In The Paint Show

On Episode 191 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", Chelsea Hopkins hosts a special ITP episode, the "2024-25 Preseason FAB 50 Rankings Release Show" to coincide with the release of the complete rankings on Ballislife.com. Chelsea's fellow ITP hosts, FAB 50 compiler Ronnie Flores and grassroots basketball expert Ani Umana, break down the preseason poll, talk "Teams on the Rise", "Teams on the Hot Seat", players to watch for 2024-25 and much more! Chelsea goes hard "in the paint" with Ron and Ani about the evolution of high school basketball and how NIL affects the landscape. The ITP crew also taps in on how teams get ranked, the bubble clubs that just missed and the big matchups to look forward to during the 2024-25 regular season. Ron and Ani break down the nation's best high school teams in three segments: Teams 31-50 (those looking to maintain their ranking and win section/conference titles), Teams 16-30 (those with a legitimate shot to win a state title and move into the Top 15 because of their size and/or depth) and Team 1-15 (the top FAB 50 title contenders with future D1 prospects coming off the bench and loaded national schedules). This episode is No. 1 of season seven of the ITP Show and tips off our coverage of the 2024-25 high school basketball season around the country. This special episode compliments the detailed writeups of all 50 teams on Ballislife.com, so make sure to tune into Episode 191 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:17) - Changing Landscape of HSBB (6:25) - History of the FAB 50 Rankings (9:43) - Best HSBB Teams of All-Time?!? (18:22) - Purpose of the Rankings (20:12) - How to Get Ranked! (25:15) - Teams No. 31-50 Released (29:29) Teams/Players To Watch (31-50) (37:13) - Teams No. 16-30 Released (48:48) - Teams/Players To Watch (16-30) (53:16) - FAB 50 Guidelines (58:33) - Teams No. 1-15 Released (1:03:35) - Cam Boozer: Difference-Maker! (1:07:48) - Teams/Players To Watch (Top 15) (1:13:43) - All-Time Preseason No. 1's (1:18:38) - Teams On The Rise (Top 15) (1:21:15) - Teams on the Hot Seat (Top 15) (1:33:44) - BUBBLE Teams Breakdown (1:36:26) - Big FAB 50 Games (1:40:37) - Key Preseason Content Dates (1:43:41) - Complete Preseason FAB 50 List Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 190 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana go hard on Duke's Cooper Flagg (2024 Mr. Basketball USA) signing an endorsement deal with New Balance. Is this a turning point in legit endorsements for college and high school players? Will Flagg be successful enough for other Nike competitors to throw big money at young endorsers? Is this a sign of Nike complacency? How much pressure is there on New Balance to make the Flagg campaign successful so he remains with the company long term? Ani goes hard on college recruiting in the NIL era. Is it all about 'the bag"? Is there any loyalty left in recruiting D1 players, or does the highest bidder win out every time? Ani dishes on how fit still matters even at the expense of taking less money. The ITP crew discusses my fit and program still matter and Ron dishes on why too many men's college basketball players are focused on the short game (fast NIL money) over the long game (more focus on fit, college degree and college network). Chelsea and Ron also touch on how we're still early in the NIL recruiting era and how there is still a lack of concrete evidence to use to make concrete decisions on and the origins of the NIL era. After three years, many in the public space are still confused. NIL is here to stay but where did it start and its direction is what matters! Ani and Ronnie dish on recent grassroots standouts at various events, including the Formula Zero Elite Camp, the Mamba League showcase, the Kenny Smith Lead Guard Workout and Beach City Hoops SoCal Showdown. Who were the standouts and who are the top 2028 players on the West Coast? Noted SoCal grassroots coach Pat Barrett of the SoCal All-Stars passes at 72. We briefly talk about how he touched every segment of our current ITP pod episode and how negative exposure can sometimes fuel popularity. The ITP Crew close the show by touching on the WNBA ROY debate and why Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are exceeding expectations. Will Clark one day be the best player in the W? Ani and Chelsea debate! The ITP Crew goes in-depth on a variety of topics in this week's pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 190 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:33) - Cooper Flagg to New Balance: What It Means! (10:45) - Recruiting in NIL Era: All Bag, No Loyalty? (17:02) - Recruiting: Program & Fit Still Matter? (23:10) - NIL Recruiting: Short Term Over Long Term? (31:17) - NIL Era: Still Early in Learning Curve (37:18) - Origins of NIL (39:22) - Recent Grassroots Basketball Standouts (48:14) - Top 2028s In AZ at Local Schools! (52:47) - Pat Barrett/SoCal All-Stars History (57:08) - WNBA ROY Race: It's Over! (1:06:41) - Caitlin Clark: Best Player After A'ja? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 189 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana go hard on the 2024 Olympics in Paris and pull out the crystal ball for the 2028 event in Los Angeles. The ITP crew starts off by taking a look at boys and girls high school players to watch in 2024-25 based on recent grassroots events, including the Nike Skills Academy. Is any player on the heels of A.J. Dybansta as a prospect? Is Cam Boozer getting a fair shake are far as resume? Can Dybansta or any young player such as Duke's Cooper Flagg make the 2028 U.S. Olympic team? Chelsea and Ani talk about their three favorite Olympic moments, which revolve around the U.S. Women's Olympic track team, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and gymnast all-time great Simone Biles. the ITP crew gives their reaction to the incredible play of Steph Curry down the stretch in the Gold Medal game vs. France. How will he and LeBron James be replaced on the 2028 team? Will Kevin Durant still be part of Team USA? How different does the roster need to be constructed in order to hold off France? Can the USA hold off the Frechmen? Chelsea also breaks down Team USA on the women's side and dishes on why the team needs a mixture of veterans and youth for 2028. Is any country close to the USA as France is on the men's side? The ITP Crew also gives their take on the Jayson Tatum situation? Chelsea argues for why he should played played more, Ani argues why he didn't play well and Ron argues for why he might not have been on the team if there was a tryout process. Does USA Basketball need a tryout process to continue to maintain its worldwide dominance? Chelsea dishes on her personal experience at Cavs-Warriors NBA Finals and how this Olympic experience compares. With Curry and James not likely to be on the team in 2028, who will be the three most crucial pieces? The ITP Crew closes with their upcoming grassroots schedule as the fall nears and we head towards the new 2024-25 season and presidential election. The ITP Crew goes in-depth on a variety of Olympic-related topics in this week's pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 189 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:50) - HS Kids To Look Forward To in 2024-25 (8:30) - What HS Players Pushing AJ Dybansta? (12:31) - Cam Boozer: Is It Never Enough? (18:21) - Chelsea's 3 Fav Olympic Moments (22:10) - Ani's 3 Fav Olympic Moments (28:06) - Ron's' 3 Fav Olympic Moments (32:39) - USA Basketball: Can We Hold Off France? (43:35) - USA Women's: Will Dominance Continue? (49:40) - Jayson Tatum: More PT? Why On Team? (56:17) - Steph-LeBron: How Big Was That Moment? (58:21) - 3 Most Crucial USA 2028 Players (1:08:24) - Grassroots: Upcoming Events! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 188 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana go hard on the wild few weeks in the WNBA, and give their 2024-25 NBA predictions in light of the Boston Celtics capturing their 18th league championship. The ITP Crew goes hard on the Celtics' tandem of Jaylen Brown and Jason Taytum winning a NBA title and the NBA's young core of stars entering their prime. Will the future league stars be focused since many of them will enter the league with a substantial amount of money? The crew also touches on the irony of the Celtics winning the title in the light of the deaths of Bill Walton and Jerry West. Ani and Chelsea give their first reaction NBA predictions for 2024-25. Why won't the Celtics repeat? Will Tatum ever win NBA MVP? Who are the best bets for MVP and rookie of the year? Ani and Chelsea break it down! Danny Hurley of two-time NCAA champ UConn turned down the L.A. Lakers job. It's been an embarrassing off season for the storied franchise. Should the Buss family sell the franchise? The NBA had a great season on the court, but the television coverage and media storylines were quite lackluster. What can the NBA do to change this? Are the media personalities dictating coverage? The WNBA had positive momentum with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entering the league, but the momentum has turned into a PR nightmare in the past few weeks of division by race, gender and affiliation. Mainstream media is being criticized for its lack of W knowledge and people trying to use the new eyeballs to push their own agendas. Will the WNBA be able to take advantage of the new popularity, or will these agendas turn off new fans? Chelsea gives her insight as a former player and dishes on what needs to change. Does the W need new leadership or will Clark-Reese rhetoric die down quickly enough? The ITP Crew also offer a quick breakdown of recent grassroots events they attended such as the Pangos All-American Camp and NBPA Top 100 Camp and what they have in store for the rest of the June and July live periods. The ITP Crew goes in-depth on a variety of hot topics in this week's pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 188 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:36) - 1st Reactions To Celtics Winning Title (4:35) - Tatum & Brown, Last Of The Old HS Stars? (7:04) - Will Young Hoop Stars Stay Focused? (9:18) - Irony of NBA Deaths (Walton & West) (16:05) - 2024-25 NBA Predictions: Boston Repeat?!? (22:01) - Turning Down Lakers: What's Next in LA? (25:06) - ITP Hot Take: Do Lakers Need New Ownership? (31:52) - NBA's Lackluster Coverage: Why? (36:46) - Media Personalities Influencing Coverage (42:36) - WNBA: No Focus On Game Play & Growing Game (53:06) - WNBA: Lack Of Leadership & Direction (56:33) - Traditional Media Coverage Dead for W? (1:05:13) - Grassroots: Stock-Risers & Upcoming Events! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 187 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana go hard on the NBA playoffs and the fast-approaching 2024 WNBA season. The ITP crew also touches on the high line themes of the upcoming NCAA live period (May 17-19) and if high school players will ever again be en vogue to college recruiters? First, Ani and Chelsea give their first take reactions to the NBA playoffs? Is experience the difference and the style of play in the post-season making all the difference in the world? There is a big difference between regular season statistical output and winning and losing in the playoffs, but what does that say about NBA Award-Winners? Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get robbed of NBA MVP? Is he going to have to earn one with sustained excellence? Did voter fatigue keep The Joker from winning it last season and it turn keep SGA from winning it this time around? Did Rudy Gobert deserve NBA Defensive Player of the Year? Who are the league's best on-ball defenders and do they deserve more recognition? The ITP Crew breaks it down! Did Jamal Murray's non-suspension change the tide of the NBA playoffs? As the WNBA season tips off, we reference Ep. 115 with special guest Kelsey Bone about the W coming of age and hitting the big-time. Is this the moment? Is what transpired over the last 3 months women's basketball Bird and Magic moment? Ron and Ani put Chelsea on the hot seat as the 2024 season tips. Will the Las Vegas Aces be the champs once again? Who will be league MVP? Who will be most improved player? Which team will take the biggest leap? Who will win Rookie of the Year? Chelsea breaks it all down! Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are breaking barriers and knocking down doors in terms of their popularity and legitimizing the W as a first-rate league. Will the public embrace those two over the long haul for their accomplishments, or are they more folk hero and sex symbol? The ITP Crew closes this episode with a quick breakdown of the upcoming NCAA live period. Will collecge recruiters embrace high school recruits once again after the elongated eligibility of COVID era players is up? Or will transfer portal regulations be the change that does it? Can Duke's incoming recruiting class, led by 2024 Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg, make noise in next year's NCAA Tourney? The ITP Crew goes in-depth on a variety of relevant topics in this week's pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 187 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:11) - NBA Playoffs & Draft Lottery: 1st Reactions! (5:19) - NBA Awards: Controversy & Breakdown! (12:44) - Defensive POY: What's Its Purpose? (18:33) - Who Is Just a Great On-Ball Defender? (25:59) - Jamal Murray Non-Suspension: Game-Changer! (28:03) - WNBA Preview: 1st Reaction To Change Coming! (31:33) - Reference To Ep. 115: Is This a Bird-Magic Moment? (37:25) - ITP Hot Take: WNBA Predictions! (47:48) - Will Public Embrace Players' Role As Sex Symbols? (53:06) - Charter Flights: Why Now? (55:16) - Live Period (5/17-5/19) What To Expect! (59:34) - 2027 Class: Will Colleges Seek HS Players Again? (1:04:09) - Will Duke's Recruiting Class Make NCAA Noise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 186 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores and Ani Umana go hard on the top high school players to watch this spring and summer. The fellas talk about each of the returning classes, who've they've seen in recent weeks and players they looking forward to evaluating the rest of the spring and summer. For the 2025 class, where does Cam Boozer go from here? Can names like Hudson Greer and Brayden Burries thrust themselves even higher into the national rankings? 2026 has the makings of a special class. Players such as Brandon McCoy Jr., Tyran Stokes, Caleb Holt and Jalen Montonati lead the way. Montonati and his coach at Owasso (Okla.), Brian Montonati, are special guests to this week's show, as they discuss winning the program's first Class 6A state title, expectations for next season, the approach Jalen takes towards improving his game and whom he emulates. The 2027 class is a hard act to follow, but names such as Babatunde Oladotun, Jaylan Mitchell and Gene Roebuck have it off to a good start. Also look out for the Florida Rebels 15u backcourt of Cayden Daughtry and O'Neal Delancey! The ITP Crew goes in-depth on the players you'll be hearing plenty about in the future and get some terrific insight from their special guests, so make sure to tune in to Episode 186 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:34) - 2024 National Player Rankings Breakdown (10:31) - 2025 Class Breakdown: Who To Watch! (19:04) - 2026 Class Breakdown: That Loaded? (14:38) - Kentucky's Coaching Change: Sign of Times? (23:34) - Jalen Montonati Interview (w/Father Brian Montonati) (25:39) - Montonati's on Owasso (Okla.) Winning First State Title (29:57) - Jalen Montonati on State Final & Earning Gatorade POY (33:30) - Jalen Montonati on USA Basketball Experience (36:25) - Jalen Montonati on Players He Emulates (42:47) - Reaction to Montonati Interview (44:16) - More 2026 Standouts to Watch! (49:52) - 2027 Class Breakdown: Waiting To Explode! (58:40) - Pangos AA & NBPA Top 100 Camp Dates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 185 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on a variety of topics, including the record-breaking WNCAA Final and WNBA Draft and separating hype surrounding those event from the actual basketball perspective. Before the ITP Crew goes in on the past few weeks in women's basketball, Chelsea and Ani give their insight on the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. Is Duke-bound Cooper Flagg head and shoulders above the other elites in the 2024 class? Who else stood out? The ITP Crew also give their take on the NCAA Final Four and UConn repeating as champions? Are the Huskies an all-time great NCAA team? Or was the field not very strong because of the parity and older players that switch teams in the NCAA transfer portal? Is Mark Pope's hiring at the University of Kentucky a big sign that relying on high school recruits is not an attractive strategy or was the pressure-cooker that is Big Blue Nation just not from some of the big-time coaches that were considered good candidates for the job? Chelsea goes in on the WNCAA Championship and the greatness of South Carolina's Dawn Staley to put together an unbeaten season with five new starters. This women's Final Four and the WNBA Draft drew