MVP Cast

With European youth tournaments in progress, The MVP Cast looks at our next generation of talented males. US-based Brit, coach and scout Chris Mayes, and stats guru / talent spotter Dave Owen join Mark Woods to go over the names on a trajectory to the top and we assess how the forecasting progress works and who is flagged up as ones to watch. More at MVP247.com      

The MVP Cast looks ahead to EuroBasket Women 2023 and examines Great Britain's chances. We get the thoughts of head coach Chema Buceta and new captain Temi Fagbenle - plus Hannah Robb and Erin McGarrachan go deep on their pathways to Slovenia and the expectations from within the camp. More at mvp247.com

Great Britain centre Kirsty Brown joins the MVP Cast. With less than a week before FIBA EuroBasket Women 2023 begins, we catch up with the Leicester Riders star on progress on the road to Slovenia. She tells us about the long round trip from Edinburgh to California and back to these shores, her drive to turn pro and the hopes of a new generation of GB prospects to make a mark. More at mvp247.com

A rough and ready episode of the MVP Cast from The 02 as London Lions make it a double over Leicester Riders in the BBL and WBBL Playoff Finals - as we hear from Ryan Schmidt, Darien Nelson-Henry, Krumesh Patel, Azania Stewart and Stella Kaltsidou.

London Lions men's head coach Ryan Schmidt joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about the learning curve undertaken last season and in mixing with old hands in the EuroCup and the opportunities it has afforded him. We head back to the start of his love affair with basketball in Portland and how injuries took him from playing in the minor leagues towards a career on the sidelines. And we look back on a season in the BBL that could take a route towards three trophies - but with no driving time behind the wheel. More at mvp247.com

MCing legend Simon Hosannah joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about how he fell into announcing basketball, the big names and big games where he's been the man on the mic, and the work it takes to put on a show. But he also reveals the mammoth change in his life that's put him in a contest of his own - and why it's led him to retire from courtside next month. More at MVP247.com.

WBBL chair Jim Saker joins the MVP Cast to talk State of the League. Plus reaction following the 2023 BBL and WBBL Trophy finals. Hannah Robb tells us why Leicester Riders will be back, Shanice Beckford-Norton looks inside London Lions win, Azania Stewart explains her retirement - and why she may not be quite ready to finish up. And following Caledonia Gladiators jinx-breaking victory, David Sloan reveals the emotion behind his game-winner, and Gareth Murray tells us what the win means to him. More at mvp247.com  

Caledonia Gladiators and Ivory Coast big Patrick Tapé joins the MVP Cast.----more---- Amid March Madness, he tells us about his own college days which began with combining books and basketball at Ivy League Columbia University, ended with a stint off the streets of San Francisco, and crammed in a spell under Coach K at Duke University. He recounts the impact of his first trip to the homeland of his father Denis to represent his country in the FIBA World Cup. And we look ahead to the BBL Trophy final against Cheshire Phoenix. More at mvp247.com.   A Communicated production.

Bristol Flyers guard Jelani Watson-Gayle joins the MVP Cast. He tells us about his transformation from being a footballing hopeful with Leyton Orient to throwing his all into basketball - with huge assists from his mother and older brother. We talk the learnings to becoming a leader, the confidence he gained from going to the States at age 15 that's now being put to good effect in the British Basketball League - and the potential for a call-up from Great Britain. More at mvp247.com

Durham Palatinates centre Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about the globetrotting odyssey that saw her grow up across Europe but left her hunting for proper roots in this post-Brexit time. She reveals the rationale behind her decision to return to the Women's British Basketball League, her early leap into the game in Loughborough and what we might learn from hoops in Germany. And she talks her time in Philly - and her Super Bowl picks. More at mvp247.com

Manchester Giants wing Dirk Williams joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about combining fatherhood with basketball and the life lessons learnt while growing up in Alabama with hoop dreams. We relive the dunks that won him trans-Atlantic fame and the move he has in mind next. And why a players-only meeting in Manchester can be the spark for the second half of the British Basketball League season. More at mvp247.com

British basketball's numbers guru Dave Owen joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his drive to chronicle the stats of all our players at home and abroad to give them the recognition they deserve. We talk about his tech development and a push to provide insights that complement what we watch on screen - and how the numbers define our (unsung) heroes on the global basketball stage. More at daveowenbasketball.co.uk.

