HOOD CENTER

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Since I’ve been a small pup, BASKETBALL has taken my life through different avenues. From playing AAU for the Riverside Church Hawks, to getting recruited to attend boarding school at TABOR Academy, to becoming a personal trainer for the Mercy College Women’s Basketball Team, to now starting my own…

Hood Center


    • Apr 23, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 13m AVG DURATION
    • 33 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from HOOD CENTER

    SEASON 4 (WOMEN'S EDITION) ACCESS | Ciara Ingram

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2021


    There's so much talent in West Memphis, but why don't they get the love they deserve? The lack of access in her town inspired her to migrate to the Big Apple where opportunity is limitless. Life as a filmmaker is something special - especially when you combine it with the game of basketball. Even music played a huge role when it came to her making the decision to move to NYC. She's currently a video producer/editor for Slam magazine, and couldn't be more proud to be apart of such a wonderful group of people. Ciara Ingram sat down with us and discussed her journey as a storyteller and what it means to inspire young women today.

    SEASON 4 (WOMEN'S EDITION) | FINDING A WAY | Katey Wentworth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021


    Her mom noticed she wasn't so intrigued with taking piano lessons, so she put her in sports instead. She was the talk around town during her high school days, but got a rude awakening once she arrived at Emmanuel College. Although she faced some adversity, Coach Wentworth stresses the fact that she never quit! We sat down with Coach and spoke about the numerous amounts of opportunities she's received just from showing up and being consistent. She also expresses her love for Seward Park High School where she currently holds the Head Coach position - and also the challenges that come with coaching boys from urban communities. The pandemic put a stop to NYC High School sports this year, but Coach found a way to give her players a season anyway! She then chimes in on women basketball players and how coaches should decipher certain situations when issues occur. Lastly, we discussed the pros and cons of the PSAL and what we can do to improve.

    SEASON 4 (WOMEN'S EDITION) | NEVER SATISFIED | Chiene Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2021


    While earning two degrees from NYU, becoming the first athletic director at Harlem Children's Zone, and winning back to back championships as a Head Coach at Promise Academy II, she still isn't satisfied! Coach Jones discusses how the game of basketball impacted her life and how she is empowering young women leaders through her non for profit organization Grow Our Game.

    HISTORY | Coach Dee Frazier

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2021


    At 27 years old, it makes him the youngest 4-year head coach/athletic director in college history. From Bedstuy, the Brooklyn native sits down and explains his journey and how he got there.

    THE BLUEPRINT | Lenny Cooke

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020


    It wasn't the battles against Lebron and Melo that should've allure you, because it was much deeper than that! It was the way he conversed with them - calling Melo over to his section, putting his hand on top of his head, asking him how much he scored in his previous game as if he was his little brother. It was the private charter being sent to him from his guardian Debbie Bortner, after being in the club until 4am the night before an AAU game. And no one told him he was out of pocket - he was "Lenny Cooke" for God's sake! It wasn't who he played that convinced you he was the #1 ranked player in the nation, it was how he was treated - and how he treated others! However, when your ego is bigger than your game (..and boy did he have game!), the results are almost never in your favor. As far as friends, there are only a few who stuck around and remained loyal. But he still finds himself reaching out to everyone else without feeling the reciprocation. It was tough entering the draft and not hearing his name called. And it took years to overcome that pain - especially when your son's favorite player is Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony and he's begging you to sit down and watch the game with him. But as time went on, Lenny just had to accept it was over. Now starting his own non-profit organization and becoming the assistant coach at Atlantic City High, he sees life through a different lens. The documentary wasn't a false tale, but he didn't agree with how it ended. Which is why he is now pursuing his book that tells the full story about his life - especially being in a brutal car accident 2 years after the draft that almost costed him his life. When it's all said and done, Lenny just wants to be the blueprint for kids who want to pursue their dreams through the sport of basketball. And if he can help just one kid, he knows he's doing something right.

