HoopWise from New England Basketball Journal

NEPSAC Preview with Brad Feldman

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive into the New England prep school basketball season with guest Brad Feldman. The discussion covers a wide array of topics including team previews, key players, and upcoming showcase events. Brad Feldman, the play-by-play voice of the New England Revolution and a pivotal figure in high school sports broadcasting, shares exciting updates about the New England Basketball League's new streaming ventures. The episode features an in-depth analysis of top NEPSAC teams across different classes, highlighting intriguing matchups and standout student-athletes to watch this season.
 
Topics
 
00:43 Special Guest: Brad Feldman
01:04 Exciting News for NEBL Streaming
03:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Prep School Basketball
07:57 New Hampton School: Team Analysis
14:15 Spotlight on Newman School
19:01 Top Contenders in Class AAA
22:10 Emerging Teams and Players to Watch
25:51 Transition to Class AA
26:34 Player Highlights and Team Dynamics
27:28 Team Talent and Challenges
30:13 Exciting Teams to Watch
30:25 Cushing Academy's Rising Stars
33:16 Worcester Academy's Key Players
34:19 Northfield Mount Hermon Insights
35:50 St. George's and Other Double A Teams
38:16 Class A and B Teams Overview
43:41 Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

Harvard Women's Coach Carrie Moore

Hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt are joined by Harvard Women's Basketball Coach Carrie Moore. They discuss the upcoming college basketball season, Moore's impressive coaching and playing career, and her current tenure at Harvard. Topics include preparing for the season opener, Moore's recruiting strategies, managing expectations, and the competitive landscape of New England basketball. Coach Moore shares personal insights on balancing the demands of coaching, the importance of relationships in recruiting, and her experiences living in the Boston-Cambridge area.
 
Topics
01:36 Carrie Moore's Impressive Resume and Playing Career
05:05 Carrie Moore's Journalism Background
06:08 First Impressions of Boston and Cambridge
08:36 Honoring and Building on Kathy Delaney Smith's Legacy
13:07 Adding Analytics to the Coaching Strategy
18:20 Managing Expectations and Team Dynamics
21:50 The Role of the Lead Guard
23:19 Harmony Turner's Senior Year
25:55 Non-Conference Schedule and Local Rivalries
28:36 Recruiting Philosophy and Process
36:09 Challenges and Rewards of Recruiting
42:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Babson Associate Head Coach Joey Flannery

In this episode of the Hoop Wise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller sit down with Babson College basketball legend Joey Flannery. The discussion covers Flannery’s busy summer transitioning into his new role as Associate Head Coach at Babson, his collegiate success as a D3 national champion, and his professional career. The conversation provides insights into the evolving basketball landscape, the influence of the transfer portal, and the operational dynamics at Babson. Flannery shares stories from his tenure at Villanova, detailing his growth from graduate assistant to Director of Basketball Operations, and provides a unique perspective on coaching under Coach Jay Wright. Memories from coaching NBA prospects, participating in a pre-draft workout with the LA Clippers, and playing professionally in Spain are also highlighted. The episode concludes with nostalgic reflections on basketball memorabilia, memorable dunks, and the vibrant community support during major tournaments.
 
Topics
 
00:38 Welcoming Joey Flannery: Babson Basketball Legend
01:02 Joey's Return to Babson as Associate Head Coach
01:23 Reflecting on Babson's Basketball Program
02:26 Coaching Dynamics and Changes Over the Years
05:34 Recruiting and Team Preparations
13:01 Impact of the Transfer Portal on D3 Basketball
14:02 Joey's Journey at Villanova
20:22 Memorable Moments and Lessons from Villanova
27:52 Reflecting on a Championship Journey
29:38 The Importance of Team Chemistry
30:56 Community Support and Media Coverage
31:55 The Championship Game and Key Moments
34:47 Post-College Career and Draft Experience
36:25 Playing Overseas and Transition to Coaching
39:51 Full Court Press: Fun and Memorable Moments
49:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Oluchi Okananwa & Taina Mair of Duke

In this episode of the Hoopwise podcast, hosted by Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal, two standout college basketball players from Duke, Oluchi Okananwa & Taina Mair of Duke basketball, join the discussion. The episode covers a comprehensive look at their basketball journey, experiences playing in New England and at Duke, their perspectives on recruitment, memorable games, and the impact of influential coaches like Kara Lawson. Both players share insights on their growth, mental toughness, and the experiences that shaped their college careers. The episode also dives into fun segments with light-hearted questions about basketball memories and preferences.
 
Topics
 
00:34 Meet the Guests
02:24 March Madness Memories
05:04 Facing Top Competition
08:08 Coach Kara Lawson's Impact
13:23 Lessons from College Basketball
18:24 Recruitment Insights and Experiences
23:09 Intense Competition 
23:53 Memorable Matchups and Games
25:29 Coaching and Transition to College
27:35 New England Basketball Recognition
29:27 Full Court Press: Fun Questions
36:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The Middlesex Magic's Michael Crotty

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller welcome Michael Crotty, director and head coach of the Middlesex Magic 17U team. Crotty discusses the history and impact of the Middlesex Magic program, established by his father in 1993. They delve into his summer experiences, commitment season, and the developmental journey of standout players like Alex Wilkins and Ryder Frost. Additionally, Crotty shares stories involving NBA players Pat Connaughton, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Kolek, who are Magic alumni. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of grassroots basketball, the importance of mental toughness and role definition, and future goals for the program.
 
