Shows
Learning BasketballAnt Man knocks out LeBron Luka Lakers, Jamal Murray explodes 43 PTS vs Clips, NBA Playoffs with Jackson Frank – Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Russell WestbrookEp. 57 Learning Basketball with Jackson Frank!@jackfrank_jjfToday we learn about Anthony Edwards' development, James Harden's career evolution, Julius Randle's impact, the Lakers future plans around Luka, as Jackson and I dive into the NBA Playoffs with the Timberwolves knocking out the Lakers and the Nuggets - Clippers series heading to Game 6.Timeline:0:00 Intro01:44 Clippers - Nuggets07:00 Jamal Murray's 43 PTS Explosion12:00 Clippers' Defensive Struggles18:00 Westbrook's Impact on the Series24:00 Adjustments and Strategies for Game 62025-05-011h 51Learning BasketballHow Orlando Magic Won GM 3 vs. Boston Celtics with Josh Cohen - on Franz, Paolo, Tatum, Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr., Jamahl Mosley, Matchups & Adjustments, Sports Media Advice, NBA HistoryEp. 56 Learning Basketball with Josh Cohen @Josh_Cohen_NBAJosh Cohen is a Writer and Digital Content Manager for the Orlando Magic who covers the Magic and the rest of the NBA.Today we learn about how the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics in GM 3 of their first round series, look at the film and matchups, celebrate Franz Wagner’s and Paolo Banchero’s rising stardom, and break down the players and coach who have built this resilient competitive culture in OrlandoTimeline:00:00 Introduction & Background01:13 Journey into Sports Journalism & Sports Medi...2025-04-281h 57Learning BasketballKawhi Explodes in Clippers-Nuggets + Magic-Celtics GM 2 Live Reaction with Robert Flom – How the Los Angeles Clippers Built a Stable Contender around Defense, Harden-Zubac P&R, Ty Lue & Jeff Van GundyEp. 55 Learning Basketball with Robert Flom! @RichHomieFlomRobert Flom is the managing editor for 213 Hoops, covering the NBA, the Clippers, and formerly of Clips Nation, Blazers Edge, and The BBall Index.Today we learn about the Los Angeles Clippers stabilizing the team into a steady contender, Kawhi Leonard resembling his peak form when available, James Harden providing a steady hand running the offense, Ivica Zubac making a leap as this team's most reliable two-way anchor and playmaking hub in the paint, Kris Dunn's lockdown perimeter defense, the effect of Ty Lue running the show and...2025-04-241h 19Learning BasketballThe Butler and The Chef Warriors with Joe Viray – Draymond the Best Defender Alive? Warriors vs Rockets GM 1 Film Breakdown on Matchups, Counters, X-Factors + Steph-Jimmy P&R Blind Corner DHOEp. 54 Learning Basketball with Joe Viray @JoeVirayNBAJoe is an NBA writer who covers the Golden State Warriors for Golden State of Mind and @TheDubNationHQ and the General NBA for @SBNationNBAToday we learn about the Warriors dominant play since the Jimmy Butler Trade, Steph Curry's wow-factor never dying, Draymond Green being the best defender alive, the inverted Jimmy-Steph P&R, and a film breakdown on Rockets-Warriors GM 1 with predictions, counters, and x-factors for the series.Timeline0:00 Introduction & Background4:00 Film Scouting Process10:00 Basketball Media Advice18:00 The Jimmy Butler...2025-04-221h 27Learning BasketballVoice of The Magic David Steele on Dwight Howard Hall of Fame, Stan Van Gundy Stories, Magic Mt Rushmore, Top-5 Calls, Sports Broadcasting Journey, Celebrating Paul Porter, Pat Williams, John GabrielEp. 53 Learning Basketball with David Steele!David Steele is the play-by-play voice of the Orlando Magic's broadcasting team, now in his 36th year with the team between radio and tv.Today we learn about Dwight Howard's Hall of Fame Career, stories about those Stan Van Gundy teams, David Steele's Top-5 calls and journey into sports broadcasting, and celebrate the legacies of Paul Porter, Pat Williams, John GabrielTimeline:00:00 The Voice of the Magic: David Steele's Journey10:08 The Legacy of Pat Williams, John Gabriel, and Paul Porter 17:30 David Steele’s To...2025-04-1637 minLearning BasketballThe Danny Wolf Conversation, Detroit Playoff Pistons, Dusty May's Michigan, NBA Awards with @ThomNotTom on Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, Scouting Ace Bailey and Yaxel LendeborgEp. 52 Learning Basketball with Thom! @ThomNotTomToday we learn about Detroit Basketball with Thom (0:00)His scouting process through the lens of a Pistons fan (5:00), Scouting Thoughts on Ace Bailey and the talented bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft (10:00) , we have The Danny Wolf Conversation (18:00) the University of Michigan program under Head Coach Dusty May (36:30), The Danny Wolf Passing Mixtape Evidence (40:44), naming Yaxel Lendeborg to First Team All-Name (49:46)then the NBA Playoffs (54:20) highlighting the Detroit Pistons' differences this season and chance's this postseason against their highly competitive Central Division Competition between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana...2025-04-141h 44Learning BasketballCarmelo Hall of Fame, Denver Nuggets Fire Everybody in Jokic’s Best Year Yet with CT Fazio, 2023 Champion Nuggets, The Coolest Melo Draft, Jamal Murray, St John’s Rick Pitino Rebrand, Scouting RJ LuisEp. 51 Learning Basketball with CT Fazio @CTFazio24CT Fazio is a Head Basketball Coach at SLG and in AAU and a contributor for Crown Hoops who covers the NBA, the NBA Draft, College Hoops, and Denver Nuggets.Today we learn about Carmelo Anthony's legendary basketball career, why the Denver Nuggets would part ways with Head Coach Michael Malone just two years after winning a championship along with GM Calvin Booth just a week before the playoffs, St John's revamped program with Rick Pitino plus NBA Draft Scouting thoughts on RJ Luis, and then we draft...2025-04-091h 15