    PAID MY DUES | Coach Maxwell Cole Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020


    His father didn't give him any room to have an opinion yet. He was either washing uniforms, recording stats, or making sure kids got to and from the hotel on time. And he didn't have a choice - it was mandatory! His Dad's approach to the game never seizes to amaze him - which is why he has a difficult time understanding his older brother's (Coach Debo) desire of wanting to be on his own so bad. He's all for independence, but when your father is highly respected throughout the basketball realm, why not take some pages out of his playbook. Once he stepped into fatherhood, his mindset shifted to finances immediately! Coach worked three jobs which barely gave him time to pursue his coaching career the way he wanted. But with a little advice from his father - and realizing how miserable life was without basketball - he decided to put his all into coaching. After being the Assistant JV Coach at Monsignor Scanlan High School, and losing in a championship game his first year as the Head Coach of the freshman team - he still feels as though he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He has a hard time adjusting to the social media era, and it's tough seeing how much praise a person can receive from posting videos on Instagram when they might've not deserved it just yet. Coach BJ still feels he has a lot more to accomplish, but he is definitely aware of his progression as a basketball coach.

    MY CALLING | Coach Victor Crespo

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020


    The challenges of being a 19 year old Latino kid from the Bronx only made him want to work harder. He gives all the credit to his grandmother who raised him and kept him away from all the negativity the streets had to offer. It was 1999 - just days before he was going into the Navy after graduating from Walton High School. His coach suggested he coach a tournament before he went off to serve his country - and the rest is history! "...maybe this is my calling..." the 19 year old said after coming out of his first game victorious. Due to his battle with scoliosis, he was discharged from the Navy and found himself at his old stomping grounds - LPAC! After winning numerous games and gaining recognition, Vic found himself away from his family more and more - which motivated him to start hiring other coaches who were as passionate as him. There were obstacles however ; when a bunch of men with credentials are in one room it is hard to get everyone on the same page for the same cause. It all worked out in the end though! With over 1,000 players coached, over 300 championships won, and 4 lifetime achievement awards, Coach Vic finally feels like he is getting the respect he deserves.

    CHANGE | Coach Billy Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020


    If you don't know anything else, you know he bleeds Harlem! Growing up in the inner city taught him some valuable lessons - even the ones that almost costed him his life. However, he's honest about the education he received from being in the streets. He takes some of those lessons and incorporates it in his restaurant at Cove Lounge on Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem (which he gives all the credit to his sister for). And he also expresses how he adjusted to the pandemic. It all started at Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club - showing up as a volunteer to later becoming one of the most respected people in the basketball circuit. Having the experience of both a coach and an Athletic Director at numerous institutions has given him some power, but when it came to his relationship with his kids, he found himself having to take the backseat. Even when you and your kid's mother aren't on the same page athletically, there can either be misunderstanding or a lack of communication. When you see the work he's done with his non-profit organizations (Team New York, #COUNCILHIM, etc.) you have an idea of what he wants to do for his community and who he wants to be remembered as. So saying that...Coach Billy Council has announced he will be running for Harlem City Council District 9!!! Let's change the game!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    LOYALTY | Coach Paul "Debo" Cole

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020


    How don't you fall in love with the game as a kid when Kareem Reid is walking in and out of your house, and you're playing video games with Stephon Marbury right before you drive him to a game in a Riverside Church van? Growing up in Patterson projects will teach you some valuable lessons - but the one that stuck out most for Coach Debo was LOYALTY. "I'm a father to all the kids who don't got fathers!" Whether it be finances, driving a kid to a game, giving advice, or just being there overall, Coach Debo has helped in some way, form or fashion. And being the son of Coach Bingo (founder of Bingo All Stars), those character traits were embedded since birth. But he doesn't do too well with walking in the shadows of others - he appreciates the process of finding his own way. He has a "ride or die" mentality, and he's criticized for it on the court at times. Speaking of court, Coach Debo had some run ins with the law - but can honestly say that he's retired from the streets and the feeling is nothing short of amazing. His vulnerability about this subject will allow us to understand both the temporary fulfillment, and the everlasting consequences that come with this way of living. When asked what he wanted to be remembered as, he said, "...just a good dude man!" It was a pleasure! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    OBSESSION | Coach Mark Jerome

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020


    He's known for being tough as a coach, but he doesn't wear it as a badge of honor. Looking back on how he handled certain situations, Coach admits he would've done things differently (especially with his own kids). However, his passion for the game is undeniable - and it's when players either don't play hard or play smart that makes him cringe. We can all agree though, that without Coach's toughness and high expectations on the court, his oldest son wouldn't be where he is today. When you google Mark Jerome, his son Ty Jerome (who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns) automatically pops up. Coach speaks on the pros and cons of coaching your own kid and the resources that comes with it. Lastly, coming from a household with mixed parents (black mother, white father), there was never a moment he didn't consider himself black! And when both parents are on the front line of the Civil Rights Movement, the experience and understanding of your culture is on another level.It has been a long time coming - but it was definitely worth while! Thanks Coach! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    FULL CIRCLE | Coach Jason Armstrong

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2020 112:30


    Coach just finished refereeing 4 games before coming to the studio to see us!He plays at La Salle Academy High School alongside Shammgod Wells and Ron Artest, to later serve as the head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at La Salle. He begins his collegiate basketball career at Dominican College, where he later serves as an assistant coach, recruiter, and academic liaison which led them to back-to-back CACC championships. Although he wasn't too happy with his experience at Bloomfield College (where he started his college career as a coach), he also won back-to-back CACC championships with the Deacons. In fact, while at Dominican College, the Chargers lose their first championship game to Bloomfield, to later beat them in the championship his 3rd year there. You see how everything connects?!You might think that's impressive, until you hear about the fire he had in his apartment, causing him to lose everything - to get a job the very next day as the Head JV, varsity coach, and Athletic Director at Uncommon Charter High School. "I'm sitting outside of Haagen Dazs and I just broke down!" Although these events may not be in order, the message behind the journey is what's essential. Their is good karma, and there's bad karma. It's up to you to decide what side you want to be on. This past August made 10 years since the fire happened, and since that day he started seeing life through a different lens and understands that you don't necessarily need everything you see in your closet. "...if I haven't wore it in 3 or 4 months, I'm giving it to Riverside Church!" Where he started his AAU career, coaching the 18 and under team - not to mention he was also christened and baptized there as a kid! Coach Armstrong currently finds himself at the historical Lincoln University where he will serve as the Associate Head Coach. "That right there is BIG...when you're talking about one of us!" Coach understands the importance of his role and hopes to help put a banner up in the gym for the Lions.When asked where he gets his HUSTLE from, he couldn't credit anyone else but his mother. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    MAGICAL REALISM | Coach Pete Aguilar Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2020 89:07


    When he shakes your hand you have this understanding - not to overstep your boundaries. Morals, principals, and most of all respect is what Coach Pete Aguilar Jr. demands on and off the court. From playing on the very first Gauchos team, being the leading scorer at Evander Childs High School (still), playing under Coach John Chaney at Temple University, playing on the Puerto Rican National Team, and getting cut from both the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, Coach learns a valuable lesson. “The game ends for everyone!” After a fulfilling journey of being a ball player, Coach was done with the game - until his son was born. This motivated him to bring a group of guys together and create what we know to be one of the most profound AAU teams - Next Generation. From there he finds himself at All Hallows, Holy Family Middle School, and many other programs where he made his mark. All in all, Coach gets a ton of love and respect around the basketball circuit, and continues to let kids know that not everyone can make it to the league, but everyone can get an education. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    ATTENTION TO DETAIL | Coach Abdul Torrence

