Canada's Court

In the 59th episode of Canada's Court, Kaetlyn Osmond is one of Canada's best all-time figure skaters. She comes on the podcast to talk about winning three Olympic medals and a world championship, battling back from injury, and how her coach tried to encourage her with an iTunes gift card.

Nirra Fields comes on the podcast to talk about her career, playing in the Olympics, winning a gold medal at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, and what life has been like since she retired from basketball.

New Brunswick referee Dick Steeves made a brief appearance on the Michael Jordan documentary, The Last Dance. Steeves reffed the Dream Team’s gold medal game at the Olympics in Barcelona, and many other big international events around the world. Dick Steeves talks about Michael Jordan, the Dream Team, and his reffing career.

Three-time NBA champion Bill Wennington comes on the podcast to talk about the Last Dance, playing with Michael Jordan, and why he never went pro in hockey.

Bulls and former Raptors play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Swirsky comes on Canada’s Court to talk about the first two episodes of The Last Dance, Scottie Pippen’s issues with his contract, Jerry Krause, and much more in Episode 55 of the podcast.

With the NBA season shutdown, many fans are wondering what’s going to happen next. Howard Beck, senior NBA writer for Bleacher Report, discusses what this shutdown means for players, how hard it is to predict what will happen next, and what it’s been like to cover.

Canada’s Court starts its series on great basketball books with Yaron Weitzman and his book, Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports. Yaron talks about the process of putting together, and some of the highlights along the way.

The 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend might go down as one of the best all-star events in recent history. From Zion Williamson throwing down ally-oops, to a controversial dunk contest ending, to an actually intense All-Star Game, the weekend had no shortage of excitement. Writer and podcaster Katie Heindl comes on Canada’s Court to talk about everything that happened.

Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe comes on Canada's Court to talk about her career so far, the national team, and the recent tournament that qualified the women's team for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The Toronto Raptors have been crowned the NBA champions, and when the season starts, they’ll get their rings. But what are the expectations for the Raptors this season? Host Philip Drost and Sean Woodley dive into the upcoming Raptors season. Woodley is the host of Locked on Raptors, regular contributor to TSN radio, and co-author of We the Champs.

In episode 49 of Canada’s Court, Kayla Alexander comes on the podcast to talk about the children’s book she wrote and illustrated, the state of women’s basketball, and her performance with Team Canada this fall.

At long last Brandon Clarke gets to see his life long dream come true. During the NBA Draft, Brandon Clarke was taken with the 21st pick, a pick that would go on to be traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Brandon Clarke comes on the podcast for the third and final instalment of the Canada’s Court series on the NBA draft.

Long time coach and college basketball expert Jonathan McAloon talks about all the Canadians who were taken in the 2019 NBA draft. McAloon also touches on some players who went undrafted that could still make it, and the impact the Toronto Raptors championship will have on basketball in Canada.

The Toronto Raptors are NBA Champions, and Matt Devlin was there for every single game of the run. Here his take on the Raptors’ amazing run, what moments stand out to him, and what this win means for basketball in Canada.

NBA prospect Brandon Clarke comes back on Canada’s Court to discuss the draft process so far. Clarke talks about the gruelling but fun onslaught of team workouts, being interviewed by half the NBA’s front offices, and preparing for the big draft night.

The Toronto Raptors have made history, and advanced to the NBA finals. But they aren’t done there. Vivek Jacob of Yahoo Sports says the Raptors have a chance to win, and it could become an all-time great series. Vivek Jacob comes on the podcast to talk about what Toronto was like after the big win, what the finals might look like, and how Kawhi Leonard will be remembered in Toronto.

Kawhi Leonard hit one of the greatest shots of all time to win Game 7 for the Raptors against the 76ers, and now they’re off to play the Bucks. Sean Woodley of Locked On Raptors comes on the podcast to talk about the series, the great shot, and where it stands in Raptors history.

In Kindergarten Brandon Clarke told his class he was going to the NBA. Over the next month, he has a chance to make that happen. Clarke will be checking in with Canada's Court throughout the draft process. Here's the first part of his story, where he talks about preparing for the month-long process.

Canada Basketball hall of famer Joyce Slipp comes on the podcast to talk about the evolution on the game, playing when there was six players on the court, and being the first women’s team to go to the Olympics. All this and more on Episode 41 of Canada’s Court.

Haley McDonald stole the show at the Atlantic University Sport playoffs. She scored an AUS record of 51 points to help the Acadia Axewomen go to the finals, where they beat the Memorial Seahawks to capture their second straight AUS championship. Haley McDonald comes on the podcast to talk about the record setting game, and getting ready for the Usports Final 8.