The Drop StepOrlando found their Magic? Featuring Ryan Kaminski!We're a week out from the post season and Ryan Kaminski of Swish Theory joins the show to talk about a recently reemerging Orlando Magic team. In the wake of the Taylor Jenkins firing in Memphis we talk about how the two teams share similar traits and how the Magic can avoid finding themselves at a corssorads next season. Do big trades need to be made? Is internal development the key? Or are Orlando good enough already to make real noise in the Playoffs this year?Ryan was a great guest; Make...2025-04-0748 minLearning BasketballFormer Knicks GM Scott Perry on NBA Front Office Decision Making: Building 2000s Pistons, Drafting Durant and Oladipo; Scouting Process Valuing Character, Team Identity, and Different PerspectivesEp. 50 Learning Basketball with Scott Perry @ScottPerryGMScott Perry is the host of the Hoop Genius Podcast with decades of front office experience spanning from GM of the New York Knicks to Assistant GM and VP of Basketball Operations with the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Seattle Supersonics.Today we learn about Scott’s journey into basketball scouting from college player and coach to NBA front offices, lessons he’s learned to form his evaluation process, and dive into the inner workings of how front offices make decisions, build an identity, and ideally crea...2025-04-0749 minLearning Basketball2025 Wings Only NBA Draft, Closeout Creation, Draft Philosophy with Roshan Potluri of Mexico City Los Capitanes Scouting & Analytics - Potential of Noa Essengue, Collin Murray-Boyles, Carter BryantEp. 49 Learning Basketball with Roshan Potluri @PickAndRoRoshan works in Scouting and Analytics with Los Capitanes, the G League team in Mexico City, is the Founder of Pistons Fleet, and covers the NBA Draft for Swish Theory
Today we learn about Closeout Creation, Draft Philosophy, and Draft the Best Wings in the 2025 NBA DraftTimestamps:00:00 Introduction & Background06:24 Experience Working with Mexico City Los Capitanes: Insights from the G League10:26 Closeout Creation: The Fulcrum of NBA Offenses25:15 Draft Philosophy: Evaluating NBA Draft Prospects41:14 The 2025 Wi...2025-04-021h 40Learning BasketballGiannis Chasing MVP Ghosts & Jamal Murray’s BACK with Dan Devine: Sports Media Advice, Styles Make Fights, Candy vs Vegetables, + 6 teams with a puncher’s chance of making the NBA FinalsEp. 48 Learning Basketball with Dan Devine @yourmanDevineDan Devine covers the NBA for Yahoo and formerly at The Ringer. Dan cohosts The Big Number pod with Tom HaberstrohToday we learn about Dan's journey into basketball media, advice to those chasing a similar path, voter fatigue affecting Giannis in MVP races, Jamal Murray finally looking like Jamal Murray of old, Six NBA Teams with a nonzero chance of making the Finals, appreciating styles making fights in basketball and the obvious comp of candy vs vegetables when watching basketball.Timestamps:2025-03-311h 25Learning BasketballJosh Robbins on Orlando Magic Stories Covering Stan Van & Dwight at Orlando Sentinel, Washington Wizards Franchise Outlook, Sports Media Advice, Jeff Weltman's Patience, AB Trade Value, Suggs InjuryEp. 47 Learning Basketball with Josh Robbins! @JoshuaBRobbinsJosh Robbins covers the Washington Wizards for The Athletic and is co-host of The Athletic's Bullet Points podcast. He covered the Orlando Magic for the Orlando Sentinel across decades.Today we learn about what it was like covering the Dwight Howard-Stan Van Gundy Orlando Magic teams up close, The Changing Landscape of Sports Media Advice & Traditional Journalism, Good Reporting Process Leads to Writing Better Stories, the 2025 Orlando Magic direction after Jalen Suggs injury, Jeff Weltman’s Patient Decision-Making Process and reports of other teams coveting Anthony Black, and a...2025-03-261h 21Learning BasketballThe State of Kentucky Basketball, Calipari to Mark Pope, Otega Oweh's Revenge Game @ Oklahoma, Adding 3 4-Star 2025 Recruits, March Madness Expectations in Loaded SEC with Tristan PharisEp. 46 Learning Basketball with Tristan Pharis @TristanUdaTristan Pharis does Sports Media and Photo Journalism as an editor for A Sea of Blue and the Founder of Kentucky InsiderToday we learn about the Kentucky Basketball program under first-year head coach Mark Pope, Otega Oweh and other prospects NBA Draft chances, season expectations in a tough SECTimeline
00:00 Introduction & Background on Sports Photo Journalism, Sports Media Advice7:30 Mark Pope building the new culture replacing a legend like John Calipari – who keeps the “always draft...2025-03-2444 minLearning BasketballMarch Madness NBA Draft Stock Risers with Ahmed Jama - How Deep Runs can raise 2025 NBA Draft Stock for guys like Derik Queen, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, Bennett Stirtz, Nique Clifford, JoJo TuglerEp. 45 with Ahmed Jama @SlipTheScreenAhmed covers the NBA Draft and Grassroots Basketball Scouting with Swish Theory and Next Up BBallToday we learn about the impact of March Madness on how we talk about the NBA Draft and we talk about prospects who stand to see the biggest rise to their draft stock from a deep postseason run.Timeline00:00 Introduction & Background01:15 March Madness Legends03:13 Impact of March Madness on NBA Draft Stock09:54 Can any projected top picks secure...2025-03-191h 07Learning BasketballTyrese Haliburton's Back, Caitlin Clark Effect, Pascal Siakam's consistency, Myles Turner 3&D Stat of the Day, Indiana Pacers Franchise Outlook with Tony EastEp. 