Ball and the Real World: Recent Episodes
ESPN AU/NZ
ESPN Australia talks about all of the pressing topics in Australian basketball, featuring in-depth interviews, panel discussions, and everything in between.
The Boomers have joined Germany in advancing from Group E to the second round of the FIBA World Cup. Kane and Olgun discuss the win over Japan, identifying key moments and performances from Josh Giddey, Xavier Cooks and Josh Green. Where do the Boomers stand overall? What should the rotation look like moving forward? Can Josh Green become a primetime scorer for Australia? What do they need to do in order to make life difficult for Luka Doncic?
With five warm up games in the bank, the Boomers are heading for a World Cup opener against Finland. Kane and Olgun tap into some of the lingering questions around the squad. How concerning are the health issues? What are some of the lineup variations Brian Goorjian can tap in to? Who stops Lauri Markkanen? How is the early chemistry between Josh Giddey and Patty Mills? All this and more on today's show.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup is less than a week away, so here’s your one stop shop going into the tournament. ESPN’s Olgun Uluc and Brian Windhorst take you inside both the Australian Boomers and Team USA camps, muse over the other contenders that could make some noise, and talk through some of the key narratives to keep an eye on.
The build up to the FIBA World Cup continues as the Boomers have cut the squad from 18 down to 13. With only one more player to miss the tournament, what are the key battles in the Melbourne exhibition games? Do Australia need more depth at the guard or big positions? Who looms as a potential starting five? The sadness of Matthew Dellavedova missing out. Kane and Olgun discuss the latest news around the national team.
The Boomers World Cup squad is loaded with talent entering training camp in Cairns. With so many questions surrounding the make up of the final squad, Trevor Gleeson joins Kane to help dive into some of the main storylines. From the big man battle to the guard squeeze, every topic is hit as the build up continues to tournament tip off.
With the FIBA World Cup just over a month away, Australia's NBA stars have started touching down. Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale and Jack White practiced with Melbourne United on Wednesday, with Brian Goorjian watching on. Kane and Olgun discuss the day's events, ask who will make the squad and who could be unlucky. Also, some news from around the NBL, including updates on United and the Sydney Kings.
A special Summer League edition of the show, with San Antonio Spurs guest coach Fleur McIntyre and Boomers Bronze medallist Duop Reath joining the show. Kane discusses Wemby-Mania with Fluer, Reath's upcoming battle for a World Cup spot and plenty more.
NBA free agency produced a bonanza for Australian hoops, with multiple stars set to sign deals and land in a new city. Jock Landale is heading to Houston, Joe Ingles to Orlando, Jack White to OKC, and more. Kane and Olgun break down all the reported moves and what it could mean for the local stars.
Dejan Vasiljevic sits down with Kane Pitman to discuss his success with the Sydney Kings and how it has led him to an opportunity with Washington Wizards in the NBA Summer League.
The Brisbane Bullets part ways with head coach James Duncan but did he ever stand a chance? Cairns defeated Sydney again with officiating brought into the spotlight. Is there a clear MVP leading trio? Melbourne United are still floundering and seemingly out of answers. Olgun releases his tiers with some interesting rankings and more!
Cairns and New Zealand are in the top three nearing the halfway mark of NBL23. How have they surged to contention? What's going on in Illawarra and has Adelaide returned from the FIBA break with a new identity? Also, Ben Simmons looks back, with some of the numbers suggesting he is on the path to playing like his old self ... just in time for a return to Philly.
Melbourne finally has their import replacement with Kane and Olgun discussing the new fit ahead of the season resuming. Are the Perth Wildcats in real trouble or is it overblown? Should Adelaide make another change to the starting five? Also, Josh Giddey and Josh Green chat with the young duo piecing together big early performances in the NBA.
The first major NBL23 roster domino has fallen, with the Adelaide 36ers releasing Craig Randall II. Kane and Olgun discuss the move before praising New Zealand Breakers culture and then Olgun picks apart Kane's top-15 player list on ESPN.com.au.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have won four in a row, with big man Alan 'Big Sauce' Williams playing a major role. The import star joins Kane and Olgun in studio to chat all things hoops and food!
