Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane

In this delayed broadcast, due to prioritising thepublishing of Megan Nestor’s interview, we discussed 3 interesting topics that have lasted and remain relevant during the Playoffs so far. First we discussed the Golden State Warriors upcoming decision on Head Coach Steve Kerr’s future with the franchise. After their elimination from the Play-In Tournament by the Pheonix Suns, the Warriors have been in a state of uncertainty, wondering whether Kerr would return to coach the team.Alister and Orane discuss the pros and cons of him staying and whether or not he should return to the helm.Next, Alister and Orane discussed the first round match-upof the Lakers and Rockets and what the outcome would do to the legacies of LeBron James and Kevin Durant respectively. The superstars are at advanced stages of their fading careers and Alister and Orane believed that the outcome of thisseries could have an equally weighty impact on their legacies, depending on who won or lost. And finally the guys went through their Playoff brackets to discuss who they believed would advance in the Playoffs. Disappointingly, Alister’s choice for champion this season was eliminated, was his rationale for them as his choiceunderstood and we all see how far their picks go, as the Playoffs continue! All this and more in Episode 21!

...And at Forward, the 6’3 phenom from Canaries, Saint Lucia…Playing with #20 for the Chicago Sky, Megan Nestor!The introduction that will be heard by the world really soonas Megan develops her career in the WNBA. Megan joined us on this extremely special episode to:Discuss her upbringing and start in sport with Netballwhere she became a local and regional standout and MVP. Under the direction of her Head Coach, Shem Maxwell, Megan experimented with basketball at the Winward Island games and took off from there.We discussed her time in College in the US whereshe became a supremely dominant player, breaking several school records between Wayland Baptist and the University of North Texas. All this then culminated ina game that rang out and solidified her as a pro talent. Becoming ONLY the 3rd woman in NCAA history to record a 30-30 game!We discuss that fateful night against TexasSouthern and are also joined by surprise guest Glen “Kala” Guiste, the President of Saint Lucia basketball. We close off the episode as well discussingMegan’s goals for the upcoming WNBA season; her desire to help inspire young girls in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region; her becoming an NBA2K player on thepopular video game franchise and wishing her the best on her pro basketball journey!It’s a truly inspiring conversation and we hope you enjoyand share far and wide! All this and more on Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

Episode 20 gave us a wide range of topics that go from 94 feet to outside the lines! First we discuss the 76ers and the new now new unfortunate circumstances circulating (AGAIN) around Joel Embiid and his having to get an emergency appendectomy, forcing him out of the Sixers lineup to start the post season. Should the 76ers continue to hinge their future and success on the often injured Embiid? Or is it time to "End the Process?"Secondly Alister raised an unusual topic to focus on a media member in that of Stephen A Smith. Having acknowledged his outsized impact on the industry and someone both himself and Orane admire and look up, they discuss whether Stephen A. is right to be in constant media battles with ex-players and media peers and appearing sometimes as "petty" as he does. However, Orane makes a big point that as a reporter, Stephen A. HAS to do his job and present the facts, no matter who likes it or not! And lastly, we discuss Steph Curry's impending decision. What's that you ask? Is he leaving the Warriors? Obviously not! His Sneaker Free Agency is coming to an end, signalled by the massive 70+ shoe auction he's conducting with auction house Sotheby's to sell off some of his game worn and tunnel-walk shoes which took the NBA season by storm! Which brand do you think Steph should sign with? Find out who Alister and Orane think it should be!Episode 20 OUT NOW!

In Episode 17 we discussed the Rookie of the Year race and how important Kon Knueppel has been been to the rising Hornets. However in this episode, with the season approaching it's regular season's end, we take a deep dive in the greatness displayed by fellow Rookie, Cooper Flagg, who for much of the season flashed his capability and skill and was the presumptive Rookie of the Year! Alister also made a comparison to this ROY race with another great one in 2004!We then discuss whether the 41-year old LeBron James can lead the Lakers past their first round Playoff opponent, likely without Lika Doncic and Austin Reaves. With LeBron now having to again reinvent himself as the leader of this squad, rather than 3rd option, can he muster the leadership to push them forward against the Houston Rockets or the Minnesota Timberwolves?And finally, Kevin Durant has amassed a Hall of Fame career, becoming a champion, MVP, Scoring Champion and numerous other accolades. According to a Polymarket Hoops post on X, understanding his legacy after his departure from the Warriors leaves a "complicated" legacy for the superstar. Alister remembers an appearance where he discussed this exact thing 2 years ago, only to find himself saying the same thing in 2026.All this and more in Episode 19!

