After 4 enthralling years in Rogers Park, Bears Superfan Cameron Krutwig has traveled across the pond to Belgium to begin his professional basketball career. He is joined by senior walk-on for the Ramblers, Will Alcock, a self-described ‘Hoosier’. The pai
Krut and Will are joined by an international celebrity, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a survivor of two pandemics, a former teacher, coach, and administrator, now retired for over 25 years, she has since served as the team chaplain for the Loyola University Chicago men's basketball team(with 5 head coaches), and has recently spent 4 weeks as a New York Times best-selling author. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt co-wrote "Wake Up with Purpose! What I've Learned in My First Hundred Years", with CBS hoops analyst, Seth Davis. Sister Jean joins the pod at the 30:15 mark. Prior to that, the pair provide a brief updates on the Bears and the ‘Blers. In Mito, Krut has picked up a new hobby/quest, call it what you want. JAPANESE WORD OF THE WEEK おはよう- Ohayou- Good morning
Krut is happy with the Bears' dealings. The Blers fell in their opening A-10 tourney game to St Joe's, so the pair share their perspective heading into the offseason. The Bots are back in action, Krut explains the league standings, and provides another word of the week! JAPANESE WORD OF THE WEEK: お願いします- Onegai shimasu - please (formal)- according to Krut, pronunciation as well
The A10 regular season wrapped up in Philly for the Blers with their win at La Salle. Krut and Will discuss that game and touch on the three previous contests. Nothing new for the Bears. While the Bots haven't played either, Krut has plenty to share and TWO more words of the week. JAPANESE WORD OF THE WEEK: hidari 左 and migi 右 left and right :) Shoutout to our friends at the Loyola Phoenix! Go check out Fernando Molina Bier's article on the pod in last week's edition of the Phoenix.
Krut is finally able to watch the 'Blers from Mito, Japan. It certainly was a frustrating game but the pair provide some analysis and perspective on what's up with these 'Blers. As for the Bears, they question whether the smoke around Justin Fields is real. For the Bots, Krut recently played a familiar foe. He also describes his FIBA break which included a trip to Mt. Fuji. JAPANESE WORD OF THE WEEK- すみません – Sumimasen – Excuse me
Bears- The Bears have the #1 overall pick! What should they do with it? 'Blers- Certainly not the start we wanted in a new conference but the pair attempt to reflect on this start and where to go from here Bots(working on graphic/title change)- Krut has begun play with his 3rd professional team, the Ibaraki Robots, he introduces changes in this new setting both on and off the court
The pair of Krut and Will are joined by award-winning filmmaker, Patrick Creadon. Patrick directed The Loyola Project with the help of his wife, Christine, and their team at O'Malley Creadon Productions. Patrick discusses the people who made it possible to make the film, the relationships he built, and some important themes throughout. If you haven't seen The Loyola Project it is streaming on Paramount+, watch it! If you have a school in mind and are interested in a free screening of the documentary or are just interested in some merch, go to www.theloyolaproject.com !
Well, given that two of three subjects of this podcast lost to their respective rivals in a matter of 24 hours, that was kind of a downer. Krut was on hand for both, and while the results weren't what we wanted, there's plenty to discuss and positives to build on.
Those last four 'Blers games didn't go to plan, so the pair dish out on where they see issues and offer their takes of optimism. The Bears have stayed the Bears. Krut briefly reflects on his time in Manila and shares what he's up to prior to Japan.
The pair of former 'Blers discuss the start of this young 'Bler season. After explaining a mindset of Bears fans they get into some explanation and analysis of both the Fairleigh Dickinson and UIC wins and preview the Myrtle Beach tournament. Also Krut's Blackwater season is coming to an end shortly and he details how it could playout. There are no Black Panther spoilers in this podcast.
No Blackwater segment, a Bears recap and 'Blers is covered with Ramblers assistant coach, Amorrow Morgan. Coach Morgan provides insight on his work with the wings(Big Guards), his time overseas, the vibes following the exhibition, and of course a preview of the Ramblers' first opponent, Fairleigh Dickinson. Coach Morgan joins the pod at the 24:50 mark.
No guest this week but between Bears dominance, 'Blers Scrimmage, and Blackwater games, there's plenty to talk about. Not to mention we also touch on rock bottom of Loyola Basketball during the pandemic. Go 'Blers!
Coach Matt Gordon joins the show at the 40:20 mark and fills us in on his role at Oklahoma, his thoughts on da Bears, some nuts and bolts of coaching at Loyola, and he airs his grievances with Krut and Will's grievances towards thorough coaching.
