Hoops Philosophy Podcast

Ken and Hak bring a fresh perspective as they explore the lesser-known and more intriguing nicknames given to players, steering clear of the obvious and widely popular ones. From hidden gems to underrated monikers, Ken and Hak delve into the world of fascinating football nicknames that often fly under the radar. Join the hosts as they unravel the stories behind these unique titles, shedding light on the creativity and humor that adds an extra layer of charm to the game. Who do you think boasts the most captivating nickname in American football?  

Hop in to this Heated basketball debate with Ken and Hak on this week's episode of Think RBA! S, our hosts challenge the recent narrative surrounding the 'Mid Range' shot in basketball. While some analysts and media outlets may have labeled it as less favorable, Ken and Hak strongly disagree! Join us as they make a compelling case for why mastering the mid-range shot is not only essential but a mark of true basketball greatness. From dissecting the skill set required to the strategic advantages it offers, our hosts delve into why the mid-range game should be celebrated, not overlooked.

Dive deep into the compelling world of life after sports with Ken and Hak on this week's Think RBA episode! In this thought-provoking discussion, our hosts explore the intriguing topic of athletes transitioning from the field to the next chapter of their lives. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of beloved sports figures and how they navigate the often challenging journey from their playing days to new career paths. From coaching and sports analysis to venturing into entirely different fields, our hosts unpack the diverse ways athletes prepare for this significant transition. Join the conversation in the comments below - share your thoughts on your favorite athletes' post-playing careers and how they've inspired you. For more captivating insights and discussions, hit that ‘Subscribe' button and turn on notifications. Let's continue exploring the fascinating stories that unfold in the lives of athletes beyond the game. Check Out The "Think RBA" Podcast https://linktr.ee/thinkrba

Get ready for an epic journey into the world of sports fandom with Ken and Hak on this week's exciting episode of Think RBA! In this thought-provoking discussion, our hosts dive headfirst into the extraordinary realm of die-hard, over-the-top sports fans. Discover the astonishing lengths to which these passionate supporters are willing to go to back their teams, and the intense emotional investment they have in their team's success. From painting their faces and bodies in team colors to traveling across the country to catch a game, the dedication is boundless! Join us in exploring the captivating stories of these devoted sports enthusiasts, and share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you! ======= Check Out The "Think RBA" Podcast https://linktr.ee/thinkrba Subscribe to The "Think RBA" Podcast - https://bit.ly/ 3tX5HXf ニニニニニニ Think RBA #ThinkRBA #Sports #Sportspodcast #SportsDebate

Ken and Hak dive deep into a fascinating debate about what truly defines the toughest sport. Is it the raw power and physical demands of sports like Powerlifting, or the finesse and precision required in golf? Perhaps it's the high-stakes world of boxing and MMA with their risks and rewards. A thought-provoking conversation that will challenge your perspective on sports. We want to hear from you too! Share your thoughts in the comments below and be a part of this spirited discussion.

Welcome to a new ongoing series - RBA Mt. Rushmore! In this series, the fellas rank their personal Mt. Rushmore of random topics...With an RBA twist. In this weeks episode, the guys rank their personal Mt. Rushmore of NBA moments. As always there are interesting choices, questionable takes and the expected coloring outside the lines.

A different twist this week as the guys are put on the spot to give their takes on random, hypothetical topics ripped straight from IG. And as always when certain individuals like to color outside the lines, hypothetical situations and hypothetical answers can make for some entertaining debate!

Let's dive deep into the sporting world of professional athletes who face a challenging conundrum - love for their sport versus the necessity to build and manage their personal brand. It's a delicate balance between trying to stay at the top of your game while cultivating your off-field persona. The fellas discuss fan perspectives and come to contention when discussing if a brand ever becomes bigger than the athlete. What do YOU think?

Athletes often serve as role models due to their dedication, discipline, achievements, success, lifestyle, persona, swagger and many other factors in sports. They can inspire others in both positive and negative ways. More often, in a positive light, we seek to identify with athletes in an effort to pursue our goals, promote teamwork, emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, helping others and achieving dreams. However, it's essential to remember that athletes are human and may have flaws, so it's important to choose role models wisely. Dream responsibly.