44 Learning Basketball with Tony East. @TonyReastTony East is the Host of @lockedonpacers and covers Indiana’s pro basketball teams - the Pacers and the Fever - for The Next Hoops, Forbes, WTHRToday we learn about Indiana basketball, Caitlin Clark's impact on everything, Pacers team rising back to the playoffs with a fast-paced style of play, Tyler Haliburton's resurgence to stardom, Pascal Siakam's All-NBA case off reliable play, the Myles Turner elite 3&D stat of the day, Andrew Nembhard's steady hand as the other high impact guard in...2025-03-1741 minLearning BasketballCollege Hoops NIL Wild Wild West + Front Office GMs in the NCAA? Matt Babcock on Scouting Process + 2025 NBA Draft: VJ Edgecombe, Egor Demin, Joan Berenger, Noa Essengue, Jeremiah Fears, Boogie FlandEp. 43 Learning Basketball with Matt Babcock @MattBabcock11Matt Babcock is an NBA Draft Analyst and founder of Babcock HoopsCollege Hoops NIL Wild Wild West – Will Colleges Hire GMs? Matt Babcock on Scouting Process + 2025 NBA Draft: VJ Edgecombe, Egor Demin, Joan Berenger, Noa Essengue, Jeremiah Fears, Boogie FlandTimeline00:00 Introduction & Background09:01 The NIL Landscape of College Basketball20:20 Scouting Process using Eye Test, Film, Data tools28:50 Advice for Aspiring Basketball Podcasters36:00 2025 NBA Draft Scouting38:00 Scouting VJ Edgecombe in person44:00 Scouting Eg...2025-03-121h 09Learning BasketballCade Cunningham's Playoff-Bound Detroit Pistons, Ausar Thompson The Defensive Anchor Wing, Jalen Duren's Playmaking Development, Jaden Ivey's Leap, Team Fit Adding 3pt Shooting Vets with Ku KhahilEp. 42 Learning Basketball with Ku Khahil @KukhahilKuKhalil is a Pistons Media Member and Host of Locked on Pistons Podcast.Today we learn about this Detroit Pistons team: what's the difference with this year’s playoff team compared to the lottery teams of seasons prior? On Cade’s rising stardom, Ivey’s jump when healthy, Ausar Thompson flying around as a defensive anchor and Jalen Duren’s development into a playmaker and rim-rollerTimeline:0:00 Introduction0:48 Pistons Win Streak & Hot Last Month due to Cade, Duren & Ausar5:12 Pistons Success...2025-03-1050 minLearning BasketballTrae Young The Overlooked Superstar, Atlanta Hawks Franchise Outlook, Griner to Dream, Dyson Daniels The Steal, Onyeka Okongwu Development, Sports Media Advice with Jameelah JohnsonEp. 41 Learning Basketball with Jameelah Johnson @JameelahJNBAJameelah covers the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream at atlhawksfans.comToday we learn about Pro Basketball in Atlanta, a WNBA icon like Brittney Griner choosing to play in Atlanta, Trae Young’s confusing status around the league as an NBA superstar scoring engine, the home run Dyson Daniels trade, Hawks players personalities off the court like Onyeka Okongwu and the franchise outlook on the court building for the future.Timestamps:00:00 Journey into Basketball Journalism & Advice for Aspiring Sports Journalists...2025-03-0550 minLearning Basketball2025 DPOY Race + 2021 NBA Redraft with Es Baraheni – Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Amen Thompson, Dyson Daniels, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Zubac, Cade, Franz, Scottie, SengunEp. 40 Learning Basketball with Esfandiar Baraheni @JustEsBaraheniEs is a Toronto native covering the Toronto Raptors at Raptors Republic with NBA coverage at Bleacher Report, ProHoopsWriters, Sportscasting and Raptors905. Es does Sideline reporting at the CEBL, and is Cohost of NBA Daily with The AthleticToday we learn about the challenges of voting for NBA DPOY with the new 65-game minimum rule, who deserves consideration for the award now that Wembanyama has been ruled out for the season and is no longer available, and we redraft the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery, one of the deepest, most...2025-03-031h 34Learning BasketballSacramento Kings Franchise Outlook After Trading De'Aaron Fox for Zach Lavine + The Most Impactful Freshmen Class in College Hoops History? with Cameron SalernoEp. 39 with Cameron Salerno @cameronsalerno1Cameron Salerno covers College Basketball and Football with CBS Sports, formerly of 247 Sports, Sacramento Bee, and the Associated Press covering the Sacramento Kings.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction 02:34 This High Impact Class of College Freshman34:11 Sacramento Kings trade Fox for Lavine - Where do they go from here?2025-02-261h 36Learning BasketballScouting 2025 NBA Draft Sleepers, Rising Grassroots Prospects, Recruitment & Player Evaluation, Breaking into Sports Media, and The State of Texas High School Hoops with Tobias Bass of The AthleticEp. 38 with Tobias Bass@Tobias_Bass on TwitterScouting 2025 NBA Draft Sleepers, Standout Grassroots Prospects, Recruitment & Player Evaluation, Breaking into Sports Media, and The State of Texas High School Hoops with Tobias Bass of The AthleticTobias Bass is a basketball scout, analyst, and live news editor with The Athletic, covering the basketball pipeline and recruitment from grassroots to the NBA Draft.Timeline
0:00 Introduction & Background