Coach Wallace joins the show at the 37:25 mark to discuss this new team, some X's and O's and the trio touch on some memories as well.
Krut began his PBA Governor's Cup this week and has an update on that from Manila. Also, it was a rough Sunday night for the Bears(and the Colts). The duo also discuss the listeners responses to the question of the Bears next home.
The Bears are 1-0 after playing in Lake Michigan and the pair looks ahead to a Sunday Night Showdown with Mr. Rodgers and the Packers. In 'Blers, Krut and Will break down the long awaited schedule and discuss the current run in form of the Loyola Athletic Department. In Blackwater, Krut discusses his bouts with the rain akin to that in Soldier Field and he updates the basketball side of things as Blackwater Bossing begins their season on Wednesday, September 21st. The duo are joined this episode by one of their favorite teammates of whom played with each of them for four years, Aher Uguak. Aher is beginning his professional career in the top league in Germany this season for Chemnitz 99. The three blers reminisce on some times in Rogers Park, as well as air some dueling fanhoods.
This week we get to talk with a key member of the 2018 Final Four team, Southern Illinois' Head Coach, Bryan Mullins. Coach Mullins joins the pod at the 1:04:30 mark. We also get two weeks worth of Krut's Blackwater update from Manila.
The boys are back for a fresh season and have plenty to talk about. Krut was successful in choosing a new team with B in its name, so as you can see this is now Bears. 'Blers. Blackwater. The first guest of the year is none other than the captain of the Ramblers, Braden Norris. Number 4 informs the guys on their trip to France, some of his background(Go Jags), and the upcoming season. Braden comes on at the 33:37 mark. BBB plans to continue a weekly release on Tuesdays.
Hey everyone! Thank you for listening throughout this year! We hope you enjoy this last episode until the Fall. In the meantime, go 'Blers!
We are thankful to have on Coach Porter Moser for this episode to update on us on his first year at Oklahoma and reflect on his time at Loyola. No one is more responsible for making Loyola Chicago Basketball a national brand, where he secured 188 wins in total, as well as 3 conference championships, 2 NCAA tournament bids, and a Final Four appearance in his last four years.
This week's guest is a true Loyola Legend, Chicago's own, Donte Ingram. Donte shares his perspective on choosing Loyola, the years preceding the tournament run, the Final Four, and the professional basketball life. Donte is currently going head to head with Krut in the BNXT League where he plays in Groningen, Netherlands. The pair discuss their recent matchups and life abroad. Donte comes on at the 33:30 mark.
The podcast is honored to have on none other than the leader of the Loyola Men's Basketball Ramblers, Coach Drew Valentine. Coach gives insight on Loyola Basketball in April and May and the move to the A-10. The guys discussed everything from his family to Mr. Aubrey Graham. We are very lucky to have Coach Valentine leading the Ramblers. Share, enjoy and go 'Blers. Coach joins the pod at 20:35 mark.
Krut breaks down da Bears off season moves to this point. The beef of this episode is recapping the 'Blers final game and the March Madness experience. The pair also discuss this period of the postseason and look ahead to what to what is in store for the show. In Belgium, Krut is about to be solo. Thank you to all the fans for your awesome support this season! This is now a fan-run podcast.
The 'Blers are back in the Big Dance! Having missed three weekends of basketball coverage, Krut and Will detail the final games in the Missouri Valley Conference for the Ramblers. They also look ahead to selection Sunday, and will be getting another episode out prior to that given match up. In Belgium, Krut has begun his league portion of facing Dutch teams, with a showdown against a former teammate looming at the end of the month. He also explains breaking news on the topic of Belgian Waffles. Stay tuned. BBB is honored to welcome on Janae Gonzales of Loyola Women's Basketball. In her senior season, the 'Blers have just placed 5th in the regular season of the MVC coming off a big win over Missouri State. Janae shares her insight on the season and the growth of the program throughout her career. Hoops in the Heartland for the Ramblers starts Friday, March 11th, at 2:30 CT in a match up with the Redbirds. Go 'Blers! Janae joins the show at the 52:30 mark.
Pretty loaded episode covering three 'Blers games and breaking down the remaining four. The duo also provide their own Bird Watch and invite all to take part in the final Loyola Arch Madness. In Belgium, Krut is about to play a deciding game in terms of finishing in the top five. He also breaks down his car struggles abroad. The highlight of the episode is the presence of Big Fudge himself, Carson Shanks. A member of the Final Four team, Carson discusses his lone year in Rogers Park and the litany of memories that came with, a lot of which include Krut and quoting Will Ferrell. Carson is now apart of the Milwaukee Bucks staff and discusses his role in player development and scouting. He joins the show at the 52:40 mark.
