Shoot Hoops

Roger Kitchen Jr. is a dedicated mental skills coach and a talented powerlifter who holds world and state records in the deadlift. On this episode, Roger dissects several concepts: mindfulness, visualization, positive self talk, palms down, control the controllables, and more. With practice, all of this these concepts can help improve an athletes' performance and mental health. This episode can help you improve your mindset and in turn, improve your quality of life. Give it a listen!

Jerrod Nolan is a leader. On the court, Nolan was an integral piece in rebuilding a storied DIII basketball program. Teammates looked to him as he led by example, gave pre-game speeches, and locked up on the defensive end. Rodd shines even brighter beyond the court. He is the President of the Xi Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., which is the oldest and most prestigious historically Black fraternity in the United States. Rodd also leads on campus as President of the Minority Student Union at Hampden-Sydney College. Furthermore, Nolan was a member of the Academic All-ODAC team; a testament to his excellence on and off the court. Basketball taught Jerrod Nolan a lot, and he reflects on what he has learned from the game on this special and authentic episode of the Shoot Hoops Podcast. Hint: Life is bigger than basketball.

Payton joins this episode of the Shoot Hoops Podcast to discuss the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. In order, we discuss: the Nuggets sailing smoothly into the second round over the Wolves, the Russell Westbrook Renaissance against a star-studded Suns team, Curry's backpacking trip in Sacramento, the Lakers total team effort over a team of bear pokers, Jimmy Butler's heroics against Milwaukee, Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson's domination of Cleveland, the Sixers sweep of the Nets, and Trae Young challenging the Celtics. At the end, we react to the 1st Round with a segment called "Overreaction or Proper Reaction." This episode is different from anything I have done so far this year as it focuses on the NBA alone and not on my guest, but it is a fun and informative episode that you just don't want to miss.

Ryan Clements will go down as a legend of the Hampden-Sydney basketball program. He is a 1,000 point scorer, a 2x All-Conference performer, and he was the first athlete in Hampden-Sydney history to sign an NIL deal... and he has another year of eligibility left. The Georgia native details his basketball journey and his favorite basketball moments, one of which includes a buzzer-beating shot against all odds in February of 2021. We briefly discuss the Sabonis-Draymond situation and then we have some fun with a 2022-2023 ODAC Draft. Tune in to get to know one of the best players in the ODAC and one of the most significant players in Tiger Basketball history.

Shane Fernald is a hooper, so I had to have him on the Shoot Hoops Podcast. He eats, sleeps, and breathes the game. In this episode, we talk about his basketball journey, which includes times playing with star players like Mikey Williams, Caleb Foster, Jaden Bradley, and more. We spend most of our time talking about the NCAA; we attempt to change the negative stigma around D3 hoops, discuss the pros and cons of the transfer portal, and debate the trash-talk saga between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. We give our takes on 2023 NBA MVP and 1st Round matchups of the NBA Playoffs.

Harrison Taylor is a 4-year team member of the Hampden-Sydney basketball program (2019-2023), a 4x All-Academic ODAC selection, a mega-involved student-athlete on campus, an avid weightlifter, and my best friend + roommate. In the first episode of 2023 and the first episode of Season 3, Harrison Taylor sits down with me for about an hour to discuss his career at Hampden-Sydney College, our shared love for fitness, and the value of "roles that are not glamorous."

Aaron Barton, host of the Center Stage Show and member of the Student Broadcasting Station at the University of South Carolina, joins host Adam Brazil on this episode of the pod. First, we talk about the issue of flopping and foul baiting and consequently, officiating, in the NBA Playoffs. Next, we discuss the potential end of the 2-way superstar in the NBA. Finally, we give 3 predictions each for future NBA MVP's. This is a short, fun episode with two guys who love basketball and are familiar with podcasting.

In this episode of the Shoot Hoops Podcast, Chase and I examine the impact of the New York Renaissance Big Five, which was the first all-black professional basketball team, and of Rucker Park, which is arguably the most famous basketball court in the world. Bob Douglass and Holcomb Rucker, two influential Black leaders in the Harlem area, prove to have a lasting impact on Harlem, basketball, and African American culture. The Rens could be the greatest team ever, as they won over 2500 games and dominated their era like no other. Meanwhile, the Rucker was a place of social congregation for African Americans for decades. NBA stars like Dr. J, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Nate Tiny Archibald, Wilt Chamberlain, Stephon Marbury and other collide with streetball legends like Earl Manigault, Pee Wee Kirkland, Connie Hawkins, Joe Hammond, and many more. There is a lot of crossover between these NBA players and streetballers: Connie, Marbury, Iverson, Julius Erving, Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston, and many more. In front of a primarily Black audience, some of the best hoopers in the world put on show after show, expressing creativity in their dribbling, dunking, and passing.

A college player, coach, and manager discuss the first week of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. First, our thoughts on JJ Redick's take about Bob Cousy playing against plumbers. Next, we give our individual standouts after Week 1: Brandon Ingram, Jimmy Butler, Jalen Brunson, and HM Jordan Poole. We then produce a Playoff Power Rankings list from all 16 playoff teams based on their first 2-3 games played. For the last 26 minutes, we have a draft of the most memorable and enjoyable games we have ever watched. This episode is jam packed with excellent basketball analysis and intriguing stories.