03:00 Scouting Process and Player Evaluation, The Importance of Fit in Player Development, Identifying Potential NBA Draft Picks12:00 2025 NBA Draft Sleepers like Miles Byrd, Yaxel Landenborg, JoJo Tugler, Rasheer Fleming, Collin Murray Boyles, Asa Newe...2025-02-241h 05Learning BasketballDe'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs 2024-25 Outlook, Hidden Value to Fox Trade, Swish Theory Beginners Guide to Amateur Basketball and 2025 NBA Draft Fits with Tyler WilsonEp. 37 with Tyler Wilson(@ProspectingNBA)Tyler Wilson covers the San Antonio Spurs and NBA Draft at his Prospecting Leads newsletter on Substack and as a writer and host of the Finishing Touch podcast with Swish TheoryToday we learn about the hidden value in the De'Aaron Fox Trade to San Antonio to play with Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul as the Spurs hold on to all the young prospects, take a quick guide into the grassroots scene of amateur high school basketball to outline some major events...2025-02-1955 minLearning BasketballPurdue's Sasha Stefanovic on March Madness stories, playing with Zach Edey, Jaden Ivey, Carsen Edwards, film/scouting process shifting roles alongside Coach Matt Painter, Braden Smith's pro potentialEp. 36 with Sasha Stefanovic @StefanovicSashaToday we learn basketball with Sasha Stefanovic. Sasha played college basketball at Purdue, has pro experience overseas and is now back at Purdue on the sideline as the Director of Player Personnel.Purdue's Sasha Stefanovic on March Madness stories, playing with Zach Edey, Jaden Ivey, Carsen Edwards, film/scouting process shifting roles alongside Coach Matt Painter, Braden Smith's pro potentialTimeline:0:00 Introduction & Background1:05 Growing up in the state of Indiana Basketball2:26 Early Days at Purdue & Playing with Carsen Edwards4:47 The Roller Coaster of College Hoops and...2025-02-1737 minLearning BasketballJimmy Butler, Steph and Draymond's Championship Window, Cavaliers' Win-Now Move for De'Andre Hunter, Heat load up Depth with Wiggins for NBA Playoff Run – with Charlie CummingsEp. 35 with Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11)Charlie Cummings covers the Golden State Warriors, the Denver Nuggets, and NBA player development for@SwishTheory and@WarriorsInvite and is a pro/college consultant for@NextUp_BBall.Today we learn about how long Jimmy Butler can extend the championship window for Steph & Draymond, and break down the Cavaliers win-now move for De'Andre Hunter + the Heat loading up with Wiggins and Depth for another NBA Playoff run– with Charlie CummingsTimestamps:0:00 Introduction & Background0:52 NBA Trade Deadline Drama 2:18 Jim...2025-02-121h 38Learning BasketballEnvisioning Luka and LeBron Lakers Offense under Head Coach JJ Redick – Tim "Cranjis McBasketball" on Logging Film Breakdowns, Starting BBall Index Analytics, and Advice on Podcast HostingEp. 34 Learning Basketball with Tim "Cranjis McBasketball" (@Tim_NBA)Tim is the Founder of BBall Index, a co-host of Lakers Exceptionalism podcast, and an NBA Team & Agent ConsultantToday, we learning about different ways JJ Redick can maximize this new look Lakers offense with Luka and LeBron, from theory to breaking down the X's and O's, and outlines expectations for the rest of this season. Tim shares advice on hosting a podcast, his journey to starting basketball analytics website, working with teams and agents behind the scenes, creating public work for media and fans to...2025-02-1052 minLearning BasketballIs Johni Broome National Player of the Year over Cooper Flagg? #1 Auburn vs. #6 Tennessee + NBA Draft Scouting Auburn's Johni Broome, Tahaad Pettiford, Chad Baker-Mazara, Miles Kelly with Nathan KingEp. 33 with Nathan King
Nathan King is an Auburn beat reporter with 247 Sports and Hosts the Auburn Undercover Podcast.
Today we learn about Auburn’s NBA Draft prospects Johni Broome, Tahaad Pettiford, Chad Baker-Mazara, Miles Kelly, hear about what it was like in the arena for College Gameday’s marquee matchup of the weekend between #1 Auburn vs. #6 Tennessee, and outline what Johni Broome might have to accomplish to overtake Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NCAAB National Player of the Year race. We also address what’s going on with the Orlando Magic’s recent...2025-02-0557 minLearning BasketballNBA Contenders: Who Challenges Boston for the Throne? Appreciating Women's Hoopers Dominating College Hoops like Taniya Latson, Juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers – with Nick AndreEp. 32 with Nick Andre
Nick Andre hosts Podcasts from "For The Love of The Game" to "Best W Show" to "Bleave in FSU" and works with ChopChat.com and Fansided covering NBA, WNBA, Men's and Women's NCAA basketball, with a focus on FSU Hoops
Today we learn about Taniya Latson leading the country in scoring, dominating the game at the levels of Paige Bueckers and Juju Watkins, and we dive into which NBA teams can challenge Boston as real contenders for an NBA championship
2025-02-0349 minLearning BasketballLakers Land LUKA?! Anthony Davis to Mavs in The Most Shocking Trade in NBA History - Rationalizing The Trade and Scouting 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Ace Bailey & Boogie Fland with Corban FordEp. 31 with Corban Ford
Corban Ford covers the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA, and the NBA Draft with Swish Theory, The Pro16 League, The Lead, and Basketball Intelligence. Corban is the Podcast Host of Roundball Ramble and Roster Reconstruction.
Today we learn about the most shocking trade in NBA history: Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, reacting and rationalizing how a trade like this could happen and the ripple effects for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. Then we dive into scouting thoughts on Ace Bailey and Boogie...2025-02-021h 17Learning BasketballMirin Fader on "Giannis", her New York Times Best-Selling Book, Motivations behind Antetokoumnpo's Legendary Work Ethic & Development, Impact of Kobe, Carmelo, Durant, Hakeem + Sportswriting ProcessEp. 30 Learning Basketball with Mirin Fader
Mirin Fader is a New York Times Best-Selling author of "Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion" and just published her new book "Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon”
Mirin is a sports writer with The Ringer, formerly of Bleacher Report and the Orange County Register.
