the entire Miami Heat squad, as well as dissecting why LeBron didn't take the last shot in order to win the Finals and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife) twitter.com/redbull (@redbull) Presented by Red Bull Full video version is available on YouTube!

On Episode 84 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland break down games three and four of the NBA Finals. Can Jimmy Butler come through with another 40-point effort or will the Lakers earn title No. 17 in five games? The guys also discuss the updated NCAA live period schedule and how it impacts high school prospects. Ron & Dev also break down the top performers at the Pangos All-West Frosh/Soph Camp.

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh, Assistant Coach at Delaware State University to review Game 4 of the NBA Finals where LeBron James is one game way from his 4th NBA Championship. They discuss what worked for the Lakers, where they rank Jimmy Butler amongst the best in the NBA, how fans will react once LeBron James retires from the league and more! twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife) twitter.com/redbull (@redbull) Presented by Red Bull Full video version is available on YouTube!

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco and Samera Marsh, Assistant Coach at Delaware State University to review Game 3 of the NBA Finals where Jimmy Butler put on an historic performance with a 40 point triple double. They also discuss who would win Game 4 and can Miami make this an even more competitive series. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/coachsam_dsu (@coachsam_dsu) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife) Presented by Red Bull Full video version is available on YouTube!

On Episode 83 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland go in-depth on the NBA Finals match-up between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. The guys discuss the key head-to-head battles and where they expect each team to struggle and succeed during the series. Next, Ron and Dev break down who the Clippers should hire after parting ways with Doc Rivers. Should LA's second team recycle a familiar name or show it find some new blood to inject energy into the franchise. The guys close out the show by discussing which west coast players stood out at the Pangos Frosh/Soph Camp in St. George, Utah.

On Episode 82 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the latest NBA Playoff results, including the Lakers game three loss to the Nuggets. What went awry for Los Angeles? What went right for Denver? Is Jamal Murray the next budding scoring superstar in the league? Who are Ron and Dev choosing for their Bubble MVP if the season ended today? The guys also break down the Eastern Conference Finals series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. What has sparked this heat playoff run? What needs to change for Boston to advance to the NBA Finals? Ron and Dev then break down what college basketball might look like this year as we now have a firm start date for the season. Finally, the guys touch on Michael Jordan investing in a NASCAR race team headlined by driver Bubba Wallace.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco discuss the Lakers 2-0 lead against the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, LeBron' being upset about not being named MVP, can the Celtics win Game 4 and WNBA's Mt. Rushmore and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife)

On Episode 81 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland take a closer look at what led to the Clippers' meltdown in the Conference Semifinals and where they go from here. Should Doc Rivers return as coach? Do they need to add another piece? Whose legacy does it hurt more: Kawhi or Paul George. The guys then discuss the matchup between the Lakers and Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Is Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic the most key head-to-head in this series? How can Denver pull off another stunning upset? Ron and Dev close the show with the standouts from the Pangos All-West Camp in St. George, Utah.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco react to the Clippers losing Game 7 to the Nuggets and make predictions for the Lakers vs Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) twitter.com/ballislife (@ballislife)

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco discuss the upcoming Game 7 between the Clippers and Nuggets, end of the small ball era? They also preview the ECF between the Heat and Celtics and more. Twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) Twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) Twitter.com/BallisLife (@ballislife) Full video version on YouTube!

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco are joined by John Karalis from Masslive.com to preview Game 7 between the Celtics and Raptors. Twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) Twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) Twitter.com/redsarmy_john (@redsarmy_john) Twitter.com/BallisLife (@ballislife)

On Episode 80 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ron and Dev cover the full spectrum of hoops from the NBA down to high school. The guys start with an update on the NBA Playoffs. How did the Heat outmatch the Bucks? Will Boston be the favorite if it were to make the ECF? Lakers and Clippers have both had missteps, still on a collision course for the WCF? Ron and Dev also discuss the proposal presented by ACC coaches to create an "All-Inclusive" NCAA Tournament. What would March Madness look like with 353 teams participating? Why does it make sense? Why doesn't it make sense? Finally, the guys break down the high school standouts at the Pangos Rocky Mountain Summit and discuss the trend of high school players in California making the switch to prep schools for the fall and winter.