The art of coaching involves helping individuals or teams reach their full potential by providing guidance, support, and feedback. Effective coaches listen actively, ask powerful questions, and tailor their approach to each person's needs and goals. It's about fostering growth, building confidence, and facilitating positive change. Remember that coaching is a dynamic process, and you'll continue to refine your skills with experience. Adapt your approach to suit each coachee's unique needs and goals. Building a strong foundation under a prescribed set of fundamentals will set you on the path to becoming an effective coach.

Coaching youth sports can be a rewarding experience. It involves teaching young athletes not only the skills of the game but also important values like teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline. Effective communication, patience, and a focus on fun and skill development are key to being a successful youth sports coach. Certainly, coaching youth sports comes with its own set of pros and cons. However, coaching youth sports can be incredibly rewarding, but it also demands dedication, patience, and the ability to navigate various challenges that arise when working with young athletes and their families.

The NBA In-Season Tournament, some loved it, some not so much and some were indifferent. It has been a looooooooong time coming but it's finally here. And we are about to witness it for the first time. Naturally, there will be many lessons learned, many tweaks and many critics along the way. However comma, the NBA is a global game; and to tap into the global market, you must produce a new shiny, pretty toy. Will this toy pan out? Will it have longevity? Will it impact legacies? Only time will tell.

The guys are back with part 2 of their deep conversation on the art and boundaries of Trash Talk.  Tune in and join the conversation. And remember…Trash Talk responsibly!

Trash talk is an artful blend of wit, strategy, and psychological warfare within the arena of competition. Successful “artists” master the skill of destabilizing opponents through clever insults, mocking gestures, and strategic timing. Employing psychological tactics, trash talk aims to provoke doubt, distraction, and frustration in rivals, ultimately affecting their performance. Some rise to the occasion whereas others crumble beneath it. However, striking the right balance is key; effective trash talk should push boundaries without crossing into unsportsmanlike conduct. The strategies behind trash talk reveal the intricate dance between competition, ego, and the human psyche on the battlefield of spoken AND unspoken words.

On this week's episode, Matt does his best to facilitate a 10 year argument between Hak and Ken.  Would you train with your best friend if y'all were both in a professional sports league?? Who side you got???  Help us settle the debate once and for all…maybe!

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves…. Think RBA is back with Hak, Ken and Matt talking all things sports and culture. Listen in as they discuss the origins of “RBA - Real Ballers Adjust” and how this simple phrase has built long lasting friendship and become a way of life!  

Oh ESPN, what have you done?…Again! Another year, another player rankings list, and another debacle. Hak and Ken discuss the infamous “list”, some team drama and a sensitive topic at the forefront of society, vaccinations. The coming season could become very interesting with how the NBA handles the vaccination issue. Tune in to hear the fellas break it all down.

The boys are back! Hak and Ken step back to the scene with a 4-Mile guest, Matt, and the conversation is centered around stereotypes and trash-talk. It's story time, a little sweet, a little bitter, but all in good fun because the trash talk was flying between Ken and Matt taking jabs at each other. Is there a potential 1-on-1 game between them? Will Matt bring Ken out of retirement?! Time shall tell, but we can only hope.

Between the draft, free agency, and other happenings, A LOT of money was moved around within the NBA circle. Some notable players doubled down in their respective locations while others made a move for greener pastures or a change of scenery. But either way, pretty much everyone secured a piece of the pie and took home their share of the bag. Hak and Ken analyze and try to digest it all. Strap in, this one gets deep!

This unique 2020-2021 NBA season is nearing its close.  With Giannis and crew so close to tasting that first championship, they must show up in Games 5 & 6.  Is this Giannis's time? Will he get that elusive first chip?  Plus we break down how the NBA coaching cycle looks vastly different than the NFL, Olympics drama and more notably NBA stories!

The finals have been entertaining and full of epic performances! Down 0-2, Giannis and the Bucks came home to give the fans a treat. They took game 3 with an astounding win over the Suns and Giannis had a game for the ages! Coming back from a season-like-ending injury to put up historic performances is truly fitting of the moniker, “Greek Freak”! Hak & Ken discuss the USA team debacle against Nigeria and a touchy race issue amongst the media and the women.