Another weekend, another loss for Melbourne United with the postgame press conference stealing the headlines. Was Dean Vickerman too harsh on Jordan Caroline? Where is the line with transparency in a press conference? The JackJumpers are back and Scott Roth keeps ahead of the pack! Are expectations on Brisbane too high? Is Keanu Pinder the best big man in the league? All this and more!
Matthew Dellavedova joins the podcast from Sacramento. Delly discusses the process of his return to the NBA from the offseason workouts, anxious wait for Sacramento roster cuts, his own motivation and what he expects his role to be on a young Kings roster. Also, his Boomers future and some NBL thoughts.
Controversy followed Round 3 of NBL23, with Jesse Wagstaff suspended for unduly rough play. Kane and Olgun break down the decision, before moving onto issues at Melbourne United and the winless Brisbane Bullets. Hot starts for Cairns and New Zealand is also on the docket along with all the other news from around the league.
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Green joins the show. Entering his third year in the NBA, Green discusses lessons learned including multiple coaches, playing with Luka, being benched during the playoffs and much more. Also, Green describes the Olympic experience with the Boomers, returning to Australia for the first time in years and his future with the national team.
Concerns for Melbourne, Aron Baynes benched down the stretch, Bryce Cotton and Xavier Cooks star, Cairns up and down style presenting problems, Tasmania's rotation, New Zealand return home and all the other stories from Round 2. Kane and Olgun get together every Tuesday to discuss the news and events from the weekend's NBL.
Kane and Olgun are back for the weekly NBL pod to break down Round 1 and discuss the Adelaide 36ers' historic win over the Phoenix Suns. What does the win mean for Adelaide? Who could realistically be snapped up by an NBA club? How big is the concern for the JackJumpers? Bryce Cotton sending reminders, the Sydney Kings import point guard dazzles and much more!
From on the ground in Darwin, Kane Pitman and Olgun Uluc discuss their biggest takeaways from the 2022 NBL Blitz, from Aron Baynes’ preseason debut, which imports have impressed, to a string of brutal injuries across the league.
The build up to the FIBA Women's World Cup continues as Sara Blicavs and Jenni Screen join the show. Blicavs gives insight from within the Opals squad and her own development in recent years and expectations for the home nation. An Opals legend in her own right, Screen analyses the makeup of the Australian squad and helps preview what's to come in Sydney.
Australian Opals head coach Sandy Brondello and Melbourne United's Dave Barlow join the show. With the FIBA Women's World Cup fast approaching, Brondello discusses the preparation to the tournament, balance of the squad, the events that led to Lauren Jackson's inclusion in the squad and how a surprise training camp visit from Patty Mills eventuated. Then, Barlow walks through his transition to coaching, relationship with Dean Vickerman and many of his memories from a glittering career at club and international level.
Perth Wildcats star Luke Travers joins the show. Returning to the NBL after being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Travers discusses a whirlwind four months in his young career from travelling to the US to pre draft nerves to Summer League. He also talks about his recent stint with the Boomers and dives into the upcoming season in Perth and his own emotions with the NBA draft spotlight now behind him.
Adelaide 36ers head coach C.J. Bruton joins the show to discuss a very busy offseason for the club. Bruton breaks down the inclusions of Antonius Cleveland and Robert Franks, discusses how the team approached the offseason, Kai Sotto's development, expectations for NBL23 and more.
Tasmania JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth joins the pod as his team prepare for their second season in the NBL. Roth sounds off on expectations for the team this year, why the team had minimal roster turnover and gives injury updates on several key players including Will Magnay. Also, Roth outlines why he signed a multi-year extension with the team and why it's important for the JackJumpers to build in a different way to other teams around the league.
Brisbane Bullets and Boomers guard, Nathan Sobey joins the podcast. Sobey gives an update on his knee rehab, discusses the Bullets offseason, life after basketball, the potential return of Aron Baynes and much more.