Today, we learn about Mirin's writing process with the challenges in a good lead that hooks the reader before diving into her NYT Best-Selling book "Giannis", focusing on the motivations that led Giannis to development, legendary work ethic, and greatness...2025-01-2923 minLearning BasketballDante Marchitelli on Orlando Magic Past & Present & Sports Media Versatility – Leaps by Franz-Paolo-Suggs-Goga, Hedo Turkoglu, Jamahl Mosley, Jeff Weltman, David Steele & Jeff Turner, Pat WilliamsEp. 29 with Dante Marchitelli
Dante Marchitelli is an Orlando Magic Host and Sideline Reporter for Bally sports
and is a Host of Magic Insiders on 969 The Game and The Pod Squad with the Orlando Magic
Today we dive down Orlando Magic history: Dante's journey into Basketball Media, lessons learned working with David Steele and Jeff Turner calling Magic games, Magic player personalities off the court like Hedo Turkoglu, honor Pat Williams' legacy, the process of current front office led by Jeff Weltman, the authentic energy of head coach Jamahl Mo...2025-01-271h 07Learning BasketballModern Wave of Skilled NBA Bigs - Is Zach Edey the best prospect from the 2024 NBA Draft? Cooper Flagg Swish Theory Scouting Report, Asa Newell vs. Derik Queen, Drafting 2025 Bigs with Matt PowersEp. 28 with Matt Powers
Matt covers the NBA/WNBA draft, is an Editor/Co-Founder of Swish Theory, and formerly was a contributor at The Stepien
Today we learn about The Modern Wave of Skilled Bigs entering the NBA, Scouting Zach Edey and Matt’s #1 prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft, Scouting Cooper Flagg as our #1 prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, debate Asa Newell vs Derik Queen as a top lottery pick, discuss Thomas Sorber impressions after Matt saw him live, and finish with a 2025 Big Man Only NBA Draft where we pick our favorite big prospects this c...2025-01-221h 54Learning BasketballSkill Ball in a Tall Sport, Point Guard Reps for Combo Guards, Scoot Henderson's Development, Duke & Rutgers NBA Draft, WNBA Champ NY Liberty Film & What are the Brooklyn Nets doing? with Lucas KaplanEp. 27 with Lucas Kaplan
Lucas is an NBA Writer with Nets Daily and Swish Theory, formerly at SIS_Hoops
He covers the Brooklyn Nets, the NY Liberty, and the NBA Draft
He Cohosts The Backcourt Podcast with Sarah Kustok
Today we learn about the difference-making strengths of the WNBA Champion NY Liberty, Scoot Henderson's coming out party 39pt Career-High game and development, ask and answer the question "What are the Brooklyn Nets doing?", and ponder the Best Landing Spots for the Duke and Rutgers NBA Draft prospects projected to be...2025-01-201h 24Learning BasketballNBPA Top-100 Scoring Creator Draft with Zach Welch - Targeting Offensive Engines: Brayden Burries, Meleek Thomas, Kingston Flemings, Acaden Lewis, Jaylen Petty, Rippey + Scouting Kasparas Jakučionis
Ep. 26 with Zach Welch
Zach Welch is a Basketball Scout & Analyst with Pro Insight
We draft our Top-10 “Scoring Creators” at the NBPA Top-100 Camp, targeting the most consistent offensive engine prospects.
We also provide our Scouting thoughts on Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis as a potential Top-5 2025 NBA Draft Pick, along with detailing Zach’s Scouting Process for Evaluating Potential Future Pros
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Basketball Background
5:07 Zach’s Scouting Process Watching Film, In Person, Evaluating Future Pros
11:30 Scouting Kasparas Jakučionis
19:35 Defining a “Scoring Creator”...2025-01-151h 23Learning BasketballVictor Wembanyama The Generational Prospect, Fake Fundamentals, Developing Playmakers at Every Position, Importance of Shot Quality in Shooting Development, Book Writing Process - with Brian McCormickEp. 25 Learning Basketball with Brian McCormick (from Poland!)
Victor Wembanyama The Generational Prospect, Fake Fundamentals, Developing Playmakers at Every Position, Basketball Book Author Writing Process
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background & Coaching Philosophy
20:20 Communication Skills when Players might not understand
26:30 Fake Fundamentals - disproving basketball concepts & phrases that may not be always true
39:15 Playmakers 3v3 League - Every player at every position should develop Playmaking skills
1:04:10 The Evolution of 180 Shooter Concept - Creating better shots for players' development as shooters can improve production as much as changing...2025-01-131h 32Learning BasketballNBA Scouting Process, Draft Express, Crowdscout, Prioritizing Quick-Processing 5-out Two-Way Versatility Winning Impact over Individual Star Potential when Building NBA Rosters with Eric WeissEp. 24 with Eric Weiss @EricWeiss_SA
Director of Learning @ Luceo Sports
Former Draft & Development Consultant @ Sports Aptitude and Head of NBA Scouting @ Draft Express
Co-Creator of CrowdScout with William Huang, a new helpful tool for finding, sharing, and breaking down NBA Film clips
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
1:00 Creating the Crowdscout App for NBA Film Editing and Sharing
5:00 Tracking Player Development after the Draft, the full pipeline from high school through their pro career, not just up to the draft, in the Finding a Role Ser...2025-01-081h 15Learning BasketballOKC Thunder, Amen Thompson, Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner, ft. OKC Film Breakdowns on Touch Miami, Horns, Double Drag, Ghost Screens with Alex! (@AlexHoops)Learning Basketball – @AlexHoops – OKC Thunder, Franz Wagner, Amen Thompson, Scottie Barnes
Alex of @AlexHoops on YouTube/Twitter is a cohost of The Media Pass podcast with Mat Issa
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
1:06 Creative Process Watching Film & Editing YouTube Videos
9:41 Michael Jordan vs. Jackie Moon
11:06 Media Pass Podcast with Mat Isa
15:40 Film Breakdown: Touch Miami, Double Drag, Horns, Ghost Screen – How OKC Thunder are making NBA Teams look clueless, Isaiah Hartenstein’s strong screening unlocking DHOs for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
34:58 Scottie Barnes Video Breakdown...2025-01-061h 19Learning BasketballNBA Christmas, Scouting Jeremiah Fears + Kasparas Jakucionis as Potential 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Picks, and Chicago Bulls Trade Rumors with Ricky O'DonnellEp. 22 Learning Basketball with Ricky O’Donnell
Ricky O’Donnell is a writer, editor, associate director of programming at SB Nation
Ricky covers the NBA Draft, Grassroots Scouting, the NBA and the Chicago Bulls
Timestamps:
0:00 Background
2:15 NBA Christmas
10:15 Ricky’s Journey into Basketball Media & Creative Writing Process
14:05 Evaluating The NBA Draft Prospect Pipeline from Grassroots through College & NBA
24:05 Film Watching Process & Predicting Future Pros
31:27 Chicago Bulls Season Update + Trade Rumors
50:55 Jeremiah Fears 2025 NBA Draft Scouting (+ thoughts on Asa Newell, Derik Que...2025-01-011h 19Learning BasketballLos Angeles Lakers + Scouting 2025 NBA Draft Prospects: Penda, Harper, Bailey, Flagg, Maluach, Murray-Boyles + Impressive NBA Players: Jaylen Wells, Jake LaRavia, Cason Wallace – with Stone HansenEp. 21 Learning Basketball with Stone Hansen
Stone Hansen covers the NBA draft and is a Co-host of the @upsideswings Podcast with Cooper Klein and Bryce Hendrick
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background
3:35 Shoutout Upside Swings podcast and The Cerebro Sports Team + Grassroots Database
6:45 Interviewing players for first hand perspective on basketball development
8:45 Scouting Noah Penda
14:34 Scouting Rutgers: Dylan Harper & Ace Bailey
27:55 Scouting Cooper Flagg
34:20 Scouting Khaman Maluach
39:35 Scouting Duke: Sion James, Tyrese Proctor
41:33 Scouting Collin Murray...2024-12-301h 12Learning BasketballMemphis Grizzlies "Wheel" Concept, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Development, Ja Morant's Return, Impact Rookies, Noah LaRoche, Thomas Lisalo, "Iverson Follow" & "Horns Out Chase" Film Breakdowns with Adam PikeMemphis Grizzlies "Wheel" Concept, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Development, Ja Morant's Return, Impact Rookies, Noah LaRoche, Thomas Lisalo, "Iverson Follow" & "Horns Out Chase" Film Breakdowns with Adam Pike
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:00 What’s new with the Grizzlies this season? Hand Tracking the Grizzlies offensive possessions by Freelance, Organized, and Freelance P&R
4:10 How do the Grizzlies Rank Top-5 in Offense yet Run the least amount of P&Rs and DHOs in the NBA?
6:30 The Wheel Concept - the entire lineup relocates in unison as the driver bends the...2024-12-251h 00Learning BasketballWhat's different about #1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers this season? Evan Mobley's stardom, Donovan Mitchell's leadership, Darius Garland's efficiency & How to Build NBA Media Career with Spencer DaviesEp. 19 Learning Basketball with Spencer Davies
Host of Courtside with Cavs on SI Podcast
NBA Writer with RG Media, Babcock Hoops, and Hoop Industry
Covers the Cleveland Cavalilers and NBA at large
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:10 Writing Process
11:10 How to build a full time career in freelance basketball media
15:55 What to look for when watching film
24:20 How to think of good interview questions
29:30 Diving into this Cleveland Cavaliers season: What’s different this year?
37:38 Evan Mobley’s Star Ascension & grab-and-go playmaking skills, Donova...2024-12-231h 15Learning BasketballNikola Jokic's best season yet? Evaluating the 2024-25 Denver Nuggets, MPJ's Playmaking development, AG's championship impact, Jamal's struggles, Russ-Jokic Connection & Replacing KCP with Joel RushJoel Rush is an NBA writer with Forbes who covers the Denver Nuggets from Japan!
Hear about his background, process watching film, ideas for writing stories, and dive into this Denver Nuggets season
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:28 Writing Process
5:00 Michael Porter Jr.’s Playmaking Development
6:50 What’s going on with Jamal Murray?
12:50 How much will Denver miss KCP?
13:45 Is Nikola Jokić having the best single player start to an NBA season, ever?
17:40 Michael Porter Jr. becoming Denver’s 2n...2024-12-181h 05Learning BasketballLegendary Skills of Steph Curry, Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, Manu Ginobili, Victor Oladipo, Franz Wagner, Herb Jones & Film Breakdowns of 77 + Skip with Dematha Basketball Coach Evin GualbertoEvin Gualberto is a Basketball Coach at DeMatha who loves film study, as his YouTube channel will show you:
http://youtube.com/evingualberto
Evin is a Freelance basketball writer, a pro video scout.
Evin is a Cohost of multiple podcasts: The Step Through WNBA Podcast with Sabreena Merchant; Bouncing Around with Samson Folk; Ready to Diagram with @bowser2bowser, who he helps define terms for at the Basketball Action Dictionary.
NBA Legend Traits + Film Breakdowns (Veer, Grenade, Skip)
Timestamps:
...2024-12-162h 05Learning BasketballCoaching Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Tyran Stokes, Niko Bundalo, Winters Grady, Obinna Ekezie, Aiden Sherrell, Seven Spurlock, Mikey Lewis, Zoom Diallo, Rajan Roberts at Prolific Prep with Mo HaroonEp. 16 of Learning Basketball with Prolific Prep Basketball Coach Mo Haroon!
Coaching AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Tyran Stokes, Niko Bundalo, Seven Spurlock, Winters Grady, Aiden Sherrell, Obinna Ekezie, Mikey Lewis, Zoom Diallo, Rajan Roberts, Derrion Reed at Prolific Prep with Mo Haroon
Projected Top-3 2026 NBA Draft Pick Darryn Peterson and Prolific Prep are fresh off beating fellow projected Top-3 picks AJ Dybantsa’s Utah Prep and Cameron Boozer’s Columbus
Dybantsa attended Prolific Prep last season, at the same time as projected #1 2027 Overall Pick Tyran Stokes
Time...2024-12-111h 02Learning BasketballRecruitment Insider Scouting NBPA Top-100 & 2025 + 2026 NBA Draft: Alijah Arenas, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Nate Ament, Shon Abaev, Meleek Thomas, Kiyan Anthony, Cenac + Flemings with Jordan AllenJordan Allen is the Founder at Rising Stars Scouting and Creator of the Rising Stars Substack covering under the radar prospects and g-league players
Basketball Insider and Advisor at Basketball Intelligence
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background, Rising Stars Scouting & Substack
3:28 Jordan's Scouting Process
6:55 Meleek Thomas Commits to Arkansas + NBPA Top-100 Scouting Report
14:11 Kiyan Anthony Commits to Syracuse + NBPA Top-100 Scouting Report
19:10 Chris Cenac Jr. NBPA Top-100 Scouting Report + Recruitment Talks
26:25 Kingston Flemings Commits to Houston + NBPA Top-100 Scouting Report, imagining Flemings + Cenac playing togeth...2024-12-091h 32Learning BasketballHow to Build Basketball Impact Metric like LEBRON? Why do catch-all stats rate Franz Wagner higher than Paolo Banchero? How long will GS Warriors play such a deep 12-man rotation? – with Krishna NarsuEp. 14 of Learning Basketball with Krishna Narsu!
Krishna Narsu is the inventor of the LEBRON impact metric with BBall
Index, the default stat used in the popular NBA Trade Machine on Fanspo
for projecting wins after fake trades. He contributes to Nylon Calculus
and has formerly worked as an Analytics Consultant with the Dallas
Mavericks.
Find his work at @KNarsu3 and @The_BBall_Index on Twitter
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
1:00 What goes into Developing an Impact Metric like Krishna's LEBRON stat?
16:00 How do Film and Analytics go hand in hand when evaluating basketball?
22:10 Karl-Anthony Towns Pe...2024-12-041h 03Learning Basketball0.5 Decision-Making Advantage Creation with Flagler Basketball Coach Brandon Benson on his experience from Prep to D1, studying NBA Head Coach Concepts, and Coaching Moustapha Thiam and Savo Drezgic0.5 Decision-Making Advantage Creation with Flagler Basketball Coach Brandon Benson on his experience from Prep to D1, studying NBA Head Coach Concepts, and Coaching Moustapha Thiam and Savo Drezgic
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Background, how Brandon got into coaching
13:50 Getting to work with different coaches with different experiences
21:50 Valuing hustle stats, winning plays, and fundamental skills that apply to every level - controlling what you control, accountability
32:35 “0.5 Decision Making” Mentality, dribble pass and shoot ideals, Princeton sets, off-ball movement, setting up advantage basketball more than scripted sets
47:25 Learning...2024-12-021h 30Learning BasketballBest NBA Draft Prospect Alive? Scouting 2025 & 2026 NBA Draft: Flagg, Boozer, Dybantsa, Peterson, Cenac + Evaluating Shooters from Shot Speed-Volume-Versatility to Room-Rhythm-Range – with Ahmed JamaAhmed Jama (@SlipTheScreen) covers NBA Draft and Grassroots Basketball
, does NBA Scouting work with Next Up Basketball Consulting and Swish Theory, and is the
Co-Host of The Draft Council Podcast with Dan Olinger.
Best NBA Draft Prospect Alive?
Scouting 2025 & 2026 NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg, Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Chris Cenac, Meleek Thomas, Acaden Lewis, Jamarion Batemon, King Grace, Shon Abaev, Nolan Traore, Braylon Mullins, Liam McNeely
His Swish Theory Piece "The Draft Shooting Heuristic" evaluating shooters from Shot Speed-Volume-Versatility to Room-Rhythm-Range
2024-11-271h 00Learning BasketballIsaiah Hartenstein, Amen Thompson, Nolan Traore – IHart's OKC Thunder fit, Amen's unique athleticism, Traore's gap attacks, Breaking Down 3 Plays: 4.5 Out, Delay/Open, 5 Slot – with Maurya KumpatlaLearning Basketball with Maurya Kumpatla
Covers the Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA Draft
Writer for Swish Theory and an NBA Draft Writer on SI.com for Draft Digest
Studying Data Science at University of Tennessee Knoxville
Find him on Twitter at @TheFlareScreen
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Background
7:50 Amen Thompson’s impressive athleticism, instincts, and surprise skill acquisition as a rebounder
11:34 Nolan Traore’s rare ability to get low, attack gaps, comfortability shooting, tracking if his ability to drive and...2024-11-2539 minLearning BasketballScouting Cooper Flagg, Duke-Kentucky, LaMelo Ball's Stardom, Brandon Miller's Rise, Magic-Hornets, Duke's NBA Prospects, Film Breakdowns on 5-Slot/5-Out Beilein, Ghost Double Exit with Brian GeisingerBrian Geisinger covers College Hoops, NBA Draft, and Charlotte Hornets with 247 Sports and Sports Channel 8
. He’s the cohost of the Buzz Beat pod and a color commentator for High Point University
. He’s worked as a scout with SIS_Hoops, a writer for ACCSports.com, and credentialed media for Duke Basketball
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and Background
0:57 Calling Games as Color Commentator for High Point University
13:15 Seeing Cooper Flagg and Duke Stars like Zion and Paolo live in Person over the years
19:12 Scouting Cooper Flagg at Montverde...2024-11-201h 57Learning BasketballOklahoma City Thunder NBA Draft Retrospective & 2025 Season Outlook with Ben Pfeifer + NBA Rapidfire - San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn NetsLearning Basketball – Ben Pfeifer – Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Draft Retrospective & Season Outlook + NBA Rapidfire - San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets
Timestamps:
0:00 Background & Introduction
1:29 Oklahoma City Thunder Draft Retrospective, Analyzing Sam Presti’s past draft selections to project future Thunder draft picks
17:40 NBA Rapidfire - OKC Season Expectations: Can Oklahoma City Thunder’s busy offseason propel them to championship heights?
20:57 NBA Rapidfire - Will the added shooting catapult the Orlando Magic up the standings this year?
25:39 NBA Rapidfire - Are the San Anto...2024-11-1842 minLearning BasketballCharlie Cummings – What Klay Thompson Means to Golden State, The 2024-25 Warriors Hot Start with Buddy Hield and Steph Curry, Tre Mann's Breakout with Charlotte Hornets, Player Development & ScoutingEp. 8 Learning Basketball with Charlie Cummings
Player Development Writer for Swish Theory, Covers the Golden State Warriors for Warriors Invite,
Pro and College Consulting for Next Up BBall
Timestamps:
2:45 Appreciating Player Development
7:25 Finding a Role with Swish Theory
11:35 Tre Mann’s Breakout with Charlotte Hornets
21:35 Draft Scouting Process, Valuing Role Context in Player Evaluations
43:03 What Klay Thompson Means to Golden State
58:20 A Pet Snake Named Zaza Pachulia
1:02:48 Buddy Hield’s Hot Start to the Season
1:14:05 St...2024-11-131h 39Learning BasketballMark Schindler – Paolo’s 50 Burger, The Rise of The WNBA, Defining Good Basketball Scouting Process & Effective Team Building Strategy, Appreciating Similarities between NBA & WNBA HoopsLearning Basketball Ep. 7
Mark Schindler – Paolo’s 50 Burger, The Rise of The WNBA, Defining Good Basketball Scouting Process & Effective Team Building Strategy, Appreciating Similarities between NBA & WNBA Hoops
Mark Schindler has been covering basketball for years, from general NBA thoughts with Premium Hoops to NBA Draft Scouting with Tag The Roll, now focused on the WNBA as the Creator of They’ve Got Now, a media outlet covering all things women’s basketball, WNBA draft, player development and scouting in the forms of a podcast, newsletter, and YouTube channel
Timeline:
...2024-11-111h 10Learning BasketballAntonio Dias – International Scout with Mexico City Capitanes breaks down the Playstyle and Potential of Future NBA Draft Prospects: Nolan Traore, Dwayne Aristode, Igor Milicic, Hugo Gonzalez
Antonio Dias, newly announced Scouting Associate with the Mexico City Capitanes of the G League and international scout with EHoopsScouting and IDprospects joins today to break down the playstyle and potential of four exciting NBA prospects: Nolan Traore, Dwayne Aristode, Igor Milicic, Hugo Gonzalez
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction of Newly Hired Scouting Associate with Mexico City Capitanes
4:45 Background and Scouting Philosophy as an International Basketball Scout
8:40 Scouting Report on Dwayne Aristode Committing to Arizona
14:50 Scouting Report on Nolan Traore, Potential Top-5 2025 NBA Draft Pick
2024-11-0648 minLearning BasketballMat Issa - Breaking into Sports Media, NBA Scouting/Writing Process, Appreciating Paolo Banchero+Magic Twitter, NBA Rapidfire - Denver Nuggets/Portland Trailblazers/Golden State Warriors/Miami HeatLearning Basketball with Mat Isa, NBA Writer with Forbes, OptaAnalyst, Fansided, Sportscasting and Podcast co-host of The Media Pass with @AlexHoops
Timestamps:
2:00 What goes into an NBA team’s Media Day?
3:28 Mat Isa’s career path and advice to people trying to break into basketball sports media
12:52 What inspires ideas for stories and questions for interviews with players and coaches around the basketball?
16:10 What goes into your scouting process as an analyst and NBA writer?
18:40 Going viral on Magic Twitter - is Paolo’s tough mi...2024-11-0451 minLearning BasketballEs Baraheni - Toronto Raptors Season Preview, Vince Carter's HoF Legacy, Scottie Barnes' Stardom, Gradey Dick Movement Shooter Potential, Double Drag/77 Shadow/Flex/Flow Actions, Jazz/Hornets/WizardsTimestamps
0:18 Es Baraheni Introduction & Background
3:16 Happy Vinsanity Day from Learning Basketball! Celebrating Vince Carter's Hall of Fame Legacy and Impact on Basketball in Toronto
10:52 The Purple Raptors Jerseys are back! No more Orange Juice Magic jerseys, Nike
13:30 Scottie Barnes star ceiling as a downhill force point-forward, Success with Double Drag/77 Shadow Actions, Could Post-Ups be Barnes' next development focus?
19:09 Gradey Dick - more than a standstill shooter, a relocating motion shooter with gravity
22:37 Jakob Poeltl trade candidate or longterm playmaking hub piece in Toronto?
27:58 Toronto Ra...2024-10-3046 minLearning BasketballMirin Fader on Hakeem - New York Times Best Selling Author of "Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion" Deep Dives Her New Book, "Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon"
0:17 Introduction and background of Mirin Fader, NYT best-selling author, one of the Best American Sports Writer, work with The Ringer and formerly Bleacher Report
2:30 - Humility & Versatility, how do you pick which athletes to write about?
4:15 Transitioning from playing experience in college hoops at Lewis & Clark college as a 5'0" PG to writing and reporting on basketball
5:00 Telling complete stories by reporting over 200+ interviews for two books (486 in total!)
6:58 Personal story of how Mirin's Giannis book saved my sanity in a highly stressful moment
9:45 How the...2024-10-2838 minLearning BasketballSteph Noh – Lonzo Ball’s BACK; Chicago Bulls Season Preview; Scouting Process Watching Film; NBA Players Love Anime like Dragon Ball Z; Detailing Billy Donovan Sets; 5-out, Pistol, Chin, Elbow SplitsLearning Basketball with Steph Noh of Sporting News
Lonzo Ball’s BACK
Chicago Bulls Season Preview
Scouting Process Watching Film
NBA Players Love Anime like Dragon Ball Z
Detailing Billy Donovan Sets: 5-out, Pistol, Chin, Elbow Splits
Timestamps:
2:00 NBA Players Love Anime like Dragon Ball Z
5:45 Process as an Analyst Scouting Film, Deciding Story Topics (Shoutout to Swish Theory’s depth)
7:35 Lonzo Ball’s Feel Never Fades even after 2 years of not playing, injury recovery, and his impact g...2024-10-2338 minLearning BasketballNBA Season Preview with Jackson Frank on Breaking into Sports Media, The Towns-Randle Trade, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Jalen Suggs & Chet Holmgren DevelopmentTimestamps
2:40 - How to decide what topics to write about as a Scout/Analyst
7:40 - Advice for those trying to break into Basketball Sports Media and NBA Draft Scouting
19:35 Reflecting on the Player Development of Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren since Gonzaga. What else does Suggs have to do for the Magic to extend his contract? How soon can Chet become the Thunder’s 2nd best player? Which player would you rather build around?
55:00 Atlanta Hawks Season Preview – New team identity flanking Trae Young with lengthy defensive versatility; Drafting #1 Overall Pick Zach...2024-10-202h 18