Interviews with some of the most interesting minds in basketball and TV.
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with Doug Gottlieb, one of the best passers in college basketball history and a broadcaster for Fox Sports Radio and FS1. They discuss Gottlieb's playing career, including his intense recruitment, defending Allen Iverson, what he learned after getting dismissed from Notre Dame, and his unique ability to distribute the ball. Gottlieb opens up about his interview with Oklahoma State regarding their head coaching position, detailing the questions he was asked and the plans he had for the Cowboys' program. The widely respected on-air personality also explains how he started his broadcasting career with ESPN and why he left CBS for Fox.
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with one of the best players in University of Washington history and 7-year NBA veteran Eldridge Recasner. They discuss Recasner's remarkable story of resilience and perserverance. After going undrafted, Recasner's journey led him to Germany, the Phillippines, the Global Basketball Association, and the CBA, before he finally reached the NBA. Along the way, they discuss: - How players in the Pac-10 were literally scared to play against Gary Payton - The single book which helped transform him into a fantastic shooter at the NBA level - Why his senior year at the University of Washingotn was a struggle and why his coach may have kept him from getting drafted - Why scoring 44 points a game for a team called the Presto Ice Cream Kings wasn’t nearly good enough for them - Overcoming his own mental and financial troubles to make it to the NBA - Playing alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Dikembe Mutombo, and Mookie Blaylock - Some remarkable stories about Michael Jordan, including how hard he competed, how special he was defensively, how he lifted the Bulls’ confidence, how he wouldn’t let Steve Kerr to talk to opponents before games, and how fellow NBA players were scared to guard him - Why a crazy car accident involving Derrick Coleman essentially ended his career and contributed to the worst year of his life - Shares, for the first time, his battle with an illness that altered his career - Assesses two upcoming stars with local ties, University of Washington’s Markelle Fultz and Washington high school sensation Michael Porter Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Eldridge Recasner: @erecasner Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's NCAA Tournament breakdown with Matt Muehlebach, the University of Arizona's all-time winningest player. They assess each region and Muehlebach, who played in the 1989 FInal Four and four NCAA Tournaments, tells inightful stories about the experience and pressure of playing in a tourney environment. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Matt Muehlebach: @MattMuehlebach Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with data scientist and writer Ed Feng, founder of The Power Rank. They discuss Feng's book "How to Win Your NCAA Tournament Pool" and the tips and strategies entailed in finding success in your office pool. Feng reveals how he created the algorythm he uses to compare college basketball teams and which of this year's teams stand out analytically. Together they examine the favorites and dark horses who have a realistic shot at winning the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Ed Feng's book "How to Win Your NCAA Tournament Pool" can purchased on WinPoolBook.com. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Ed Feng: @ThePowerRank Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with Marc Isenberg, host of The Forty Year Coach Podcast, NCAA watchdog, Basketball Times columnist, and author of Money Players. They discuss NCAA hypocrisy, what the "Olympic model" encompasses, how college athletes could and should benefit from endorsement opportunities, why collegiate athletes have struggled to unionize, why current transfer rules are unjust, and why every single college basketball player should be eligible for the NBA Draft. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Marc Isenberg: @marcisenberg Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod The Forty Year Coach Podcast: @40YearCoach Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former Gonzaga star and first round NBA Draft selection Dan Dickau. They discuss his recruitment to Washington, the physical and emotional struggles he had as a Husky, and what eventually led him to transfer to Gonzaga. Dickau explains how he achieved success in Spokane, what John Stockton taught him about becoming a better player, how Mark Few gets the most out of his players, and getting selected in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft. He also talks about his time as an NBA player, including dealing with fame, meeting Will Ferrell, and competing against the best players in the world. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Dan Dickau: @dandickau21 Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco hosts a panel discussion previewing the NBA season with Chris Axmann (Almighty Ballin: The Almighty Podcast), Tim Tompkins (Drive and Dish Podcast), Coach Nick (The BBALLBREAKDOWN podcast), and Oliver Maroney (The K/O Show), who joins the show from an airplane. They dive deep into the league, analyzing what (or who) could stop the Warriors, how the Spurs will look different this season, and who might challenge the Cavs in the Eastern Conference. They make MVP and Rookie of the Year predictions and play "Everyone is saying it, but do you agree?" On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Great Point Podcast: (@GreatPointPod) Chris Axmann (Host of Almighty Ballin: The Almighty Podcast on ABPN): @almightyballin Tim Tompkins (Host of Drive and Dish Podcast): @RadioTimNBA Coach Nick Hauselman (BBALLBREAKDOWN): @bballbreakdown Oliver Maroney (Writer/Reporter for Basketball Insiders and Host of The K/O Show): @OMaroneyNBA Yaw Geez (Great Point Podcast Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former Arizona star and current Pac-12 Network analyst Matt Muehlebach. They discuss a high school rivlary with Gary Payton, playing in the summer camp circuit against some playground legends, and Arizona's intense recruiting pitch. Muehlebach, the winningest player in school history, shares remarkable stories about playing for Lute Olson, building the Arizona program, and developing a lifelong friendship with Steve Kerr. He takes us inside a Golden State Warriors practice and explains how Kerr's understanding of the game has taken Steph Curry to new heights. Also, Muehlebach talks about his short stint as an agent for NBA players. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Matt Muehlebach: @mattmuehlebach Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with ESPN.com Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Dave McMenamin. They discuss who on the Cavs believed they could make a historic comeback after trailing 3-1 in the NBA Finals, how they came back, what has been motivating LeBron James, what the future holds for Kyrie Irving, and why Kevin Love has accepted his role as third banana. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Dave McMenamin: @mcten Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic
Adam Stanco leads an honest dialogue about race with two friends. Kenny Williams, host of the FiyaStarter Podcast, and Will Ray, a former Army Ranger, share their life experiences. They explain the challenges, struggles, and discrimination they've faced as black men. They also discuss whether NBA players have a responsibility to speak out about race relations and how they can make a difference. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Kenny Williams: @KBadds FiyaStarter Podcast: @HotFiyaStarter Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with Kerry Keating, the former Santa Clara head coach and assistant coach at Seton Hall, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Appalachian State, Tulsa, Tennessee, and UCLA. Keating reveals details about how he recruited Russell Westbrook, what he saw in the future NBA star when he was simply a little known recruit, who Westbrook truly is as a person, and the relationship between Westbrook and Kevin Durant. They discuss recruiting for Ben Howland, including the remarkable recruiting tales of how he signed UCLA legends Kevin Love and Darren Collison. Plus, Keating explains how a fantastic coaching journey paved the way for him becoming one of the first video coordinators in college basketball and privately seeing Tim Duncan's talents before the rest of the world did. He also unearths the challenges of being a head coach at the Division I level. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Kerry Keating: @kerrykeating3 Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with Oregon assistant coach Mike Mennenga. They discuss Mennenga's long basketball journey, including his former coaching stints with Maine, Buffalo, Iowa State, Providence, and Canisius. He talks about the Ducks' excellent season and how he landed some of the team's top talents. He explains explains how he recruits at a high level, helped Canadian basketball reach new heights, and rebounded from the controversy that almost knocked him out of coaching for good. Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Mike Mennenga: @mennenga3 Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco and former NBA player Matt Walsh go pick-by-pick through their NBA Mock Draft with ESPN's Seth Greenberg evaluating each selection.
Adam Stanco talks to Don MacLean, the Pac-12's all-time leading scorer and current workout guru, about the upcoming NBA Draft. MacLean explains why Ben Simmons is the only choice at No. 1, Kris Dunn is worthy of being a top two pick, Jakob Poeltl has serious NBA potential, Ron Baker is a future pro, and Marquese Chriss is shooting up draft boards. He also reveals what makes Tyler Ulis so special. They also discuss the public disagreement between Don and Byron Scott over D'Angelo Russell and why the Lakers could have a star on their hands. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco and former NBA player Matt Walsh dive deep into the NBA Finals. They discuss Game 6 in-depth, analyze LeBron's legacy (dating back to his high school years), explain why the Warriors' role players are so vital to their success, and go over what's at stake in Game 7 for both teams and their stars. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @naismithlives Matt Walsh: @mattyvincent44 Great Point Podcast: @greatpointpod
Adam Stanco and former NBA player Matt Walsh discuss the top prospects in the NBA Draft. They talk about what should go into the Sixers' decision with the top overall pick, examine why Ben Simmons is such a special prospect, evaulate the strengths of Kentucky's Jamal Murray, and Matt reveals why a little known international player could become a star. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Matt Walsh: @MattyVincent44 Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with UMass AD Ryan Bamford, one of the nation's most respected young leaders in the athletics department industry. They discuss the details behind hiring a Division I head basketball coach, creating a winning culture, and navigating the relationship between head coach and AD. They also talk about Bamford's decision to hire Brian Gregory at Georgia Tech, the role changing academic standards have made in the recent success of Yale and Harvard, and why he brought John Calipari back into the UMass community. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Ryan Bamford: @UMassADBamford Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with former NC State star and NBA player Chris Corchiani. Corchiani talks about his remarkable success in high school and in college as one half of the famed "Fire and Ice" tandem. The former all-time NCAA assist leader explains how how his bond with Rodney Monroe started over a fistfight and what made Jim Valvano so special, from his unique recruiting methods to his passion on the sidelines. Corchiani also reveals his mindset as a point guard, why he forgave an official who cost him an NCAA Tournament game, what playing with Shaq was like, and how he shocked an NBA head coach by telling him something no one had ever told him before.