The 2022 NBA Draft is in the books, with four familiar faces being selected on a successful night for Australian hoops. Kane Pitman is joined by Andrew Lopez in New Orleans to discuss Dyson Daniels joining the Pelicans, before Steve Smith jumps on the line to break down the rest of the night's events including the selections of Ousmane Dieng, Luke Travers and Hugo Besson.
In a two part episode of Ball and the Real World, Australian Opals star Cayla George and Sydney Kings champion DJ Vasiljevic join the show. George wraps up the Opals recent series against Japan, discusses the upcoming Women's World Cup and the excitement around a new era for the national team. Vasiljevic gives insight into signing a new contract with the Kings, heading to NBA Summer League, recovering from a ruptured achilles and an unselfish locker room that overcame some early season struggles to win the title.
Thon Maker joins the show to discuss his season with the Long Island Nets, getting healthy, Boomers ambitions, NBA ups and downs and more!
Coaching legend Brian Goorjian jumps back on the podcast. Goorj discusses his move back to Asia, the future involvement of the NBL in the EASL, why he took the job to move back overseas, the upcoming Boomers qualifiers, the lure of staying in Australia and much more.
The Sydney Kings are NBL22 Champions. Kane Pitman, Peter Hooley and Steve Smith get together to discuss the Kings' championship run, the individual stories, performances and everything in between. They also dive into what's next for the JackJumpers, after an incredible first season in the NBL.
The Tasmania JackJumpers remarkable run has continued, with the first-year franchise booking a matchup with the Sydney Kings. Kane Pitman, Peter Hooley and Steve Smith get back together to dissect the Grand Final series and ask what went wrong for Melbourne United and the Illawarra Hawks.
With the NBL playoff matchups locked in, Kane Pitman, Peter Hooley and Steve Smith get together to break down how we got here. Perth's dramatic fall is also on the agenda, along with key players, semi-finals predictions and more!
Jaylen Adams has rocketed into NBL MVP contention and he joins Kane Pitman to chat all things NBL, the Sydney Kings, and the upcoming playoffs.
NBL championship-winning coach Dean Vickerman joins the show. Vickerman explains how Melbourne United's defensive prowess in NBL22 has launched them into the title favouritism conversation, and looks ahead to what is shaping to be an enthralling postseason.
Illawarra Hawks big man and Boomers bronze medallist Duop Reath joins the show. Reath discusses an up and down season for the Hawks, finding chemistry on a talented roster, his unique path to and through US college and his eventual path back to Australia.
First round prospect Dyson Daniels joins Kane to discuss his season with the G League Ignite and what's next on the road to Draft night. Daniels gives an inside look to life in the G League, challenges he faced along the way, what his plans are while home in Australia, which NBA player he models his game on and more.
The road to the postseason is underway in NBL22. Kane Pitman and Peter Hooley get together to discuss all the big topics: Melbourne United add Babe, Perth import signing, Scott Roth love, what is wrong with South East Melbourne, how bad was Kane's Top-15 list, coaches' challenges and much more!
Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton joins the show. Cotton discusses the run to the postseason for the Wildcats, his pairing with Vic Law, 48-minute games, being a villain on the road, returning from injury and much more!
Houston Rockets assistant coach Will Weaver joins the show. Will discusses the emergence of Jae'Sean Tate, the Rockets flipping from contender to rebuild, coaching philosophies with a young team and much more.
Rising Australian star Josh Green joins the show to discuss breaking into the Mavericks rotation, playing under Jason Kidd, alongside Luka Doncic and his experience with the Boomers. ESPN's Tim Bontemps also jumps on the pod to discuss the Eastern Conference bloodbath and the opening press conference introductions of James Harden and Ben Simmons at their new home.
Ben Simmons has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade deadline day deal, with James Harden heading to the Philadelphia 76ers in the transaction. Kane Pitman, Steve Smith and Peter Hooley break down what it means for both sides, Simmons' fit with the Nets, the shift in championship contention and much more. The team also discuss the trade of Joe Ingles to Portland and what it could mean for his outlook moving forward.