Kofi Josephs and Oliver Lawrie join the MVP Cast to discuss their new Mental Health Charter for Basketball.----more---- Kofi tells Mark Woods about how his own lived experience left him to set up his 'Why Not I?' organisation to raise awareness of the issues and how talking about it openly has led to other players and basketball staff talking to him about what they are facing. Oli tells us about how the Charter came into being and the crisis that it wants to help address. And we look at the resources and steps forward required to make the sport a safe space for those involved without fear of falling short. Read the charter here.

New British Basketball League CEO Aaron Radin joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about a strategy to transform the BBL into a "premier content and entertainment organisation" through raising the standards of teams, game night experience, and its broadcast product. He talks us through the learnings from his previous roles, why expansion is unlikely for 2023 and whether the likes of Cheshire and Plymouth will still fit into an upsized BBL in the future. Follow the podcast @mvp_247 or get past episodes at mvp247.com A Communicated production

Great Britain forward Jordan Williams joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He dishes all on his current posting with Hungarian side Hubner, the local cuisine and attractions, and the art of packing light and quick when a new overseas basketball assignment comes up. He tells Mark Woods of the influence of his mother in taking life choices that saw him head to Belgium at the age of 17 in the pursuit of knowledge and the adjustment from going from London Lions and the BBL to overseas. Plus he reveals his shock parallel sporting talent. More at MVP247.com   A Communicated production @itscommunicated

Newcastle Eagles guard Denzel Ubiaro joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his big screen stunt role as the double of Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the Disney movie 'Rise' - and the route that took him from random message to filming in Athens inside a few days. We talk about his globetrotting life as a kid to the collapse of his own American dream, bouncing back from injury to make it in the BBL, and why a players-only meeting can put the Eagles on the road to recovery. More at mvp247.com   A Communicated production. @itscommunicated

Sheffield Hatters and Great Britain guard Georgia Gayle joins the MVP Cast.----more---- She tells Mark Woods about the passing off the torch to a new generation of homespun heroines and we discuss GB's recent EuroBasket Women qualifiers. We explore her family tree at the Hatters from her late grandmother Betty to her parents and aunt, to her cousin now making his own waves - and the challenges confronting such WBBL clubs. She reveals the growing-up that was needed when she went to America and then career path that might take her back. More at mvp247.com - follow @mvp_247 or search 'The MVP Cast'.

Leicester Riders and Great Britain guard Patrick Whelan joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the brotherly battles that have driven him to succeed, the tragedy that shaped his approach to life and the secret basketball accomplishment within his own family. He details the learning curve that transported him from Warrington to Spain via the USA and the tough roads followed that took to become a part of GB's rebuild - and the type of head coach the national team needs next.  More at mvp247.com - Follow the podcast @mvp_247

Sheffield Sharks guard Rodney Glasgow Jr joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his upbringing as a child of two distinct American cities, the choices he made, and the influences that brought to bear. We discuss society on both sides of the Atlantic and its attitude to racism, the military discipline that helped him shine on the court, his push to be more self-aware, and his new responsibility as captain of the Sheffield Sharks in their quest for British Basketball League success.   More at mvp247.com 

Cheshire Phoenix centre Mike Ochereobia joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his late start in basketball that followed a teenage stint in the boxing ring that knocked him into shape. He reveals his creative side and the release it gives him away from the court, and the secret passion from his youth. More at mvp247.com. Sponsored by oddsindex.com

EuroLeague and BBL referee Ed Udyanskyy joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the 36-hour bus journey that took him from Kiev to London and diverted him on a path towards refereeing - and his progression to become our top export into the officiating ranks. And he shares the trials and tribulations of watching a war unfold in his native Ukraine and the personal heartache it has brought.  

Harlem Globetrotters legend Sweet Lou Dunbar joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the impact that the team has made globally on the sport and the importance it has had for African-American basketballers in particular. We chat on the DNA of the Globetrotter that mashes entertainment and hoops and he reels off his perfect five recruits from the pool of NBA legends. More info on their UK tour is available at https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/

Martin Ford joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the life of being a leading FIBA Commissioner and his summer ride to the EuroBasket final. We learn about his journey from being Nick Nurse's minibus driver and an England international to overseeing officiating in the British Basketball League and how the bar can now be raised for refereeing at home and abroad.

Mark Woods is joined by Dan Routledge to preview the new British Basketball League season.----more----We assess the upswing of the BBL with new investment taking shape - and new investors coming in - and cast an eye over each of ten teams. And ask the question: can anyone stop London Lions from a domestic clean sweep? 

