Inside Friartown with Bob Driscoll: Recent Episodes
Providence College Athletics
Get the inside scoop on what's happening in Friartown. Each episode we will speak with Providence College Athletic Director, Bob Driscoll, about the latest news in Friartown and college athletics. Find out what former Friars are up to now and hear current coaches discuss how they're molding championship student-athletes on and off the field.
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Jamel Thomas, a former member of the Providence College men's basketball team, who was inducted in the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, about how old he was when he first started playing basketball (0:00-0:53), what sports he played other than basketball (0:54-1:13), why he chose to attend Providence College (1:14 -3:37), what he remembers about hitting the game-tying three against Arizona in the Elite Eight of the 1997 NCAA Tournament (3:38-4:28) what play would he have called for the last possession in regulation against Arizona (4:29-5:01), making the transition from Coach Pete Gillen to Coach Tim Welsh (5:02-5:55), his most memorable games as a Friar (5:56-7:00), keeping in-touch with his former teammates (7:01-8:14), how he was able to make it to the NBA after not being drafted (8:15-9:22), what he learned while playing overseas (9:23-10:29), having family members play basketball at a high level and how that help both his career and their career (10:30-12:41) what his induction into the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame meant to him (12:42-13:45), why he started his own clothing line called "Jamel" (13:46-15:31), the importance of his clothing line giving back to orphans (15:32-17:12), where people can find his clothing line and follow him on social media (17:13-17:49), mentoring kids through basketball and helping them go to college (17:50-19:54) and what he thinks is the best thing about being a Friar (19:55-21:10).
Featuring: Jamel Thomas
Host: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with God Shammgod, a former member of the Providence College men's basketball player, who is currently the Director of Player Development with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, about how old he was when he first started playing basketball (0:00-1:25), how he became such a prolific ball handler (1:26-2:48), the creation of his signature move, "The Shammgod" (2:49-4:10), why he chose to attend Providence College (4:11-4:52), which BIG EAST team did he look forward to competing against (4:53-5:34) the mindset of the 1996-1997 Friars' team as they headed into the Elite Eight matchup with Arizona in the NCAA Tournament (5:35-6:19), looking back in hindsight what play would he have called for the last possession in regulation against Arizona (6:20-7:07), keeping in-touch with his Friar teammates (7:08-7:26), what he learned while playing overseas (7:27-8:40), why it was important to come back to Providence College to get his degree (8:41-9:07), the difference between coaching college student-athletes and working with NBA players (9:08-10:38), why Bryce Cotton isn't playing in the NBA (10:39-12:16), what it's like to work for Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban (12:17-13:44), what current NBA player remind him of himself (13:45-15:16) the difference between NBA players now and when he entered the league (15:17-16:53), his feelings on getting his own signature basketball shoe and how he is partnering with Puma to help communities in New York City (16:54-18:55), what his dream job would be ten years in the future and how kids can work in basketball even if they are not an NBA player (18:56-20:53), and what he thinks is the best thing about being a Friar (20:54-23:42).
Featuring: God Shammgod
Host: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Jyare Davis about when he started playing basketball (0:00-0:35), other sports he played (0:36-0:52), watching NBA players instead of rooting for one NBA team (0:53-1:23), which NBA player he tries to learn from (1:24-1:39), what would he choose if he had to pick between Netflix or video games (1:40-2:03), if he wasn't working toward a career playing basketball, what career would he pursue (2:04-2:13), his go-to post-game meal (2:14-2:31), his experience with USA Basketball (2:32-2:53), what he wants to improve before his freshman season (2:54-3:18) why he chose Providence College (3:19-3:47) what he is looking forward to the most during his first year in Friartown (3:48-3:59) and what the fans can expect from him when he takes the court for the first time (4:00-4:47).
FEATURING: Jyare Davis
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Nate Watson about why he chose to attend Providence College (0:00-0:39), what he likes the most about Coach Cooley (0:40-0:59), what he likes to do in his free time (1:00-1:18), his favorite restaurant in Providence (1:19-1:29), how the team has benefited from the Ruane Friar Development Center (1:30-1:59), what it was like to be a part of Team USA for last summer's Pan Am Games (2:00-2:15), the victory that stood out the most from last season (2:16-2:41), what he learned from the graduating seniors (2:42-3:16), his goals for the 2020-2021 season (3:17-3:41), what he is going to work on over the summer (3:42-4:10) what NBA player he models his game after (4:11-4:30) and what he believes is the best part about being a Friar (4:31-5:37).
FEATURING: Nate Watson
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Noah Horchler about what other sports he played when he was younger (0:00-1:03), learning how to surf (1:04-1:35), when he first thought he could play college basketball (1:36-2:06), his favorite NBA team (2:07-2:18), his favorite restaurant (2:19-2:33), why he wanted to play basketball at Providence College (2:34-2:59), the experience of Late Night Madness at the dunk, including his hat choice (3:00-3:44), the hardest adjustment to living in New England (3:45-4:03), what he likes to do on a off-day(4:04-4:20), what he learned while sitting out during the 2019-2020 season (4:21-4:47), what he is most looking forward to next season (4:48-5:00) and what NBA player he models his game after (5:01-5:57).
FEATURING: Noah Horchler
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with guard Jared Bynum about how old he was when he started playing basketball (0:00-0:33), other sports he played when he was younger (0:34-1:19), when he first thought he could play college basketball (1:20-1:51), what he does in his free time (1:52-2:14), why he chose to transfer to Providence College (1:53-2:55), the difference between the Atlantic 10 Conference (which he played in before transferring) and the BIG EAST (2:56-3:40), his experience having to sit out last season, due to NCAA transfer rules (3:41-4:15), his feelings on the atmosphere at the Dunk this past season (4:16-4:46), how he improved his game over the past year (4:47-5:25), what he is going to work on over the summer to get ready for next season (5:26-5:52), which teammates taught him the most last year (5:53-6:28), what Friars Fans can expect from him next year (6:29-7:02), his anxiousness to get back to playing in games (7:03-7:22) and what teams he is looking forward to playing against next season (7:23-8:20).
FEATURING: Jared Bynum
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Dickey Simpkins, a member of the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame, who won three NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls, about why he chose to play at Providence College (0:00-2:25), the team's goals for the 1993-1994 season (2:26-4:21), upsetting the #2 ranked UConn Huskies en route to winning the 1994 BIG EAST Championship (4:22-6:02), how he keeps in touch with his college teammates (6:03-6:42), what he experienced leading up to the 1994 NBA Draft (6:43-9:36) why he didn't think he would be picked with the Chicago Bulls in the first round and how he reacted after hearing his name announced on television (9:37-11:21), what it was like to play for Phil Jackson (11:22-12:40), his memories Michael Jordan's NBA comeback in 1995 (12:41-14:49), rejoining the Bulls in the second half of the 1997-1998 season for "The Last Dance" (14:50-16:58), if the team was confident about winning a third straight NBA title (16:59-18:06), what it feels like to win an NBA Championship (18:07-19:14), how often he speaks with his championship teammates (19:15-20:13), his experience of playing professional basketball overseas (20:14-21:36), how basketball has evolved since his playing days (21:37-23:58) and how he stays connected to the game he loves (23:59-25:43).
Featuring: Dickey Simpkins
Host: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Jarrod Neumann, a former Friar lacrosse player and current member of the Chaos (PLL), about playing lacrosse for the first time during his senior year of high school (0:00-1:16), the importance of playing multiple sports for young athletes (1:17-3:04), the work he put in to become a "lax rat" (3:05-4:32), how the team's networking day helped to prepare him for a career outside of lacrosse (4:33-5:58), how the Friars' lacrosse program prepared him to play professionally (5:59-6:52) and how he cherishes the relationships he has formed within the Friar Family (6:53-8:09).
Host Mike DeMars speaks Laura Nagel, a former member of the Friars' cross country and track teams, about she chose to attend Providence College (0:00-0:58), what she remembers from the day the Friars' won the 2013 NCAA Women's Cross Country National Championship. (0:59-1:50), her favorite memories from her time in Providence (1:51-2:28), what it was like to be coached by Ray Treacy (2:29-3:00), what she has been up to since leaving Friartown (3:01-4:07), keeping tabs on the Friars' cross country and track teams (4:08-4:31), her current competitive running status (4:32-4:56) and what he feels is the best part of being a Friar (4:57-6:05).
FEATURING: Laura Nagel
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with junior guard Andrew Fonts about what made him want to play for Coach Cooley at Providence College (0:00-0:58), having broadcaster Gus Johnson tag him with the nickname "I GET BUCKETS" in a win over Butler in the BIG EAST Tournament last season (0:59-1:47), using the win against Texas to gain momentum before conference play (1:48-2:26), the difference at practice after a win as opposed to after a loss (2:27-3:20), which of his teammates will take a step forward next season (3:21-4:16), how it feels to enter his senior year (4:17-5:11) and what he feels is the best part of being a Friar (5:12-6:33).
FEATURING: Andrew Fonts
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars speaks with former volleyball player Kayla "Fitz" Fitzgerald about her favorite memories from her time in Friartown (0:00-1:16), having the team make the transition to the BIG EAST Conference during her sophomore season (1:17-1:58), getting to visit her teammates' hometowns during conference play (1:59-3:05), working as a model around the globe while still finding time to further her education (3:06-4:55) and finally how she feels at home whenever she comes back to Providence College for a visit (4:56-5:31).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with Julian Gressel, a former Friar soccer player and current member of the DC United (MLS), about the most memorable game from his college career (0:00-1:13), keeping up with the Friars, including their run in the NCAA tournament this past season (1:14-2:40), his favorite memories while attending Providence College (2:41-3:16), how the Providence College men's soccer coaching staff prepared him to play professionally (3:17-4:24), his transition from the Atlanta United to the DC United (4:25-5:34) how he is spending his time while the MLS season is suspended (5:35-7:28) and what he still wants to accomplish in his soccer career (7:29-8:53).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with former women's ice hockey player Christina Putigna about her favorite memories from both on and off the ice (0:00-1:27), what it felt like to record 100 career points (1:28-2:17), the differences between playing in college and professionally (2:18-2:52), the experience of reaching the Isobel Cup in her first year with the Boston Pride (NWHL) (2:53-3:43) and what was the biggest obstacle for her to overcome during her hockey career (3:44-4:20).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with senior C.J. McCartin about her favorite memories from four years on the PC swimming and diving team (0:00-0:58), what it was like to be in Puerto Rico, training with the team, when an earthquake hit the region (0:59-1:44), what motivated her to write a "goodbye letter" to Providence College (1:45-2:32), her plans for after graduation (2:33-2:54) and what she feels is the best part of being a Friar (2:54-3:24).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with junior goalie Toby Burgdorf about choosing to play at Providence College despite the presence of two-time All-American goalie Tate Boyce (0:00-0:52), how his relationship with Tate has evolved (0:53-1:37), what he learned about himself this season (1:38-2:17) how the team will use this season as motivation (2:18-2:47), what he wants to work in before next season (2:48-3:13) and what he likes the most about being a Friar (3:14-3:35).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with junior Olivia Orlando about preparing for the season knowing that she would be called upon to be a team leader (0:00-1:14), the experience of being introduced at The Dunk during Late Night Madness (1:15-2:47), how a mid-season injury allowed her to see the game in a new way (2:48-4:48), what level of confidence the team had heading into the BIG EAST Tournament (4:49-5:30) and what advice she would give someone looking to play basketball at the Division I level (5:31-7:05).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with senior Madison Skeie about her favorite memories while playing field hockey at Providence College (0:00-1:27), the steps she took to create a major that fit her career aspirations (1:28-3:33), how his team heard that the season was ending early (3:34-5:57) and how she has reached out to Providence College almus for guidance in her pursuit of a career in sports broadcasting (5:58-7:34).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with sophomore forward Tyce Thompson about what made his second season in Friartown different from the first (0:00-1:06), attending the New Jersey Devils' development camp over the summer (1:07-2:03), how his team heard that the season was ending early (2:04-2:52) what he will be working on in the off-season (2:53-3:16), and his favorite memory from this past season (3:17-4:25).
Host Mike DeMars speaks with sophomore guard David Duke about what helped to turn the season around for the Friars (0:00-1:07), the strong finish to the regular season, including an impressive 5-0 record against Top 25 opponents (1:08-2:10), the abrupt ending to the season (2:11-4:14) and how he is spending his time now that the season is over (4:15-5:16).
FEATURING: David Duke
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll discuss the start of the spring sports season and future plans to help teams practice when the weather is not cooperative (0:00-2:27). Mike catches up with former women's basketball player Jovana Nogic who is currently for Cadi La Seu in the Spanish First Division (2:28-6:40). Bob answers questions sent in by some loyal listeners (6:41-9:41). Mike sits down with Chris Gabrielli, the head coach of the Friars' lacrosse team, to discuss the professional career of some alums and their annual Networking Day event(9:42-14:39). Bob lists his top three sports related movies as well as his top three non-sports related movies and he talks about this year's Oscar winner for Best Picture, Parasite (14:40-18:21).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: Jovana Nogic, Chris Gabrielli
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll discuss the men's hockey team's trip to Las Vegas, NV in which they competed in and won the Fortress Invitational Tournament. Also, Bob and Mike discuss the ups and downs that student-athletes can experience during their season (0:00-7:24). Mike speaks with John O'Neill, the head coach of Friars Swimming and Diving teams, about their training camp held in Puerto Rico and the experience of moving from one side of the island to the other after an earthquake (7:25-14:00). Bob and Mike talk about the technology that is used in Friartown to help coaches and student-athletes (14:01-20:29). Mike sits down with former soccer play Nick Sailor, who was hired as the Director of Training and Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to discuss his role in the athletic department and the #FriarsinBlack social media campaign that will run throughout the month of February(20:30-24:17). Bob talks about the success that the student-athletes had in the classroom during the fall semester and credits the academic support staff for helping the student-athletes excel (24:18-31:41).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: John O'Neil, Nick Sailor
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll discuss the men's soccer team's run in the NCAA Tournament, what gave Bob confidence in hiring Craig Stewart to be the head coach for the Men's Soccer team and the amount of communication between Bob and the coaches during the off-season (0:00-3:46). Mike speaks with Jim Crowley, the head coach of Friars Women's Basketball, about the differences between the A-10 Conference and the BIG EAST, the team's experience at Late Night Madness and his expectations for this season (3:47-9:17). Bob and Mike talk about fundraising in college athletics and how personal relationships play a key role (9:18-13:42). Mike interviews former basketball player John Linehan who talks about his professional career, why he got into coaching and his favorite memories from his time at Providence College (13:43-20:21). Bob talks about scheduling games and practices around finals week. Also, Bob tells Mike about the best gifts he ever received for Christmas (20:22-26:17).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: Jim Crowley, John Linehan
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll discuss a recent announcement by the NCAA and talk about fall sports playing in the post-season while the winter sports start up (0:00-4:26). Mike speaks with former Friar point guard Kyron Cartwright about playing in the BIG EAST Championship game in Madison Square Garden and how his professional career is going overseas. (4:27-8:06). Bob and Mike talk about recruiting and how it has changed over the years. Bob shares a story about why Berkeley, CA may not be the right city for everyone (8:07-12:29). Mike sits down the the Head Coach of the Friars' Men's Soccer team, Craig Stewart to chat about the characteristics that he looks for in student-athletes and what his expectations for the team are this season (12:30-15:50). Bob and Mike share their favorite Thanksgiving stories and talk about what they are thankful for (15:51-20:08).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: Kyron Cartwright, Craig Stewart
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll discuss the new strategic plan for the athletic department (0:00-6:40). Mike speaks with hockey hall of famer Cammi Granato about her time at Providence College, her experience leading up to the 1998 Winter Olympics and her job as a pro scout for the new NHL franchise in Seattle (6:41-11:51). Bob and Mike examine the passing of California Law SB206 which would allow student-athletes to profit from their likeness and sign with an agent while maintaining their eligibility (11:52-18:17). Mike chats with Diane Madl, the head coach of the Friars' field hockey team about the team's challenging non-conference schedule, what characteristics she looks for while recruiting student-athletes and the origin of the team motto "DASH" (18:18-22:18). Bob reflects on the impact that current Providence College President Fr. Shanley has had on Friars athletics and shares his excitement on the announcement of Fr. Sicard being named the next president for the school (22:19-25:24). Bob and Mike share their favorite Halloween stories (25:25-28:49).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: Cammi Granato, Diane Madl
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars
Host Mike DeMars and Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll recap the 2018-2019 season in Friartown and then discuss what to expect from the Friars in the 2019-2020 season and beyond (0:00-7:19). Mike speaks with Sam Lopes, the head coach of the women's soccer team, about the team's "We not Me" mantra. Coach Lopes shares what he has learned from his team through non-conference play and talks about the Friars' talented goalkeeper, senior Shelby Hogan (7:20-11:26). Bob and Mike preview the upcoming Providence College Homecoming Weekend which includes Late Night Madness at The Dunk featuring the men's and women's basketball teams and includes performances by Red Panda, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and John Legend (11:27-15:36). Mike catches up with Friar Hall of Fame runner Keith Kelly, the 2000 NCAA Cross Country Champion. Keith reveals what made him choose Providence College and what he has been up to since his days in Friartown (15:37-23:15). With UConn coming back to the BIG EAST, Bob discusses what it means for the Friars (23:15-30:05).
FEATURING: Bob Driscoll
GUESTS: Sam Lopes, Keith Kelly
HOSTED BY: Mike DeMars