Well, folks it’s here! One of the most decorated Canadian hoopers our country has ever seen, a teenage national team member, Division 1 star, NBA draft pick and legend….the one and only Leo Rautins!

We were able to catch Leo just before he headed from Florida to Toronto where he picks up another season of working with TSN and the Raptors. As you know, Leo has been thriving on the broadcasting side of things which if you didn’t know was always part of the plan!

Mitch and Leo go back, to times in the city, playing ball and finding a love for hoops. Those times weren’t always easy as the recruiting process was overwhelming for a young teenager, often avoiding phone calls and even going home because of the attention he was gaining.

Leo reflects on an important relationship, one of many but one that stood out and changed his life; connecting with and learning under the legend Jack Donohue. Leo touches on many moments and people in this episode, however you can tell there’s something special when it comes to coach. Giving Leo the chance at 16 to be a part of the National Team means Jack saw something in him, and he flourished under his guidance.

We could honestly keep writing, but all you need to do is tap in. Syracuse, the 76ers, Europe, coaching Team Canada and more! Thanks to Leo for being with us, an all-time Canadian legend and an Ep you surely don’t want to miss!

Leo Rautins - Guest https://www.instagram.com/leo.rautins/?hl https://www.tsn.ca/%20%20%20%20%20%20/talent/leo-rautins-1.57195

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Mitch finally gets the chance to sit down with producer, director and content creator Eric Newman! The monster Boston Celtics fan and lover of all sports has worked hard to build his craft and talents, which landed him at Showtime Sports where he was the executive producer of Showtime Basketball where he directed & produced the feature documentary Kevin Garnett: Anything is Possible and was part of the team building shows like ALL THE SMOKE and KG Certified.

As a young kid Eric spent time with his dad watching every movie possible, finding himself enjoying the films and seeing different sides than most, an early sign that his creative mind was there!

As a three sport varsity athlete for three years which included a basketball conference championship it was football that ended up being the sport Eric pursued as he went to D3 Ithaca College. His College experience is where the journey starts to gain traction, meeting someone who would become his collaborator at Showtime two decades later.

As it happens for many people Eric found his life in a bit of a crossroads, he was a full time teacher and basketball coach all while creating content and doing film on the side, when he realized he wanted to go for it, and did he ever! He left the teaching profession and followed his passion, building his connections and resume along the way!

There are no flukes in this episode! This is a journey of hard work, “going for it” all combined with some timing and luck!

Eric Newman - Guest https://x.com/coachenew

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Episode 144 has a quick check-in with a former McDonald’s All-American, Texas Longhorn and overseas pro, Myck Kabongo.

You probably remember the name for many reasons, however, the former Findlay Prep star has a great story and finds himself currently coaching with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G-League. Mitch gets the chance to chat with Myck in between practices and they discuss all things hoop-related; from where the passion of the game grew for him, to playing for Coach Hurley, Myck has great reflection on his journey up to this point.

The list of stars he has teamed up with or against is fantastic, and in May he decided that retirement was meant for him, however, Myck has been involved in the game since, working with our National Team, coaching youth and now working with pros. You’ll have to wait for part 2 to find out what he likes for cereal, in the meantime we thank Myck for being with us and wish him all the best on his continued hoops journey! Tap in!

Myck Kabongo - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myck_Kabongo https://www.instagram.com/kabongofire https://x.com/MyckK9

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/