Steven Marcus and the St. John’s Edge are going for an NBL championship this season, and they’ve got some big help to get there. Associate Head Coach Steven Marcus and the Edge signed Glen Davis this season, and the city of St. John’s had really embraced Davis, and the team. Steven Marcus talks about his coaching career so far, and what it’s like working in the NBL.

Coach Jay Triano has no shortage of stories when it comes to Canadian basketball. In his new book Open Look, Triano tells stories like how he became friends with Terry Fox, his passion for sports, helping make early NBA video games, and so much more. On episode 38 of the podcast, Coach Triano talks about his book and some of his story. You can be entered to win a copy of the book by sharing the tweet and Facebook post containing the link to this episode.

Khem Birch has learned a lot of patience in his journey to the NBA. Khem Birch declared for the NBA draft in 2014, but went undrafted. But he didn’t give up. After playing in the G-League, and having fire crackers thrown at him while playing in Europe, Khem Birch finally got a shot in the NBA, and he made the most of it. Now he has a contract with the Orlando Magic. Hear his story here.

Tamara Tatham made history in August, when it was announced that she would join the G-League Raptors 905 coaching staff. She will be the first Canadian woman to have a coaching gig in a major North American pro men’s league. Tamara Tatham took a few minutes to chat with host Philip Drost about what that means to her, and what she is hoping to learn during the season.

Time to break down the blockbuster deal between the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs. The Raptors sent their franchise star, DeMar DeRozan, to a new home, for disgrunteled Spurs star Kawhi Leonard. But has the trade hurt the Raptors reputation? What can we expect from Kawhi? And what will be the lasting legacy of DeRozan? Raptors play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin comes on the podcast to talk about the big trade.

David Tyndale always imagined being on the court with the best in the game, but it hasn't been in the way he expected. Tyndale is a personal trainer for some NBA players, university players, and will basically work out with the nearest basketball player. He currently works with Canadian and now Portland Trailblazer Nik Stauskas, as well as players at Temple University.

Michele O'Keefe has announced she will step down from her role as president and CEO of Canada Basketball at the end of June. O'Keefe has been a witness and factor in Canada rising among the ranks as a top basketball nation.

Dillon Brooks quickly outplayed his second round selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, and became a starter on the Memphis Grizzlies. Listen to Dillon Brooks talk about his first year in the NBA, his incredible work ethic, one of the greatest flops of all time, and much more.

If Eric Smith of Sportsnet was betting on the Raptors vs. Cavs series with host Philip Drost's money, he would put it on the Toronto Raptors. But if Smith had to bet with his own cash, well it's hard to bet against LeBron James. Listen as Eric Smith breaks down the matchup.

March Madness may be just underway in the United States, but in Canada, the Madness has already wrapped up. The Calgary Dinos won the men's university national championship, and on the women's side, the Carleton Ravens came away with the win.In this episode, hear Dinos' guard David Kapinga talk about his amazing journey from the Congo, to being blocked from playing D1 basketball, and then having to be a walk-on to play for the Dinos. Also, hear from Ravens' Elizabeth Leblanc on Carleton's undefeated season, and winning the school's first women's basketball championship, after having to settle for a bronze in 2017.

In episode 30 of Canada's Court, Cory Joseph of the Indiana Pacers joins the podcast. Joseph has spent the more time than any other Canadian playing for the Toronto Raptors and continues to be very committed to the national team. Hear Cory talk about his time in Toronto, being drafted by the Spurs, and getting his car souped-up by Tim Duncan.

We are half way through the 2017-2018 season, and the Toronto Raptors are 30-13. With just one more west coast road trip to go and the Raptors solidly in 2nd place in the East, there is a lot to be happy about. But there are still a lot of questions. Blake Murphy (The Athletic, Vice Spots, Raptors Republic) joins Philip Drost to talk about some of those questions, and some fun ones as well, like how would Dwayne Casey do in a coach's All-Star Game.

2017 is coming to an end, so time to do what people do at this time of year, and take a look back at some of the major events and interviews of the year. In this episode, you'll hear excerpts of 5 interviews. If you have a highlight you'd like to share, send it in on twitter @canadascourt, or email it to canadascourtpodcast@gmail.com

In a special episode of Canada's Court, host Philip Drost takes listeners behind the scenes as the Canadian men's national team begins their FIBA qualifying journey. Canada played its first qualifier game on home soil, and it did so in Halifax. Hear from Joel Anthony, Rowan Barrett, Brady Heslip, and more.