record-breaking audiences, but will this crop of players make a big WNBA impact. Chelsea goes hard on why this WNBA Draft class will have a big impact socially but perhaps not as much on-court. Is there another sure-fire star besides Iowa's Caitlin Clark? Who was the best first round pick after the Indiana Fever's new star guard at No. 1? Who was the steal of the draft and which pick will a team regret down the line? The ITP crew also debates the NBA Play-In Games and if the Oklahoma City Thunder are a disrespected No. 1 seed? Is guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a worthy MVP, or is the Nugget's Joker and the Mavs' Luka Doncic on another level? Chelsea and Ani dish hard on the topic! The ITP Crew goes hard on the most relevant topics in grassroots, college and pro basketball, and offer plenty of terrific insight, so make sure to tune in to Episode 185 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:17) - Nike Hoop Summit Insight! (5:16) - Nike Hoop Summit Player Breakdown (10:01) - Cooper Flagg: Chelsea's Changing Eval! (14:38) - Kentucky's Coaching Change: Sign of Times? (18:20) - UConn Mens: Is This Team LIKE That? (22:39) - USA Basketball Mini-Camp: Eye-Catchers! (27:28) - Perspective On Record-Breaking WNCAA Tourney (37:18) - Chelsea's Perspective On 2024 WNBA Draft (43:42) - WNBA Draft: Veterans Not Playing It Forward? (54:22) - W Draft: Basketball Breakdown, Analysis (55:57) - ITP Hot Take: Best 1st Round Pick After Caitlin! (57:35) - ITP Hot Take: Best WNBA Draft Steal! (59:13) - ITP Hot Take: What Pick Will A Team Regret? (1:03:29) - What Will This Draft Mean To The W? (1:07:39) - NBA Play-In Games Quick Reaction (1:09:07) - Are The Thunder A "Disrespected" No. 1 Seed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 184 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the epic Monday Elite 8 games, particularly Iowa and LSU, and women's NCAA March Madness. Before the ITP Crew goes in on the Caitlin Clark phenomenon, Ani gives a quick breakdown on the high school scene and why its a bit mundane right now because of the success of older college teams with transfers in the NCAA Tournament. UCONN and Purdue are not big surprises on the men's side. Is a showdown imminent? Chelsea and Ani then give their reactions to the Elite 8 WNCAA Tourney showdown between Iowa and LSU, a rematch of last year's NCAA title game. Did Iowa improve that much over the course of the season? Is Clark, Iowa's star guard, just that good or did Kim Mulkey devise a fatal game plan to slow her down? Did LSU lose focus after winning the title last season? Ani and Chelsea go hard! After a former all-conference D1 player, Chelsea gives her insight of coaching adjustments, strategies and ego. How much does ego come into the outcome of a college game? Do players ever scrap the game plan on their own? The ITP crew also debate just how great of a college player Clark is (Top 5 ever?) and her potential impact on the WNBA. Will she develop into a WNBA MVP candidate? Chelsea and Ani dish hard on the topic! LSU-Iowa turned out to be the most watched womens' college basketball game, ever. Will the Caitlin effect transfer over to the WNBA when she joins? The ITP Crew also offers their W and Men's NCAA Final Four predictions. Does UCONN have a chance to win BOTH championships? Can Purdue vs. UCONN be the big man matchup the men's game needs? The ITP Crew goes hard on Caitlin Clark, March Madness and offers plenty of terrific insight, so make sure to tune in to Episode 184 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:12) - Successful NCAA Teams vs. HS Standouts! (3:33) - NCAA: UCONN vs. Purdue = No Surprises! (8:27) - 10 March Madness Defining Moments (Ballislife.com) (10:54) - WNCAA: Epic Elite 8 Quick Reactions! (15:08) - Ani's Reactions To Iowa-LSU (22:31) - Did LSU Lose Focus This Season? (25:50) - Insight/Perspective From Former WNCAA Player (34:19) - WNCAA Final Four Preview (40:43) - Just How Good Is Caitlin Clark? A Debate! (1:03:18) - Can W Carry Over Caitlin's Lightning In Bottle? (1:11:49) - Can UCONN's Paige Bueckers Run It Back? (1:15:47) - Clingan vs. Edey: The Big Man Matchup We Need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 183 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the upcoming men's and women's NCAA March Madness. Before the ITP Crew goes in on the NCAA Tournament brackets, Ron gives a quick take on Chipotle Nationals (April 4-6). Can any team beat FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (FL)? Chelsea gives her insight and first reaction to the WNCAA Tournament. What top seeds set to join No. 1 overall team South Carolina in the women's Final Four? The Albany 2 Region is a gauntlet. Will Iowa and LSU meet in a much-anticipated Elite 8 game? Chelsea breaks down three names you need to know going into the W tournament that doesn't play on one of the top seeded and star-studded teams: Dyaisha Fair (Syracuse), Madison Booker (Texas) and Alissa Pili (Utah) and what makes them must-watch players. Ani breaks down the state of the transfer portal and the strategies college staffs are using to get a leg up on the competition. It's the game within the game and it began way before the portal officially opened up! The ITP Crew then give their reaction to the men's brackets and the teams to watch to come out of each region, and why the West Region seems to be the one that will be a bracket buster! Is top seed North Carolina a strong pick? Why is Chelsea a bit shaky on No. 2 seed Arizona? Who has the bet chance to blow that region wide open? Ron and Ani then break down five men's transfer portal players you need to watch and that could have an impact on the brackets: Keshon Gilbert (Iowa St.), Tyon Grant-Foster (Grand Canyon), Jaden Bradley (Arizona), Shahada Wells (McNeese St.) and RayJ Dennis (Baylor). The ITP Crew then gives their best picks for those interested who follow Ballislife Bets! What are the best first round games to watch where underdogs will cover and the best money line picks? The crew closes out the show with Chelsea giving her Final Four picks on the W side. Can the Pac-12 have three teams in the Final Four in the conference's last year of existence? The ITP Crew goes hard on March Madness and offers plenty of terrific insight on both the men's and women's tourney, so make sure to tune in to Episode 183 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:47) - Chipotle Nationals: Quick Breakdown (5:10) - W NCAA Tourney: Chelsea's Overview (8:04) - Iowa, LSU & UCLA In Same Region! A Gauntlet! (11:04) - W Tourney: 3 Names You Need to Know! (21:14) - NCAA Tourney: Transfer Portal Importance! (28:55) - NCAA Tourney: First Reaction To Brackets & Top Teams (36:36) - West Region: Bracket Buster! (40:50) - 5 Transfers To Know About! (52:48) - Ballislife Bets: Best 1st Round Winners! (57:35) - Closing Thoughts On Tourney! Age Matters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 182 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana, Chelsea Hopkins and Horace Neysmith go hard on the epic weekend of high school hoops, where state championships were decided in power states across the country. The ITP crew also dish on the big controversy in New Jersey, where Manasquan (N.J.) lost on an egregious referee's overturned call to FAB 50 No. 40 Camden (N.J.), which went on to capture the NJISAA Public Group 2 state state title on the court. The show concludes with Horace previewing his upcoming Underclassmen All-American Game on March 24 in Atlanta. Before the crew takes a deep dive on the high school scene, Chelsea gives her dish on the dramatic SEC Championship Game between LSU and South Carolina, why women's college basketball has surpassed the men's game this season in terms of star power, and her early break down of the upcoming women's NCAA Tournament! Ron also breaks down how the retirement of Coach K at Duke signaled a changing of the guard in college basketball. The men's top coaches no longer hold a grip on the players and the sport itself, and don't have the platform to encourage positive change. Now that the players have exerted more control and power, it's women's coaches such as Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Kim Mulkey (LSU) who command the stage. Why and how did this happen? The ITP Crew breaks it down! The ITP Crew gives their personal dish on the Manasquan-Camden playoff controversy. Ani and Chelsea feel it was an isolated incident where a wrong court have been righted off the court by the state association, where Horace and Ron lean to the side that what transpires on the court is what stands, even when the human error is blatant. Ron breaks down how and why he conducts the FAB 50 based on results, and focuses on what happens on the court and not in meeting rooms or in court rooms. Ani gives the rundown of the UIL Class 6A state title game and what makes FAB 50 No. 5 Plano East (Texas) so special. Horace gives the rundown on what went down in the GHSA playoffs and how FAB 50 No. 24 Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) won its first state title. Was it an upset then Grayson beat Ace Bailey and McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)? Is Ace Bailey the best prospect in the country, even over Cooper Flagg? Horace and Ani go hard “In The Paint” on the topic and on national player rankings! Ron then gives a quick rundown of what went down in Florida and California in their big state title games. The show concludes with Horace dishing on his Underclassmen All-American Game (March 24), its history and purpose (proceeds benefit Diabetes causes) and some of the top young talent expected to play this year. He also breaks down why Gilbert Arenas, the former NBA All-Star, has his son Alijah, one of the top 2026 prospects in California and the nation, play at Chatsworth (Calif.) instead of at Sierra Canyon (Calif.), where his sister plays at, or one of the other power programs. Gil's reasoning might surprise you! The ITP Crew go hard on plenty of terrific and relevant high school topics and break down plenty of players who stood out over the weekend, so make sure to tune in to Episode 182 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:51) - NCAAW Takeover: How Did This Happen?! (11:16) - Chelsea Dishes On LSU-South Carolina! (16:53) - NCAA Men's Coaches: Losing Their Grip (19:06) - Chelsea's Hot Take on W March Madness! (24:25) - Big Girls Name For the Future! (25:50) - Manasquan-Camden Playoff Controversy! (30:00) - NJ Controversy Fallout: On-Court v. Off-Court! (39:10) - Texas UIL Title Game Breakdown (45:28) - Georgia GHSA Championship Recaps (50:51) - Ace Bailey vs. Cooper Flagg! (1:01:44) - More State Title Rundowns! (1:02:53) - Underclassmen A-A Game (3/24) Spotlight! (1:06:04) - 2026 & 2027 Standouts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 181 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go freestyle on a variety of relevant topics, from the youth level all the way to the NBA and its product. Cheslea gives an update on the next EYBL Scholastic event and the ITP crew gives their take on the Oak Hill Academy program. Can it regain its former glory? Bronny James and his NBA Draft stock is a big topic in basketball. Is he getting a fair shake? What about his physical condition? How much is LeBron James at fault? How about the media? Ron gives his hot take about Bronny playing at the level expected and Chelsea plays Devil's Advocate about his future! The ITP Crew also talk about the state of the college games on both the men's and women's side. Ani dishes on why the college game is strong despite the lack of stars, while Chelsea dishes why the WNCAA is in good hands even after Iowa star Caitlin Clark moves on. Speaking of the NCAA, the future of the organization itself is in peril as a result of the massive amount of lawsuits that rule against them as anti-trust issues will keep the organization from ever thriving the same way again. Do the power conferences need to split away? Can there be two separate levels of college, one with a collective bargaining agreement and a scholarship model? Will the organization exist in five years? The ITP Crew also go "In The Paint" on the future of the NBA's G-League Ignite and what the NBA can do to strengthen its on-court product. Ron also breaks down the recent Pangos Jr. All-American Camp and Ani gives his hot take predictions on the UIL playoffs! The ITP Crew go hard on plenty of relevant and hot topics, so make sure to tune in to Episode 181 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:37) - EYBL Scholastic Weekend Preview (9:27) - Is MVA Going To Reload?! (12:38) - Bronny's Dropping NBA Draft Stock! (23:23) - Making College Cool Again! (28:00) - G-League Ignite & Its Future (32:51) - What Changes Does NBA Need? (40:04) - W NCAA Thriving! (42:42) - NCAA Men's: Lack of Star-Power (48:00) - Recent NIL Rulings & NCAA's Future (53:47) - Pangs Jr. A-A Camp Standouts! (57:59) - UIL Playoff Predictions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 180 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the one-year plan that was hatched for the late, great Kobe Bryant to turn pro out of high school with special guest Gary Charles, who was part of the small circle that knew of the plans for the 17-year wunderkind from Lower Merion High School (Ardmore, Pa.). Before bringing on Gary Charles for his exclusive and unique insight on the plan to get Bryant to the L.A. Lakers via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, the ITP Crew give their instant reaction to the Super Bowl (and Usher's halftime performance) and dish on comments from WNBA great Sheryl Swoopes on Iowa's Caitlin Clark regarding her adjustment once she gets to the W. Was Swoopes on point, out of line or partially correct? Chelsea goes in. Charles then spends 40 minutes breaking down the plan to get Kobe from Lower Merion to the NBA, even though he was a wing guard and academically eligible for any college in the country. That was unheard of at the time. Charles goes "In The Paint" on meeting Kobe through his father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, what Kobe was like as a rising junior at ABCD Camp, the keys to hatching the plan for him to turn pro, and the occurrences that could have foiled Team Bryant's plan to keep him from Nike and keep other NBA teams drafting higher than Charlotte from realizing he should be their pick. What would have happened in Lower Merion would have traveled to Los Angeles for a MLK Showcase game vs. Schea Cotton and St John Bosco? Why taking R & B singer Brandy to the prom was potentially worrisome? What if Tim Thomas would have went straight pro out of high school instead of going to Villanova? What if the New Jersey Nets would have went for Kobe at No. 8 instead of Kerry Kittles? Charles, a longtime grassroots basketball coach and event director, also gives some insight on a Plan B if the Charlotte move didn't happen and what transpired leading up to draft day. The ITP crew then close this special episode with their reactions to the interview and some media references helpful to learn more background information on Kobe's unique path. Kobe's prep-to-pro journey hasn't been told in this manner, so make sure to tune in to Episode 180 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:24) - Mahomes Chasing Brady: NFL's Future (2:01) - Super Bowl Halftime Show Reaction! (3:54) - Intro To Kobe Bryant's Plan To Go Pro (5:32) - Sheryl Swoopes on Caitlin Clark: Chelsea's Dish! (10:28) - Ani & Ron's Dish on Swoopes' Caitlin Comments (18:56) - Announcers Cheering On Greats? (23:28) - Kobe Bryant's Statue: Instant Reaction (25:48) - Gary Charles (Grassroots Czar) Interview (30:51) - Charles: Kobe As Rising Junior (32:36) - Charles: Realizing Kobe's The One (37:59) - Charles: Keys To Hatching HS-To-Pro Plan (43:57) - Charles: Close Calls That Could Foil The Plan! (49:41) - Charles: Plan B If Charlotte Deal Changes! (53:07) - L.A. Kobe Game That Never Happens (59:06) - Charles: Shielding Kobe From Nike (1:00:47) - Charles: Leading Up Draft Day! (1:08:24) - Chelsea & Ani's Reaction To Kobe Plan (1:13:52) - Ron's Experience With Kobe's Timeline (1:17:54) - Ani & Chelsea's Dish on Finding The One (1:22:54) - More Media References To Kobe's Journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 179 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins and Horace Neysmith go hard on two main topics: the U.S. American development system (from grassroots to the pros) and the dominance of international talent at the elite NBA level. Will NBA MVP go to a non-American for the next 10 years? the question was brought up by long-time NBA writer Chris Palmer, this week's special guest. First, the ITP Crew reacts to the Super Bowl matchup in Las Vegas between the Chiefs and 49ers. Is Patrick Mahomes the benefit of some luck at the elite level? How much does luck play into greatness? Was Kobe Bryant fortunate to play for the Lakers and not another team? Chris Palmer comes on the show to expand on his question on international dominance at the NBA MVP level. Why hasn't an American born player won NBA MVP since James Harden in 2017-18? Who are the best bets to be the next one? Is it Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves? Palmer has also spent three decades covering the NBA. Is it in a healthy space? Does the NBA need a great white American born player? The ITP Crew also reveal their top three American NBA MVP candidates. Do Jayson Tatum and Trae Young have a realistic shot in the coming years? The crew also expand on Palmer's takes about the state of America's developmental system and talk about some fundamental changes that need to be made. The ITP Crew also talks about their three top TV sitcoms of all-time in light of Palmer's latest published book: "The Fresh Prince Project" about the famous 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on a variety of important hoops topics that impacts every level of the game, from youth basketball all the way to the elites in the NBA, so make sure to tune in to Episode 179 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (3:05) - Instant Reaction to Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl (7:30) - Lamar Jackson: Window Still Wide Open? (12:04) - Defining Greatness: How Much Luck Involved? (18:17) - Kobe Bryant: Circumstances In His Favor? (24:49) - American Hoops Development: At A Crossroads? (29:17) - Grassroots To Pro Development Breakdown (32:12) - Chris Palmer (NBA Writer) Interview (35:11) - Palmer: Changes In Grassroots System (34:05) - Palmer: Does U.S. System Need Overhaul? (39:58) - Palmer: Best American NBA MVP Bets! (43:48) - Palmer: State Of The NBA (51:56) - Palmer: Fresh Prince Project (54:35) - Chelsea's Reaction To Palmer Interview (57:34) - Ron & Ani's Top 3 U.S. MVP Candidates! (1:07:08) - Making Grassroots System Better! (1:14:14) - ITP Crew Top 3 Sitcoms! (1:20:24) - ITP Past Episode References (1:21:39) - Taylor Swift Bowl! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 178 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins and Horace Neysmith go hard on the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game and the announcement of the 24 players selected to play in this year's game (April 2 in Houston). The big news from the standpoint of reaction to the roster selection is having three players from FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.) on the East Team and three from No. 3 Prolific Prep (Calif.) on the West Team. Should MVA had all five of its starters make the team? Is three the limit in the game? Are Asa Newell and Robert Wright two big snubs? See why Ronnie feels Rob Wright is easily the biggest snub and where he'd have him ranked in the 2024 class! The ITP crew goes over some of the McDonald's Game's top matchups, trends and players to watch. Can McEachern's Ace Bailey over-take MVA's Cooper Flagg as the top player and recruit in the class? Is Dylan Harper still underrated even though me might be the third best player in the class? The ITP Crew also reveals whom they feel on the East-West rosters can bring out the competitive juices in the game. They also reveal how Team USA for the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit gave a glimpse of who did and did not make the McDonalds' All-American Game. The focus of this week's pod is Mikey D's, but the ITP Crew also dishes on the firing of Bucks coach Adrian Griffin. What is warranted? Is there something deeper than defensive performance? Is Doc Rivers the answer for a team that must win now? The crew also talked the scoring outbursts of the 76ers' Joel Embiid and Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Townes. Is Minnesota for real? The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on a variety of topics related to the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game, so make sure to tune in to Episode 178 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:19) - Chelsea's Insight As Ranked Late-Bloomer (3:36) - McDonald's All-American Game Roster 1st Reactions! (7:49) - Can Ace Bailey Trump Cooper Flagg As No. 1? (12:20) - Dylan Harper: Still Underrated? (14:51) - McDAAG: Players/Matchups To Watch (22:39) - Nike Hoop Summit Team USA Roster Reaction! (26:46) - 3 Players From No. 1 MVA & No. 3 Prolific Prep! (32:39) - HS Programs W/Most All-Time McDonald's A-As (34:05) - Robert Wright Leads 2024 Snubs! (40:12) - Who Will Set The Competitive Bar? (45:04) - Bucks Fire Adrian Griffin: What?!? (53:58) - Individual NBA Scoring Outbursts: Wow! (56:52) - Are The Timberwolves The Real Deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 177 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on various topics, from inclement weather affecting NFL games, the contenders for the women's NCAA title, run-of-the-mill NBA teams that need to make a trade, and everything high school hoops, from the big MLK results, to the new FAB 50, to players that helped themselves on the eve of the McDonald's All-American team announcement. The ITP crew gives there light-hearted take on the snow during NFL games? Ridiculous or a built-in home field advantage cold-weather teams deserve? Chelsea gives a quick update on the NCAA women's scene: Is UCLA and/or UCS legit Final Four contenders? What is LSU's main problem as the defending NCAA champs? Can the Lady Tigers repeat? Ani and Chelsea dish on NBA teams that need to make a trade in order to have any chance in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Ani goes hard on why the Mavs should look to trade for Toronto's Pascal Siakam and Chelsea goes hard on why the Golden State Warriors need to make a move to not throw away Steph's twilight years? She explains why the dynasty is over and how the Warriors window closed rather quickly. In addition to Klay Thompson, the ITP Crew explain why the Bulls' Zach Levine and the Hawks' Dejounte Murray need to find a new team! Ron dishes on all the high school hoops results from MLK weekend, particularly the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions and Spalding Hoophall Classic. He talks Columbus' (FL) big weekend, the new FAB 50 national rankings and why so many results fell in the Explorers' favor. The ITP Crew also talks about stock-risers such as Archbishop Stepinac's Boogie Fland, Archbishop Wood's Jahlil Bethea, Columbus' Jase Richardson and more. The ITP Crew also dish on the value of elite players producing for their FAB 50 ranked high school team vs. showcasing their skill level as it relates to national player rankings and NBA mock drafts. Is there too much emphasis on these fluctuating lists by players and on national broadcasts? Does it take away from the high school game? Why is it important to emphasize the high school game? This episode is No. 12 of season six of the ITP Show and one of the most important of the high school basketball season, so make sure to tune in to Episode 177. Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:19) - Should Weather Affect NFL Games? (7:46) - NCAA W: Is USC & UCLA Final Four Material? (14:29) - ITP Hot Take: Is LSU Repeating? (21:33) - NBA: 2 Teams That Need To Make A Trade! (30:13) - GS Warriors: Why Their Run Is OVER! (44:53) - NBA Players That Need A New Team (51:23) - HSBB: Hot Takes From MLK Weekend! (53:13) - FAB 50 Spotlight: HLs & New Rankings! (1:03:07) - MLK Weekend Stock-Risers! (1:11:38) - HS Production/Winning vs. Pro Showcasing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 176 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the high school basketball season up to this point, spotlighting the annual Elite All-American Team by announcing their Mid-Season All-American choices and previewing the top games and storylines from this weekend's Spalding Hoophall Classic. First, the ITP crew gives their instant reaction to the college football national championship game and Michigan's performance against a Washington program that will be joining the Big 10. Is Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh headed to the NFL? In our ITP Mailbag segment, Chelsea goes in on the question of whether or not USC's JuJu Watkins is a shoo-in for the 2024 U.S. Olympic National Team. Chelsea also breaks down the youngest Olympians ever and the greatness of Cheryl Miller, the star of Team USA at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Will JuJu be on the team when the Olympics return to L.A. in 2028? Ron and Ani reveal their 2023-24 Mid-Season All-American first and second five. Both have a surprise pick or two? Is there any sophomore good enough to be a legit All-American this season? What does the announcement that A.J Dybansta of FAB 50 No. 9 Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) is considering the G-League next season actually mean? Ron breaks down the updated FAB 50 rankings on the eve of the MLK holiday weekend. Who is the second best team in the country, Paul VI of Virginia or Long Island Lutheran of New York? Why is there so many newcomers (15) and parity? The ITP crew closes out by dishing on the top matchups and storylines of the Spalding Hoophall Classic. Listen to why ani is looking forward to the matchup between No. 7 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) and No. 41 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) and its top-shelf point guards. Ron is most interested to see if No. 3 Paul VI or No. 27 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) can win the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri on Saturday night then win a big showcase game on MLK Monday. The fellas also break down a sleeper performer from Hoophall they are looking forward to and if the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game is going to have a different feel or anything surprising this year. This episode is No. 11 of season six of the ITP Show and one of the most informative yet on the high school scene, so make sure to tune in to Episode 176. Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:37) - CFB Title Game Instant Reaction (7:02) - Will Raiders get Jim Harbaugh? (12:37) - ITP Mailbag: JuJu Watkins on Olympic Team? (17:12) - Cheryl Miller's Greatness! (22:25) - Mid-Season HS Elite A-A Team! (27:26) - Elite A-A Second Five (32:56) - J-Crowe & 2026 Class! (34:32) - Mid-Season A-A Team: Why Those Guys? (37:01) - A.J. Dybansta To G-League? (44:15) - FAB 50 Spotlight: 15 Newcomers! (52:11) - MLK Weekend Preview: Key Matchups! (58:56) - Key Player & Sleeper from Hoophall! (1:04:46) - Any McDonald's A-A Surprise/Suspense? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 175 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the holiday tournaments they attended, from the Tarkanian Classic, City of Palms, Les Schwab Invitational, The Classic at Damien, and Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. The ITP Crew break down the top teams in their FAB 50 spotlight and highlight stock risers and top 2027s on the come up. Before the ITP Crew gets into the high school hoops breakdown, they give their instant reaction to the college football bowl game fallout, as players across the board opted out. They also give their quick analysis of Washington's and Michigan's playoff semifinal victories and if the committee made the right choices in the aftermath. Chelsea dishes on USC's JuJu Watkins and the recent sellout between USC and UCLA, which is a good sign for WNCAA basketball. Is JuJu Watkins the next big thing in women's hoops? Should she have the option to turn pro after this season? Ani and Chelsea go hard on opposite ends of the debate! The ITP Crew also dish on the Detroit Pistons' historic losing streak, which was eventually snapped after 28 games. Ani and Chelsea break down how and why a streak like that goes on and why they feel Detroit's talent is not reflected in its current 3-30 record. Chelsea also break downs what a losing streak/feels is like from the perspective of a pro player and ani from a scholastic coach. The ITP Crew end the its first podcast of 2024 with the breakdown of the holiday tournaments, including the 50th anniversary of the City of Palms? Which is the best FAB 50 ranked team that could give No. 1 Montverde Academy a run for its money? Ron runs down Clark Francis' Top 10 of his 50 greatest players in the event's history. Ani dishes on his top four 2024s and why Jayden Harper of FAB 50 ranked Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) is a bonafide No. 1 prospect candidate. Ani and Ron and shout out break-out performers and 2027s from the holiday events they attended. Ron also breaks down event championships for St. Pius X-St. Matthias (Downey, Calif.), Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) and Carlsbad (Calif.). This episode is No. 10 of season six of the ITP Show and the first one of 2024, so thanks for turning in to Episode 175 as the ITP beings another year. Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro  (2:00) - CFB Bowl Games Fallout (4:53) - CFB Semifinal Instant Analysis   (10:17) - JuJu Watkins: Next Big Things in Women's Hoops? (21:16) - Detroit Pistons: A Breakdown of Losing  (26:39) - Losing: A Players' & Coach's Perspective  (36:29) - FAB 50 Spotlight: City of Palms Breakdown  (40:43) - City of Palms: 10 Greatest Players/Teams  (45:45) - FAB 50 Spotlight: Les Schwab Invitational   (52:42) - ITP Scouting Report: Top 2024s & Sleepers  (58:38) - Grading Cam Boozer: Where's He Going?  (1:00:41) - Tark, Damien, Torrey Pines Standouts!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 174 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins give a personal touch to their basketball takes on the last pod on 2023! The ITP Crew dishes on what they are grateful for and their New Year's resolutions they plan to keep! The ITP Crew give their reaction to the recent contract announcement of MLB's Shoehei Ohtani's to the Los Angeles Dodgers for $700 million over the next 10 seasons. Is there anything comparable in other sports? Why don't vast amounts of American kids embrace baseball more? The ITP Crew also dish on the NCAA bowl game system and the reality that many potential top NFL Draft picks will sit the bowl games out. Why is that? Have bowl games lost all their luster? Will they be around when the new 12-team NCAA playoff kicks off and when the power conferences eventually form their own alliance? The Detroit Pistons have lost 20 straight games and 44 of 48 since the 2023 NBA trade deadline. The organization brought in well-paid and highly-regarded coach Monty Williams. Is the talent level that bad? Is coaching that big of a difference-maker at the highest levels? Is Williams doing a good job with this young core? Chelsea and Ani go hard in the paint on the issue and also dish on the Spurs' Gregg Popovich. Is he going to lead the franchise's turnaround? Has his time passed as an elite coach? In our last episode of the calendar year, the ITP Crew give their predictions for 2024. Who is going to win the NBA title? What team will capture the NCAA tournament? What will be the biggest story of 2024 be? Will it be a Nuggets vs. Celtics NBA Final? Will a team like Marquette or Houston make a run at the NCAA title? Will NIL continue to dominate national headlines? Will there be a bigger story than Bronny James heading to the 2024 NBA Draft? What athlete is Ron, Ani and Chelsea looking forward to watching the most in 2024? The ITP Crew breaks it all down! This episode is No. 9 of season six of the ITP Show and the final one of the year, so make sure to tune into Episode 174 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! The next episode will be taped on New Year's Day or Jan. 2. (0:00) - Intro  (1:29) - What ITP Crew Is Grateful For  (7:36) - ITP Crew's New Year's Resolutions  (13:08) - Shohei Ohtani's $700 Million Contract: Reactions!  (25:19) - Elite Players Sitting Out Bowl Games: What's Next? (31:09) - ITP Basketball Holiday Hot Take! (40:20) - Pistons & Spurs: Talent or Coaching? What's Wrong? (46:16) - Is Pop's Time As Coach Done? (55:22) - ITP Final Exam 2024 Predictions: NBA  (1:00:12) - ITP Final Exam 2024 Predictions: NCAA Men's  (1:00:12) - ITP Final Exam 2024 Predictions: NCAA Men's  (1:05:11) - Athlete Looking Forward To See In 2024 (1:11:03) - Biggest Sports Stories For 2024  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 173 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the recent Hoophall West, the college football playoff controversy and give a quick preview of the December tournaments the ITP crew will be scouting. We tip-off the latest pod with some big off-court news from Ani and the NBA In-Season Tournament. Why is it working and whom will advance? Ani and Chelsea give their predictions! The ITP Crew also dish on the college football playoff controversy surrounding the omission of unbeaten ACC champ Florida State from the four-team playoff. Why did the committee get this wrong and what was the reasoning? Did Georgia deserve to fall all the way out of the top four after an untimely loss to Alabama and will the will the FSU/Dawgs bowl game be the greatest non-playoff bowl game ever, or a major letdown? The ITP Crew also give their personal takes on CFB and the irony of the Pac-12 doing so well in football and women's basketball in light of the conference's demise. Ron and Ani then breakdown the Hoophall West, giving their takes on standout players and teams that need to re-bound. Ron breaks down star sophomore guard Kaden House of Desert Mountain (Ariz.), while Ani dishes on the spectacular weekend of Kentucky-bound guard Boogie Fland of Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.). The fellas also dish on AZ Compass Prep (Ariz.) and Corona Centennial (Calif.) reaching a crossroads in their season. Will AZ Compass Prep turn it up and have a chance to challenge the top teams in the EYBL Scholastic and does Centennial have a chance to win a fourth straight CIF Southern Section open crown? The ITP Crew also give their Hot Take on the Montverde Academy (Fla.) blowout of Columbus (Fla.). Was it surprising? Does FAB 50 No. 2 Link Academy (Mo.) have any chance at the upcoming EYBLS event in Las Vegas against FAB 50 No. 1 MVA after losing to No. 8 Prolific Prep (Calif.)