The Road to Rudgate Lane: Recent Episodes
Willard Devaul
The definitive Willard H. Devaul Memorial Basketball Tournament podcast. Whether you are a returning or first time player, a former champion, or just a fan of the spectacle of the event, tune in to hear all things WHD basketball.
The Commish joins Adam and Kris to converse about WHD 2024. We wander to and fro in this episode, but some things to note would be Keagan’s origin story of becoming the commish, how rookies make it to the tournament, honoring “retired” participants, and the future of the tournament beyond 2024. This one’s the longest yet of this season, but we’re excited to bring this to your ears.
The picks have been made for this year’s WHD tournament. Grab your go-to fast food snack and listen to Adam and Kris chat about how they felt the draft went overall and how they thought about the draft with the new format. The teams and theme are set - now we prepare for the day of reckoning.
Relax, kick back, and listen to the first conversation between Adam and Kris as they catchup and discuss what's new this year to one another and WHD '24. Adam mentions his shift to becoming a father, Kris riffs on being a first-time captain, and the pair discuss many of this year's field of players. Welcome back to the Road to Rudgate Lane podcast with Adam Smith and Kris Simmons.
We're thrilled to bring you a conversation between Tyler and Kris to talk about what it feels like to being prevented from participating in this year's tournament. Tyler was eager to give his two cents on what teams impress him the most at face-value, which team he finds having the best odds at winning the whole thing, and there's brief dialogue on the topic of Goatery or Goatendom. Kris and Tyler had fun with this one. We're days away. Who wants to hop on the pod next?
This is June. Days away from the big dance. Candidly, Kris speaks about the personal limitations at play during this season of the podcast. We, the R2RL crew, feel overjoyed that the podcast is longed for but we want your help. This is YOUR podcast. With the limitations mentioned, we want to make this month great when it comes to the pod so let us know what you want to hear and how you may want to participate yourself. We’re eager to hear from you all.
Take a load of with a listen of this episode where you will hear Adam share his thoughts on the picks for this year's draft. While listening, you'll get to hear directly from some of this year's captains sharing how they feel about this year with their teams finalized. Enjoy the ep!
A fireside chat of sorts between Nick Jeffries and Kris Simmons. In this bonus episode Nick and Kris talk shop, philosophy, and react to Mike King's 1.0 mock draft. This was before the other mock drafts were released, but you get to hear a first reaction from Nick. Captains, listen at your own risk and keep Josh Myers in mind...
WHD himself, Adam Smith, and Kris Simmons are joined by guest analyst and player Mike King to uncover his mock draft. As a podcast first, this conversation is where we dive into who MK thinks should land where given the captains and players up for grabs in this year's draft. Captains, beware of your risk in listening to this conversation. The saying is, "go with your gut," but you may think twice about that while listening to this episode. Co-host, Adam Smith plays it safe in this conversation, doing his best to keep his cards close to the vest. Or does he? Listen to find out. See you this Saturday - R2RL
It was only fitting to have two of the three champs from last year's hard fought tourney join the R2RL podcast for the first episode back as we approach the 2023 draft and tournament. Adam led the conversation with James and George, but he was of course accompanied by tournament namesake Willard H Devaul and co-host Kris Simmons. Before we look forward to 2023, we found it beneficial to spend time reflecting on the glory from last year with James and George. James is returning for play in 2023, so you may catch some notable bulletin board material from him. Who would you like to hear from next? Tourney moms? Wives who put up with their husbands spending way too much time preparing for 12 hours of grit? Perhaps a mock draft or two? Let us know, but we have some fun episodes coming up that we are excited to publish for your preparation. Good Luck - see you soon! - R2RL
Ask and you shall receive. Knock and you will be answered. Season 2 of the R2RL podcast is underway and so should your preparations. Take this as a reminder that it's time to go to work for this year's most coveted single-day, 3-on-3, 8.5 ft hoop basketball tournament in Howard County. Unlike the tournament, this podcast isn't exclusive to participants and we look forward to leveraging this platform to talk with participants, old and new, in addition to some unassuming guests with fascinating stories and more soundbites for your bulletin boards. See you out there - R2RL
BREAKING NEWS - Parker Zent is out and returning champ Nick Jeffries is in. Kris gets together with Conor and Peyton to get their first thoughts after today's big news. We're sad to see that Parker couldn't make it, but thrilled to have a vet joining us again for this year's competition. Peyton picks up the Goalrilla and Conor acquires a newly minted dad. The keys to note from this conversation: Peyton has always been a baller and Conor is ready to serve up assists and both have their eyes on the prize.
Literally hours away from greatness. See you at 9:01 am, Peyton.
We're closing in on the day. This time, Adam and Kris are joined by Will and Rob to talk final preparations for the big dance. Will uncovers his side of the "self-baptism" story and Rob spills his thoughts about who he doesn't enjoy facing in the tournament. If Will could win the award for the most rebounds of own shots, he'd take the cake. Will this year be the year that Will actually has home court advantage? OR Will Rob's ultimate goal be reached?
It's time to start counting down the hours. We'll see you at Rudgate.
This is the third episode of our short series where we chat with a few more captains to hear how they're preparing for the tourney and air any grievances they may have prior to the big day. Chaz, Keagan, and Logan join Adam and Kris for another conversation where they talk strategy, analysis, and the importance of the legacy of the tournament. It's no surprise to hear that these captains have their eyes on the ultimate prize. Among them, Logan has the most championship titles, Chaz seeks to cement his self-proclaimed nickname "The Truth" with another title, and Keagan wants another shot at winning it all with a family member as a squadmate along with a promising rookie. This week is THE week. We will see you soon (except for Adam; we love you and enjoy your vacation).
This is the second episode of our short series where we chat with a pair of captains to hear how they're preparing for the tourney and air any grievances they may have prior to the big day. This time you'll listen to Ben and Garris Zoom with Adam and Kris to talk about what it is like to be the only two non-Kokomo captains this year and hear them speculate whether they would prefer to posterize Charlie or claim this year's MVP award. Tune in for that and more this week on the Road to Rudgate Lane podcast.
Stay tuned for future installments of this in-season series. You or your captain might be the next we hear from.
We're nearing the big day. Are you ready?
This episode kicks off a short series where we will chat with a pair of captains to hear how they are feeling about the tournament coming up in just about a month and a half. You'll hear Charlie and Tom sit down with Adam and Kris to talk about their draft results this year and who they are looking to best come July 30th.
Stay tuned for future installments of this in-season series. You or your captain might be the next we hear from.
On this episode, Kris, Will, and Adam sit down and chat about their reactions to the draft results and determine who they think to be the top contenders this year (without showing any favoritism, of course). They also talk a little about the banter that ensued during and after the draft. Will their predictions pan out? We think you will enjoy this one.
Also, we want to hear from you. Who do you want to hear from on the next episode? How about yourself? What topics do you want us to cover? Maybe a deep dive into the generations of Downey participants in the mix? Or a discussion on some of the strongest rivalries we've seen throughout tournament history?
This podcast is for you so we want to know what you want to listen to. Subscribe and Rate us on your favorite podcast platform. And Keep Training.
On this episode you’re going to hear Kris, Adam, and Will speculate on the upcoming draft as well as clips from conversations Kris had with Rooks Trey Beachy, Ray Schaaf, and George Poppas. The guys will take time predicting where these rookies will land in the draft and they’ll give their own two cents on what the theme could be this year. Let us know what you think and who you want to hear from next on the Road to Rudgate Lane podcast.