In the middle of an outstanding rookie campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Josh Giddey joins the show to break down the start to his NBA career. Adjusting to the schedule grind, growing with a young group, offensive development and seeing the floor as an elite passer are just some of the topics covered.
The Australian Boomers squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers has been announced. A regular fixture in the National Team, Nick Kay will be one of the veterans on a youth laden squad. Nick joins the show to discuss the upcoming qualifiers, finding a comfort level in the national team program, adjusting his role to become a vital player in the green and gold, Joe Ingles recent knee injury, Matisse Thybulle and much more!
With the NBL schedule back in swing, Kane Pitman, Steve Smith and Peter Hooley get together to discuss the big stories across the league. What's next for Sydney? Are Melbourne the most reliable team? Can Perth win the title away from home and much more.
Boomers and Philadelphia 76ers star Matisse Thybulle joins the show. Kane and Matisse discuss the difficulties of playing through the Omicron wave, life without Ben Simmons, his own development this season including a critical conversation with Brian Goorjian and much, much more!
San Antonio Spurs and Boomers big man Jock Landale jumps back on the show to discuss his ongoing rookie season in the NBA. Landale opens up about early setbacks with concussion and covid, being assigned to the G League, working his way into the NBA rotation, playing under Pop and much more.
ESPN Draft expert Jonathan Givony jumps on the show to discuss NBA prospects in the NBL including Luke Travers, Hugo Besson and Ousmane Dieng. We also check in on rising G League Ignite star Dyson Daniels and discuss the early NBA impact of Josh Giddey.
Australian Opals head coach Sandy Brondello joins Ball and the Real World to discuss parting ways with the Phoenix Mercury and what's next, Liz Cambage, the Opals FIBA Women's World Cup squad and much more.
With NBL 22 days from tip, the trio of Kane Pitman, Josh Garlepp and Peter Hooley get together for a special season preview episode. Predictions, players under the pump, sleeper teams and much more on this episode of Ball and the Real World.
Kane Pitman, Steve Smith and ESPN Australia-NZ Senior Editor Stuart Randall step onto the podium to debate and discuss the latest developments around the Ben Simmons saga in Philadelphia, as the tension between the want-away Australian superstar and the 76ers continues to build.
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger joins Ball and the Real World ahead of what will be another challenging season for the league. Season start date, vaccination, moving into the Asian market, Next Stars and NBL Cup are all on the agenda.
Brian Goorjian joins Ball and the Real World to dig deep into the Boomers historic bronze medal winning performance. The legendary coach gives insight into what prompted him to accept the job, Dante Exum's emergence, why Josh Giddey missed out, lessons learned from the loss to Team USA and much more.
South East Melbourne CEO Tommy Greer joins Ball and the Real World. Greer discusses the signing of import guard Xavier Munford, an injury blow for a key recruit, expectations of Ryan Broekhoff and much more.
Jock Landale joins the show to share his experience of the Australian Boomers' historic run to a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, the changing role he played along the way and his new contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
Olgun is joined by Steve Smith and Kane Pitman for the ultimate Tokyo Olympics debrief after the Australian Boomers defeated Slovenia to win a bronze medal.
Olgun is joined by Steve Smith and Kane Pitman to discuss the Australian Boomers remaining undefeated en route to a semi-final meeting with Team USA, while Patty Mills and Jock Landale find new homes in the NBA and Josh Giddey is taken sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst joins Olgun from Las Vegas to break down the COVID-19 disruptions surrounding Team USA, the pre-Olympic exhibition games, an appreciation of Patty Mills and the Australian Boomers, and more.
Olgun is joined by Steve Smith to break down the Boomers team for the Tokyo Olympics, the news of Patty Mills being named one of Australia's flagbearers, the pre-Olympic bubble in Las Vegas, and which young guns are in line to be Boomers at the next World Cup.
The Ball and the Real World panel discuss the biggest questions surrounding Ben Simmons' future, both for the Sixers and the Australian Boomers:
Should Ben Simmons go to the Olympics?