? Ani breaks it down! The ITP Crew also previews where they will be evaluating games at this month from Las Vegas at the NBA showcase event to Tarkanian Classic, down to Florida and the 50th Annual City of Palms Classic. What teams and players are Ron and Ani looking forward to watching the most? The ITP Crew also dishes on the reality of few fans at high-level games involving EYBLS and other prep school teams vs. the traditional high school environment. What does it mean? Is it good or bad for the game? This episode is No. 8 of season six of the ITP Show and offers som terrific insight on the high school scene and the holiday tournaments approach, so make sure to tune into Episode 173 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro: Ani Goes For It!  (2:57) - NBA In-Season Tourney: Instant Reaction   (8:33) - NBA In-Season Tourney: Chelsea's Predictions!  (11:01) - NBA In-Season Tourney: Ani's Predictions!  (12:53) - CFB Playoff Mess: Reaction to FSU's Omission  (20:26) - FSU vs. Georgia: Great Bowl or Wash-Out? (24:13) - ITP Crew Give Their CFB Background! (30:23) - The Hot Pac-12!  (32:40) - ITP Scouting Report: Hoophall West Standouts! (38:04) - Hot Take: Most Underwhelming HS Team! (44:28) - MVA-Columbus (FL) Result Reaction (52:08) - EYBL Scholastic: MVA vs. Link Academy Preview!  (53:19) - ITP Crew Holiday Tourney Schedules!  (56:25) - HSBB: Talent-Laden vs. Traditional HS Games (1:02:58) - City of Palms/Tark Preview   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 172 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on plenty of topics, including the NBA Rookie of the Year race between the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and Thunder's Chet Holmgren and discuss the media push of young player highlights vs. contributions to winning teams. Is Holmgren, who was injured all of last season, now the ROY front-runner over the presumed favorite? Did sitting out last season actually help Holmgren? Ron and Chelsea talk young player development on fairly poor teams. Many rookies and second-year players are getting social media praise for their play, but on teams that have poor records. Does this paint an accurate picture of their development? Is the value of young players over-stated because of the media's push to promote highlights? Ron and Chelsea dish on the important subject! The ITP Crew break down the announcement of the new 14-team Nike EYBL Scholastic League, which was formally known as the NIBC (National Interscholastic Basketball Conference). What does this mean for the high school landscape? What does this announcement mean for parents and players who strive to make it to the highest levels of the game? What could be in store in the league's future? The McDonald's All-American Game has been dominated in recent years by players who participate on Nike-affiliated grassroots teams. Now that plenty of the McDonald's selections hail from EYBLS programs, does that change the dynamic of the selections? Does that change the thinking of the selection committee? The game has been around since 1978 and 1989 was the first time two players were selected from the same high school. 2019 was the first time three were selected from the same program in the same year. Ron and Chelsea break down the chances of this year's Montverde Academy (Fla.) team having more than three. Do all five of MVA's starters deserve to make the prestigious game? Ron gives Chelsea a Pop Quiz of the tumultuous situation between LSU women's basketball star Angel Reese and Tigers coach Kim Mulkey. Will her suspension be lifted and will she come back to the team? Can the player-coach relationship be salvaged and LSU make another NCAA title run? Will Reese lose NIL value once she takes off a Tigers' uniform? Chelsea is put to the test! Ron and Chelsea also give their hot takes on Bryce James returning to Sierra Canyon, the demise of Sports Illustrated and the once proud sports media giant creating AI-generated stories, a parent at Hinsdale South (IL) High School suing because her returning all-conference son was cut from the basketball team and the ramifications of the House vs. NCAA case. Does the NCAA have a future if it loses this lawsuit? This episode is No. 7 of season six of the ITP Show and breaks down important topics in high school and NBA basketball, so make sure to tune into Episode 172 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro  (1:54) - Bryce James Back At Sierra Canyon!   (6:03) - Sports Illustrated: Using AI For Stories? Say It Ain't So!  (12:20) - Wow: Parent Suing School for Cutting All-Conference Son! (20:50) - ITP Hot Take: House vs. NCAA Lawsuit (Is NCAA Over?) (30:08) - Cheslea's ITP Final Exam: LSU's Angel Reese & Kim Mulkey!  (40:13) - NBA Young Stars: ROY Race & Highlight Driven Media Push (42:53) - Did Chet Holmgren Benefit From Sitting Out?  (44:34) - Highlight Culture: Are Young NBA Players Over-Valued?  (49:09) - A Pro's Perspetive: Adapting To Losing  (53:23) - EYBL Scholastic: What's In Store For This League? (59:36) - Nike Grassroots Dominance in McDonald's Game  (1:02:08) - Montverde Academy: 5 McDonald's All-Americans?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 171 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", ITP hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the situation involving LSU women's basketball star Angel Reese and the dynamic between star player and coach in this current NIL era of college basketball. Many online are trying to pit Reese against her coach Kim Mulkey, but this topic is much bigger in scope than just the defending NCAA champs and its star player and its lighting-rod coach. A.R. is currently suspended from LSU's team, but the ITP crew goes deeper on this topic, including the issue of student-athlete confidentiality rights, player-coach relationship as it pertains to protecting players from media onslaught and social media rumors, treating players different based on how much money he or she is earning through NIL, making star players available to the media after games, the locker room dynamics and how that has changed because of NIL, and treating players as student-athletes rather than pro athletes. Chelsea talks about Mulkey flaming the fires of Reese's suspension by avoiding the suspension with the media and Ronnie questions the importance of the relationship between star and coach. How important is it for rotation players to be on the same page with the coach both on and off the court? Ani and Chelsea give their hot takes! The locker room dynamic is a big topic now that star players have the potential to earn as much or more than some on the coaching staff. Can a team win big if the players and staff are not on the same page off-the-court? The crew then break down what makes a great coach at the collegiate level. Is Mulkey a great coach, or does she have great players? The ITP Crew also talks about media availability and Ani breaks down how it can hurt branding and draft status by declining. Should it be mandatory that players are made available to media if they are requested? Ronnie closes the topic by dishing on the future of big-time college sports. Are the players in the revenue sports headed toward employment? What is going to happen in the near future? Switching gears, Ronnie reveals the results of the preseason 2023-24 Mr. Basketball USA Tracker, which tracks the progress of the nations top high school basketball players. Duke-bound Cooper Flagg of preseason FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.) leads a two-horse race in the 2023-24 Mr. Basketball USA Tracker powered by Ballislife.com. The 6-foot-9 forward edges last seasons Mr. Basketball USA honoree, Cam Boozer of Columbus (Fla.), in a close race between the two elite prospects among 20 national candidates. Flagg garners six first-place votes, Boozer collects two while two other candidates receive one first place vote. The two other candidates to receive a first-place vote (one each) was undecided guard Dylan Harper of FAB 50 No. 18 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) and Rutgers-bound forward Airious "Ace" Bailey of FAB 50 No. 21 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.). Will Harper join Bailey at Rutgers in the fall of 2024? This episode is No. 6 of season six of the ITP Show and breaks down important topics in collegiate sports, so make sure to tune into Episode 171 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro  (0:51) - LSU's Angel Reese Suspended: Surprising?   (6:23) - Coach Kim Mulkey: Not Protecting Her Player?  (12:59) - Coach-Player Dynamic: Does Off-Court Matter Much? (20:18) - Is Mulkey a Great Coach? What Matters Most in CBB?  (30:20) - Bobby Knight Parallel: Does Mulkey Need to Adapt? (35:11) - NIL Era: Pro-Type Scrutiny For Student-Athletes? (43:24) - Star Player Media Availability: What's the Obligation? (48:39) - ITP Hot Take: Are Colleges Going to Employee Athletes?  (52:27) - Mr. Basketball USA Tracker Results: Cooper Flagg! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 170 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", Ronnie Flores and Ani Umana give their hot takes on the young risers and early standouts of the 2023-24 basketball season at all levels, from the NBA, college and high school ranks! The ITP crew starts off with their dish on hoop hot takes that are meant as click-bait and how impressionable those are to young players and fans. Ron and Ani dish on the hot take that preseason FAB 50 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Fla.) can beat a number of D1 college programs and win some CBB conferences. Ron contends that both levels of the game should be respected more and Ani's take is that grown men have a different outlook and motivation when it comes to the game. The fine line between success and failure is much thinner at the college level and Ron also stresses the talent level at quality D2s while Ani also discusses the impact of college-level scouting reports. The fellas also dish on the ridiculous notion that NBA all-time great Hakeem Olajuwon is "stealing money" teaching old 1990s moves and the surprising assertion by Louis Williams that the Clippers lost motivation and interest during the 2020 bubble because outsiders didn't consider it a legitimate NBA championship. Ron and Ani tell it like it is! In their ITP Scouting Report segment, the fellas dish on young players who have stood out so far in the NBA and college and on a number of 2026 and 2027 high school prospects who they expect to have break out seasons. The fellas break down the Thunder's Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren, the Jazz's Keyonte George, USC's Isaiah Collier, Arizona's Kylan Boswell and many more. The fellas also dish on standouts from the Pangos All-South and All-East Camps whom should be 2023-24 high school standouts whole Ron breaks down the big-time matchup between young 7-foot bigs Keiner Asprilla of FAB 50 ranked Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) and Akol Nyok of Glenelg Country School (Md.). This episode is No. 5 of season six of the ITP Show and breaks down what we've seen so far in the 2023-24 season, so make sure to tune into Episode 170 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro  (0:37) - Game Focus (Too Many Fall Leagues?)  (3:29) - Can a HS Team Peak Early (4:46) - ITP Hot Take: Can MVA Beat a D1 Team?  (16:01) - Hot Take: Ridiculous Takes By Pros!   (21:00) - Hot Take: Lou Will On The Bubble!   (24:25) - ITP Scouting Report: NBA Breakout Guys! (21:03) - Scouting Report: CBB Frosh Eye-Catchers! (39:32) - Scouting Report: Young HS Players To Look For! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 169 of Ballislife's "In The Paint Show", Chelsea Hopkins hosts a special ITP episode, the "2023-24 Preseason FAB 50 Rankings Release Show" to coincide with the release of the complete rankings on Ballislife.com. Chelsea's fellow ITP hosts, FAB 50 compiler Ronnie Flores and BIL associate editor Ani Umana, break down the preseason poll, talk "Teams on the Rise", "Teams on the Hot Seat", players to watch for 2023-24 and more! Chelsea puts Ron and Ani under the gun about the big rule changes involving the elimination of the one-and-one foul shot, how teams get ranked, the bubble clubs that just missed and the big matchups to look forward to during the 2023-24 regular season. Ron and Ani break down the nation's best high school teams in three segments: Teams 31-50 (those looking to maintain their ranking and win section/conference titles), Teams 16-30 (those with legitimate shots to win state titles and move into the Top 15 because of their size and/or depth) and Team 1-15 (the top FAB 50 title contenders with future D1 prospects coming off the bench and loaded schedules). This episode is No. 4 of season six of the ITP Show and tips off our coverage of the 2023-24 high school basketball season around the country. This special episode compliments the detailed writeups of all 50 teams on the website, so make sure to tune into Episode 169 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro  (0:58) - New NFHS Foul Rules (1-and-1 Elimination)  (4:57) - How to Get Ranked  (6:42) - Teams No. 31-50 Released  (13:07) - How Teams Get in 31-50 Range  (17:52) - Teams No. 16-30 Released  (19:46) - Difference Between 31-50 & 16-30 (21:03) - Teams/Players To Watch (16-30) (28:08) - FAB 50 Guidelines  (35:25) - Teams No. 1-15 Released  (39:36) - Teams/Players To Watch (Top 15) (44:03) - Teams On The Rise (Top 15) (48:40) - Players To Watch (Top 15) (1:00:00) - Ceiling For Cooper Flagg/MVA (1:05:20) - Breakdown Of More Teams   (1:11:24) - BUBBLE Teams Breakdown (1:15:49) - Big FAB 50 Games (1:22:47) - Key Preseason Content Dates (1:24:56) - Complete Preseason FAB 50 List  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 168 of the new and improved Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins give their hot takes on three main topics: USA Basketball coming up short and not medaling at the FIBA World Cup, the 2023 WNBA season and the recent G League Ignite games with its plethora of 2024 NBA hopefuls. In the ITP Overseas segment, Ron asks Ani and Chelsea some hard-hitting questions on the state of USA Basketball, which failed to medal for the second consecutive FIBA World Cup and finished the event losing three of its last four games. Is it simply a need for more ALL-NBA type players on the roster, or is the gap in talent so small now that FIBA rules make all the difference? The ITP crew break down some of the names that should be on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team. The big question is, what changes will be made to the USA Basketball program? Ron and Ani put Chelsea under the gun in a ITP Final Exam segment on the 2023 WNBA Regular Season. Who is the league's MVP? Who is most improved? Who is the second best rookie after Aliyah Boston? Is the league making the slow but necessary changes to eventually turn a profit? Chelsea gives straight forward answers to these questions! In our scouting report segment, Ani and Chelsea dish on the recent G League Ignite games, which opened their fourth season on September 6 and 8 against the Perth Wildcats. The G League Ignite team has its deepest roster of NBA Draft hopefuls yet, including highly-regarded draft prospects Ronald Holland and Matas Buzelis. What was the environment like to scout these prospects, compared to a college basketball game? Is a pro structure and setting beneficial for all the prospects on the team, as compared to the college game? Is it too early to tell just where these prospects will land in the 2024 NBA Draft? Ani and Chelsea break it all down! This current episode is No. 3 of season six of the ITP Show and the second in our re-vamped format with specific segments and topics. Our pods are a bit shorter and more to the point, so make sure to tune in to each segment of Episode 168 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (2:10) - ITP Overseas: USA Basketball Doesn't Medal (5:47) - Overseas: Too Many Excuses? Or Poor Makeup?  (11:15) - Overseas: Who Should Be On '24 Olympic Team? (18:37) - ITP Final Exam: Chelsea's On The WNBA Hot Seat! (27:50) - Final Exam: Why There's Few Underrated W Players? (31:08) - Final Exam: Chelsea On WNBA Tanking?!  (37:11) - ITP Scouting Report: G League Ignite Insight (43:31) - Scouting Report: Chelsea's Take On G League   (47:41) - Scouting Report: Ani On G League Practice (49:05) - Scouting Report: G League Or College?   (52:57) - Scouting Report: Ron's Matas Buzelis Insight (54:45) - Pod & .Com Promo Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In ITP Overtime, Episode No. 4, Ronnie talks about the recent jersey retirement at Taft (Woodland Hills, Calif.) of multi-sports athlete and former NFL player Steve Smith (Giants) and discusses with Ani and Chelsea their definitions of a great athlete and what defines athleticism. How do you define it? Check out ITP Overtime, our series of short story bonus content that compliments our weekly ITP show! Some are funny and light-hearted, while others raw and behind-the-scenes topics! Listen to full episodes of "IN THE PAINT” and to "ITP OT" on the @BallislifePodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In ITP Overtime, Episode No. 3, Ani and Chelsea talk about USA Basketball's recent loss to Lithuania at the FIBA World Cup. Does the USA have developmental issues? What's the problem?  Check out ITP Overtime, our series of short story bonus content that compliments our weekly ITP show! Some are funny and light-hearted, while others raw and behind-the-scenes topics! Listen to full episodes of "IN THE PAINT” and to "ITP OT" on the @BallislifePodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 167 of the revamped Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins dish on why players fall short of their general high school evaluation and what evaluators learn from those misses. Why do highly-ranked Top 5 prospects miss or fail to live up to expectations? What do evaluators get wrong with some of the prospect they rank high in a particular class? On the flip side, are there any re-occurring factors when it comes to why highly-ranked players don't live up to expectations? This is an explosive topic and one with alot of layers and multiple perspectives. Is it wrong to say any player that makes the NBA is a bust or missed? Chelsea, as a former pro player who understands how hard it is to stick in pro ball, ask Ron and Ani this hard-hitting question and more as it relates to why players miss from an evaluator's perspective. In our ITP Scouting Report segment, Ron and Ani give their top three reasons why prospects miss and why that factor is prevalent. Chelsea gives her take on their reasoning. The entitlement, the lack of development of youth stars and the high-pressure stakes of youth ball is broken down as are the mistakes of scouts not knowing a player's mental makeup, the player having a loose circle and overtraining. In our ITP Final Exam segment, Ron and Ani break down their Top 3 misses over the years and what the learning lesson or main takeaways is from that evaluation? Ani also dishes on the tiers of players (based on final player ranking) with regards to the perceptions surrounding busts. Can a player such as Brandon Knight be considered a miss? There is alot to go over and review in our latest hour-long ITP Show episode and it requires more insight on our ITP Overtime playlist and future sub-topics. This current episode is No. 2 of season six of the ITP Show and the second in our re-vamped format with specific segments and topics. The pod a bit shorter and more to the point, so make sure to tune in to Episode 167 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories! (0:00) - Intro (1:09) - ITP Hot Take: Best Musical Artists (5:31) - Hot Take: Intro to Eval Misses (7:57) - ITP Overtime (Shorts) Shout Out! (8:36) - ITP Scouting Report: Perception of Eval Misses (Tiers) (15:23) - Scouting Report: Ron's Top 3 Reasons For Misses (23:53) - Scouting Report: Chelsea Dishes on Unrealistic Parents (25:14) - Scouting Report: Ani's Top 3 Reasons For Misses (28:58) - Scouting Report: Why Are Trainers Over-Used? (32:14) - Scouting Report: Chelsea Dishes on Girls Trainers (35:46) - Scouting Report: Is Athleticism Really Evolving? (42:14) - ITP Final Exam: Ron's Top 3 Personal Misses (52:06) - ITP Final Exam: Ani's Top 3 Personal Misses (57:18) - ITP Final Exam: Evaluating Is Difficult! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In ITP Overtime, Episode No. 2, Ani and Ronnie re-rank the national class of 2019. The lightening rod player of the class is James Wiseman. Where would you rank him?  Check out ITP Overtime, our series of short story bonus content that compliments our weekly ITP show! Some are funny and light-hearted, while others raw and behind-the-scenes topics! Listen to full episodes of "IN THE PAINT” and to "ITP OT" on the @BallislifePodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In ITP Overtime, Episode No. 1, Ani and Ronnie give their personal experiences with summer rainouts at the Elite 24 event, 14 years apart! You'll never believe how it went down in Harlem and Atlanta! Check out ITP Overtime, our series of short story bonus content that compliments our weekly ITP show! Some are funny and light-hearted, while others raw and behind-the-scenes topics! Listen to full episodes of "IN THE PAINT” and to "ITP OT" on the @BallislifePodcastNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 166 of the revamped Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins dish on this summer's top high school hoops performers and dish on overseas Grassroots camps, particularly the recent Pangos All-Euro Camp. Ron and Ani breakdown their top three stock-risers of the summer. Why does Ron think OTE's Tyler Jackson was the top stock-riser of the summer? Why does Ani feel big man Jayden Quaintance helped himself more than any other player in the country this summer? Make sure to listen or watch this week's ITP Scouting Report segment to find out what other two players each felt rose their recruiting stock the most, including undecided prospects Jahlil Bethea and Billy Richmond.  Chelsea also presses the fellas on their top three performers of the 2023 grassroots season. Why wasn't Cooper Flagg and Cam Boozer obvious choices for Ron? Derik Queen of Montverde Academy was Ron's top choice, while Ani felt nobody played better than his high school teammate Flagg, who will not graduate in 2024 to be eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. Who was Ani's No. 3 choice as best player of the summer after the big two of Flagg and Boozer? Tune in to find out!  In our ITP Overseas segment, Ron breaks down the three main differences between grassroots camps domestically and those overseas after coming back from the two-day Pangos All-Euro Camp in Athens, Greece that took place August 9-10. He also dishes on the top performers, including camp MVP, 18-uyear old Noah Penda of France and some of the top young players, such as 14-year old sharpshooter Giorgos Giantsidis of Athens. This current episode is the start of season six of the ITP Show and the first in our re-vamped format with specific segments and topics. We think you'll like the pod a bit shorter and more to the point, so make sure to tune in to Episode 166 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (3:25) - ITP Hot Take: WNBA Commissioner's Cup (5:34) - Hot Take: Aliyah Boston Ballin' (8:21) - Hot Take: Open Run Stats! (13:16) - Hot Take: Chelsea on Aces' Alumni Event (17:27) - ITP Scouting Report: Ron & Ani Top Stock-Riser! (23:37) - Scouting Report: No. 2 Top Stock-Risers! (29:53) - Scouting Report: No. 3 Top Stock-Risers! (34:54) - Scouting Report: Ron's Top 3 Players of Summer (37:40) - Scouting Report: Ani's Top 3 Players of Summer (45:31) - ITP Overseas: Pangos All-Euro Camp Breakdown (50:19) - Overseas: 3 Differences Between US & Overseas Camps (59:47) - Overseas: Top Pangos All-Euro Camp Performers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 165 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins recap the 2023 BIL NBA Draft Show. The ITP Crew was on the money with their top six predictions, but the draft was full of surprises thereafter. The crew dishes on whom they feel will standout outside the lottery and on some second round picks they look forward to seeing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and whom might stick. The crew also dish on NBA free agency and the latest moves, including Dame Lillard's trade request from the Portland Trailblazers. Did the Blazers make a mistake by not moving him earlier? Did the timing cause the Blazers to lose leverage with trade scenarios? How will he fit with the Miami Heat? The crew offers various opinions on the scenario. Ani and Chelsea also dish on the upcoming NBA Summer League and what their looking forward to while Ron and Ani detail their grassroots schedule for the month of July and recap the NBPA Top 100 Camp and the June Scholastic Live Period events they attended. Ani recaps the prestigious camp and the matchup between Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg. Ron dishes on the potential of the terrific 2025 class in light of Boozer's team at Columbus (Miami, Fla.) dominating the Section 7 Team Camp in Arizona. Is Columbus the best high school team in the country heading into the 2023-24 season? Ron also breaks down top stock-risers and both Section 7 and the inaugural California Live event in Orange County, while Ani dishes on his sleepers from the TABC scholastic live event in Texas. The fellas also dish on what the scholastic live period did for college coaches and what it means for July live period recruiting. There is alot that just went down in hoops and alot coming up in July, so make sure to tune in to Episode 165 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:14) - Recapping the 2023 NBA Draft (6:45) - NBA Draft: Winners & Sleepers! (11:22) - NBA Teams: Getting Out of the Middle (16:45) - Lonzo Ball: Career at Crossroads? (19:55) - NBA Free Agency: Dish on Dame Lillard (34:24) - NBA Summer League: Interesting Players/Storylines (38:49) - June Scholastic Live Period: How It Changes July (45:55) - Scholastic Period Rundown: Stock-Risers (54:20) - NBPA Top 100: Boozer vs. Flagg & Top Performers (59:31) - Class of 2025: How Good Can It Be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 163 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins welcome special guest Sonny Vaccaro to talk about the making, background and detail of the recently released movie "Air: Courting of a Legend". The former Sports Marketing Executive and Grassroots basketball event czar goes into detail about his role in convincing Nike boss Phil Knight to go all in to sign budding basketball star Michael Jordan to a unique endorsement deal while turning pro in 1984. Vaccaro, whose maverick marketing ideas for Jordan in a signature shoe revolutionzed sports marketing and American sports culture, dishes on how he initially hooked up with Nike to lead their basketball marketing efforts, talks about whom deserves credit during the courting of Jordan and candidly speaks on not knowing how the mock sneaker would turn out or just how wildly successful the Jordan Brand would become after the historic endorsement deal. Vaccaro also gives some detail on his relationship with George Raveling (the best man at his wedding to wife Pam), the background leading up to his working relationship with Nike, and talks about the star-studded cast of "Air". The ITP Crew gives their reactions to the interview and the movie and what they learned from both. Ani gives his perspective from just how big the grassroots basketball space has grown from the birthing of the Air Jordan, Chelsea gives her perspective from the growth of the sneaker industry and Nike's rise to dominance and Ron dishes on the background of Vaccaro from a fledgling national all-star game promoter in 1965 to being the go-to person for college coaches and parents trying to navigate through the grassroots ecosystem. The ITP Crew also give their prediction of the upcoming NBA Finals and what the L.A. Lakers and Boston Celtics are going to have to do to be in contention in the near future. Will Chelsea's Miami Heat prediction come to fruition? Is Denver just too strong for Miami as Ani and Ron predict? Will LeBron be on the Lakers when he plays with Bronny? Will he eventually play with Bronny in a NBA game? Do the Celtics need wholesale changes, or just a more experienced coach? The ITP Crew also touches on the issue of star players' seasons being deemed a "failure" without a championship, the media-player dynamic and how its changed over the years, and the shrinking window for successful coaches. Even veteran observers can learn plenty about Jordan, Nike, and the grassroots basketball marketing machine in this latest ITP pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 163 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (3:54) - Hot Takes on Denver-Miami NBA Final (8:03) - Do Celtics Need to Break Up Their Core? (14:53) - Lakers: Where Do They Go From Here? (20:49) - “Air” Movie Intro & Players Meeting Expectations (30:27) - 2023 NBA Finals Predictions (36:26) - ITP Crew Instant Reaction to “Air” (44:19) - Background on Sonny Vaccaro (48:20) - Sonny Vaccaro Interview (50:22) - Vaccaro on Athletes' Rights & Fair Share (52:58) - Vaccaro on Why He Would Have Paid Players (54:02) - Vaccaro on Connecting with Nike (57:52) - Vaccaro on Rob Strasser & Peter Moore (1:00:05) - Vaccaro on Building Nike's Hoops Division (1:02:50) - Vaccaro on Meeting w/Jordan's Parents (1:04:06) - Vaccaro on Famous Tony Roma Meeting (1:07:06) - Vaccaro on the Air Jordan Design  (1:13:41) - Vaccaro on Early Air Jordan Marketing (1:17:17) - Reaction & Lessons From Sonny Interview (1:28:35) - Nike's Unique Approach Working (1:30:58) - What if Sonny Stays w/Nike? (1:33:53) - Is Grassroots System Killing Next Air? (1:36:44) - Adidas: Courting Kobe & Losing Him  (1:43:50) - All in on the Air Jordan  (1:45:32) - Courting LeBron: Risk vs. Reward (1:51:32) - Is Wembanyama That Guy?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 162 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, which ended up with the San Antonio Spurs winning the draft rights to Victor Wembanyama, the 19-year old, 7-foot-4 French pro who some feel is the best NBA prospect, ever. The ITP crew gives their reaction to the results of the NBA Draft lottery and give their rundown of where Victor rates among the all-time GOAT prospects. Is he the best ever? In this action-packed episode, the crew touch on all levels of basketball, starting with the NFHS rules changes at the high school level. What do HS coaches feel about the new rules that eliminate the 1-and-1 foul situation and foul carry over? Fouls will also rest after each quarter with two shots awarded on the fifth foul. We speak to an assortment of coaches and Ron, Ani and Chelsea give their take! Chelsea gives his WNBA update as the season is scheduled to tip-off on May 19. Some notable 2023 WNBA Draft choices were cut before ever making an opening-day roster. Is there anything that can be done to help the developmental aspect of incoming rookies? Is it bad P.R for the W to cut first round draft choices? Chelsea and the fellas dish on this explosive topic plus discuss the recent penalties levied on the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Ani breaks down the top prospects at the third session of NIKE EYBL in Dallas. Is 2026 forward A.J. Dybansta one of the best prospects Ani has ever seen? Will be re-class up to 2025? Who are the best prospects the ITP crew has ever evaluated. The trio break down their choices from each of their unique perspective and talk about who would be the No. 1 pick in an all-time NBA Draft! Is it LeBron, Lew Alcindor, Wilt or Wemby? The ITP crew also breaks down the rest of the NBA Draft Lottery. Are the Hornets locked in on Brandon Miller at No. 2? What are the Rockets and Pistons going to do after sliding down to No. 4 and No. 5? The crew also discuss their sleeper draft pick with roughly six weeks to go before draft night! They close out this episode talking about the NBA coaching carousel and if Doc Rivers, Monty Williams and Mike Budenholzer deserved a pink slip after their team's playoff exits. Has the window a coach has before he loses his locker room shrunk all across the board? Who can replace that trio and be an upgrade for the 76ers, Suns and Bucks? Does Wembanyama benefit from a long-tenured coach like Popovich? The ITP Crew also react to the Nuggets taking a 1-0 series lead on the L.A. Lakers in the Western Conference finals, plus plenty more in the latest ITP pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 162 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:35) - HS Rule Changes: Elimination of 1-and-1 FTs (8:57) - W Update: Chelsea Dishes on Draft Cuts! (26:46) - Ani's Dish on 3rd NIKE EYBL Stop (31:33) - A.J. Dybantsa: Is He That Good? (36:38) - Why Top Prospects Hit or Miss? (40:43) - ITP Crew Top 3 Prospects Ever Evaluated (49:02) - '23 NBA Draft Lottery: Instant Reaction (59:07) - ITP Crew Early Draft Sleepers! (1:03:22) - Victor Wembanyama's Crystal Ball (1:13:12) - All-Time NBA Draft: Who Goes No. 1? (1:19:04) - Top Tier NBA Coaches Fired: Dumb Moves? (1:29:48) - Quick Hitting NBA Playoff Updates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 161 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the thrilling 2023 Ballislife All-American Game and the rapidly changing fortunes of teams in the NBA playoffs, and those clubs that didn't make it. The 10th annual Ballislife All-American Game was played on May 6 at Cerritos College in SoCal and went into overtime as Team Future downed Team Elite in overtime, 157-154, behind the play of Kentucky-bound Justin Edwards (27 pts, 5 rbs), Washington-bound Wesley Yates III (26 pts) and the Michigan St.