In the 10th episode of the Shoot Hoops Podcast, I am joined by college basketball coach Bryson Gibson for the 3rd time and Hampden-Sydney Basketball Manager Payton Zeitler. Both are basketball enthusiasts with a thirst for watching, talking, and being around the game. First, we break down our picks for the three All-NBA teams. Next, we choose who we believe is the most deserving of the major NBA Awards: MVP, DPOY, Most Improved, etc. After that, we welcome Payton and take our picks for the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Finally, we do a fun draft with the topic of: Most Impactful Role Players this Postseason. This is a fun, informative, easy listen with two of my favorite basketball minds.

Connor Odom, a longtime friend of mine and current Utah State Guard, joins the Shoot Hoops Podcast to discuss his basketball roots, his time at Oak Hill Academy, his battle with OCD, the transfer portal, and much more. Basketball is in Connor's blood; his dad, Ryan Odom, played college ball at Hampden-Sydney College before coaching at Charlotte, Lenoir-Rhyne, UMBC, and Utah State. Connor's grandfather, Dave Odom, played college ball at Guilford College before coaching at East Carolina, Wake Forest, and South Carolina. You'll hear stories about Cam Thomas, UMBC upsetting UVA, Wake Forest and Tim Duncan, and legendary coach Dave Odom scolding me and Connor for dunking on an 8 foot hoop many years ago.

Will Coble is a 3 point specialist on the best D3 basketball team in the country. Last week, he and Randolph-Macon became National Champions in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has won 76 of his last 78 games, dating back to his time as my teammate at Davidson Day School (NC). Although we play for rival schools (Hampden-Sydney and Randolph-Macon), I am thrilled for my best friend, teammate of 10 years, and arch rival NCAA Champion Will Coble. Listen in to this conversational podcast (S2:E2) to hear about our experiences as teammates, college players, rival opponents, and students of the game. More importantly, get inside of the mind of one of the top 3 point shooters in all of the NCAA (47.2%, 60 made 3FGs)!

Trey Livingston, an assistant basketball coach at Hampden-Sydney College, joins the Shoot Hoops Podcast to discuss several things: his basketball journey, what it's like coaching D3, what he and other college recruiters look for in high school recruits, and finally, the late great Kobe Bryant. Kobe was an inspiration to us both and we debate precisely why he is a Top 6 player ever. The first episode of the second season of the Shoot Hoops Podcast is a must listen for everybody who loves hoops and Kobe, but also for current high school players who want to play in college!

Assistant Coach at Hampden-Sydney College, Bryson Gibson, joins the podcast yet again to catch up, give NBA predictions, and take part in a fun draft — “Coaches from TV Shows and Movies.”

This 25 minute episode is jam packed with information and interesting facts about LeBron James' illustrious career and his impact on the city of Cleveland. I read a 7-page research paper that I wrote during my freshman year of college, titled “The Value of The King.” As I read through it, I stop and give context and perspective to the listener. You will learn a lot about LeBron James in this episode, including what makes him “the most valuable athlete in the history of American sports.”

Aaron Barton is a high school friend of mine and an avid fan of the game of basketball. To switch up perspectives and content, Aaron joined me on an episode unlike any other. We give our ROY, MVP, and DPOY picks, predict NBA Playoff Series Winners, discuss the reality of the MVP award, and touch on LeBron James' first ever First Round Exit courtesy of the Phoenix Suns. This episode was recorded on Saturday, June 5th and released on Thursday, June 10th. Thanks for listening!

Caleb Kimbrough played basketball at the nationally ranked Guilford College in the early-mid 2000s and is now the head coach at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He talks about his basketball journey, from Guilford College to the Washington Generals, and what it took to rebuild a successful program as the head coach at Hampden-Sydney. Later, we share our favorite NBA players, our All Time GOAT lists, and our 2021 Playoff Predictions. Most importantly, Coach Kimbrough touches on what college coaches, like himself, look for in players and recruits. If you're a fan of the game, a dedicated player, or anything in between, you'll want to tune in to the latest episode of Shoot Hoops.

Jackson Threadgill (6'6 SG) is a former teammate of mine who currently plays Division 1 basketball at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). We discuss his basketball journey, tell stories about the AAU teams we played on, and talk about our incredible Davidson Day experience; storytelling and nostalgia are prevalent in this episode. In addition to high school ball, Jackson gives me and the listeners a sneak peak into the life of a Division 1 basketball player; including what his average day looks like, the difference between high school ball and college ball, and his go to shooting workout. Get to know Jackson Threadgill on this episode of Shoot Hoops!

Starting with Bryson Gibson's introduction and basketball journey; from high school to William Peace University to Head of Basketball Operations at Elon to assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney. Next, we touch on our favorite March Madness memories and Cinderella stories and dive into some interesting NBA opinions. LaMelo, Draymond, Kobe, Tim Duncan, Steph, KD, and many more. Towards the end, we even debate who is more influential; Justin Bieber or Drake?