The Suns have emphatically punched their ticket to the NBA Finals as the western Conference Finals champs! CP3 has finally made it to the grandest stage and if it wasn't already clear, Devin Booker has proven he's the future alongside a talented big in Ayton. Now we await the victor of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the series tied at 2 apiece, and with both stars nursing injuries, anything can happen. Hak and Ken discuss the conference finals and much more on and off the court.

The conference finals are upon us! Just one more step to go but before that, 4 new teams have to prove themselves worthy. With new faces in not so familiar places, will they rise to the occasion or fold under the pressure? Hak and Ken team up to discuss what went down as we enter the conference finals. Ken is super HYPE as his Hawks are in a prime position to further prove the doubters wrong and make even more history. As an ATL fan, the struggle is real and these moments cannot be taken for granted!

After a long time, we're finally going to have a new champ who has either never hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy or hasn't done so anytime in recent memory. This fresh new array of teams has given the league a breath of fresh air. Underdogs have risen and are on a mission to prove their doubters wrong. Hak, Tej and Ken (back in the starting lineup) get together to wrap up and close out the numbers debate. And it gets interesting when the data guy (Ken) puts things back into perspective.

So much drama! So many amazing storylines! With a decade old era of dominance coming to a close, the playoffs have brought forth a new era of competition and a new wave of talent has emerged ready to make its mark. Legendary organizations are turning a new chapter, however, (comma) was The Bubble a FRAUD?! And fans are STILL acting a fool! With Ken still on the DNP list, Tej has graciously stepped in to hold it down with Hak to continue discussing some more of the greatest numbers.

The playoffs are in full swing and teams have come out swinging. Some are trekking the course as expected and some are challenging the status quo. With the return of the fans in the stadiums, a number of cases have risen pertaining to the disrespect of players and their families. Has fandom gone too far? The players and NBA have responded! Ken is on the DNP list (again!) this week, so Tej has returned to hold it down with Hak in true RBA fashion and discuss a controversial topic surrounding some of the greatest numbers.

In the midst of the play-in tournament, we are getting a taste of the appetizers before the main course; and they have been delicious. The weeklong play-in tournament to qualify into the 7th and 8th seeds has been dramatic and full of epic performances. With Ken on the DNP list, we introduce the very first installment of the Kids Korner, we are joined by a special guest Tej (7), an avid hoops fan and is here to share the game from his vantage point. Hak and Tej break down their playoff predictions and play a fun game of “Who would you rather…?” which gets a bit interesting. It’s all about providing opportunities and instilling the RBA mindset into our future!

Having solidified his place in the annals of basketball history, Michael Jordan is the unanimous GOAT of GOATS. His love for the game transformed the fate of an organization and influenced the world, and his image became bigger than the game itself. There is no denying Michael Jordan’s competitive will and relentless determination to win at all costs. Hak and Ken revisit episodes 7-10 to take a deep dive on the many historic moments and share some personal stories of MJ’s direct impact and influence in their upbringing. This one became personal!

Being the king of the mountain brings more rewards, admirers, and fanfare however, it also brings more adversity, challengers, obstacles, and scrutiny. The attention, whether wanted or not, is more than abundant. MJ was at the peak of his superpowers and his only solace seemed to be within the lines. Hak and Ken take a deep dive and explore how Michael became Air Jordan and the pressures associated with superstardom took a toll on him, his teammates and his image. And how only a true uber-competitive superhero can respond to and rise in the moment for a complete takeover.

When the world and sports stood still amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was gifted an artistic masterpiece that spoke to sports fans of all levels personally...The Last Dance. Hak and Ken revisit that epic point in time when the global icon Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls arrived on the scene and began to make his mark not only in the NBA, but also the world. Little did they know they would leave a lasting impact on sports, culture and just life!

With no shortage of talent in the league, a subtle difference separates the elite from the rest...basketball IQ.  But what combination of skills and characteristics define possessing elite IQ? We all know some of the more obvious high IQ players, but who are the up-and-coming players that are going to carry the torch forward? Hak and Ken philosophize on which players are on the horizon as the top players with the noteworthy IQ. They discuss who passes the eye test and who is in the queue as that next guy, hence eye queue.