-bound duo of Coen Carr (23 pts, 18 rbs) and Jeremy Fears (11 pts, 9 asts, 2 stls). Team Elite was led by Marcus Adams, who broke the event scoring record with 44 points (8-14 3-pointers, 4 rbs, 5 asts) and by Duke-bound Jared McCain and Boise St-bound Andrew Meadow, who both finished with 22 points. Ani gives his take on the event as a guest analyst spearheaded by the record-breaking performance of Adams, while Ron breaks down the contest, the standouts performers of the event and the competitive nature of the all-star game spear-headed by Carr and Fears. Why were the national all-star games competitive in nature compared to recent seasons? What else stood out about the event? Ron and Chelsea also break down Bronny James' commitment to USC? Is he ever going to get a fair shake in regards to his status as a legitimate NBA Prospect? The ITP Crew also goes hard on the NBA Playoffs, where it looks like the Lakers and Heat will advance to the conference finals. What has been the difference in those two clubs taking a 3-1 series lead and the crew gives their take on the Nuggets-Suns and Celtics-76ers series. Are the Warriors done as a dynasty? Did they make a mistake in getting rid of James Wiseman and offering a big contract to Jordan Poole? The crew also discusses CP3's role with the Suns and how fortunes for these teams can change rather quickly. Chelsea breaks down Bronny James' commitment to USC and what it means. Is he really going to be a high 2024 NBA Draft choice? Will he ever meet expectations? The crew also discuss the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft and how fortunes can change rather quickly by making their right or wrong choice in the lottery. Ani and Chelsea also discuss the NBA All-Rookie teams and how that correlated to their 2022 NBA Draft position, led by No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic. Ani gives some insight on reason why some teams might hit or miss at the position they fall at. The crew gives some terrific insight on the grassroots and pro level in this week's podcast, so make sure to tune in to Episode 161 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:58) - Travel Ball: Message To Young Players (4:14) - Girl Hoopers: Are They Emulating W Pros? (7:13) - WNBA Training Camps: Chelsea's Insights (9:16) - Ron's Dish on the 2023 BILAAG (14:58) - Ron's BIGAAG Event MVP: Coen Carr (18:12) - BIL & Balldawgs All-American: Wrap Up (21:55) - Instant Reaction to Bronny USC's Commitment (30:44) - Ani's BILAAG Instant Reaction (37:07) - Ani's Insight on '24 NBA Draft & All-Rookie Team (43:33) - Ani's Dish on '22 NBA Draft: What Went Right/Wrong? (49:23) - Jalen Green: Is The Jury Out On Him? (52:24) - NBA Playoffs Updates & Insight (1:00:53) - Denver-Phoenix: Suns Better W/O CP3? (1:05:51) - Eastern Conference Playoff Breakdown (1:13:43) - Steph & Warriors: Fortunes Change Quick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 160 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go in on the NBA Playoffs, the Ballislife All-American Game, and announce the recipient of the 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA National Player of the Year honor. The 10th annual Ballislife All-American Game is set for Saturday, May 6 and Ron drops a discount promo code for tickets that can be purchased on ballislifeallamerican.com. Ani gives some quick insight on what he's looking forward to in this year's game and gives a quick recap of the Iverson Classic. Chelsea shares some insight she picked up while coaching her Mountain West Premier 15U club team on the circuit? Is the momentum from the historic W NCAA Final Four carrying over to the club level? Chelsea gives a quick breakdown and dishes on some future W NCAA standouts. Cameron Boozer, a sophomore from Columbus (Miami, Fla.), is announced as the 2022-23 Mr. Basketball USA National Player of the Year. He is the first sophomore ever to be named national player of the year. Ever. Ron goes over the voting results and what it means now and historically. Ani gives his reaction to the voting results (Boozer beat out seniors Isaiah Collier, Ron Holland and D.J. Wagner) and Chelsea dishes on the meaning of a sophomore earning the nation's highest individual honor. Have we learned our lessons about hyping young players? With the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement in play for seven seasons (through 2029-30), crew dish on the "One and Done" era continuing and what it means for players on all levels. The ITP Crew goes hard on the NBA Playoffs and its storylines with the younger, less experienced teams knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. The ITP crew talks about the more experienced teams peaking at the right time with perhaps less emphasis on regular season record i.e. Load Management. Is experienced over-stated or do untimely injuries have more to do with first round results? Can Miami duplicate their 2020 bubble playoff run? Just how great of a playoff performer is Jimmy Butler? Why is the Denver Nuggets not getting their just due as a true title contender? Why are fans so far at either end of the spectrum when it comes to the Golden State Warriors? Is it the brashness of Draymond Green or are fans just tired of the Warriors winning? The ITP crew also gives their predictions of the conference semifinal round. Is the Lakers vs. Warriors the most highly anticipated conference semifinal matchup ever? Ate these legacy games for LeBron James and Steph Curry or are fans and the media being prisoners of the moment? The ITP crew breaks it all down in this action-packed episode, so make sure to tune in to Episode 160 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:41) - Ballislife A-A Game (5/6) Info & Ticket Promo (5:49) - Girls Hoops: Travel Ball Buzz & Impact HS Players (13:13) - Mr. Basketball USA: Sophomore Cameron Boozer (16:25) - Chelsea's Dish on Pressure For Young Elite Players (19:07) - Breakdown of Mr. Basketball Tracker Voting Results (28:10) - One & Done Stays w/new Collective Bargaining Agreement (39:43) - NBA Playoffs: Experienced Teams Peaking at Right Time (45:58) - Playoff Jimmy: Knowing The Moment & Carrying The Heat (51:59) - NBA Playoff Predictions: Who's Conference Finalists? (1:01:13) - Golden State Warriors: People Tired of Them Winning? (1:10:56) - Appreciating Steph Curry: Top 5 GOAT?! (1:18:59) - Jordan Poole: Fortunes Can Change Fast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 159 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, Ronnie Flores hosts its annual WNBA Preview with ITP co-host and analyst Chelsea Hopkins, who takes an in-depth look at the '23 WNBA Season and recent WNBA Draft and NCAA and WNCAA Tournaments! As an alum, Chelsea gives her insight on SDSU's incredible run to the NCAA Championship Game and background on the program built by former coach Steve Fisher and current HC Brian Duthcher. What does the portal and NIL do to future Cinderella runs? How does men's CBB deal with high roster turnover? As far as the WNCAA, the stars of the most-watched WNCAA Tournament will be back in 23-24. Nearly 10 million people watched LSU-Iowa final and there is great anticipation for next season and the '24 WNBA Draft. Who is the NCAA favorite next year. Is NIL darling Angel Reese of LSU a sure-fire W star? Is Iowa's Caitlin Clark a generational prospect? Chelsea answers those burning questions! What is the WNBA's next step to capitalize off the enormous popularity of women's NCAA basketball? Does the W need to expand? What areas is the 75 million dollar capital investment making inroads in? How can the W increase brand awareness? The ITP crew also welcomes on a special guest for the WNBA preview in which Chelsea gives a in-depth rundown of each of the 12 teams, and offers her odds-on favorites (W title, reach the championship round, MVP and ROY). Chelsea feels the W needs to do a better job of story-telling and marketing players other than the top stars and the ITP crew welcomes on a special guest Rebekah Gardner (Chicago Sky) to talk about her incredible W journey. She was named to the '22 W all-rookie team at 32, the oldest player ever to do so. Gardner talks about her journey from UCLA to pro ball and finally getting a shot in a WNBA training camp! After breaking down the W, Chelsea dishes on '23 NBA Draft and whom she feels was the best pick and which team has best draft. Chelsea also dishes on what impact she expects Aliyah Boston (South Carolina) to have with the Indiana Fever and gives her overall perspective on this current draft class? Is it a strong or average class and are there any generational players? Chelsea breaks it all down! The ITP Crew closes out the show taking a look into the future and the 2024 WNBA Draft. Clark and Reese have been getting unprecedented press, but what are their WNBA games like? Is Clark a generational prospect for next year? What kind of long-term prospect is Reese? Will W teams tank to have the top pick next season? The ITP crew and special guest Rebekah Gardner offer some terrific insight on the girls game, both college and pro, on this special two-hour episode, so make sure to tune in to Episode 159 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:19) - NBA Playoffs & Play-In: Quick Reaction!  (5:32) - Ballislife A-A Game (5/6) & Upcoming Pods (6:14) - Chelsea's Reaction to SDSU's Title Game Run (10:52) - SDSU Alum's Reaction to Final Four Run (14:16) - Reaction to NCAA Portal Reality & W NCAA Boom! (24:00) - Can the W Capitalize on NCAA Popularity? (26:08) - Who is the Early Line WNCAA Favorite? (33:26) - How Will the W Capitalize on NCAA Boom & NIL Brand Buildup? (46:23) - WNBA Preview: Team-By-Team Rundown (Phoenix Mercury) (50:55) - Washington Mystics Preview (52:09) - Seattle Storm Preview (54:53) - Atlanta Dream Preview (58:28) - Indiana Fever Preview (1:01:22) - Minnesota Lynx Preview (1:03:53) - Dallas Wings Preview (1:10:17) - Connecticut Sun Preview (1:14:56) - L.A. Sparks Preview (1:19:03) - Chicago Sky Preview (1:19:03) - N.Y. Liberty Preview (1:25:07) - Las Vegas Aces Preview (1:28:14) - Rebekah Gardner (Sky) Interview (1:45:57) - Reaction To 'Bekah Interview (1:50:20) - Advice For Sticking in W From a Pro (1:53:50) - Chelsea's WNBA Predictions (1:57:08) - '23 W Draft Grades & '24 W Draft Preview (2:09:45) - Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese: Translatable Games? (2:19:07) - Ballislife.com Shout-Out & ITP Schedule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 158 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go in on March Madness, from the incredible Cinderella stories on the men's side to the heavyweight battles on the women's side, and get some 2023 McDonald's All-American Game insight from a special guest. The ITP crew briefly touch on how mass shootings barely register in light of the latest casualties and how guns are now children's No. 1 threat. The crew also touch upcoming pods, including the WNBA Preview, slated for April 11. Grant Rice, the coach of Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) and the West Coach in the McDonald's All-American Game, is the special guest with some insight on his club. Rice talks about the competitive nature of Ron Holland of Duncanville (Texas), the impact of Jared McCain of Centennial (Corona, Calif.) and how the sons of NBA players, Andrej Stojakovic of Jesuit (Carmichael, Calif.) and Bronny James of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) are faring. Rice talks about James' play and fitting in with his McDonald's teammates. Should Bronny be talking to the media? Ron and Ani break down their insights from scouts and contacts in Houston and how the East is the favorite in Tuesday night's game. Will the game action play out that way? Speaking of Houston, the ITP crew break down the miraculous run of San Diego State to the Final Four. Chelsea, a former point guard for the Aztecs, gives his insight on the men's program and his personal take on SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher. Ron and Chelsea also talk about one of the breakout players in this year's NCAA Tournament: SDSU point guard Darrion Trammel, who was twice passed over for scholarships before heading to a JUCO before landing at Seattle University. Ron also breaks down his other top breakout performer, Miami's Jordan Miller, a transfer from George Mason who was not well known nationally. Chelsea and Ani talk about the play of KSU's Marquis Nowell, arguably the top individual of the tourney who led K-State to the Elite 8, while Ani dishes on two more top performers: guard Jordan Hawkins of UCONN and Sir'Jabari Rice, a Texas native who spent five seasons at New Mexico St. before helping the Longhorns reach the Elite 8. Has the NCAA men's basketball landscape changed forever with the portal and older players, or will the cycle reverse itself once again in a few years? Ani gives his insight. The ITP crew also gives their Final Four predictions! Chelsea breaks down the W Final Four, which is a heavyweight affair with unbeaten South Carolina going for it all. Can No. 2 seed Iowa upset the Gamecocks? In the other semi, it's No. 1 seed Virginia Tech vs. No. 3 seed LSU. Is the Iowa-SC game the most anticipated W semifinal ever? Chelsea breaks it down plus gives insight on two more players you should know: LSU's double-double machine Angel Reese and V-Tech's Georgia Amoore. The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on the MCDAAG and both Final Fours, so make sure to tune in to Episode 158 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:33) - Mass Shooting in America: Going To Happen Again!  (5:09) - Ballislife A-A Game (5/6) & Upcoming Pods (5:35) - Chelsea's Hot Take on SDSU Final Four Run (8:47) - Grant Rice (West McDonald's A-A Coach) Interview (16:39) - More McDAAG Insight From ITP Crew (23:42) - Bronny James at McDAAG: Fitting In & Expectations vs. Reality (31:50) - No Mickey D's in Final Four: New Era or Cycle? (37:40) - Are Recruiting Labels (HM, MM, LM) Relevant Anymore? (41:33) - Chelsea's In-Depth Insight on SDSU & Coach Dutcher (48:42) - Final Four Predictions (55:54) - Ron's and Ani's Dish on Amari Bailey & UCLA's Injuries (1:02:12) - ITP Crew's Tourney Breakout Players (1:10:18) - Chelsea's Dish on W March Madness (1:19:40) - BIL Podcast Network Shoout-Outs & ITP Schedule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 157 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores and Chelsea Hopkins go in on the latest high school and NBA news and give their hot takes on the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Ron and Chelsea talk about the latest gun incident (surprise) involving Shawn Kemp and Ja Moran't rehab stint away from the Memphis Grizzlies. Is this the first step to a total re-make for Ja? The ITP crew also talk about the issue of NBA load management and how guidelines could be put in place for player awards through the CBA. Ron also breaks down the CIF state championships and the atmosphere of the California state tournament. Is there going to be change in order to make it more appeasing to the average fan? Ron also talks about how the CIF and UIL (Texas) state tournament affect the latest FAB 50 rankings. Chelsea also gives her hot takes on the women's NCAA Tournament. Can anyone challenge South Carolina? Who are the favorites to reach the Final Four? Chelsea also breaks down players to watch. Both Ron and Chelsea give their team and players to watch in the wide-open men's NCAA Tournament? It truly will be March Madness this season! The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on all levels of the game and both genders, so make sure to tune in to Episode 157 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:16) - Gun Incident with Shawn Kemp...WTH!   (3:52) - Ja Morant in Rehab: Will he Turn the Corner? (10:49) - New NBA CBA Will Address Load Management  (13:28) - NBA MVP Debate: A Racial Thing or Flawed Process? (17:11) - Life of Pro: Preparing for Adjustment or Staying in Moment (19:45) - Ballislife Podcast Network Shout-Outs (20:04) - Ron's CIF Championships Hot Takes (27:21) - Ron's FAB 50 Update (28:24) - Ron's UIL Final Four Break Down (35:15) - Chelsea's Women's NCAA Tourney Breakdown! (49:09) - Hot Take on Men's NCAA Tournament!