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 104:44


    Growing up in East Harlem, he fell in love with the game of baseball first. "...Darryl Strawberry was my man!" Coach Torrence said as he reminisced about his youth. But when you walk into Graphic Arts High School at 5'6 as a freshman and come back 6'2 the very next year, basketball starts making more sense. Some early success came his way sophomore year. However, his grades couldn't keep up with his play on the court, which caused him to lose a ton of playing time. He thought giving up and moving with his Uncle Lou in Virginia would be a walk in the park, but the conversation he had with Uncle Lou taught Coach Torrence a valuable lesson, "...we don't run!" Coach found himself in a prep school at St. Thomas Moore where he was later expelled. (We asked Coach what the reasoning was behind his expulsion, but were unsuccessful in receiving that information) Due to his character and his Coach's belief in him, he found a home at Milford Academy where he later graduated and began his college career at St. Francis Brooklyn. After earning his degree, Coach still hit a roadblock! Losing his job while having a kid to feed caused him to adjust quickly. But the blessing came when asked by his High School coach at Graphic Arts if he wanted to speak to a class about the pressures of being a teenage parent. The rest is history!Aside from his resume , the gems that Coach Torrence gave us in this interview is nothing short of legendary! When asked about this generation today, Coach had a lot to say when it came to principals, morals. and LOYALTY! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    A DIFFERENT ROUTE | Kashif "Kash" Pratt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 100:36


    Everyone probably looked at him like he was making the wrong decision. His own dad didn’t speak to him for 3 months. The former Rice Raider started losing his love for the game of basketball. After averaging only seconds of playing time at Seton Hall, transferring to Iona to develop a bumpy relationship with his coach, Kash knew it was time! Although the relationship between Kash and Coach Willard wasn’t perfect, Coach was one of the few who supported his decision. You would be considered a genius if you predicted that Kash would enroll at John Jay College to focus on his career of being a sports agent. However, when guys like Edgar Sosa, Curtis Kelly, and Kemba Walker are your close friends, you listen to both the good and the bad. And some of the “bad” was the frustration that guys like Edgar expressed to him when dealing with agents. And just being both curious and empathic at the same time, Kash seen a lane he could flourish in immediately! I guess it all comes full circle when you're currently an agent for the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) and one of your clients is Isaiah Briscoe...not bad kid!! Everyone’s journey is different, and Kash proves that on a day to day basis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    THE O.G. | Shane "The Dribbling Machine" Woney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 91:50


    Harlem made him, Edenwald raised him! Can you imagine how the streets were back in the day for someone like Shane not to know that AAU existed growing up? Baseball was his first love, but seeing Danny Tirado coming down the court in transition at 8 years old made him switch gears. From attending John Philip Sousa in Junior High then transitioning to Clinton High School - guidance was hard to find. Imagine your mother at Parent/Teacher Conference being informed that no one knew her son even existed because he never showed up to class. But ask yourself this - would you have a hard time going to class if Tracy Morgan and Gerald Kelly is outside telling jokes in front of the school? Would it be hard to focus if you personally knew drug dealers your age who were outside making damn near 30 grand a day? Lastly, when grown men are walking in your gymnasium with their own 5 to play ball...DURING SCHOOL!!! Transferring to Salesian High with his best friend Eric Mobley was also a journey - and with D1 recruits on his heels his senior year, Shane wasn't really interested in leaving the state once his son was born. He took his talents to Westchester Community College and boy oh boy...did he have some stories for us! The AND1 days were special ...so special that Shane recommended we do a Part 2!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    THE ADJUSTMENTS | Kendrick Ray

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 75:45


    Middletown isn't really the place you to get recognized, but when your parents want a better life for you outside of The Bronx, it's not really much you can say. Basketball wasn't taken seriously until he went to Kennesaw State - and watching the pain marinate in that house after his big brother Allan Ray didn't get drafted, he decided it was time to lock in! Prior to that, Quinnipiac was a lesson learned; the classroom wasn't his forte and it affected his play. But you would think Kennesaw State was the place to be after looking at his numbers...nah! What coach promises you a scholarship and lets you enter the school year thinking you're good to go, until your mother finds a bill in the mail telling you to pay for the classes you registered for?! On top of that, you playing under a shitty flex offense didn't help either - but 19 points a game still gets the job done! Overseas was a journey in itself! Kendrick and his agent weren't on the same page which resulted in Allan Ray being his agent. I mean...when you and your older brother already have a partnership in the real estate business, the sports agency world doesn't seem so far fetch. This pandemic stopped Kendrick's momentum a bit - he was just starting to get into the flow of things on the court. But like any real baller...you just adjust! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    SILENT KILLER | Jordan "JayO" Aaron

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 85:42


    He don't do much talking - but his game damn sure speaks for itself! When you grow up spending nights at Kyrie Irving's house shooting hoops in his backyard as a little kid, it's not a secret that energy will rub off on you somehow. The Bronx native found himself at Bronx Leadership Academy his first two and a half years in high school before transferring to Wings Academy where he played under Billy Turnage, scoring 35 points off the bench his second game which gave Turnage no choice but to start him for the rest of the season. He took his talents to Southeastern Iowa where he could just get away from the hood for a while and focus on his craft - his life was a bit of a roller coaster due to the passing of his mother a year prior. But after so many accomplishments in Iowa, he found the assistant coach at Milwaukee-Wisconsin following his every move which made the trust between them two solid! After making his name known in Milwaukee, he took his talents overseas where the work load is a bit different from the collegiate level. When you're the best player on the team, people watch your every move! And being that he doesn't speak much, transforming into a vocal leader was something he had to adjust to. All in all, he hears all the noise about who's better and who's not - but he just wants to let people know...HE'S BEEN OUTSIDE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    "I STAND TALL" | Kedar "Superman" Edwards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 78:36


    Can you imagine a 6'5 forward walking into a courtroom in a suit defending his client? Well...that was his dream before the ball started bouncing. The Brooklyn native never seen it coming - but when you go from averaging 0.2 points a game at Wingate High School to averaging 18 points your following year, your thought patterns start to shift a bit. Especially when you go prep at Coachville in Pennsylvania where Rip Hamilton attended - and he PERSONALLY tells you to come in for a workout! Saying that, college was also a roadblock - getting recruited to play for LIU was something he wanted, but when paperwork gets in the way, you have to make other choices. With a solid career at State Fair CC and UT Martin, he took his talents overseas where he made a name for himself. He tells us that with all the work he's put in - teams now have to come correct before he signs another contract. You might know him as Superman, but the reason for that name runs deeper than you think! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    JUST KEEP WORKING | Kevin "KP" Punter Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2020 83:51


    Nobody wanted to give him his respect! Was it because The Bronx native took his talents to New Rochelle and played in a Class B Division at Salesian High School where he became Player Of The Year as a senior? Was it because he didn't go straight to a university and went JUCO at State Fair Community College in Missouri where he became First Team All American? Why does he suddenly just get the respect after becoming First Team All-SEC at the University of Tennessee? For God's Sake...HE'S BEEN DOING THIS!!! Before we knew who Rico Hines was, he was in private workouts with the man (before he even had a beard lol). Even when he thought it was over after taking his SAT's SEVEN TIMES and not getting that score he needed to goto college - he just kept pushing! Kevin Punter Jr. talks about all the steps it took to get to this point - and after playing in about 5 different countries, Italy seems like the place to be in the future. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    POLITICS AS USUAL | Malcolm "MG3" Grant

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2020 90:19


    After averaging 23 points a game his senior year at Robeson High School, getting invited to the Jordan Brand Classic, and becoming PSAL Player Of The Year, why not just make him a McDonald's All American? After getting recruited to Villanova University and scoring 18 points in the last seven minutes of the game to upset LSU, why is he only playing ONE SINGLE MINUTE for the next three games? MG3 gets into detail about it all. His transfer to UMiami after his freshman year wasn't so bad - but again, politics come into play. After graduating with a degree in Sports Administration he finds himself traveling to countries like Canada, Cyprus, Sweden, and many others. That journey wasn't a walk in the park either - especially when money is involved! This interview was important for us! During this pandemic that we're in with COVID-19, it's nearly impossible to find a professional studio to record in. And we were bias about not going virtual because we always gained a personal connection with our guests whenever they came. Saying that, we decided to go through with it and it has been nothing short of refreshing. Malcolm Grant's delivery set the tone from the gate! He certainly is one of our favorite interviews thus far. Thanks for all your support! Big shout to "FUDGE NO GRUDGE" for being a great substitute on episode 4. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    HUMBLE & HUNGRY | Steven "Abby" Ruple Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2020 50:51