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with Lamar Hurd, the Pac-12 Network college basketball analyst, former Oregon State standout and president of "The Other Side of Basketball," as part of the Great Point Podcast series on BBALLBREAKDOWN. Hurd discusses his remarkable basketball journey, in which he transformed into one of the nation's elite dunkers, struggled to overcome confidence issues at Oregon State, and gave up a possible NBA future to grow his youth basketball organization. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod Lamar Hurd: @L_Hurd BBALLBREAKDOWN: @bballbreakdown
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with Ed Feng, founder of The Power Rank and author of the "How to Win Your NCAA Tournament Pool." They discuss the algorythm Ed uses to compare college basketball teams and everything you need to know about the 2016 NCAA Tournament, including the best advice for winning your office pool and who has the best chance of reaching the Final Four.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with former Florida star and NBA player Matt Walsh about what makes Steph Curry so great, who he compares to historically, and why there are no truly great teams in college basketball.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with San Antonio Spurs broadcaster Sean Elliott, the 1989 National Player of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star, as part of the Great Point Podcast series on BBALLBREAKDOWN. The college legend and longtime Spurs standout discusses why a childhood injury changed his life, the reason behind the uprising of Arizona basketball, and how he hit one of the most famous shots in NBA history. Elliott also reveals a side of Gregg Popovich the public doesn't see, how one team nearly sabotaged Elliott prior to the NBA Draft, a side of Gregg Popovich the public doesn't see, and how his brother saved his life. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod BBALLBREAKDOWN: @bballbreakdown
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with former Florida Gator, NBA player, and international basketball star Matt Walsh about the firing of David Blatt. Walsh provides unique insight into the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching situation because he played for Blatt in Europe and knows Tyronn Lue on a personal level. Walsh reveals a side of Blatt the public hasn't seen, the reason why the LeBron-Blatt relationship was doomed from the start, and how Lue might be the perfect elixir for what ails the Cavs. They also discuss the NBA's rare player-first power structure, how LeBron has more pull than anyone realizes, what's next in the Kevin Love saga, and how Shaq and LeBron have something in common. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Matt Walsh: @MattyVincent44 Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod BBALLBREAKDOWN: @BBallBreakdown
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with Don MacLean, the Pac-12's all-time leading scorer as part of the Great Point Podcast on BBALLBREAKDOWN. The UCLA legend and longtime NBA player discusses his playing career, his broadcasting, and how he's become the most important workout guru on the NBA Draft circuit. They explore how MacLean developed his skills, why he always played with a chip on his shoulder, how he was the original Stretch-4, the controversy he faced upon breaking Lew Alcindor's record, why he never won a National Championship at UCLA, his adjustment to the NBA game, his philopsophy as an analyst, how he's improved the draft stock of Karl-Anthony Towns and Paul George, and why NBA teams are constantly trying to pick his brain. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod BBALLBREAKDOWN: @bballbreakdown
Adam Stanco talks about the things basketball people are talking about with two of the most insightful men in the game: Rex Chapman & Matt Walsh. Chapman was a legend at the University of Kentucky and averaged nearly 15 points a game during his NBA career. Walsh starred at Florida, played in the NBA, and recently retired after a successful career overseas. They discuss the state of Kentucky basketball, the impact of the one-and-done rule, comparables for Ben Simmons, the unforeseen problems the Sixers created with a losing culture, where the Warriors go from here, and why Dwight Howard isn't worth the headaches.
In spite of some audio issues, Adam Stanco has an in-depth discussion with Kevin Negandhi and Dave McMenamin about Kobe Bryant's complicated relationship with the Philadelphia area. Kevin anchors the morning SportsCenter and Dave covers the Cavs and national NBA stories for ESPN.com. All three went to high school in southeastern Pennsylvania's District One, where Kobe played high school basketball. They share multiple stories about their interactions with Kobe, discuss Kobe's prep career, try to figure out why Philly sports fans have a problem with him, consider who the "next Kobe" could be, and try to place Kobe's storied legacy in perspective alongside some of the all-time greats.
Part 1 (of 2) of an in-depth discussion with former Kentucky and NBA star Rex Chapman. In Part 1, Chapman tells some fascinating stories about his relentless recruitment, his memorable run in Lexington, being the first player ever signed by the Charlotte Hornets, how he scored 39 points against Michael Jordan's 72-10 Bulls team, and what made Steve Nash and Jason Kidd so great. (In Part 2, Chapman talks about the difficulties he’s faced after retiring from the NBA, why he thinks he’s battled with addiction, and the embarrassing event that ultimately led him to better his life.)