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco discuss the breaking news of Steve Nash becoming the new Brooklyn Nets Head Coach. Twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) Twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) Twitter.com/BallisLife (@ballislife)

On Episode 79 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the late Lute Olson and John Thompson and the impact each of them had on college basketball. Olson, the longtime coach at the University of Arizona, passed away on August 27. Thompson, the figurehead at Georgetown University, passed on August 30th. The guys welcome on guests who either played for and/or were recruited by those legendary coaches to give us an inside look at what made them so successful. Guests include 1996 NBA Rookie of the Year Damon Stoudamire, former UA standout Reggie Geary, and UNLV standout Evric Gray, who was recruited heavily by Georgetown.

Ian Begley, reporter covering the Knicks for SNY, joins “It’s in the Game” to discuss the Knicks having the 8th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Tom Thibodeau becoming the new head coach for the Knicks, Mike Woodson back on the coaching staff and the recent protest by the NBA players and more. Twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) Twitter.com/ianbegley (@ianbegley)

On Episode 78 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland take the Baron Davis LA Hoops Challenge to the podcast and name the 20-plus best players they have seen live and in-person. The guys also welcome on three guests with deep ties to the Los Angeles Basketball community who share their perspectives and experiences covering, coaching and playing basketball in the region. The guests include Los Angeles Times high school reporter Eric Sondheimer, Stephen Thompson (Crenshaw High, Syracuse, NBA) and Pooh Jeter (Serra High, University of Portland, longtime pro).

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco to review the NBA Draft Lottery. They discuss who Minnesota could pick with the #1 pick, as well as what the Knicks would do with the #8 pick, first week of NBA Playoff games and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco) FULL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS6EcyvGZ4HGXTxt9Z2kP0A

On Ep. 77 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland take a look back into California high school basketball history to discuss what some of the best players the state has produced were like in high school. Ron & Dev welcome on Damian Lillard's high school coach Orlando Watkins and James Harden's high school coach Scott Pera to give further insight on what those two were like as prep players and how they ended up becoming NBA superstars.

Randy Cruz is joined by Joe Cruz, Co-CEO of the Hoops in the Sun Summer League, to preview the NBA Playoffs. They also discuss the bubble games, LeBron vs Melo in the first round and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/hoopsinthesun (@hoopsinthesun)

On Episode 76 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss the latest themes of the NBA restart. Should the Lakers be concerned about their lack of shooting and potentially facing Portland in the first round of the playoffs. Which players have been the best in the bubble? Damian Lillard, Luka Doncic and Devin Booker have made their cases. Our main topic is the recent college football news of cancellations and postponements of two Power Five conferences: The Pac-12 and the Big Ten. Ron and Dev welcome on guests Matt Moreno (University of Arizona beat writer) and Adam Grosbard (USC beat writer) to give us an inside look at what went on behind the scenes to lead to the postponement.

Randy Cruz is joined by Denny Blanco to preview the restart of the NBA season, give predictions, discuss the Knicks hiring Tom Thibodeau as their new head coach and more. twitter.com/randyjcruz (@randyjcruz) twitter.com/iamdennyblanco (@iamdennyblanco)

On Episode 75 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland continue the discussion surrounding high school and college sports during the pandemic. The guys welcome on two senior point guards based out of California with different outlooks when it comes to recruiting. Stanford-commit and Jesuit high school star Isa Silva hops on the show to discuss how he's going about his development while not playing any travel ball games. Next, Jake Blazona out of Santa Margarita explains how the lack of travel basketball and exposure to college coaches has affected his recruitment. Ron and Dev also bring on two college coaches - Ryan Badrtalei of UC Irvine and Jesse Pruitt of Stanford - who detail how their approach to recruiting and evaluating has changed and how prospects can take a proactive approach to their own recruitment.