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 156 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Horace Neysmith go hard on state playoffs in Georgia, Texas and California, which are down to their last week! Horace breaks down the GHSA playoffs and if Cherokee (Canton, Ga.) has a shot against FAB 50 No. 33 Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) in the 7A title game. Horace also breaks down the showdown in 5A between Eagle's Landing (McDonough, Ga.) and Kell (Marietta, Ga.). Does the winner of this game deserve to be FAB 50 ranked? Horace also talks about the top underclassmen in the other GHSA title game and offers a sneak preview of his Underclass All-American Game set for March 26 in Atlanta. He also dishes on Wheeler's Isaiah Collier and his Mr. Basketball USA candidacy. Ani goes hard on the UIL State Championships, set for March 9-11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The event features four FAB 50 ranked teams in its three top divisions and Ani makes his predictions for each! In 6A, No. 8 Lake Highlands (Dallas, Texas) and No. 13 Beaumont United (Beaumont, Texas) are on a collision course, but will San Antonio Brennan or DeSoto crash the party? In 5A, No. 40 Kimball (Texas) is the favorite, but Ellison (Killeen, Texas) could be a team to look out for! In 4A, No. 34 Oak Cliff Faith Family (Dallas, Texas) just knocked off No. 38 Carter (Dallas, Texas) in its regional final, but can B.T. Washington (Houston, Texas) get to the final and give Faith Family a real test? Ron talks about the SoCal and NorCal regional finals set for March 7 and some of the themes and players to watch for. Can Bronny James get to his first CIF state final after the state championships were canceled his freshman year because of COVID-19? Can Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) defeat league foe Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) for the fourth time this season in the SoCal D1 final? Will it be a repeat between FAB 50 No. 7 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) and Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.) in the CIF open final on March 11 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento? The ITP crew also talk about the recent gun incident with the Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant and LeBron James' recent social media comments about Bronny. Where does Morant go from here? Why is LeBron pushing the gas so hard for Bronny? The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on state championships around the country and Ja's situation, so make sure to tune in to Episode 156 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:31) - Reaction to Ja Morant IG Gun Incident   (9:19) - Horace's Reaction to Bron's Bronny Comments (14:01) - Horace's on his Underclass All-American Game (3/26)  (18:21) - Horace's Take on GHSA Title Games (4A-2A) (19:57) - Horace's Take on Wheeler vs. Cherokee (7A-5A) (25:14) - Dish on Isaiah Collier's Mr. Basketball USA Candidacy (27:55) - Ani's Dish on Top UIL 2026 Players Still Alive (30:09) - Ron's Update on 2026 Standout Jason Crowe Jr. (32:08) - Ani's Dish/Predictions on UIL Final Four (5A-4A) (40:19) - UIL FAB 50 Update: Every Game Counts! (46:16) - Ani's UIL 6A Rundown & Predictions  (51:32) - Ron's CIF Rundown! (59:08) - Advice For Seniors Still Looking! (1:04:31) - Ballislife Podcast Network Shout-out! (1:05:29) - What are Ron & Ani Looking Forward To? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 155 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard relevant and trending topics at each level of basketball. The ITP Crew start off with the saga surrounding Alabama basketball and star player Brandon Miller. Should he be playing right now? What about coach Nate Oats, should he be coaching? Chelsea and the fellas give their hot take on the situation! Ron, who has been involved with Cal-Hi Sports state rankings for over 20 years, give his take on the CIF basketball players and why and how the California Interscholastic Federation needs a re-vamp of its regional playoff format. Ron gives his fix on how to make the section titles more meaningful and a process where everyone can understand what they are playing for. At the NBA level, the ITP Crew talks about the disappointment of the NBA All-Star weekend (ratings wise and entertainment wise) and the load management issue the league has right now that is starting to affect public perception of the league's direction. Ani and Chelsea dish on what can be done to rectify the issue. The crew also talks about Dame Lillard's 71-point game and his path to NBA stardom and what "loyalty" represents and means to them. Ron and Ani dish on the National All-Star Game circuit in the light of the closest Mr. Basketball USA (national player of the year) race in many years and the fact the 2023 class still has something to prove on a national level. Can front-runner Cam Boozer earn national POY honors as a sophomore? Where does Bronny James fit into this equation in light of the fact he's not a serious national player of the year candidate but is being pegged by ESPN as a Top 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft? The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on Lillard, load management, and Bronny James' stance in the scouting world so make sure to tune in to Episode 155 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:22) - FAB 50 Update  (5:23) - Deion Sanders' Comments on Recruiting  (9:49) - Dish on Brandon Miller-Alabama Saga  (18:24) - Ron's Dish on Revamping CIF Basketball Playoffs (24:17) - Dish On NBA's Load Management Issue  (36:20) - Chelsea & Ani's Dish on Improving A-S Weekend!  (45:35) - Quick Update on NBA Season & Dame Lillard! (59:03) - Bronny James' Comparisons & Draft Status: WTF! (1:06:04) - Scouts' Lack of Focus on Production (1:10:24) - Bronny's and Amari Bailey's Unique HS Situation! (1:12:07) - Mr. Basketball USA Tracker Results/Reactions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 154 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on each of their Top 5 NBA GOATs in the backdrop of the Laker's LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league's all-time leading scorer. The ITP crew reveals each of their top five. Is LeBron now the GOAT? Who can knock off MJ as the GOAT if not LeBron? Where does Kareem stand especially with the younger generation? Is Kobe a consensus Top 5 player? What about Magic and Bird? Are some of the older stars like Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson forgotten in all-time GOAT conversations. The ITP crew reveals they're just missed player (No. 6) and if any current player outside LeBron has any chance to one day reach those heights. The ITP crew also talk about the game LeBron broke the record and what that moment meant to them and the lack of appreciation or mention of Kareem's accomplishments and activism over the years. The NBA trade deadline is the second big topic of this week's special podcast and the crew go over the best long-term and short-term trades that went down. Besides the Suns acquiring Kevin Durant, which team was the big winner? Did the Lakers upgrade their roster enough to make a big playoff push? Who in the East got better? What is Portland and Chicago doing by not pulling the trigger on anything of significance? Chelsea and Ani also talk about the Super Bowl and Rihanna's halftime performance and the greatness of two-time Super Bowl winning QB Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. How high can he climb on the GOAT list? Ronnie and Ani also give their take on the unfortunate circumstances of New Mexico St. shutting down their basketball program? What's next for the program and are some college teams on the verge of losing control of their roster or is this just a completely isolated circumstance? Chelsea also talks South Carolina-LSU and the Gamecocks' current WNCAA dominance! The ITP crew and its special guest offers some terrific insight on the GOATs on the NBA and there are a couple of surprises, so make sure to tune in to Episode 154 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:09) - Quick Thoughts on Lakers-OKC Historic Game (5:53) - Quick Thoughts on New Mexico St. Program Shutdown (13:28) - Super Bowl: Rihanna, Mahomes' GOAT Trajectory (20:18) - Chelsea's NCAAW Update: South Carolina Dominant! (25:59) - ITP Podcast Info & Shout-Outs (26:57) - Ani's Quick NCAA Updates: Tobacco Road Blues (32:42) - NBA Trade Deadline: Reaction To Best Transactions (39:05) - Ani's & Chelsea's Best Short Term Move (46:03) - What Are The Bulls, Blazers & Heat Doing?! (53:35) - Chelsea & Ani's Rihanna's Super Bowl Grade! (56:04) - Bron Celebration: Missing Boat on KAJ's Legacy (1:02:23) - Ceremony's Most Memorable Moment (1:05:51) - ITP Crew No. 5 All-Time Player! (1:12:08) - ITP Crew No. 4 All-Time Player! (1:18:28) - ITP Crew No. 3 All-Time Player! (1:26:47) - ITP Crew No. 2 All-Time Player! (1:28:23) - ITP Crew No. 1 All-Time Player! (1:34:47) - Reaction To Top 5s! (1:40:06) - Bron-MJ Debate! (1:53:20) - Bron-MJ Accolades Difference (2:01:31) - What Young Player Can Crack Top 10? (2:04:03) - Just Missed & Overlooked Players Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 153 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins welcome on special guest Jasen Powell (L.A. Clippers Director of Medical Sevices/Head Athletic Trainer) to dish on the inner-workings of NBA preparation, health and wellness and how it relates to longevity and peak performance. Powell has been tenured with the Clippers for nearly 25 years and offers ITP's audience some terrific insight on the differences and advances in medical technology and game preparation over the last quarter century. Powell also dishes on the evolution of what NBA franchises invests in when it comes to player health and wellness and how and why it's such a bigger part of the game day preparation in the current NBA than the days when Michael Jordan broke into the league in the mid 1980s. Powell also discusses how the average fan may not be aware when a player is laboring or not injured quite enough to sit out and how it's part of his job description to make sure they perform at a optimal or peak level, which may include some load management. This topic is obviously relevant and important as the Laker's LeBron James is on the cusp of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. The ITP crew discuss the legacy of the NBA's two ironman superstars and what LeBron James' impending record-breaking achievement and career means to them. Ron also gives some background on Abdul Jabbar's career and how and why he's still somewhat overlooked by casual or young NBA fans. The ITP crew also break down the Kyrie Irving trade to the Dallas Mavericks and what it means. Did the Mavs make a mistake in not trying harder to keep Jalen Brunson? Was this move strictly made to keep Luka Doncic happy? What does it mean for the Lakers that they missed on on the Irving sweepstakes? The crew also dish on NBA All-Star snubs, which player each believes needs a change of scenery, WNBA dynasties and more! The ITP crew and its special guest offers some terrific insight on a inner-workings of the NBA and the topics related to KAJ's and Bron's longevity, so make sure to tune in to Episode 153 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (2:50) - Chelsea's Quick-Hitting NCAAW Updates! (5:03) - Chelsea's Pro Updates: Free Agency & W Super Teams! (9:47) - Big Money in Pro Ball: Spending & Ego! (14:23) - Gambling on Kyrie: Would You Do It? (21:30) - Trade Deadline: Any Other Big Upcoming Moves? (26:36) - All-Star Game Omissions: Owner-Agent Battle? (31:24) - Top NBA All-Star Game Snubs (38:00) - NBA Players That Need A Change (44:03) - Quick Reaction To LeBron Catching Kareem! (51:38) - Guest Jasen Powell (LA Clippers Director of Medical Services) (57:51) - Powell on Load Management & Old Heads' Gripes (1:00:43) - Powell on Evolution of Pre-Game Preparation (1:06:46) - Powell on Recognizing Peak Performance (1:08:51) - Powell's Advice on Game Prep For Young Players (1:10:04) - Chelsea's Reaction To Powell's Insight  (1:18:21) - Ron's Background on Kareem Adbul-Jabbar (1:23:50) - Ani & Chelsea on LeBron's Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 152 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores and Ani Umana welcome on special guest John Lucas III to chop it up about a variety of topics, including his upcoming "Camp Get Right, the JL3 Way" in Southern California, March 18-19. Lucas talks about the importance of mastering the fundamentals and developing a work ethic at a young age regardless of skill level. Lucas also talks about what separates his camp series in a diluted space and what one can expect to learn and take away from his upcoming camp for middle school players (6th-8th grade). JL3 talks about carving out a 10-year NBA career after a nondescript high school care at Bellaire (Texas) and offers tips and insight on what it takes to grind out a long pro career as a role player. JL3 also recalls his high school days during a glorious time in University Interscholastic League (UIL) basketball in the early 2000s and some of the future NBA players he played with and went up against. JL3 also breaks down development and training with players of all skill level, from middle schoolers to NBA players, and some of the keys to success in that aspect of the game. Ron and Ani also chop it up about the latest FAB 50 rankings and upcoming playoff scenarios, the NBA All-Star Game and a scary situation involving 2024 elite junior Tarik Watson of FAB 50 No. 21 Roselle Catholic (NJ), who collapsed on the court on January 29. The ITP crew and its special guest offers some terrific insight on a variety of topics related to basketball development, so make sure to tune in to Episode 152 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:36) - Long Streaks Ending in HSBB (5:35) - FAB 50: Beaumont United/Lake Highlands Collision Course? (9:42) - Scary: Roselle Catholic's Tarik Watson Collapses (18:55) - Reaction to NBA All-Star Game (23:08) - Advice for Prospects on Spring/Summer Plans (29:46) - John Lucas III Interview (33:07) - Lucas on Dedication, Proper Steps to Excel (35:40) - Lucas on HSBB Playing Days (46:26) - Lucas on Keys to Sticking in Pro Game (51:34) - Lucas on Keys to Maximizing Workouts (55:18) - Lucas on "Camp Get Right, the JL3 Way" (1:05:41) - JL3 Camp Sign-Up Info (1:08:23) - Ron & Ani's Closing Thoughts on JL3 Perspective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 151 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana, Chelsea Hopkins and Horace Neysmith go hard on the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game and the announcement of the 24 players selected to play in this year's game. The big news from the standpoint of reaction to the roster is the selection of Bronny James of Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) to the West team. Bronny, of course, is the son of Lakers' superstar LeBron James. Was Bronny deserving? Was it borderline and therefore justifiable to select him? Each member of the ITP breaks it down coming from a different point of view. Bronny and LeBron are the ninth father-son combo selected for the game since its inception and are joined by D.J. Wagner of FAB 50 No. 10 Camden (N.J.), who is actually part of the first father-son-grandson combo to play in the game. Ron breaks down the history with grandfather Milt (1981) and father Dajuan (2001) also playing in the game, while Horace gives his insight of playing against many of the 1981 selections and what the feel of the game was like in its early years. Ani give his take on how the state of Texas has grown from an afterthought in the early years to a McDonald's All-American hotbed in recent time and why that is from a recruiting standpoint. Ron and Ani break down the evolution of the game, while Chelsea give her thoughts on why top freshman classes are not cutting it in terms of winning the NCAA title and why the national all-star games will have a tough time getting back to the attendance hey dey it enjoyed in the 1990s and 2000s. The ITP Crew goes in on the rosters, talking first reactions, trends, snubs, and much more! Chelsea also gives a quick W update as it relates to the retirement of Maya Moore, security concerns surrounding Brittney Griner. The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on a variety of topics related to the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game, so make sure to tune in to Episode 151 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:33) - Chelsea's W Takes: Maya Moore's Retirement (4:59) - Chelsea on Aces-Sparks Trade! (9:14) - Brittney Griner's Safety in the W! (14:50) - McDonald's All-American Game Roster 1st Reactions! (24:44) - Bronny's Production & McDAAG Player Production (29:46) - D.J.