But what about the other guy’s?! The guy’s that don’t get comparisons. As each class enters the league, they watch, learn and model their games behind previous classes. Hence, the age old conversation begins, ‘He reminds me of’. Hak and Ken philosophize (yes, real word) which not-so-obvious players at each position remind them of players from the past. This one gets interesting with some creative twists.

HOT DIDDLY DEE, DRAMA!! That’s the ONLY way to describe the happenings of last week in the NBA. There was a whole lot of off-court media drama which made waves throughout the hoops world; followed by some rather lackluster performances and front-office woes (complaints). Hak and Ken are back with another "Open Run" to make sense of it all and provide a different kind of perspective to the outcry, and the unspoken unwritten codes of conduct. It was definitely a violation, but was it a technical or a flagrant? You make the call.

With the trade deadline past us, the dust has finally settled (almost) and this season saw the most activity in league history. With so much movement, it was tough to wrap your head around it all. But fear not, Hak and Ken are here to solve your troubles and make sense of it all. They go deep and discuss what happened and what the likely outcome will be. Hak flips the script and turns the tables on Ken with a new challenge. How will he respond?

With the trade deadline upon us, teams are in pursuit of building the “perfect” squad while players are in pursuit of landing the “perfect” gig. On this episode, Hak and Ken discuss some of the juicy trade rumors circulating the NBA circles and which players are the best “fit”, whether here or there, given their current situation. Ken surprises Hak with some trivia and puts him on-the-spot. Naturally savagery is part of the discussion, but all in good fun.

Trash-talking will always be an integral part of competition. The ability to speak a few words which measure the will of an opponent and gain a competitive advantage is an art and a science. It can be done on or off the court, in the locker room, on social media, or even in front of the media! Time and time again, we have witnessed the good and not-so-fortunate results of athletes talking trash. So Hak and Ken revisit some of their favorite trash-talking moments from some of the best in the game. And because there are an infinite number of moments, let’s begin the series with Volume 1.

The 2021 All Star festivities have officially concluded and we applaud the NBA and the Atlanta Hawks organization for putting on a successful event. Although players voiced mixed emotions about attending, they definitely came to play! Some new faces made a name for themselves and some old faces solidified why they are who they are. The game has certainly changed with how the event revolved around the ability to knock down long range buckets! There are some lethal shooters out there and they definitely put on a show! #splash

The 2021 NBA All-Star game is less than a week away and a lot has transpired. With the starters set, the reserves list came out with some obvious and some controversial selections, but it depends on who you ask. And like every year, there were snubs; one who a resident fan feels very strongly about. Hak and Ken go H2H in acting as team captains and constructing their All Star squads. But with players getting hurt and others being promoted as replacements, things get interesting. So you decide who has the better team!

With the All-Star game less than 2 weeks away, we now know the starters. But now the main question on everyone’s mind is who will be the reserves, which also means someone will be snubbed. Hak and Ken join forces in All-Star fashion and draft the remaining reserve spots. And because the game is global and the NBA is full of international stars, they take a twist and draft their starting 5 International All-Star team for both the East and West, which gets “technically” interesting.

On this episode, in true pickup fashion, we run it back with “Who got next?” Hak and Ken run through the competition in true RBA fashion and cover a lot of ground with a variety of newsworthy topics and some hot takes which may or may not turn controversial. The theme on this one is bold. And we never shy away from an adversary, no matter the difficulty. 

The life of a fan is anything but simple or easy. The ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the joys and sorrows, the pains and pleasures; it’s a love-hate relationship. On this episode a few superfans share the pain, misery and agony, and sometimes happiness (if you’re lucky) with others who are going through the same journey. Hak holds a therapy session with 3 superfans, Jay (Knicks) and Jonathan (Wizards), and our very own Ken (Hawks) who know the feeling of despair all too well, but their loyalty is unwavering.