Mark Woods and guests preview FIBA EuroBasket 2022 on the MVP Cast. We chat to Great Britain coach Nate Reinking, and co-captains Dan Clark and Myles Hesson, about their hopes for the group stages in Milan and examine GB's opponents. And we look at the other sides hoping to make an impact in the tournament. More at MVP247.com

Mark Woods is joined by four of the home stars prepping for 3x3 basketball at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Scotland women's Claire Paxton, England men's Kayne Henry, England women's Chantelle Handy tell us about their journey to Brum while Scotland men's player-coach Gareth Murray reveals that this is his last stop. More at mvp247.com

Newly-retired Janice Monakana joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about the emotions in playing her final game in Sevenoaks Suns' defeat in the WBBL Playoff final and why the inadequate salaries in British basketball contributed to her decision to call time and plot a radical career change. We look back on her journey and how the death of her father when she was 14 shaped her in deciding her hoops pathway. And we relive some of the highs and lows with Great Britain and beyond - and find out what she'll miss most. More at mvp247.com.

We preview the 2022 BBL and WBBL Playoff Finals on the MVP Cast. Mark Woods is joined by Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro and London Lions boss Nikhil Lawry to look ahead to their duel at London's The 02 Arena - and Lions' Kennedy Leonard and Sevenoaks Suns' Cat Carr give us their insights on Sunday's WBBL finale. More at mvp247.com

Leicester Riders' newly-crowned BBL Player of the Year Geno Crandall joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods the secret behind his team's success this term and the decision process that will determine whether he stays or moves on. We explore the different dynamic between his time at North Dakota and NCAA powerhouse Gonzaga University and how it's shaped him as a player. And he reveals why his upbringing in Minneapolis has instilled a drive to fight for social justice and use his voice for good. More at mvp247.com  

Loughborough's Carl Ntifo joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about opting to tell his story as an openly gay basketballer and the differences he wants to see to make the sport a safer place for the LGBT community. We talk about his experiences on both sides of the Atlantic, his aspirations now he's ending his student days - and what, as a teccie, his dream app to build would be. More at mvp247.com

London Lions guard Shanice Beckford-Norton joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about the culture of the WBBL leaders as they chase a domestic clean sweep and her relentless drive for self-improvement. The Great Britain international reveals the importance of family influences amid her journey through basketball and talks about her role as a coach and the impact it has. More at mvp247.com

Surrey Scorchers guard Caylin Raftopoulos joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about his dual identity as a Zimbabwean-Brit and the complications he found in trying his luck in the USA as a teen. He reveals his plans to retire from playing to focus fully on building a basketball academy and dealing with Surrey's struggles in the BBL this season. And he talks us through how he dealt with depression that put on the floor - and the importance of talking out when he was struggling. More at mvp247.com      

Ex-BBL player turned Sky Sports analyst Anthony Rowe joins the MVP Cast. He tells us about his transition from title-winning player at Leicester Riders to broadcasting, and now a career as a wealth management consultant and preparing to make a successful switch when injuries began to mount. He details his love of hometown club Plymouth Raiders and why he'd love one last call at the Pavilions. Plus we preview this weekend's BBL Trophy final. More at MVP247.com.

Gloucester City Queens guard Claire Abbott joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about life, basketball and work in Yukon, the remotest part of Canada where her alternative mission was to address society's problems there as a social worker. Claire reveals why she had an itch to scratch to play pro hoops, being part of a WBBL start-up ... and how she wants to read minds. More at MVP247.com.

Great Britain forward Carl Wheatle joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about how he was forced to grow up early after the death of his father and moving to Italy but how choosing to make his life abroad gave him a head start. He reveals the secrets of success of the Italian system, his feelings about being tabbed as a future GB captain, and what it would take to lure him home to the BBL. More at mvp247.com

Conor Meany joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about his new book - Hoops Across The Ocean: The Rise and Fall of the Irish basketball team - which chronicles the era where Ireland was transformed by the arrival of Irish-Americans and NBA-calibre talent but conflicted by the impact it had on homegrown players. We assess the long-term implications that transpired, the pitch of hoops to today's generation - and whether Dublin and Belfast are ripe for BBL expansion franchise. More at mvp247.com.