    It's different when your basketball peers request for you to be on the show and tell your story! The Harlem native is respected throughout NYC - and if you ever stepped foot in Dyckman park, it's no secret that Abby fills the seats night in and night out. Even Coach Mo Hicks recruited Abby to play for him at Rice High School, but with so many prospects coming in (including a lack of confidence at the time) he chose to take his talents to Thurgood Marshall Academy where he was mentored under a highly respected coach in Abdul Torrence. Although Abby wasn't recruited to his liking out of high school, he went off to Colorado to play for Adam State University - and was faced with a life or death situation when he came back home for the holidays. Steven "Abby" Ruple Jr. might not be your high caliber type of player - but when he laces up, you have to respect him! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS | Josh "Jiggy" Watkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2020 45:10


    Could you imagine him doing a post grad year at South Kent, playing in the back-court with Isaiah Thomas?! What was practice even like when he played JUCO at Howard College with NBA's own Jae Crowder? After transferring from Howard, the Harlem Native (known for his impeccable handles and signature spin move) faced some obstacles back in Utah. With all the articles written on him - whether it be ESPN, Salt Lake Tribune, his school paper, etc., Jiggy never spoke on why he was dismissed from the team. What really happened? Jiggy Josh opens up about his departure and how he felt during those times. He even seen things from his teammates he didn't quite agree with. But lastly, although he was suspended, Jiggy had some unfinished business at the University of Utah. He finished stronger than everyone thought he would! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    STRAIGHT OUT THE MUD | David "Cha Ching" Teele

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2020 64:11


    Who would've thought commentating his first basketball game in Amsterdam projects would put him in positions to feed his family? If you've sat and watched a summer league game at Dyckman park, then you know who Cha Ching is. The game of basketball itself can mesmerize you, but when one of your favorite players pulls up from behind the arc and you hear "..GOD BLESS GOODNIGHT!" it adds a different texture to your experience. David "Cha Ching" Teele speaks on his journey of commentating and how his brand expanded. Not only is he currently sponsored by Nike and known as the one of the best if not, the top basketball commentator in NYC, he still looks for ways to make more history! He also seen a lane in High School basketball before anyone seen it coming. And because of that, he was able to finish his "Dark Skin Splash Brother's Tour" with his partner in grind Mr.Talk Spicy. Cha Ching's love for his craft will only allow him to reach new heights, and we appreciate him for being our first guest for season 2! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    GIVIN' GAME | Curtis Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2020 74:09


    He's cool, he's calm, he's collected! Another Rice Raider who filled the bleachers in Gauchos gym playing next to Edgar Sosa in High School speaks on the chemistry and work ethic that Rice produced over the years. When asked about his personal growth and the things he regretted as a basketball player, his answer is as cool as his persona! Growing up in The Bronx is no walk in the park, but the memories is something he wouldn't trade for the world. Playing ball at UConn, transferring to Kansas State, and going overseas gave him a chance to come back and drop some gems on the youth. Curtis Kelly was here when Hood Center was just starting - and we share some memories that we can now laugh at. Episode 10 ends the first season for Hood Center, and the journey is something to remember already! Thanks to everyone who showed their love and support thus far...it's been a blast! See y'all soon! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    A TRUE GENTLEMAN | Omari Lawrence

