Our objective is to provide our immediate audience, (Waterbury, Connecticut) with a more inside look on the basketball life as a professional athlete in Europe. Founder, Anthony Ireland is currently in his 6th season in Lisbon, Portugal and He is in a uni
In our new episode host, Anthony Ireland speaks with Virginia Tech Alum, and current pro, Ahmed Hill. They discuss his upbringing in both Fort Valley & Augusta, Georgia, his collegiate playing days, and ultimately the steps he took to become a Pro. He also touches on getting a Two-Way contract from the Charlotte Hornets G-League team, and more importantly the positive impact his two daughters have had on his life.
In our 19th Episode, host Anthony Ireland catches up with his teammate and 6 year Pro, Michael Moore. They discuss his upbringing in North Carolina, his journey from Division II, to playing int Summer League with the Brooklyn Nets and playing in some of the top leagues in Europe. He also touches on his life off the court, his ability to stay focused amongst the high and lows of the season, books that has shaped him, and his various passions off the court. His journey is atypical and one that youths and future professionals can gain inspiration from.
In our 18th Episode, host Anthony Ireland speaks with San Diego State Alum, and 2014 NBA Draft Pick, Xavier Thames. They discuss Xavier's upbringing in Sacramento, his collegiate career, and the ins and outs of his professional career thus far. Xavier has enjoyed an 8-year career, spending time in various European leagues, and the G League. He also touches on the night he got drafted by the Brooklyn Nets and what keeps him motivated to doing what he loves. Xaviers offers a unique perspective. Tune in!
In our 16th Episode. Host, Anthony Ireland speaks with recent St. Johns Graduate and newly turned pro, Mustapha Heron. On this Episode the two of them go in depth on Mustapha's upbringing and what ultimately got him in the position he's in today. He touches on his High School 3 Peat State Title Run, his commitments to University of Pittsburgh, Auburn University, and St. Johns University. And, more importantly he shares his story on his season ending ankle surgery. Mustapha has quite a story and he is just getting started.
Ep. 15 Ryan Gomes Part 2 - Waterbury's Finest & 8 year NBA Veteran
In our 14th Episode, host Anthony Ireland speaks with NBA Professional Basketball Player, and Providence College Graduate, Ryan Gomes. They discuss Ryan's upbringing in Waterbury, Connecticut, being drafted by the Boston Celtics, and his many playing stops throughout his career. He provides us with an in-depth dialogue on not only what it takes to make it in the NBA but more importantly how to stay in the NBA. He also touches on his passion for his community and how he plans on making an impact.
In our 13th Episode, host Anthony Ireland sits down with Professional Basketball Player, Former New York Knick, and Wichita State graduate, Toure Murry. They discuss his upbringing in Houston Texas, the transition he made to Wichita State University, and his NBA playing days with the Knicks, Jazz, and Wizards. He also shares his personal stories throughout his professional career and each stop that he has made along the way both in the U.S and in Europe.
In our 12th Episode (Part II) Host, Anthony Ireland taps back in with UCSB Graduate and Professional Basketball Player Orlando Johnson in Part II of his story. They discuss where he is currently in his career playing in the VTB League with Avtodor Saratov, having the mental stamina throughout physical therapy to bounce back from injuries, and his off the court business endeavors with his business partners and close friends E.J Rowland and George Pinchman III. There are a lot of gems in this episode for Athletes that face adversity and or younger athletes that aspire to be pros . Tune in Family! Programs/Businesses Mentioned: Orlando Johnson Basketball Academy, Side Affects Barbershop, GRRR Clothing (www.GRRR.online)
In our 11th Episode(Part 1), host Anthony Ireland speaks with Professional Basketball Player and UCSB Graduate, Orlando Johnson. They discuss his family hardships growing up in Seaside, California, his Collegiate basketball days at UC Santa Barbara, hearing his name called at the 2012 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers, and his experiences playing basketball in Europe, Asia, & the G League. He also goes into detail of the process as an NBA professional that despite getting waived numerous times, still having the mental focus and stamina to plat at a high level and to be ready and focused when his number is called.
In our 10th Episode, host Anthony Ireland speaks with Professional Basketball Player and Harvard Graduate, Kyle Casey. They discuss his upbringing in New Orleans and Massachusetts, his college playing days at Harvard, and his journey thus far as a professional playing in Europe, Asia and the U.S. He also shares his personal experience into the Harvard Cheating Scandal of 2012 and how that shaped his future. Also mentions his most recent selection for the USA World Cup Qualifying Team.
In our 9th Episode, host, Anthony Ireland gets in touch with his Prep School Teammate, Mike Holton Jr. He shares his journey with us from growing up in Portland, Oregon, being the son of an NBA Professional Athlete, playing his Collegiate Basketball career at one of the highest Division ll school's in the country, Saint Michael's, and providing us insight on each country he has played in while being a Pro. They also discuss the mentality of chasing after your passions and your mental state playing in a foreign country as an American import.
In our 8th Episode Anthony catches up with his former LMU teammate and good friend Ayodayg Egbeyemi. He provides us insight on his journey from being born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria to then moving to Washington D.C to pursue his basketball career. Eventually earning himself a full scholarship to Loyola Marymount University. They also dive deep into how it's been to adapt to American culture, working for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Wealth Management field, and his foundation The AYOCHARITY Foundation.
In our 7th episode, Julio and Anthony tap back in and give their personal reflections on the completion of the 5th Annual AI 3 Skills Academy. Discussion the trials and tribulations leading up to the 5th year.bThe work that gets put in behind the scenes. Also, touching on future events. Tune in!
Host, Anthony Ireland and Guest Speaker, Perrin Buford discuss his professional career. Playing at Middle Tennessee State U, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Russia, and his quick stint with the Boston Celtics. Also going in depth on his personal outlook on mental health issues and how he's been able to cope, seek help, and overcome struggles. Anthony and Perrin also dive deep into the African American experience dealing with mental health from their view point. Tune In!
Program Director, Julio Vazquez, teams up with local Basketball junkies Brendan Phelps (Post University - Assistant Coach) and Daryl James (St. Paul Catholic High School - Assistant Coach) to discuss the generic perception of playing college basketball. They will also discuss the “resources” needed to excel at the collegiate level, the lack of appreciation for Division 3 Athletics and MUCH MORE!
Former Loyola Marymount University Guard, Taylor Walker, talks in depth on his journey from growing up in Inglewood, California. Going to Junior College and eventually earning him a walk on spot at LMU. Which led him to playing extensive minutes as a starter. He also discusses how basketball has helped shape his current career and speaks of his experiences in Real Estate. Tune in!
"The Grind" Podcast welcomes Trae Golden. On this episode we talk about Trae's journey from competing against high level talent in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. To moving on to the University of Tennessee and playing with the likes of Jordan McRae and Tobias Harris. Also, the ups and downs of his professional career in Europe. And, finally his off the court financial endeavors. Tune in.
Happy Holidays AI3 Leadership Academy Fam. On this episode we have hosts Anthony Ireland and Julio Vazquez discuss the Culture of Waterbury both the Community aspect and Basketball. They discuss the various Programs and Academy's in the local area. And, at the same time discuss what's missing inside our community. Also, reminiscing on past and future Waterbury standouts. (Ex. Mustapha Heron, BJ Monteiro, Josh Turner) Take a listen for yourself.
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