Former NBA All-star and current Toronto Raptors player development consultant Jamaal Magloire joins the podcast to talk about his career, winning a championship at Kentucky, becoming an All-star and working with the Toronto Raptors. Hear his conversation with Philip Drost courtside at TD Garden on this episode of Canada's Court.

It's been an interesting journey for PEI's Scott Morrison, from his first university head coaching gig in his early twenties, to doing laundry for an NBA developmental league team, to the assistant coach of the Boston Celtics. Hear about that journey, coaching a historic NBA team, and the events that lead up to and followed Gordon Hayward's season ending injury. All of this and more on this episode of Canada's Court.

Coach Dave Love is a shooting coach with the Orlando Magic. Coach Love has worked with many teams and NBA players. Most notably he's worked with Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson when Thompson switched his shooting hand. Hear him discuss that, the life of a shooting coach, and much more on this episode of Canada's Court.

Basketball coach and expert John McAloon weighs in on some of the top Canadians to watch, from the NCAA to the NBA. Hear about players such as the Alexander cousins, R.J. Barrett, and one of the best young female players in North America Laeticia Amihere (she is dunking in games at the age of 15). All that and more on this episode of Canada's Court.

In this episode of Canada's Court, Eric Smith of Sportsnet/Fan 590 joins the podcast to talk about the Toronto Raptors' upcoming season. Eric Smith talks about his time with the team at its training camp in Victoria, the possible rotations, and how the Raptors stack up in the east.

Canada's Court returns after a summer break, and it does so with the podcast's first ever double feature. Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets is the first guest on the show, and he talks about his first season in the NBA. Guest 2 is Chris Boucher, who signed a 2-way contract with the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors.

Canada struck gold in Cairo at the FIBA U19 men's championship. It makes the first time Canada has won gold in a FIBA or Olympic event. To get there, Canada upset the USA in the semi-finals. Danilo Djuricic joins Canada's Court to talk about what it was like beating the USA, then going on to win gold against Italy.

Sportsnets' Michael Grange joins Philip Drost to talk about what the Toronto Raptors have done so far in the 2017 off season, and what might happen next. Grange breaks down the signing of Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, and why the Raptors may need to make a trade going forward.

Don't call it a comeback! Natalie Achonwa talks about being a new person and player after recovering from a torn ACL, playing for the Canadian senior women's team at the age of 16, and why Canadian peanut butter is better than American peanut butter. All that and more on Episode 17 of Canada's Court.

Big news in the basketball world! Canadian players will have a new Olympic event to show their skills. The Olympics is adding 3x3 basketball to the 2020 Games. But it's not as similar to 5x5 as you might think. In Episode 16 of Canada's Court, Philip Drost talks with one of the best 3x3 players in the world, Michael Linklater from Saskatchewan about what the game is like, and his journey to the top.

In episode 15 of Canada's Court, we here about what it's like to play in Europe from Iowa State standout Melvin Ejim. Listen as he talks with host Philip Drost about learning Italian, playing in Venice, and having to change is mindset when he didn't make the NBA.

Toronto's Duane Notice had never expected to make it to the Final Four, but that's how he ended his college basketball career. Notice and the South Carolina Gamecocks pulled off upset after upset in this year's NCAA basketball tournament. Hear his conversation with Canada's Court host Philip Drost right here.

It's time for a behind the scenes look at March Madness, brought to you by Kimbal Mackenzie of Bucknell University. Listen to Kimbal Mackenzie discuss with host Philip Drost about what it was like to play in the tournament, the thrill of stepping out onto that court, and the joy he felt when he found out he was playing in Buffalo.

The master of the free throw line himself, Javon Masters, joins Philip Drost to talk about his career as a UNB Varsity Red. Masters is one of the top university basketball players in Canada, and has led the country in scoring the past three seasons. Hear his conversation with Philip Drost right here on Canada's Court.

There's a lot going on in the NBA, and with the Toronto Raptors. In fact, it's too much for one person to handle. Bruce Rainnie makes his return to Canada's Court to talk about the past few weeks in the NBA. Hear about Serge Ibaka, DeMarcus Cousins, more trade rumours, and even some chat about the NBA All-Star game.

Olympian, NCAA champion, and Pan Am Champion. Kia Nurse is one of the brightest Canadian stars going. Listen to her chat with host Philip Drost about the success at Pan Am, the disappointment of the 2016 Olympics, and growing up with a family full of athletes.

Episode 9 features the first Canadian ever taken in the first round of the NBA draft, Leo Rautins. Listen to Leo and host Philip Drost talk about his career, struggling with injuries, and coaching the national team.