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2020 66:24


    With all his trials and tribulations as a basketball player, Omari continues to progress as a man! There aren't many players today who take pride in giving back to their communities, maintaining good health, and last but not least, having a Queen by his side! We can go on for days about his fulfilling journey as a ball player - playing with guys like Darryl "Truck" Bryant and Kevin Parrom at St.Raymond's, staying home and competing at St.John's, transferring to Kansas State, and taking his talents overseas to countries like Slovakia and Hong Kong. But more importantly, Omari remembers all the lessons he's learned during those times, and has no problem living with some regrets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    IT WAS WRITTEN | Jarrel Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2020 55:11


    When you're passing notes in the 3rd grade amongst your classmates asking them to answer sports questions - it's no surprise that Sports Illustrated becomes your home after college. When you've walked the same hallways as Kemba Walker at Rice High School, and interview him right after he's won a tournament game against Derrick Rose at Nike's Super 6 - it makes sense when you become NBA editor of 2019! When you speak "Journalism"... you speak Jarrel Harris! From interning at Dime Magazine, to becoming the leader of Sports Illustrated's sneaker and lifestyle content, Jarrel shares his story on how he grinded his way to the top! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    CAN'T CATCH A BREAK | Ash Yacoubou

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2020 53:57


    How does former New York's Mr.Basketball & Gatorade Player of The Year have trouble adjusting to the next level? How does someone who's played on the same High School teams with Tyreke Evans and Tobias Harris not get the same opportunities to showcase his talent? Ash Yacoubou tells his story of what happened behind the scenes after committing to the University of Villanova - and how transferring to the University of Saint Louis was just bad timing. Going overseas wasn't a walk in the park either. Ash just can't find the right system that fits his style of play. However, he thinks he's found a home in the G league with the Long Island Nets. And believe it or not, the G League is more of a shortcut to the NBA than everyone thinks. No matter where his journey takes him, Ash is happy as a basketball player. Does he have regrets...sure! But he couldn't of done any of this without the Man upstairs! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    LESSONS LEARNED | Kareem "NuNu" Canty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2020 47:26


    "I was too big headed!" Says the former Auburn Tiger. Kareem "Nunu" Canty reflects on the times no one could tell him ANYTHING! But when he started to notice...maybe it was him! Maybe it was the people in his circle he had to eventually cut off! The New York City Point Guard is still pursuing his dreams as a basketball player overseas - but it's hard when you know you were statistically the second man running under a player like Ben Simmons back in college. And with a couple scrolls through instagram, seeing some of your peers you played with currently in the league - it hits a different nerve! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    CAMEROON TO COLUMBIA | Ivan Tchatchouwo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2020 60:16


    His story is nothing short of remarkable! Coming to the states at 7 years old from Cameroon was a culture shock - but what's life without adjustments? Being constantly injured throughout his basketball career was draining; however, it sparked something! With a relentless mind and some great advice from his mentors, Ivan does something spectacular! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    "I STILL GOT IT" | China Crosby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2020 51:36


    There's no doubt in her mind she would've been in the league if it weren't for her injuries. The former Virginia Cavalier and Mcdonald's All American opens up about her sexuality and the financial challenges women face playing professional basketball. What's China up to nowadays? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    RICE LOVE | Durand Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2020 65:50


    Durand Scott isn't satisfied yet! With all his accomplishments, he still has some unfinished business - and that's playing in the NBA. D Scott talks brotherhood at Rice High School, playing in college, going overseas, and the lessons he's learned as a basketball player thus far. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Table or The Menu ? | Lawrence A. Fauntleroy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2019 81:40


    May Thurd's Dad was a guest for the second episode - and it gets INTERESTING! Mr.Fauntleroy touches on his journey as an AAU coach, the pros and cons of coaching his son, going back to college and earning his degree, and the statistics we face in America today! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    This Is Why We Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2019 71:02


    May Thurd discusses his vision behind Hood Center and all of the trials and tribulations it took to get to this point - as well his experience as a basketball player and how it changed his life. Charm Drew also chimes in on his experiences playing ball in the urban community and how he sees the game today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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