This week's episode is obviously highlighted by the presence of Lucas Williamson III. Mr. Loyola, Mr. Chicago, The Mayor, The Warden, DPOY, MVP, Chicago's Finest, whatever you want to call him. You can now call him narrator and co-writer of The Loyola Project, which premieres today, February 7th, 8 pm CT, on CBS Sports Network! Lucas comes on at the 42:30 mark. Krut lays three potential moves for the Bears. Will and Krut discuss the Illinois State win and talked prior to Missouri State. In Belgium, Krut shares on the top five race, and the duo have a terribly stupid conversation regarding seeding. Everyone watch The Loyola Project! Tell your friends!
Busy week for both the Bears and the 'Blers. Obviously the Bears made hires for both GM and the head coach. The pair discuss that process, and Will reflects on the loss of Coach Eberflus from the Colts and what he can bring to Chicago. In Blers, the team went 2-1 last week but are certainly disappointed with any loss. Krut shares his insights on the Valley and defines the term "Roadhouse". They look ahead to the Redbirds. In Belgium, Krut contract Covid last week but is now fully recovered and will make his return tonight, February 2nd. SPONSOR ALERT: Listen and click the link below to learn more about Nord VPN- https://nordvpn.com/podcast/?coupon=bleav&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term&utm_content&utm_campaign=off660&utm_source=aff64136
The Boys are finally back. Krut and Will give recaps of the last month on all three B's. The Bears are obviously searching for leadership. Also, friend of the show, Robbie Gould, sent the Packers home over the weekend. The 'Blers had a tough loss on Saturday to MSU, but Will reflects on the last month, and the week ahead. In Belgium, Krut has experienced a coaching change and also explains how he is now an international pet handler. Follow, share, enjoy, and go 'Blers.
Happy Birthday Krut! The Bears are so low in Krut's frame of mind that the segment was interrupted by lasagna. For 'Blers, the guys briefly discuss last year's isolation situation. In Belgium, the Giants are enduring a losing streak but Krut is optimistic about the upcoming schedule. To end, the duo knock out some lingering mailbag questions. Thank you to all that have submitted! Continue to do so on Instagram with @bears.blers.belgium or on Twitter through Krut and Will. Follow, share, and enjoy! Merry Christmas and go 'Blers!
Sister Jean woke up Monday morning, went through her email, greeted some students, did some media, then sat down and talked to us for AN HOUR. She lead lead us in prayer. She explained what a chaplain is to her. We attempted to get piece of her life story, of which included her having a pet monkey named Jerry. We got the story of how she became the LUC Men's Basketball Team Chaplain. We asked her about her longtime co-worker and friend Dr. Tom Hitcho. She gave a shoutout to the Bishop Emeritus of Blers and the current Pack. Everything you could want from to hear from our resident international celebrity. Enjoy and go 'Blers. Share with friends and family, follow us on Instagram @bears.blers.belgium and good luck on your finals 'Blers! Guest Resume: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt Member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Loyola University Chicago Men's Basketball Team Chaplain Graduated from Mount Saint Mary's in 1961 after entering BVM John Sanders “Spirit of the Valley” Recipient Sword of Loyola Recipient Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame Member A bunch of other awards. Most importantly has been a positive influence for the community at Loyola since 1991, and at Mundelein for decades before that. Also an international celebrity at 102 years young. Worship, Work, Win.
We'll stop you there, no this is not the Sister Jean Episode. The BBB Christmas Spectacular comes out Wednesday, December 15th. Just 'Blers and Belgium today. Another solid week for the 'Blers with a pair of W's. Will talks about the performance at Vandy, and the two reminiscence about their friend, Krut's roommate, Mr. Loyola, The Mayor, Lucas Williamson III reaching 1000 points. Overseas, Krut took his talents to Ukraine and does not have much of interest in returning. Prior to recording, Sister Jean gave Will a tip on Krut's familial history in Belgium, which Krut explains. THE SISTER JEAN EPISODE- THE BBB CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR- December 15th, 2021
For Bears, this episode was recorded at halftime of the game and that was sufficient in capturing Krut's emotions this Sunday. The 'Blers had a good week, starting with a win in conference before claiming bragging rights in the city. This coming week they have to prove that once again in a matchup with Roosevelt. In Belgium, Krut heads to Kyiv(basically Russia) this week. He also shares lessons on geography, weather, and a Belgian holiday.