Going back to the basics, the fundamentals, to where it first starts for every hooper…on the blacktop. Hak and Ken have a free-for-all and let their creativity run wild to discuss the game without any set plays or schemes. Just like the hardtop, anything goes…because it’s all about W’s and buckets! And with W’s and buckets comes the knowledge of the game. The fellas share an insightful story with some valuable lessons learned, plus some words of wisdom from a legend for all the athletes out there.

On the 1 year anniversary of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, it was only fitting that we revisit and honor the legend in celebrating his life, his lessons and his unique wisdom in approaching the game and life. Hak and Ken reminisce and speak of the fond and memorable stories of how Kobe impacted them by leaving a lasting impression of shaping the game, the culture and the world. This man needs no introductions as he is known by simply “Kobe” or “Mamba”. So without further ado, A Think RBA Productions, presented by Hoops Philosophy, brings to you… “Ode 2 The Mamba”.

Year after year, the term "Super-Teams" has been at the forefront of trade and free agency discussions. In this new age of basketball, trying to win without "teaming up" with other superstars is essentially impossible. But are super-teams a recent phenomenon or something that has been around long before our time? Hak and Ken discuss this, their dunk contest Goat start-bench-cut, and predict which super-team duos and trios would dominate the competition, followed by creating their own dream super-team trio. Get your popcorn ready for a viewing experience of a lifetime with the upcoming BK Motion Picture presented by Barclay Productions...Extra Baggage: The Saga Continues, starring KD, Harden and Kyrie. 

More Teams = More Basketball! When the NBA announced it’s exploring expansion, many questions came to mind. How many teams? Which cities are being considered? And many more! Plus, Philly with a slim roster; Steph and Beal dropping 60 with different results; the power and value of loyalty; Clippers still in Bubble playoff mode; and Tatum and Brown join some elite company!

Back to the fundamentals, Hak and Ken go back to a time when centers ruled the game and exerted their dominance with power and might! And the self-anointed, most dominant force in the NBA, rapper, actor, analyst, media mogul, HoF’er, and champion Shaquille O’Neal entered the league on a brand new team with a fresh new set of skills, similar to his All-Star teammate Penny Hardaway, that no one had ever seen. So what could’ve been had Shaq never left Orlando? Would Orlando have some banners hanging? Would Penny not be underrated? Would Kobe have as many rings? Listen in to find out.

A season opener that didn’t feel anything like Christmas; Snoop Dogg ranks King of L.A.; NBA opts out of flexing its muscle; what LeBron values most when scouting talent; Jamal Murray is the living dead!; CP3 schools CP Jr.; first player to drop 50 points; it’s overtime in game 7 of the finals, who’s taking the last shot?; and who’s a bucket-getter you want no problems with? Plus with 2020 finally coming to a close, Hak and Ken take a look back at some defining moments which shaped basketball history over the past decade.

A pricey logo scandal, superhero arch-nemesis, roster roasting, draft gems, toxic cultures, family affairs, Drew Ctrl-Z, icy dream wish lists, elite veteran feedback solicitations and, no cap, capping it with THE best Xmas games in history!  Hak and Ken dish out a full serving with leftovers to satisfy your palate.

There was so much more left to discuss and make sense of.  And with so many eyebrow-raising headlines, from the eerie emptiness of NBA arenas, to Kyrie’s comments…or lack thereof, to Harden’s absence, to KD’s return, to Chuck’s “turrible” comments, to Agent 0 trying to do what now?!, the narratives have been nothing short of dramatic. This time, Hak and Ken provide takes with a “slight” (pun intended) edge.

Basketball is BACK!  On the verge of another unconventional season of basketball in 2020-2021, A LOT has happened in the shortest offseason in NBA history. Honoring the age-old tradition, Hak and Ken drop predictions and prophecies of the contenders, pretenders and teams still trusting the process. Plus, which players will take home individual hardwares. In the infamous words of the legend Chuck, we guaaaaarantee it!

There’s been a lot of EPIC hoops commercials throughout the years.  But like Jordan and Bron...only one can be the GOAT...and THIS ONE is THE BEST! Period! End of story! It’s NOT EVEN a debate...OR…is it?! Hak and Ken are never wrong…right?! We'll let you decide!