Caledonia Pride guard Maud Ranger joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about opting out of the French basketball system and testing herself in a smaller college in the USA, being inspired by the successes of her compatriots, her entrepreneurial streak and wanting to make it big in the music industry -  and pushing for improvement in the WBBL. More at mvp247.com

Manchester Giants guard Josh Steel joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about just why he created a video to look at solutions to the problems in British basketball and how to use social media to promote his brand - and that of the sport. We talk about his choices in quitting college early in the USA to pursue a pro career in Europe, how he plans his next move and improving his game. And we look ahead to the BBL Cup final that pits Giants against Leicester Riders. More at mvp247.com

Durham Palatinates forward Abby Lowe joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about growing up in France and a journey that's led her from Britain to the USA and to parts in between. She describes the mental health issues that came from an unhappy collegiate spell, re-discovering her love for basketball in the WBBL, her 3x3 experiences and those with GB, and the reasons behind her switch from Newcastle Eagles. More at mvp247.com

Plymouth City Patriots guard Joe Hart joins the MVP Cast. He talks to Mark Woods about his famous namesake, his international basketball days, the twists and turns of building a career in Europe after passing up US colleges, and how he is planning to bed down in the BBL. More at mvp247.com

Bristol Flyers centre Shane Walker joins the MVP Cast. He tells about his first forays into coaching, how it fits into his drive to gives kids positive role models and a sense of well-being - and why he's bought land in Ghana as part of a long-term project there. We discuss the joy and pain of trying to make it big in the USA, playing with Kevin Durant and against other NBAers, the magical formulas that separate good BBL teams from the not, and what impact 777's investment into the British Basketball League might have. More at MVP247.com.

Oaklands Wolves player-coach Lauren Milligan joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about becoming the youngest playcaller in the Women's British Basketball League and nurturing wins with developing young talent at Oaklands Basketball Academy on and off the court. We explore her route through the sport, the mentors who have helped her, her ambitions for the future - and food. More at MVP247.com.

Surrey Scorchers forward Tayo Ogedengbe joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about honest conversations about racism with his three young sons and how the BBL's Players Voice initiative has a role to play in addressing issues. We chat about the concept of a players union and how the British Basketball League might develop, his own pathway in the UK and abroad, his side gig in modelling and how he was shaped by a spell in his teens when he was left homeless. More at MVP247.com

Great Britain guard Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about being a child of London, and of France, and the cross-capital switches that took him to Bristol, then college, and then the pros. We talk about social media in the world of basketball, dealing with injuries, and GB's forthcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Turkey. More at MVP247.com. Sponsored by TeamSportz.

Sheffield Sharks centre Bennett Koch joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about the ebbs and flows of his three years in the British Basketball League, the family brotherhood that propelled him and his siblings onto the court, trash talking, playing overseas and how he likes to unwind .... with a hike. More at MVP247.com.   Sponsored by TeamSportz (www.teamsportz.pro)

Tech guru Francisco Baptista joins the MVP Cast. The founder and CEO of Team Sports talks to us about how AI and data are transforming sports at grassroots and pro levels, how his new App aims to alter the way players and coaches are able to develop their basketball game, where the next step in tech will be, and how he was inspired by his upbringing in Angola before ending up in Hemel. More at mvp247.com

Sheffield Hatters forward Helen Naylor joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about pairing basketball with having her first child last year and the physical and logistical challenges presented by pregnancy and parenting. We explore the role of her basketball-playing family, the flatlining and resurrection of the Hatters and her succession of great teams in the WBBL and elsewhere. More at MVP247.com Sponsored by TeamSportz - find out more at www.teamsportz.pro

Leicester Riders guard Kimbal Mackenzie joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about hooping it as a kid in Canada, looking to make it in the NBA and dealing with the loss of that dream. He recounts his switch to Spain, his ambitions to make it big off the court - and getting paid in Bitcoin. More at MVP247.com Sponsored by TeamSportz - www.teamsportz.pro

Glasgow Rocks centre Boban Jacdonmi joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about playing catch-up following his late, late start in basketball, how he accelerated his development with a former Harlem Globetrotter in Stoke, his path to the USA through junior college to Division One of the NCAA, his international ambitions, and how he sees his career panning out with the Rocks, and beyond. More at MVP247.com

London Lions guard Josh Ward Hibbert joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about his transition to basketball from tennis, his alternative sporting career as a junior Grand Slam champion and the transition from one to the other. We talk about his development as a basketballer and the influences that shaped him, and his role on a Lions team starting its bid in the FIBA Europe Cup. More at MVP247.com

Manchester Giants head coach Lloyd Gardner joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about the rebuild in his second season in Manchester around the stellar signing of Dan Clark, the positive impact of the ill-fated London City Royals on his career, learnings from his TV commentary work and from the Barking Abbey Academy before switching to the British Basketball League - and his experience with Great Britain. More at mvp247.com