Bears are being the Bears, sorry we got too confident in the Nagy exit. In 'Blers, Will explains the discontent of Atlantis, but the pair look at the positives gained from the week in the Bahamas. In Belgium, Krut faces more time off due to the growing Covid-19 concerns domestically. The beef of this episode comes in the form of Ben Richardson, a true Loyola Legend. He comes on at the 35:27 mark. The DPOY discusses fanhood, Europe, The Valley, comparisons to Lucas, Will Ferrell, and plenty of other subjects. Guest Resume: Captain of the 2017-2018 Final Four team 2018 MVC Defensive Player of the Year 2018 NCAA Tournament South Region Most Outstanding Player 2018 Kansas City Sports Commission Sportsman of the Year(shared with a former BBB guest) Back to Back Kansas Class 6A State Champion Played professionally in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland MVC First Team Scholar-Athlete and Division I-AAA Scholar-Athlete Team Threw out the first pitch for the Cubbies opening day 2018 Absolutely annihilated Kansas State to advance to the Final Four Advocate of bringing back Bar 63 This is a pro ~Hire Ben Richardson~ podcast. The Hoss Mailbag winner is revealed, go to bethehoss.com for the finest Chicago styled apparel! Submit a mailbag question via social media for a chance to earn a gift card from Hoss Co!
The Bears are at an interesting moment and Krut explains the intricacies of being a downtrodden Bears fan by Thanksgiving. It's a big week for the 'Blers, Will recaps week 2 of hoops, the pair discuss the move to the A-10, and they share what being a 'Bler on the road is like. In Belgium, Krut is experiencing an international break after advancing in continental play. They also decide to become a draft podcast. The Hoss Mailbag winner is revealed, go to bethehoss.com for the finest Chicago styled apparel! Submit a mailbag question via social media for a chance to earn a gift card from Hoss Co!
The Bears are absent this week and you can hear it and Krut's voice. The 'Blers had a solid 2-0 start to their season and the pair discuss everything from X's and O's to the aesthetic of a full Gentile Arena. In Belgium, the Giant's advanced in European play. Krut also shares a glaring divide of culture that he experienced this weekend.The first winner of the Hoss Mailbag Segment is revealed and multiple other questions are answered. Keep them coming for a chance to earn a giftcard next week! Special thanks to bethehoss.com
That Bears game was probably the best played loss of the season, progress is apparent. The pair discuss the evil refs, and Will gets his Marsch's mixed up. The 'Blers play today! The exhibition is briefly touched on, and they provide their perspective in that environment. Shoutout to the Band of Wolves. In Belgium, Krut has endured a couple tough but competitive losses and is still fed up with European transportation normsNew Segment Alert! The Hoss Mailbag segment will be a weekly occurence. Submit a mailbag question for a chance to earn a gift from Hoss Co. Go to bethehoss.com for the finest Chicago styled apparel.
Both the Bears and Colts lost in painful fashion on Sunday. The pair turn to the positive state of Loyola Athletics. In doing so they are joined by Coach Kate Achter to discuss the upcoming season. She enters the episode at the 33:15 mark. In Belgium, the Giants are enjoying a winning steak and Krut prepares to head to Lisbon for continental play. Guest Resume:-Entering her 6th year at the helm of Loyola Women's Basketball-Coming off a season in which the Ramblers had their best record in conference play in her time here, they went on to reach Saturday at Hoops in the Heartland after knocking off Illinois State, and got some post season experience at the WBI -Insane playing career at Bowling Green, 4 MAC titles, 3 NCAA tournament apps including a Sweet 16 run in 2007, 5th all time in points, and career leader in assists and free throws made. Has since been inducted into the Bowling Green Athletics Hall of Fame, and spent a season in Athens as a professional for Palaio Faliro-The Loyola Ramblers Basketball season kicks off on Tuesday, November 9th, at 4 PM as Coach Achter and her squad take on Detroit Mercy.
Krut allowed Belgian time to reduce misery on Sunday. Not a lot of hope coming from him. The pair do discuss their prospective football positions. For the 'Blers, they discuss Krut's experiences in preseason scrimmages. They also respond to a mailbag question regarding the Georgia Tech game. The season is almost here folks! In Europe, Krut spent time in three different countries this week livin the dream. And once again they attempt to explain the mechanism of European Basketball.Back to a guest next week, keep the mailbags coming!
Krut does not escape the wrath of Aaron Rodgers once again. The near horizon does not look to bright either, we'll see. The 'Blers are in deep preparing for the coming season. The pair discuss future guests, and reflect on the criticism and inspiration of a certain nun. In Belgium Krut's continental competition started off with a win over the Portuguese side Sporting CP. He heads to Athens this week.The guest this week is a tried and true Bears fan, but also an extremely valuable part of Loyola Basketball, Coach London Dokubo. The trio discuss his story and the progression London has witnessed in all forms during his time at Loyola. He comes on at the 36:25 mark.
The highlight of this episode and what will most likely be the peak of podcasting is the conversation lead by the Dean of the Valley, Coach Barry D. Hinson. Coach joins the show at the 32:30 mark from Stillwater where he is an analyst on Mike Boynton's staff at Oklahoma State. The trio discussed Coach's new role, being Yoda, a new familiar foe, general philosophy, and of course, THE VALLEY.In other news the Bears do not totally stink. This coming Sunday could be highly emotional for Krut, In Rogers Park the 'Blers had their annual open scrimmage as the season draws near. Will also reveals that this team is full of Ted Lasso stans. In Belgium, Krut begins continental play this week. Someone get that man a pumpkin pie.Guest Resume:Coach Barry Hinson-Head Coaching stops at Oral Roberts, Missouri State, and most recently Southern Illinois-Also worked with Bill Self at Oral Roberts and Kansas including 2011-12 National Runner Up-Currently a Basketball Analyst with Mike Boynton's staff at his Alma mater, Oklahoma State-He is the 4th Winningest Coach All-time in the Valley with 155 wins in conference between his 9 years at Missouri State and 7 years at SIU.-Absolute gem on Twitter, follow him @CoachBHinson
After a week of uncertainty the Bears got a sufficient dub. Shoutout to our motivated listener, Robert Quinn. The Blers concluded their first week of practice and the Valley got bigger. In Belgium, the Giants are now 3-1 amidst a homestand. Krut and Will were joined by Loyola grad Shams Charania. Shams shared some of his story of becoming an industry leader while handling school. Guest Resume:Shams CharaniaGrad of New Trier High School and Loyola University Chicago ‘17Previously wrote for Yahoo SportsCurrently a Senior NBA Insider and Analyst for The Athletic and StadiumFollow him on Twitter @ShamsCharaniaMore content exclusively on The Athletic and Stadium
Krut refused to make a public statement without 12 hours to cool down for this one. Gonna be a long season for the guy if things don't drastically change, probably will be funny either way. Will is excited for the first week of official practice as the Ramblers are preparing for another campaign. Also, the two introduce The Loyola Project, narrated by Lucas Williamson. Finally, prior to his utter darkness of emotions Sunday night, Krut went 2-0 in his first two official games for the Antwerp Giants. He shares his immediate notice of constant artificial noise during the games.
Krut is pleased with the showing from da Bears, especially the defense. The two reminisce about a particular chilly day in Rogers Park, and a moment involving a Lithuanian sharpshooter. In Belgium, Krut spent a day in Brussels, which has extended his Harry Potter references for use of description. He starts league play Friday, September 24th
Krut did not love Sunday's showing by the Bears. Will hears the conference schedule parameters in real time. If you need an education on the complexities of European Basketball and its various competitions, this is the podcast for you. Loyola Basketball hero, Clayton Custer, joins the show as the historic first guest. Go 'Blers.Guest Resumé:Coach William Clayton CusterLoyola Chicago BA, MBA2018 Missouri Valley Player of the Year2017-2018 Lou Henson Award2018 Kansas City Sports Commission Co-Sportsman Of The Year(Shoutout B Rich let's get you on soon)2019 Collegiate 3 Point Contest ChampionFormer Professional Hooper for Slask WroclawLoyola Men's Basketball Director of Player Development 2019-2021University of Oklahoma Men's Basketball Director of Video Operations and Player Development 2021-Legit Chiefs Fan, above average golfer
This is the first one. Krut is one month removed from Chicagoland (and real Dunkin') and less than a week away from Bears football so morale is high. Perhaps it's a little too high from the eyes of a neutral observer who takes no pleasure in the likelihood of impending doom for Bears fans. Will gives a brief update on the now lively campus and Krut's continued activity in the team group chat. Finally Krut discusses all things Belgium which from his perspective just sounds like a more healthy, clean and sustainable America, except for the coffee.On a more serious note, we wanted to close the episode with a reflection on the life of the late, great Jerry Harkness.
Just the trailer folks. Episode 1 coming out Tuesday September 7th. Click the Follow button!