Where will he play next season in the NBA?
How good is he and what is his current trade value?
What does the Sixers star need to work on to be an effective player in the postseason?
The NBL playoffs are here so the ESPN Australia team is here to break down both semi-finals matchups. We also go through each end-of-season awards finalist and pick our winners!
Bryce Cotton joins Ball and the Real World to discuss his season-ending injury and how he can help his Wildcats from the sidelines. The two-time NBL MVP also got personal about his long stint in Perth, what the future may hold, and why he's no longer looking over his shoulder for NBA opportunities.
Andrew Bogut joins Ball and the Real World to discuss who makes the Australian Boomers squad for the Tokyo Olympics, the value of young talent vs experience, and the keys for Brian Goorjian to be successful.
New Perth Wildcats signing Will Magnay joins Ball and the Real World to talk about his blockbuster decision to ink a deal with the defending NBL champs, his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, his improvement over the past year, and how he plans to get back to the NBA.
Golden State Warriors draftee Justinian Jessup joins Ball and the Real World to talk about dealing with the physicality of the NBL, his evolution as a shooter, being coached by Brian Goorjian, and the Illawarra Hawks' season.
Olgun is joined by Steve Smith to predict the end-of-season NBL award winners, with a runaway Rookie of the Year and who could challenge Bryce Cotton for MVP.
NBL star John Mooney joins Ball and the Real World to talk about his experience with the Perth Wildcats thus far, why the defending champs are so dominant, what makes him such an elite rebounder, and his take on the Rookie of the Year race.
Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut joins Ball and the Real World to talk about his long and successful career across the NBA, NBL, and with the Australian national team. He also touches the Australian Boomers' culture, his former Sydney Kings head coach, his title-winning Warriors, and what retired life has looked like thus far.
Live from Melbourne's John Cain Arena: Olgun Uluc, Kane Pitman, and Steve Smith break down the biggest storylines as the inaugural NBL Cup came to a close.
NBL star Isaac Humphries joins Ball and the Real World to talk about his experience playing in the NBA, how his star-studded off-seasons around the music scene in Los Angeles helped lift his game to a new level, shattering a negative reputation, and his current form with the Adelaide 36ers.
Australian Boomers big-man Jock Landale joins Ball and the Real World to discuss what went into his signing with Melbourne United, his 'undefeated' comments, playing in Europe, and why he's 'filthy' at not being in the NBA sooner.
Olgun Uluc is joined by Steve Smith to break down Ben Simmons' All-Star selection, the Boomers' choice between Matisse Thybulle and Bryce Cotton and we check in on the NBL Cup from Melbourne.
Olgun Uluc and Steve Smith talk about the Phoenix's blockbuster signing of Ryan Broekhoff, the 36ers' new import, the Breakers' issues, decals, and a preview of the NBL Cup.
Boomers special! Olgun is joined by five-time Olympian Andrew Gaze to dissect the newly-released Australian Boomers squad for the Tokyo Olympics
Kiwi big-man Steven Adams comes on the show to talk about playing alongside Zion Williamson and fitting in Stan Van Gundy's old school brand of basketball with the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, Olgun chats with Aussie Boomers wing Mitch Creek about this season's South East Melbourne Phoenix roster, playing the best basketball of his career, and his NBA aspirations.
Olgun is joined by Kane Pitman and Steve Smith to preview the 2020-21 NBL season. The team picks its winners and losers going into the new campaign, and predicts the end-of-season awards.
Spurs guard Patty Mills joins Ball and the Real World to talk about bringing 'Boomers Patty' to the NBA, the Tokyo Olympics, why he worries about the Boomers program, and his Indigenous-Australian roots.
Introducing your one-stop-shop for everything Australian basketball: 'Ball and the Real World'. Every Wednesday, ESPN's Olgun Uluc will bring you interviews with some of the country's biggest basketball stars and personalities, as well as expert panels to discuss the latest in the world of Aussie hoops.
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