Topics
 
00:28 Special Guest: Michael Crotty of Middlesex Magic
00:40 Middlesex Magic's Impact and Achievements
00:56 Mike Crotty's Journey and Career
01:44 Summer Activities and Current Season
02:08 Commitments and College Recruitment
04:44 Challenges and Gratification in Coaching
08:34 Managing Multiple Players and Expectations
12:11 Alex Wilkins' Journey to Division I
15:20 Ryder Frost's Development and Success
19:18 The Importance of Physical Development
21:47 Joining the Under Armour Circuit
27:12 Defying Stereotypes in Grassroots Basketball
30:49 Building a Team Culture
32:26 Legacy and Values
33:21 NBA Success Stories
34:22 Lessons from Pat and Duncan
38:52 Memorable Moments
44:47 Future of the Program
47:42 Full Court Press: Panel Discussion

Nobles' Vinh Bui on Boston's basketball community

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive deep into the basketball scene in New England with special guest Vinh Bui. They explore Vin's significant impact on the Boston City basketball community, his experiences with Shooting Touch, and his coaching journey at Nobles and other institutions. The conversation takes a personal turn as Vin shares insights about his niece, Christina Pham, and the relationships and challenges that shape inner-city Boston basketball culture. They also discuss the impact of three-point shooting and analytics on modern basketball, highlighting both positive changes and potential drawbacks. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Full Court Press,' where the hosts and Vin share their thoughts on favorite non-star players.
Topics
00:24 Guest Introduction: Vin Bui's Impact on Boston Basketball
01:01 Vinh Bui's Hong Kong Experience
03:16 Nobles Basketball Success and Challenges
07:12 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
15:09 Building an Independent Program: Shooting Touch
22:56 Game Planning and Toughest Opponents
26:31 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Personal Reflections
33:09 Reflecting on Parental Influence in Sports
33:44 Balancing Support and Criticism
34:43 Coaching Philosophy and Responsibilities
37:18 Challenges of Growing Up in Boston
41:13 Community and Basketball in Boston
44:26 Christina's Basketball Journey and Aspirations
49:13 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution
53:45 Analytics in Basketball: Boon or Bane?
57:27 Favorite Non-Star Players
01:02:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Leo Papile's Basketball Journey

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive deep into the New England basketball scene. They are joined by their first guest, Leo Papile, the founder of the Boston Amateur Basketball Club (BABC), established in 1977. Leo shares insights from his storied career, including his time working with the Celtics and Clippers, and his role in US men's national development team. The conversation covers the BABC's recent season, standout players and future prospects. The podcast also touches on the broader basketball landscape, AAU misconceptions, NIL impacts, and the evolution of recruiting. A light-hearted ‘Full Court Press’ segment wraps up the episode with rapid-fire questions about rules and memorable moments in basketball.
 
Topics
 
00:26 Introducing the First Guests: Leo Papile and Cotton
01:13 Leo Papile on Basketball Downtime and Olympic Insights
05:21 Discussing BABC's Season and Performance
09:06 Highlighting Top Players and Their Prospects
17:42 Recruitment and Academic Challenges
24:53 The Philosophy of Team and Individual Success
31:01 The Misnomer of AAU Basketball
32:27 Evolution of Grassroots Basketball Leagues
35:31 NIL Deals in Amateur Basketball
39:23 Coaching Philosophy and Longevity
43:44 Full Court Press: Rapid Fire Questions
54:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Top Girls Basketball Prospects

Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller discussing the basketball landscape in New England, with a focus on top girls basketball prospects. The conversation includes insights on covering girls basketball, player development, and the differences between MIAA and NEPSAC leagues. The hosts also reflect on their favorite stories, the rising interest in women's basketball, and the impact of players' commitments.
Topics
00:19 Highlighting Memorable Stories
03:34 Spotlight on Orla Gormley
04:53 Rising Stars in New England
13:06 The Debate: NEPSAC vs. MIAA
17:58 Top Prospects to Watch
20:54 Spotlight on Jasmine Cooper
23:23 Nobles' Key Players
25:30 Natalia Hall Rosa: A Rising Star
28:05 Alicia Mitchell: The Reliable Post Player
30:08 Cam Nelson: The Fast and Fearless Guard
31:30 High Motor Player: Theory from Haverhill
32:36 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

Welcome to HoopWise

In this debut episode of the Hoopwise podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller introduce the newly launched venture aimed at covering high school, prep school, and AAU basketball in New England. They discuss the schedule complexities and the year-round nature of youth basketball, as well as their goals for the podcast and online content. The episode highlights top boys basketball prospects for the class of 2025, providing insights into their backgrounds and potential future moves. Both Steve and Ethan share their backgrounds and experiences leading up to the launch, building excitement for the future of the New England Basketball Journal.
 
00:00 Introduction to Hoopwise Podcast
00:26 Excitement for New England Basketball Journal
01:27 Challenges of Covering Local Basketball
02:41 Spotlight on Top Prospects
05:01 Hosts' Backgrounds and Journey
07:05 Steve Hewitt's Journalism Journey
16:35 Ethan Fuller's Basketball Background
23:06 Excitement Over New Pod
23:16 Introducing Top Basketball Players in New England
24:22 Spotlight on AJ Dybantsa 
25:22 AJ Dybantsa's High School Journey
26:32 AJ Dybantsa's College Decisions and Family Roots
31:23 Dwayne Aristode: A Rising Star
32:35 Oswin Erhunmwunse: The Defensive Powerhouse
35:45 Jaylen Harrell: Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year
37:41 South Kent's Promising Talents
40:56 New Hampton's Dynamic Duo
45:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Coming soon: The HoopWise Podcast

The HoopWise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal is here. Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller explore the local amateur basketball scene — and the many talented prospects who are in the pipeline to play high-end college basketball. Steve and Ethan discuss the launch of New England Basketball Journal and their plans to bring you coverage in this podcast and out our site — BasketballJournal.com.