Part 2 (of 2) of an in-depth discussion with former Kentucky and NBA star Rex Chapman. In Part 2, Chapman talks about the difficulties he’s faced after retiring from the NBA, why he thinks he’s battled with addiction, and the embarrassing event that ultimately led him to better his life.
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former longtime college head coach, Ben Braun. Braun discusses his time at Eastern Michigan coaching one of the top mid-major tandems of all-time, Earl Boykins and Derrick Dial, recounts his successful run at Cal, and explains why he missed out on NBA superstars LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Dirk Nowitzki, despite the fact that all three wanted to play for him. Braun also talks about the changes he'd make to today's game, gives advice for coaches and top prospects, gives the secrets to a recruiting philosophy that helped him land 24 future NBA players, and credits a major film producer for most of his success.
Adam Stanco (@NaismithLives) hosts a special edition of the Great Point Podcast, a round table discussion previewing the 2015-2016 NBA season. Panelists include: Chris Sheridan (@SheridanHoops): Publisher and editor in chief of SheridanHoops.com and host of the Sheridan Hoops Radio podcast Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA): Host of the Dunc'd On Podcast Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux): Salary Cap / CBA Writer for Sporting News and Sportswriter and host of the RealGM Radio podcast Coach Nick Hauselman (@bballbreakdown): NBA breakdown expert and host of The BBallBreakdown Podcast
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former college star and NBA player Matt Walsh. After a tremendous career at the University of Florida, Walsh played for the Miami Heat before a remarkable 10-year run as an overseas star. They discuss why fans hated him, the influence he had on Florida's National Championships, how coach Billy Donovan will do in the NBA, the insanity of being a star in Gainesville, how a Playboy Playmate brought him to the Hugh Hefner's Mansion, becoming a cautionary NBA Draft tale, befriending Shaq, and how his life changed when he finally accepted his fate as a star on the international stage.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with television executive Larry Teng. Larry is currently the executive producer of USA Network's Graceland and the director of the new CBS show Supergirl. He has directed and/or produced some of the most watched prime time dramas on network TV, including NCIS, Los Angeles, Hawai'i Five-O, Criminal Minds, Elementary, and Medium. Larry talks about his lifelong passion for hoops, how he got his start in the business, the intricacies of creating a successful prime time drama, and why we haven't seen a quality network show about basketball.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with former sneaker executive Sonny Vaccaro. Sonny reveals how he started his career and takes us inside his remarkably close relationships with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and LeBron James. Sonny explains how he helped build Nike and adidas, what was missing from the 30-for-30 documentary about his life, and why his case against the NCAA is so important to him.
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with reality TV star Graham Bunn. A former contestant on The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, and Bachelor in Paradise, Bunn opens up about the highs and lows of a basketball career which culminated in playing professionally in Germany. They discuss Bunn's close relationship with former Duke star Jay Williams, his tumultuous relationship with his college coach, and how the Bachelor franchise has changed his life.
Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former NBA player and current NBA ambassador Keyon Dooling. After a brilliant run at Missouri, Dooling played for the Clippers, Heat, Magic, Nets, Bucks, Celtics, and Grizzlies. They discuss Dooling's inspirational journey of overcoming sexual abuse as a child, why he cherished his time with Boston's Big 3, some things you don't know about some of the NBA's biggest stars, and what it was like to play on one of the worst teams in NBA history.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with ESPN.com NBA writer Dave McMenamin. Dave reveals how he started his career, his unique relationship with Gilbert Arenas, what makes Kobe Bryant and LeBron James so great and so similar, and some things you surely didn't know about Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Kyrie Irving, and a few other NBA stars. Follow Dave's work here: http://search.espn.go.com/mcmenamin-dave/
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with former NBA and college head coach Kevin O'Neill. They look back on O'Neill's time with the Raptors, Knicks, and Pacers, as well as with college programs, including Marquette, Tennessee, and Arizona. He discusses his starring role in Hoop Dreams, the strangest reason a recruit gave him for not committing, coaching Vince Carter and Ron Artest, and being in the midst of the "Malice at the Palace."
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with Golden State Warriors assistant coach Bruce Fraser. One of the hottest names in NBA coaching circles, Fraser has refined the skills of some of the greatest shooters of all-time, including Steve Nash, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson. He talks about what sets each of them apart and discusses the Warriors championship run, his long-running friendship with Steve Kerr, and his unique path to becoming a workout guru.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with Coach Nick Hauselman of @BBallBreakdown. Coach Nick reveals how some famous coaches mentored him, why his instructional videos resonate with thousands of fans, and how NBA offenses have evolved.
Adam Stanco's in-depth discussion with ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg. A former head coach at Virginia Tech, South Florida, and Long Beach State, Greenberg reveals who shaped him as a coach, his inside look at the world of college basketball, the real story behind his recruitment of Steph Curry, and his transition to broadcasting.