-Dajuan-Milt McDAAG Trio & Horace's 1981 Recollections (33:03) - 1981 McDAAG & MJ's MVP Snub (36:55) - Dujuan & D.J. Wagner: Both POYs?!?! (43:52) - Breaking Narratives For Long-Time No. 1s (48:21) - Texas McDAAG Players: From Rags To Riches! (56:13) - Evolution of Girls McDAAG Over Time (1:03:31) - '23 McDonald's All-American Snubs (1:07:33) - '23 McDAAG Game Predictions (1:12:01) - '23 McDAAG College Choice Breakdown (1:20:56) - McDAAG at Crossroads (Popularity-Wise?) (1:26:22) - Bronny's Recruitment: Nepotism & Business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 150 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores and Ani Umana go hard on MLK weekend hoops and the updated FAB 50. Ron and Ani welcome on special guest Bill Armstrong, the head coach at Link Academy (Branson, Mo.), which is currently 18-0 and No. 3 in the FAB 50. Armstrong talks about his team's title performance at the Bass Pro TOC and unbeaten start. Armstrong also discusses the differences between high school basketball when he played for his father in the mid-1990s and coaching at a level where nearly the entire rotation will play at Power 5 colleges. The first-year coach also talk about the preparation necessary to play at the elite high school level and the challenges of getting his team ready to finish off the season strong, including a big five-week gap between the end of the regular season and a potential run in GEICO Nationals. The ITP crew also break down other top performances from MLK weekend, including FAB 50 No. 1 Paul VI (VA), No. 2 Montverde Academy (FL), No. 6 Columbus (FL), No. 7 Centennial (CA), No. 10 Camden and No. 27 Kenwood Academy (IL), which will take on Camden this week. Ron and Ali talk about the mid-season grades of top seniors such as Camden's D.J. Wagner and give a quick take on some of their borderline McDonald's All-American picks. The fellas also talk about the perils of gunplay on colleges campuses in light of the arrest of Alabama's Darius Miles and the perils for young student-athletes of speeding and not wearing their seat belts. How prevalent are these issues and will they become even bigger problems now that elite college athletes will have more money in their pockets (NIL) moving forward? The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on a variety of topics, so make sure to tune in to Episode 150 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:38) - Quick MLK FAB 50 Updates (6:25) - Difference between No. 6 Columbus (FL)/No. 7 Centennial (CA) (9:43) - Realities of Big-Time HS Basketball (15:10) - Bill Armstrong (Link Academy HC) Interview (17:56) - Armstrong on Bass Pro TOC Victory (25:01) - Armstrong on 90s vs. Current HS Landscape (30:21) - Armstrong on Handling GEICO Nationals Expectations (37:49) - D.J. Wagner: If He's Not No. 1 Then Who? (42:16) - Kenwood (IL) Chances vs. Camden (NJ) (46:00) - Next Pod: McDonald's Reaction + Borderline Picks! (48:44) - 150 ITP Podcasts: Memories & Fav Pods! (55:37) - MLK Statue & Ron Naclerio MLK Story! (1:00:15) - College Issues: Gun Play, Speeding & Seat Belts (1:09:38) - Leaving to Prep School: Serious Approach to Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 149 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on a variety of topics, including the NBA, NFL and high school hoops. The ITP crew reacts to the Damar Hamlin situation in light of the Bills' announcement that the 24-year old safety will receive full play after suffering cardiac arrest on the field one week ago. Under NFL rules, the Bills could have cut his salary in half after he went on injured reserve. The ITP crew talks about the players' lack of guaranteed contracts and why it's such a different situation than NBA contracts. Will Hamlin's incident prompt change? How far will players be willing to go to fight for guarantees in their contract? Would players embrace lower salaries for more guarantees? The ITP crew breaks it down. Chelsea and Ani give their take on the scoring outbursts and high number of players averaging 20 or more PPG in the NBA (currently 44). Chelsea dishes from a players' perspective and her appreciation for skill level, while Ani dishes from a fans perspective. Will this continue? Is there a middle ground? Are fans getting cheated or getting the best product we've ever seen? Ron breaks down the latest in high school hoops, as FAB 50 ranked teams gear up for the big MLK weekend showcase events, particularly the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. Can Camden (NJ) bounce back from its loss to Columbus (FL)? Will Sierra Canyon's Bronny James be chosen for the McDonald's All-American Game? Is he deserving? Has the novelty worn off with Bronny (and Mikey Williams) as it pertains to fan interest? The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on a variety of topics, so make sure to tune in to Episode 149 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (4:08) - Bills' Darmar Hamlin Situation: Reaction to Situation (6:50) - Lack of Guaranteed Contracts: Business vs. Player (10:38) - Ani's Take on Full Guarantees: Less Salary?! (13:38) - NFL Roster Dynamics: Dirty Secret About Players (18:19) - NFL: Big Changes Coming or Business As Usual? (21:11) - Ron's Personal Note on Junior Seau (23:28) - NBA: Chelsea's Dish on 82-Game Grind (33:08) - Entertainment Factor of High Skill Level (37:39) - NBA All-Star Surprises (45:08) - HSBB Update: MLK Weekend Notes (49:33) - Bronny James-Mikey Williams: Over Exposure? (54:04) - HSBB MLK Preview (56:06) - Will Bronny Make McDAAG? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 148 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores and Ani Umana discuss what has transpired over the holidays since the last ITP episode on December 13, including the cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin, the offensive outbursts in the NBA, and the unfortunate death of stalwarts such as Pele and Barbara Walters. The fellas also go hard in the paint on all the happenings surrounding the holiday tournaments, from the best teams, standouts performers and airline travel issues many teams faced. Ron and Ani discuss their reactions and feelings of Hamlin's unfortunate on-field situation and why it's important for all high school sporting events to have qualified medical personnel on-site. The ITP crew also give their reaction to the Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell's 71-point outburst vs. the Bulls. He's only the seventh NBA player to crack the 70-point barrier, but Ron and Ani discuss why there have been so many insane offensive outbursts in recent weeks, especially by the Mavs' Luka Doncic. Can we expect more this season and why is this happening? Ron and Ani also go hard on the holiday tournaments and how all the results around the country produced the most highly-anticipated FAB 50 National Rankings update in years. There are 15 newcomers this week, but Paul VI (VA) stays No. 1 while there is a bunch of movement among top teams. Do teams that played murderous schedules deserve to be ranked ahead of a team that beat them that hasn't played as many tough teams? The fellas also discuss their top standouts and fast-rosing prospects over the past few weeks, the trials and tribulations of holiday travel from some top teams, and the fight coach Patrick Behan of FAB 50 No. 8 St. John's (Washington, D.C.) is in against ALS. Behan took his team to the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic in San Diego, where it won the title to remain unbeaten heading into the Behan Strong Invitational, where all the proceeds from the event will be donated to his fight against the disease. The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on the national landscape of high school holiday tournaments and the latest sports news, so make sure to tune in to Episode 148 from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (4:12) - Reaction to Bills' Darmar Hamlin Collapsing (9:28) - Ron's Plead for Qualified Personnel at HS Events (11:44) - Ron's Memories of Kevin Copeland & Hank Gathers (17:52) - Recent Passing of Greats: Barbara Walters & Pele (22:16) - Reaction to Spyda Mitchell's 71-Point Outburst (25:50) - NBA: Individuals That Talented or Covert Tanking? (29:01) - Reaction to Brooklyn Nets' Turnaround (34:36) - New FAB 50: Parity in HS Basketball (39:40) - FAB 50: What's Coming Up Matters (46:00) - Surprising, Fast-Rising Players (53:32) - Top Holiday Tournament Players (58:05) - LM & MM Programs Recruiting Up (1:02:51) - Holiday Tournament Travel Issues (1:06:39) - Coach Patrick Behan & His ALS Fight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 147 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Chelsea Hopkins and Ani Umana discuss a variety of topics, including high school games produced as made-for-TV specials. 20 years after LeBron James made his national TV debut on ESPN, his son Bronny James at Sierra Canyon (CA) took on Kiyan Anthony (Carmelo's son) and Christ the King (NY) in a celebration of 20 years of HS ball on the sports network. Should more diligence be done to make sure the facts surrounding the game are accurate? Who is to blame when media outlets run with bad info? Does it matter? Do the positives of these events outweigh the negatives? The crew ITP also discusses the play of Christ The King (NY) and Cardinal Hayes (NY) and the latest FAB 50 national rankings. CTK lost to Sierra Canyon and Cardinal Hayes lost twice at Hoophall West. Can both programs bounce back? Ron and Ani break down how the various start dates around the country affect early results and the FAB 50. Paul VI (VA) is the new No. 1 team in the FAB 50 and heads to the City of Palms Tournament in Florida looking to sustain its No. 1 ranking. Ron and Ani discuss its chances to win the COP and also break down the upcoming Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas. Can host Bishop Gorman bounce back from its loss to Corona Centennial (CA) to come out on top? Chelsea gives her hot take on WNBA star Brittney Griner's return to the U.S. in a prison swap with Russia. Will Griner return the the W next season? Was the mixed reactions to her return warranted? Chelsea also reveals some shocking details about the realities of professional ball in Russia going forward. The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on the national landscape of high school ball and how the media tries to control certain narratives, plus gives insight to the Griner situation in their last episode of 2022. Make sure to tune in from start to finish, as the ITP crew appreciates your support throughout the year. Episode 148 will take place 1/3/23! (0:00) - Intro (1:03) - Ani & Ron's HS Eval Updates (3:07) - Chelsea's Israeli/Pro/W Update (7:40) - NBA Parity & Re-Naming of Individual Honors (13:37) - Reaction to Brittney Griner's Return to US (20:19) - Chelsea's Take on Griner's Future (23:33) - Chelsea on Realities of US Pros Returning To Russia (27:29) - Reaction to Sierra Canyon/Christ The King TV Game (31:54) - Ron's Take on 20 Years of HS TV Games (38:21) - Breakdown of CTK & Cardinal Hayes' Struggles (45:00) - New FAB 50 Breakdown & Various Start Dates (47:22) - Paul VI (VA) at No. 1 Going to COP (51:40) - Tark Classic Preview (58:50) - Next Pod Update (1/3/23) (1:00:19) - Hoops Predictions for 2023! (1:09:06) - shop.ballislife.com Holiday Discounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 146 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Chelsea Hopkins and Ani Umana chop it up with "Raymond Lewis: L.A. Legend" doc co-producers Dean Prator & Ryan Polomski about the making of their doc and its parallels to current events in sports. The ITP crew discusses their reactions to the hoop doc about arguably the greatest player to never play in the NBA and the mystery surrounding his rookie contract dispute with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973. The ITP crew draws parallels to the current situations involving Kyrie Irving (who was recently let go by Nike as a top endorser) and Kayne West (whose Donda Academy program was shut down).  The crew also discusses Deion Sanders leaving HBCU Jackson State University for Colorado and the trend of older college basketball teams relying on the NCAA transfer portal.  Prator, who grew up seeing the Lewis legend grow, and Polomski, who first learned about Raymond in 2014 when he met Prator while searching for information on Los Angeles' playground and high school basketball scene, talk about putting together the final product, what they learned about Lewis through the interviews process, and what they hope is the lasting legacy of his mysterious story. While Dean focuses on getting Ray Lew's story out, Polomski hopes its theatrical and Video-On-Demand release will evoke some recognition or acknowledgement of Lewis' talent by the NCAA and of the 76ers' role in his downward spiral as a basketball talent.  How much is Lewis to blame for never playing in the league and will the NBA formally acknowledge any the role the 76ers played in his demise?     The ITP crew offers some terrific insight on the inner-workings of the NBA 50 years ago and now, so make sure to tune in from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:34) - shop.ballislife.com Holiday Discounts (2:04) - Balance in HS & NCAA Basketball (7:47) - Chelsea & Ani's Take on Seasoned Transfers (13:46) - Raymond Lewis Background: What's Changed in 50 Years? (16:29) - Deion Sanders Leaving HBCU: Getting a Fair Shake? (23:39) - Chelsea's HBCU Aspirations & Recruiting Realities (33:36) - Ray Lew Doc: Kyrie Irving & Kayne West Parallels (40:07) - Ray Lew Story: Talent Being the Authority (41:53) - Chelsea & Ani's First Reaction To Doc (46:31) - Ray Lew's Contract & Doc Premier Background (52:13) - Dean Prator (Co-Producer) Interview (57:58) - Ryan Polomski (Director) Interview (1:18:54) - Chelsea's Reaction To Interview Subjects (1:22:22) - What the Doc Failed to Mention (1:25:14) - Ani's Final Doc Takeaways (1:30:35) - Chelsea's Final Doc Takeaways (1:35:29) - Ron & Ani's Holiday Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 145 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Chelsea Hopkins and Ani Umana chop it up with Duquesne Associate HC Dru Joyce III on building a winning basketball culture and take a look back at the 2002-03 FAB 50 national title team at St. Vincent-St. Mary's (OH) that he was part of. The ITP crew probes the paint on a scary situation surrounding Natalia Bryant (Kobe's daughter), the World Cup, Chris Brown-Thriller40 controversy at the AMAs, and the return of EA SPORTS College Football after a 10-year hiatus. Joyce III talks about joining the staff of his old high school coach Keith Dambrot after playing for him at the University of Akron. Joyce also talks about the surprising coaching transition from Dambrot to his father, Dru Joyce II, after he took over the SV-SM program in his junior season. Joyce talks about taking on stacked Oak Hill teams as an underclassman, the stinging loss in the 2002 state title game his junior year and how that loss motivated the LeBron James-led St. V's team to the 2002-03 FAB 50 title after opening up No. 7 in the FAB 50 (and No. 23 in the USA Today Super 25). Joyce also talks about his brother Cam Joyce coaching and going up against their father, reflects on his high school experience 20 years later and the motivation of the St. V's crew to springboard their success to give back to the Akron community they grew up in. The ITP crew gets some terrific insight from Joyce in this week's episode, so make sure to tune in from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (3:34) - Probe The Paint: Chris Brown-MJ-Thriller 40 Controversy (7:39) - World Cup & Ani's Soccer Experience (11:58) - Natalia Bryant & Stalking Situation (17:34) - EA SPORTS College Football is Back in NIL ERA! (20:57) - Mikey Williams to Memphis & Penny's Hot Seat (23:39) - Preseason Mr. Basketball USA Tracker Results  (27:52) - Ani's take on Cam Boozer as Soph POY Candidate (31:40) - LeBron's POY Candidacy as a SOPH ('01) (36:45) - Chelsea's Recollection of LeBron in HS (42:34) - Wemby's Stance Among Hoop Prodigies (48:58) - Wemby Comparisons & Ron's Top Prospects Ever (58:27) - Dru Joyce III Interview (1:03:17) - HS Transition From Coach Dambrot to Father (1:08:10) - Joyce on Special Senior Season (2003) (1:11:21) - Mentorship of Dru Joyce II (1:14:54) - Joyce's Advice & Giving Back to Akron (1:26:20) - shop.ballislife.com Black Friday Discounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 144 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, hosts Ronnie Flores, Chelsea Hopkins and Ani Umana freestyle hard on a variety of topics all across basketball, from the pros, college and high school! Chelsea gives an update on the WNBA and it's draft lottery. Are the Indiana Fever going to get it right? Is there a franchise player in each WNBA draft? The ITP Crew also dishes on the Brittney Griner situation. The ITP Crew freestyles on the NBA, from Paolo Banchero and the rest of the rookie class, the Brooklyn Nets' situation, and the league's best and worst, from the Bucks to the L.A. Lakers. Can Jacque Vaughn stabilize Brooklyn's situation? Is Kyrie Irving still dedicated to the game? Who will emerge from the West to challenge the Bucks and Celtics? When will the Rockets core turn the corner? Banchero leads the crop of rookies, but what is going to happen with this year's draft class and the top recruiting classes at Kentucky and Duke? Does D.J Wagner's commitment signal a big change in BBN's chances of capturing the 2024 NCAA title? We take a quick look at what a great recruiting class means and some of our favorite classes of all-time. Chelsea gives her insight on the differences in top recruiting classes in the men's and women's game in light of JuJu Watkins committing to USC. The ITP crew gives some quick-hitting, yet informative, insight in this week's episode, so make sure to tune in from start to finish! (0:00) - Intro (1:21) - Reaction to Duncanville (TX) Dropping From UIL Playoffs (7:02) - Quick Reaction to UVA Football Players Killed (10:53) - Chelsea's WNBA Freestyle: Griner-Russia, W Draft Lottery, New W Camp Rules? (30:03) - Women's Recruiting: Comparing Top Classes to Top Men's Classes (35:18) - ITP Crew NBA Freestyle: Paolo & Rookies, Rockets' Future, Lakers' Plight, Nets' Dumpster Fire, Bucks/Celtics' Dominance, Warriors' Downslide?, Kyrie's Future, (1:22:27) - Recruiting Freestyle: Reaction To DJ Wagner (Kentucky), JuJu Watkins (USC), Emoni Bates, Favorite Recruiting Classes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices