Agee and Gates: Recent Episodes
Unlearning Network
A Hoop Dream is defined as the pursuit of excellence in your chosen field. Will Gates and Arthur Agee, the stars of the original Hoop Dreams documentary dive into the origin stories of men and women, from the sports, entertainment and fashion industries, who are chasing their own version of a Hoop Dream. From college and pro athletes to journalists and broadcasters, to actors, musicians and designers, they dive into the back stories, the struggles, the accomplishments and the perseverance it takes to overcome the obstacles thrown at you in the attempt to reach the pinnacle of your profession.
Ep.57 Part 1: Virginia native, U Mass Alumni, former NBA Power Forward and 2005 NBA Champion, Tony Massenburg drops by the Hoop Dreams Podcast to share both some legendary stories and important life lessons with hosts Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Tony grew up in Sussex County Virginia where he starred at Sussex Central before playing 4 years at the University of Maryland Terrapins where he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds in his Senior Season. After being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 1990 NBA Draft Tony went on to play 13 seasons in the league with 12 different NBA teams, including both Canadian expansion teams. After retiring from the NBA Massenburg and fellow Maryland alum Walt Williams co-authored a book entitled “Lessons from Lenny: The Journey Beyond a Shooting Star.” In the book, Massenburg describes what U Mass legend, Len Bias, meant to him in life and even in death. Tony crossed paths with his idol in 1885/86 while Tony was being recruited by U Mass and just before Len was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 Draft. Don't miss Part 1 with Tony Massenburg as there are too many lessons to count and too many stories, about all the NBA greats he played with over the years, crammed into this episode to miss. Watch, Listen and Subscribe now to Hoop Dreams The Podcast on all your podcast platforms.
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Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
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This we week we have former NBA Center Ike Austin on the Hoop Dreams Podcast. The big man hailing from Gridley California sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about his origin story. He takes us through his basketball journey from his High School days at Las Plumas, to playing Ju Co at Reedley and eventually becoming a standout at Arizona State. Ike was part of the 1991 NBA Drat Class and went on to play 9 seasons in the league where he won the 1997 Most Improved Player award while having a big season with the Miami Heat. He talks about the wisdom Karl Malone passed on to him while with the Utah Jazz, his experiences with Pat Riley and his time playing with the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies. Since retiring from pro basketball in 2004, after finishing up with a couple seasons overseas, Ike has Coached and owned an ABA team and invested in real estate and tech businesses. There's a lot of life lessons to unpack in this interview so we split it over 2 parts. So sit back, get your notepaper and a pen out and listen close.
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Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
Editing by: Matt Savage
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This we week we have former NBA Center Ike Austin on the Hoop Dreams Podcast. The big man hailing from Gridley California sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about his origin story. He takes us through his basketball journey from his High School days at Las Plumas, to playing Ju Co at Reedley and eventually becoming a standout at Arizona State. Ike was part of the 1991 NBA Drat Class and went on to play 9 seasons in the league where he won the 1997 Most Improved Player award while having a big season with the Miami Heat. He talks about the wisdom Karl Malone passed on to him while with the Utah Jazz, his experiences with Pat Riley and his time playing with the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies. Since retiring from pro basketball in 2004, after finishing up with a couple seasons overseas, Ike has Coached and owned an ABA team and invested in real estate and tech businesses. There's a lot of life lessons to unpack in this interview so we split it over 2 parts. So sit back, get your notepaper and a pen out and listen close.
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Hosted by Will Gates and Arthur Agee
Produced by Matt Hoffar
Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
Editing by: Matt Savage
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EP.54 Wisconsin native and former NBA great, Jim Chones, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on the Hoop Dreams Podcast. Jim was an All-American ball player at Marquette University where he wore number 22 (one of the reasons Will Gates chose to wear number 22 at the same school). Jim was only the second player ever to leave college early to go pro when he joined the New York Nets of the ABA, in 1972, where he went on to be a member of the ABA All-Rookie Team. In 1975 he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA where he played 5 seasons before winning a championship with the LA Lakers in 1980. Jim is portrayed by actor Newton Mayenge in Adam McKay's Winning Time on HBO. Jim takes us back to his childhood where he grew up in a tough neighbourhood with a volatile home life and discusses the lessons he learned through the good and bad experiences of dealing with his father. After retiring from the NBA Jim has spent many years as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast team. Jim has raised 5 children who were all NCAA athletes and his kids are still involved in basketball to this day. His daughter Kaayla played for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA and his daughter Kareeda works for the Milwaukee Bucks. Sit back and listen to a piece of basketball history on this weeks episode. Listen & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and all your podcast platforms.
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He was the 2nd overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, a 12 time NBA All-Star, a 2 x NBA Champ with the Detroit Pistons and a Member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Mr. Isiah Lord Thomas III, joins hosts Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about his origin story. Isiah takes the hosts back to his days growing up on the Westside of Chicago, playing for Coach Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers, to his incredible run in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. The guys talk Chuck Daly, Michael Jordan and the Dream Team controversy and about his post playing career. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Listen, Download & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
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We go international this week with Mr. Matt Beyer, the CEO of the East Asia Super League (EASL). Matt sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee to give us both his Hoop Dreams origin story, about how a guy from the Midwest ended up overseas and also the origin story behind the EASL. He talks about his first job translating for the Bucks, he breaks down for us how the league works, which countries are involved, how his NBA investors Metta Artest, Baron Davis and Shane Battier got involved and just how much talent is out there and how big the market is for basketball in Asia. With a loyal fan base in Japan, Korea, Philippines and Greater China this league could grow very fast. So kick back, listen and learn.. oh and get your passport so you can get to Manila in March for the EASL Championship.
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This week, former three-time all-American soccer player from LaSalle University, and currently a reporter and analyst with ESPN, Renee Washington, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about her Hoop Dreams origin story on the Podcast. At LaSalle she led the soccer team to four NCAA tournament appearances before going on to receive her Masters in Education from Lehigh University. She is also the founder of Planted Not Buried, an organization built to empower young athletes, students and entrepreneurs. The guys dive into Renee’s origin story, talk about her family and their influence on her, hear about some of her goals in life, and learn just how competitive this “Jersey Girl” is whether its’ Spades, Monopoly or Air Hockey, you don’t want to mess with her. So kick back, relax and listen to Renee drop some knowledge.
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This week on Agee & Gates, Actor and former ball player, Newton Mayenge drops by to talk about his Hoop Dreams origin story. The Charlotte native is currently featured in Adam McKay's hit show Winning Time on HBO Max where he plays former Marquette legend and NBA Champ with the LA Lakers, Jim Chones. Newton appears as a part of the star studded cast alongside such greats as Wood Harris, John C. Reilly, Sally Field, Jason Segal, Adrian Brody, Spencer Garrett and many others. Newton talks with Will Gates and Arthur Agee about his early years growing up in Charlotte, how he ended up playing pro-basketball in Germany and the car accident that changed his life and put him on the path to acting. Don’t miss this episode as Newton gives some serious life lessons for listeners looking to pursue any career where the competition is high and grind is real. Listen and Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and all your podcast platforms.
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On this weeks episode, Texas native and current Brand Director for AND1 Basketball and Co-CEO of The Rucker Brand, Dexter Gordon sits down with Agee & Gates to talk about his Hoop Dreams origin story. From his days growing up in Galveston, to college in New York to his pursuit of basketball and how he broke into the business side of the industry when his playing days ended. Dexter talks about how his partnership with Chris Rucker of the Rucker Brand came about and how he landed at AND1. For anyone looking to break into the industry this episode has lots to learn from. So sit back and listen as Will Gates and Arthur Agee reveal another classic origin story.
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Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
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On this week’s episode of the podcast Director, Writer, award-winning Filipina-Canadian filmmaker and Vancouver native, Kathleen S. Jayme, joins Agee & Gates to talk about her Hoop Dreams origin story. Kat’s documentary Finding Big Country was the winner of the 2018 VIFF People’s Choice Award and the #MustSeeBC Award, and has been programmed by Telus, ESPN, ABC, Amazon, Rogers Sportsnet, NBA TV, and Air Canada. Jayme has since gone on to direct for the CBC, NBA, ESPN, and Crave. Her latest film The Grizzlie Truth premieres October 1st and explores the unsolved mystery around the 2001 disappearance of the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies right out from under the nose of the city of Vancouver and it’s basketball faithful. The movie is a love letter to one of the worst pro sports teams in history and an exploration into the deep roots of sports fandom. Join Will Gates and Arthur Agee as they learn about Kat’s long family history in film, her journey to becoming a film maker, her love of all basketball collectibles and she hints at what might be next in her personal Hoop Dreams journey. Listen, Subscribe and Follow on all your podcast platforms.
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This week Mike Farah, the Chief Executive Officer of Funny Or Die, sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about his origin story. Mike has been with FOD since 2008, starting as its first producer, rising to President of Production, and then taking over the reigns as CEO in 2016. This past year, Mike oversaw FOD's acquisition by the prominent business leader and social activist Henry R. Muñoz III, with the vision of growing from a successful production company into a full-service independent studio. Select credits include two-time Emmy-winner Between Two Ferns, the Emmy-nominated Billy on the Street, and the Peabody
Award-winning American Vandal.
Mike is from Ann Arbor, Michigan where he grew up a huge Fab Five fan. He is a graduate of Indiana University and began his career in entertainment as a food expeditor at The Standard, Hollywood.
Funny Or Die (FOD) is a premiere entertainment brand and independent comedy studio that creates award-winning premium content with today’s biggest stars and tomorrow’s exciting voices. Funny Or Die reaches a global audience of more than 40 million people across all our social platforms. Funny Or Die was founded in 2007, with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy’s infamous “The Landlord” video, and has since become a comedy juggernaut. In May 2021, it was announced that Funny Or Die had been acquired by Henry R. Muñoz III, a nationally respected business leader, philanthropist and activist.
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This week on the show Will Gates and Arthur Agee sit down with former semi-pro basketball player, actor and legendary streetball player, The Professor, to explore his Hoop Dreams origin story. Born Grayson Scott Boucher, the Oregon native rose to fame as one of the early stars of the AND1 Mixtape Tour. He has honed his game by playing and training with some of the great NBA ball players and streetball legends like Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston. He talks about his days on tour, how he made the team, the cities he was fortunate enough to visit through the tour and the friends he made along the way by being a part of history. Grayson discusses the recent Untold Documentary, the Netflix movie Hustle with Adam Sandler and his new project, Global Hoopers and Layer12 Studio and what the next chapter is in his #hoopdream. Sit back and soak up a little bit of basketball history with Agee & Gates on the Unlearning Network. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and please subscribe now on YouTube. Give us a follow on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok
streetball #and1
mixtapetour #newpodcast #newpodcastepisode #hustle #netflix #adamsandler
layer12studio #globalhooper #unlearning #hoopdreams #hoopdream #originstory
Hosted by Will Gates and Arthur Agee
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We kick off Season 2 with a true legend, he was the 2nd overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, a 12 time NBA All-Star, a 2 x NBA Champ with the Detroit Pistons and a Member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Mr. Isiah Lord Thomas III, joins Agee & Gates to talk about his Hoop Dream story. Isiah takes hosts Will Gates and Arthur Agee back to his origins and his days growing up on the Westside of Chicago, playing for Coach Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers, to his incredible run in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. The guys talk Chuck Daly, Michael Jordan and the Dream Team controversy and about his post playing career. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Listen, Download & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
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Written by Matt Hoffar, Will Gates and Arthur Agee
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We are joined on this weeks episode by California native and veteran actor, with over 30 years in the business, Spencer Garrett. He currently appears in HBO Max’s Winning Time, chronicling the rise of the LA Lakers where Spencer plays legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn. Spencer dives into his origin story with Will and Arthur, and talks about growing up in a household of actors and how his love of TV and Film came early in life. You’ve seen him in numerous films from Air Force One to 21, All The Way, Front Runner and Quentin Tarantino’s, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. Spencer also drops some wisdom on the path into show business and how tough it can be. This one was so good we had to break it up into two parts. Sit back, listen and enjoy.
This week on the show we have television showrunner, producer and writer Jason Ganzel. He talks with Will and Arthur about his origin story and breaking into show business. Jason began his career as a member of the production staff on several television series, including Married to the Kellys, Kevin Hill, So Little Time, and The Ellen Show. In 2004 he joined the writing staff of Desperate Housewives and spent seven years there, finishing out the series. Since then, he has served as writer and co-executive producer on several hit series including Graceland, Queen of the South, Grey’s Anatomy, and Dynasty. He is currently working on Naomi for the CW Network, developing the sports drama Broken Rim with former L.A. Laker Matt Barnes, Findlay Prep with Peter Dinklage and Carmelo Anthony, IMG Academy with Vice and Untitled, and show running Soul and Fury, a project with Debbie Allen and Terrence Howard. Jason grew up in Reno, Nevada and was a standout in track and field before shifting those skills over to basketball and eventually writing and producing. For anyone trying to figure out how to get your foot in the door of the TV industry you can definitely pick up a few insights from this episode. Sit back, listen and learn.
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We are joined on this weeks episode by California native and veteran actor, with over 30 years in the business, Spencer Garrett. He currently appears in HBO Max’s Winning Time, chronicling the rise of the LA Lakers where Spencer plays legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn. Spencer dives into his origin story with Will and Arthur, and talks about growing up in a household of actors and how his love of TV and Film came early in life. You’ve seen him in numerous films from Air Force One to 21, All The Way, Front Runner and Quentin Tarantino’s, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. Spencer also drops some wisdom on the path into show business and how tough it can be. This one was so good we had to break it up into two parts. Sit back, listen and enjoy.
This week on the show we have television showrunner, producer and writer Jason Ganzel. He talks with Will and Arthur about his origin story and breaking into show business. Jason began his career as a member of the production staff on several television series, including Married to the Kellys, Kevin Hill, So Little Time, and The Ellen Show. In 2004 he joined the writing staff of Desperate Housewives and spent seven years there, finishing out the series. Since then, he has served as writer and co-executive producer on several hit series including Graceland, Queen of the South, Grey’s Anatomy, and Dynasty. He is currently working on Naomi for the CW Network, developing the sports drama Broken Rim with former L.A. Laker Matt Barnes, Findlay Prep with Peter Dinklage and Carmelo Anthony, IMG Academy with Vice and Untitled, and show running Soul and Fury, a project with Debbie Allen and Terrence Howard. Jason grew up in Reno, Nevada and was a standout in track and field before shifting those skills over to basketball and eventually writing and producing. For anyone trying to figure out how to get your foot in the door of the TV industry you can definitely pick up a few insights from this episode. Sit back, listen and learn.
Listen and subscribe now at
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Hosted by: Arthur Agee & William Gates
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On this week’s episode, hailing from the north, Ontario, Canada native, Vincennes University and Kentucky Wildcats alumni, former JUCO All-American and #NBA Guard, Mychal Mulder, joins the show for Part 2. Being named after NBA great Mychal Thompson, you know Mulder was born to ball. As a Top 10 Canadian prospect coming out of Catholic Central High School, his talents took him across the border to Vincennes University in Indiana where he excelled and sparked the interest of D-1 coaches from across the country. Mychal selected the Kentucky Wildcats where he got to play alongside NBA greats such as Jamal Murray, De’Aron Fox, Bam Adebayo and others. After going undrafted in the NBA he was selected 9th in the G-League draft where he honed his game with the Windy City Bulls and Sioux Falls Sky Force which earned him roster spots on the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, where he got to learn from legendary veterans like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Mulder, who recently signed a 2 way deal with the Miami Heat, breaks down the intricacies of a G League contract, gives us some insight as to how he got noticed as a kid from Canada and the feeling he got seeing his name on the back of an NBA jersey for the first time. Sit back and enjoy as Myke chops it up with Will Gates and Arthur Agee and talks about the next chapter in his Hoop Dream.
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MychalMulder
JUCO #collegehoops #Vincennes #kentuckywildcats #warriors #Golden State
miamiheat #gleague #hoopdreams
On this week’s episode, hailing from the north, Ontario, Canada native, Vincennes University and Kentucky Wildcats alumni, former JUCO All-American and #NBA Guard, Mychal Mulder, joins the show. Being named after NBA great Mychal Thompson, you know Mulder was born to ball. As a Top 10 Canadian prospect coming out of Catholic Central High School, his talents took him across the border to Vincennes University in Indiana where he excelled and sparked the interest of D-1 coaches from across the country. Mychal selected the Kentucky Wildcats where he got to play alongside NBA greats such as Jamal Murray, De’Aron Fox, Bam Adebayo and others. After going undrafted in the NBA he was selected 9th in the G-League draft where he honed his game with the Windy City Bulls and Sioux Falls Sky Force which earned him roster spots on the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, where he got to learn from legendary veterans like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Mulder, who recently signed a 2 way deal with the Miami Heat, breaks down the intricacies of a G League contract, gives us some insight as to how he got noticed as a kid from Canada and the feeling he got seeing his name on the back of an NBA jersey for the first time. Sit back and enjoy as Myke chops it up with Will Gates and Arthur Agee and talks about the next chapter in his Hoop Dream.
Listen and subscribe now at
www.unlearningnetwork.com
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Hosted by: Arthur Agee & William Gates
Written by Matt Hoffar, Arthur Agee & William Gates
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MychalMulder
JUCO #collegehoops #Vincennes #kentuckywildcats #warriors #Golden State
miamiheat #gleague #hoopdreams
This week on the show a member of the legendary “Flyin Illini”, author, basketball analyst and broadcaster and host of Bardo’s Breakdown, Stephen Bardo joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk about his origin story. He gives us a raw and unfiltered take on his childhood, his days at Carbondale High School in Illinois, to his time as a member of the Illinois men’s basketball team where he teamed up with Nick Anderson, Kenny Battle, Marcus Liberty and Kendall Gill to get to the 1989 Final Four against Glen Rice and the Michigan Wolverines.
Stephen dives into the recruitment process, his NBA draft class, playing professionally overseas and his current pursuits as a broadcaster and analyst and building his own show Bardo’s Breakdown. Lock in and listen to an amazing story teller and teacher.
This week on the podcast we have a special guest. The multi-talented Mr. Terry Crews sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee to talk origin stories. Mr. Crews is an actor, author, artist and former NFL player amongst many other talents. He grew up in Flint, Michigan and parlayed his skills as an illustrator into an opportunity to go to Western Michigan University where he worked his way on to the football team which led to chance to play in the NFL. He then shifted his focus, after a six year football career, to acting, where he’s appeared in some of your favorite movies and TV shows. From titles such as Friday after Next, to Training Day, White Chicks, The Longest Yard, Everybody Hates Chris, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and many others. He is now the host of America’s Got Talent and author of a new book called Tough. Terry is also an illustrator, avid runner and also finds time to speak on topics close to his heart.
Don’t miss this episode as there’s no doubt you will learn and be inspired by Terry’s story.
We have a unique Hoop Dreams story this week. UCLA Bruin quarterback and Hutto High Hippos alumni Chase Griffin joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Chase was the star quarterback at Hutto High, part of the greater Austin area, where he threw for over 11,000 yards and 123 touchdowns and was named Gatorade Texas State Player of the Year and Ford Built Tough Player of the year. Chase graduated high school early and committed to UCLA where he was able to complete his degree in just 2 and 1/2 years while playing quarterback for the Bruins. Chase has become a pioneer in the NIL space, signing multiple brand deals and is now working on his masters degree while continuing to pursue his football career. Check out this episode and get ready to learn a little something from a future leader.
Chicago native and Illinois Fighting Illini legend, Deon Thomas, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Deon led his team to a Chicago Public League title, was named Mr. Basketball and still holds the title as The University of Illinois all-time leading scorer. He takes us through his early days growing up in Chicago to his college days and dives into the world that basketball opened up for him after University. Deon had a 14 year career overseas playing in Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and also Israel where he met his wife and obtained citizenship. Sit back, relax and listen to an incredible Hoop Dreams Story.
Chicago native and Illinois Fighting Illini legend, Deon Thomas, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Deon led his team to a Chicago Public League title, was named Mr. Basketball and still holds the title as The University of Illinois all-time leading scorer. He takes us through his early days growing up in Chicago to his college days and dives into the world that basketball opened up for him after University. Deon had a 14 year career overseas playing in Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and also Israel where he met his wife and obtained citizenship. Sit back, relax and listen to an incredible Hoop Dreams Story.
We got a good one this week as Chicago native, DePaul Basketball alumni and former NBA 1st Round Draft pick, of the Orlando magic, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on his week's episode. Steven went on to play 9 years in the NBA. He got to play for some great teammates in Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Tracey McGrady, Grant Hill, Patrick Ewing, Amare Stoudamire, QRich, and many more. Steven takes you from his early days growing in the Chi, to the NCAA basketball experience and through his time in the league. He also talks about his personal life, his families experience and raising their son with autism and how that led to his role as an advocate for people that have been diagnosed with it. Listen and learn Stevens origin story.
We got a good one this week as Chicago native, DePaul Basketball alumni and former NBA 1st Round Draft pick, of the Orlando magic, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on his week's episode. Steven went on to play 9 years in the NBA. He got to play for some great teammates in Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Tracey McGrady, Grant Hill, Patrick Ewing, Amare Stoudamire, QRich, and many more. Steven takes you from his early days growing in the Chi, to the NCAA basketball experience and through his time in the league. He also talks about his personal life, his families experience and raising their son with autism and how that led to his role as an advocate for people that have been diagnosed with it. Listen and learn Stevens origin story.
We got a real one on the show this week. A Chi town legend, author, journalist and the man with one of the coldest nicknames in the game, Robert “Scoop” Jackson. Unfiltered is the best way to describe this episode as Scoop sits down with Will and Arthur to dive deep into his origin story, from growing up in South Shore, where he still lives today, to hooping all over the city of Chicago. His mother's focus on education for her children led to him going to four different grammar schools by the time he was in grade 8, which means he basically went to school with everybody! He talks about the power basketball can provide for youth and how his love for the game, combined with the confidence his mother instilled in him, helped him to fit in and make friends when he was the new kid at a new school.
Scoop reflects on his mothers integrity and compassion for kids in the neighborhood and the influence that had on him growing up. He shares stories about his days at Xavier University and receiving a Masters in Arts degree from Howard. His passion for writing, basketball and hip hop eventually led to a career as a journalist covering sports for publications such as SLAM, ESPN, The Source, Vibe, USA Today and many others. Nike even commissioned him to write Sole Provider: 30 Years of Nike Basketball chronicling the inside story of Nike and its influence on the sport. Sit back and strap in for Part 2 of what will go down as a classic episode.
We got a real one on the show this week. A Chi town legend, author, journalist and the man with one of the coldest nicknames in the game, Robert “Scoop” Jackson. Unfiltered is the best way to describe this episode as Scoop sits down with Will and Arthur to dive deep into his origin story, from growing up in South Shore, where he still lives today, to hooping all over the city of Chicago. His mother's focus on education for her children led to him going to four different grammar schools by the time he was in grade 8, which means he basically went to school with everybody! He talks about the power basketball can provide for youth and how his love for the game, combined with the confidence his mother instilled in him, helped him to fit in and make friends when he was the new kid at a new school.
Scoop reflects on his mothers integrity and compassion for kids in the neighborhood and the influence that had on him growing up. He shares stories about his days at Xavier University and receiving a Masters in Arts degree from Howard. His passion for writing, basketball and hip hop eventually led to a career as a journalist covering sports for publications such as SLAM, ESPN, The Source, Vibe, USA Today and many others. Nike even commissioned him to write Sole Provider: 30 Years of Nike Basketball chronicling the inside story of Nike and its influence on the sport. Sit back and strap in for Part 1 of what will go down as a classic Hoop Dreams episode.
We got a hot one this week, switching it up a little on you, we got a real life, legit, thespian on the show. Vancouver, B.C. native, actor and former Division 1 soccer player, Brandon Jay McLaren, joins Will Gates and Arthur. Brandon talks about how influential the documentary Hoop Dreams was during his teenage years and how it helped form his work ethic and motivate him. He reminisces on playing basketball and soccer in a hockey mad country, his days as a ball boy with the Vancouver Grizzlies (and those NBA logo socks!!) and the difficulties of getting on the radar of American universities as an athlete. After playing D-1 soccer and earning his degree at Albany New York, Brandon has gone on to build an incredible acting career, from being the Red Power Ranger, to roles in shows such as Graceland, The Killing, Fire Fly Lane, Ransom, The Rookie and soon to be appearing in the FX hit Snowfall. The guys get deep on family, education, the recruitment process and the hurdles he overcame in the pursuit of a professional soccer and acting career. Sit back, relax, put your headphones on and get a little education.
We got a real one this week, a Chicago legend, a 2x WNBA Champ and a 7x WNBA All-Star, Cappie Pondexter joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee this week. And the list of accolades goes on, Cappie was a 3x All-WNBA First Team, a member of the All-Defensive team and All-Rookie Team, she was voted one of the top 15 WNBA players of all time by the fans and won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympics. Cappie talks about growing up in Chicago and how that shaped her, she recounts her years at Rutgers and the excitement of March Madness. She reminisces on her time playing in Turkey and how much she loved the city of Istanbul. Tune in for a WNBA history lesson from one of the greats.
We got a real one this week. Princeton Tigers Men's Basketball alumni, former pro ball player with the Manchester Knights and NCAA Division 1 Men's basketball coach, Craig Robinson, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on this week's episode. The older brother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, talks about how close the two of them are and about their days growing up in Chicago. He shares the incredible story of his father introducing him to basketball despite his health struggles and reminisces on his days at Princeton and all the lessons he learned from legendary coach Pete Carril. Make sure you set aside some time to check this episode out.
Dan Grunfeld, former Stanford University basketball standout, current technology executive with Lightspeed Ventures and author of the book "By the Grace Of The Game" joins Will and Arthur on this episode. Dan Talks about how his father, former NBA star Ernie Gunfeld, inspired his love for the game of basketball, how important his grandmother has been in his life, his days playing overseas, the experiences and friendships he developed through basketball and what led to him writing his new book, "By The Grace Of The Game". The story shares his family's incredible story of surviving the Holocaust, the only know know journey from Auschwitz to the NBA. It details the perseverance it took and how basketball helped his father survive and succeed in America. A unique and memorable episode that you gotta listen to.
We got a Chicago basketball legend on the show this week. A member of The Michigan Wolverines Fab Five, a 2x NBA Champ, a McDonald's All American and the 2021 AP College Coach of the Year, Juwan Howard! Juwan, currently the head coach for the University of Michigan chops it up with Will and Arthur about the Hoop Dreams documentary, growing up in Chicago and the important role his Grandmother played in his life. With a 19 year NBA career under his belt and 8 years of coaching, this man has some stories to tell. So take some time to sit back, relax and listen to some basketball history.
Texas legend and Fab Five member Ray Jackson sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee. The guys talk about his childhood growing up in Texas, the origins of his nick name and his high school days. Ray gives them the inside scoop on his college days at Michigan, discusses his top 3 rappers (of which there is only one name...) and also touches on what he's been up to since his playing days. Don't sleep on this one. Ray drops some knowledge that young players shouldn't miss.
Jamal Crawford NBA legend and 8th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft and 3 time NBA sixth man of the year award winner joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on this weeks episode. The Seattle native played for 20 years in the league and is the all time leader in 4 point plays. The guys chop it up about his experience growing up in the Pacific Northwest, some of the notable players he competed against and the impact the documentary Hoop Dreams had on him as a high school ball player. You don't want to miss this episode with the legendary Crossover King. Part 2 coming soon.
We are droppin' a special episode this week as the guys welcome Will Gates Sr.'s sons to the show. Will Jr., Jalon and Marques Gates sit down and talk to Arthur and their Dad about the challenges they have faced chasing the first chapter of their own Hoop Dream, playing Division 1 basketball at Houston Baptist and the effect the original Hoop Dreams documentary had on them growing up. Don't miss this one.
Our guy Dee Brown, a Chicago basketball legend, joins the guys on this episode. Dee reflects on his basketball journey, from growing up on the Westside of Chicago looking up to his brothers, who pushed him to be a better player and helped him stay on the right path, to his high school days at Proviso East where he was named McDonald's All American. Dee spent 4 years as a starting guard at the University of Illinois where he solidified himself as a Chicago legend playing alongside Deron Williams. After being picked by the Utah Jazz in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft he played for the Jazz, Wizards and Suns before heading overseas for a successful pro basketball career where he won a Bulgarian League Championship. Dee dives deep into what motivates him and how he wants to be constantly challenged by surrounding himself with players that are better than him. These are lessons he passes on to the student athletes in his current role as an assistant coach at UIC. Tune in and we guarantee you will learn something from this one.
Our guy Dee Brown, a Chicago basketball legend, joins the guys on this episode. Dee reflects on his basketball journey, from growing up on the Westside of Chicago looking up to his brothers, who pushed him to be a better player and helped him stay on the right path, to his high school days at Proviso East where he was named McDonald's All American. Dee spent 4 years as a starting guard at the University of Illinois where he solidified himself as a Chicago legend playing alongside Deron Williams. After being picked by the Utah Jazz in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft he played for the Jazz, Wizards and Suns before heading overseas for a successful pro basketball career where he won a Bulgarian League Championship. Dee dives deep into what motivates him and how he wants to be constantly challenged by surrounding himself with players that are better than him. These are lessons he passes on to the student athletes in his current role as an assistant coach at UIC. Tune in and we guarantee you will learn something from this one.
North Carolina Tar Heel alumni, NCAA champ and 12th overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft, George Lynch, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee this week. The Virginia native takes us through his early days where he was part of the Virginia State championship squad at Patrick Henry High School and discusses his 1993 NCAA title with the Tar Heels against the Michigan Wolverines. The guys then dive into his 11 year NBA career with the Lakers, Sixers, Grizzlies and Hornets and his post NBA career coaching and working with his non-profit that supports HBCUs. Sit back and listen to some basketball history.
This week, University of Missouri alumni and member of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, Sophie Cunningham, joins the guys. Will and Arthur talk to the Columbia, Missouri native about growing up on a farm, like a real Farm. But just to clarify, there were no chickens. Sophie won 4 state championships in her high school career and committed to Mizzou in the 8th grade!! She was a standout with the Tigers, averaging 16.9 points per game and ended her University career as Missouri's all time leading scorer. Currently in her second WNBA season as a member of the Phoenix Mercury, she talk s about the draft night experience, getting to play with some of the greats like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner and the importance of being a strong role model for young women. Don't miss this one.
Legendary NBA point guard, Mike Bibby, joins the guys. Will and Arthur dig into Bibby's origin story and hear some classic tales from his 14 year NBA career. From playing for a run and gun high school team, at Shadow mountain that averaged 98 points a game (ya in high school!!), to winning a national championship with the 1997 Arizona Wildcats and going on to be the 2nd overall pick in the NBA Draft. Mike was one of the original Jordan athletes and played with stars Chris Webber, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and many many more, he even witnessed "Linsanity" first hand in New York. How did he end up playing in the Big 3, well as Mike tells us, "I mean you get a call from Ice Cube, I don't care what he asks... the answer is yes". Sit back and listen to an NBA legend drop some knowledge and give you the scoop on what goes on behind the scenes... Oh did you hear about Ron Artest pulling up to a game in an F1 race car.... Ya he did that and Mike was there.
Roger Powell Part 1: This week, Illinois native, University of Illinois alumni, and currently an assistant coach for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Roger Powell aka "The Rev", joins the guys. Roger explains the influence his father had on him and his love for the game of basketball and how the documentary Hoop Dreams inspired him. He gives us the scoop on how he got his nickname and talks about how tough Chicago basketball is. Roger recounts some of his classic high school highlights, the legendary players he went up against and shares some memories from his University days. Keep checking back for Part 2.
Basketball legend, Tamecka Dixon, joins the guys this week. The Kansas Jayhawks alumna, 2x WNBA Champ with the LA Sparks and 3x WNBA All-Star gives us a little history lesson as she talks about being a member of the inaugural WNBA draft class and provides some background on how the league was launched. Tamecka also talks about growing up in New Jersey, playing in four NCAA Tournaments and having her jersey retired by Kansas. Basketball fans, you don't want to miss this one.
This week, on Hoop Dreams The Podcast, De LaSalle High School, Kentucky Wildcat and Southern Illinois alumni, Aminu Timberlake, joins his fellow Chicago natives, Will Gates and Arthur Agee, to talk about his life in basketball and what he's been up to in the years since he retired. Aminu gives some insight into Rick Pitino and his college recruitment process, dishes some inside scoop on the famous March madness games featuring the Kentucky/Duke matchup and also talks about bleeding red or blue when Louisville and Kentucky meet. He also clears up some of the questions around the famous "Christian Laettner incident". Lots of basketball history packed into this episode, be sure to listen.
Kansas City native and former NBA 1st Round Draft Pick, Kareem Rush, sits down with Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Kareem talks about his high school days at Pembroke Hill, university at Mizzou and his experience playing with Shaq and Kobe on the Lakers. He also discusses playing for Phil Jackson and the run to the NBA Finals. On halftime Kareem drops some smooth R&B vocals for the guys and talks about trying out for The Voice. You gotta check this one out!
Former Kansas Jayhawks star and NBA 1st Round Draft Pick, Rex Walters, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. The guys talk to Rex about his high school days growing up in San Jose and trying to make a name for himself, his college days at North Western and Kansas and his time in the league with the Nets, Sixers and Heat. They cover the Jayhawks run to the final four, his love for coaching, playing with Allen Iverson and also the business of basketball. If you are a basketball fan, don't miss this one.
Sportswriter, Broadcaster, College Basketball Analyst and New York Times bestselling Author, Seth Davis, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Seth talks about some of his greatest memories of working in basketball, about breaking into the business and offers his perspective on current issues in college basketball today. He gives us insight into some of the great games and players he got to watch and reflects on his personal values and future goals. If you are a basketball fan you don't want to miss this one.
NBA Champion, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA All-Star, Metta Sandiford-Artest, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Metta talks about family, his early childhood, growing up in Queensbridge New York and watching hip hop explode onto the scene during his college years with the likes of Nas, Mobb Deep, Capone n Noreaga and others. He gets into his college years, his time in the NBA with the Bulls, Pacers and the championship run with the Lakers. Metta drops some life lessons, talks about the importance of mental health and recounts some incredible stories. Don't sleep on this episode.
Sneaker designer and Chicago native Dallas Stokes joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. Dallas talks about his journey through the sneaker business from Reebok, to Adidas, Skechers, AND1 and more and some of the people who helped him along the way. He touches on the influence working with Shaq, Kobe and other pros like Stephen Jackson had on his career. Dallas also tells a great story about cold calling Phil Jackson to apply for a job at Nike and how he might have annoyed an executive's wife at another brand just to give him a shot at working there. He also discusses some of his new endeavors including the streetwear line Ball'n. Dallas gives young up and coming designers some valuable tips on how he got his foot in the door through dedication and persistence. Make sure you check this one out if you want to hear the real story on how the sneaker business works.
Indiana Hoosier Alumni and Illinois legend, AJ Guyton joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. AJ was named first team All-American in 2000 and ranks 4th all time in scoring for the Hoosiers. While at Indiana he played for one of the greatest college coaches ever in Bobby Knight. AJ discusses his college experience and playing for coach Knight, getting drafted by his hometown team the Chicago Bulls, NBA life and his time playing overseas. AJ's got some life lessons for young players. Don't miss this.
Emmy Award winning producer, author and podcast host Jason Romano joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. The guys talk about how he broke into the media industry, his time at ESPN as a producer of Sports Center, Sunday NFL Countdown, Mike and Mike in the Morning and many other classis sports shows and why he made the decision to leave after 17 years and launch his own successful podcast, Sports Spectrum which explores the intersection of sports and faith. You'll definitely want to tune in and check this one out.
Chicago legend Maurice “Bo” Ellis, the 17th pick in the 1977 NBA Draft and one of the men who put Marquette Basketball on the map, joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee on this episode. Will’s former coach talks about growing up on Chicago’s Southside in the “real Inglewood”, appearing in the Hoop Dreams Documentary and playing in two NCAA National Championship games while winning one of them. Bo discusses how he ended up at Marquette playing for Al McGuire, how he majored in art, going to Mount Mary College and taking the Fashion Design Program, which led to him designing the basketball uniforms that he ended up playing in. You don’t want to miss this one, Bo shares valuable life lessons and drops some wisdom on us.
The guys sit down with Linnae to discuss the toughness growing up in Chicago instills in you. Playing with guys as a young female player, playing for the hometown team in the WNBA and the experience of running out on that court for the first time. They dive into her college days playing for two legendary universities, her high school days, walking the same halls as former first lady Michelle Obama and the business of basketball for female pro athletes. They touch on her love of music and what life is like playing pro overseas (it’s a little different over there). Trust us you don’t want to miss this one, you’ll learn a few things.
Rafer "Skip to My Lou” Alston joins Will Gates and Arthur Agee. The guys chop it up with the streetball and NBA legend about coming up in Queens, New York, some of his high school alumni (a couple names might ring a bell), why LL Cool J is his favourite rapper and how he earned his nickname and how he kept it. They dive deep into the business of AND 1 and the birth of the AND 1 mix tape tour and how he ended up on the cover of SLAM. Rafer chronicles his journey from New York to Fresno to the NBA Finals with the Orlando Magic and talks about his college days playing for legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian. Sit back and listen to the man who took the streetball game to main street and influenced a generation of point gods.