We dive heavy into some controversial topics this week!Leading the show this time with the debate that Former NBA pest (respectfully and affectionately referenced) Patrick Beverley set the basketball social media space on fire with; declaring that James Harden is a better player than NBA Champion Dwyane Wade...amongst other comments made recently, in his return to podcasting! Wade himself took exception to this and clapped back with HEAT (see what we did there!?), leading to another response from PatBev. Alister and Orane came to set the record straight about who's the better player! Secondly, the guys had a discussion about this extremely close NBA MVP race this season and how 6 players have legitimately put their hat in the ring. Alister declared that this was probably the most candidates to end a season meaning, the race is wide open as each will likely "cannibalise" each other's chances, with first place votes getting spread thinly!And finally, straight off the NBA MVP discussion, we spoke about the 65-Game, eligibility rule in the NBA and how this may affect Cade Cunningham's chances after succumbing to a collapsed lung injury that has limited him to 61 regular season games. Does he have the right to an exemption and still be included for awards consideration, after having an All-NBA calibre season?This and more on Episode 18 of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

"83 is 83, no matter how you slice it!"Alister and Orane give their final verdict on Bam Adebayo's 83 game performance and reminding everyone that Kobe would approve! Secondly, we take a closer look at the Charlotte Hornets and their exciting improvement this season, on the back of their play from former All-Star LaMelo Ball, presumptive Rookie of Year Kon Knueppel and management of second-year Head Coach, Charles Lee.And Finally, we take a look at Hall of Famer, Tracy McGrady's recent comments about whether it's a good move for the league to expand into Las Vegas and Seattle and him saying, it's a horrible decision as the league currently doesn't have enough high level talent to support expansion. Alister and Orane discuss this and share opposing views on whether 30 or 32 is better for the league!Episode 17, now available!

In this latest episode of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane, we interviewed the President of Saint Lucia Basketball, affectionately known as "Coach Kala," to many on the island.In our chat Coach Kala let our viewers/listeners in on:The current state of basketball on the islandThe rise and popularity of 3X3 basketball whilst trying to maintain the fundamentals of the game through traditional 5-on-5 teams and gamesBam Adebayo and Kyrie Irving's visits to Saint Lucia and the influence of their celebrityYouth development; the talent pipeline in Saint Lucia and in the disaporaThe struggles of a small island where sport teams share talent, lack of infrastructure and getting the appropriate funding to support the rise of the basketballThe continued need for the consistent influence and support from the Government and Saint Lucia's professional stars in Terance Mann and Chris BoucherOrane playfully asks Alister about his basketball stats! The importance of the visibility and success of senior teams to positively influence grassroots effortsMegan Nestor and her impressive record-breaking representation of Saint Lucia in Division 1 NCAA Women's BasketballKala's own motivations as a Sports Development champion through his East Coast Academy organisationImportant cautionary tale from the brilliance of a past national playerShout out to the sponsors of the SLUBFUpcoming events and TournamentsAnd...a...WHOLE...LOT...MORE!

In this shorter episode, Alister and Orane discuss the amazing story of "The Black Mamba" - a marketing slogan that was popularised by the incomparable Kobe Bryant which became a "mentality" and also a very lucrative nickname that he embodied. However, did you know Nike actually created it for another NBA legend?We also discuss the prospect of the Indiana Pacers being a monster in the waiting, with the 2026/27 season being a formidable come-back year! Alister discusses, the returning Tyrese Haliburton, with Hall of Fame Coach, Rick Carlisle whilst Orane fantasising the pairing of that solid team with the addition of AJ Dybansta and what their potential starting 5 would be! And also, the guys discuss the disappointing loss by the Jamaican Men's National Basketball Team, dropping their World Cup Qualifying game against the Bahamas and their (then) upcoming game against Canada which they also lost.It's a fun wide-ranging episode that has a little bit of something for everyone!

We update our Baseline 2 Baseline Pre-season Power Rankings after the All-Star Break and crown a new 1st place holder whilst also taking a direct look at whether the OKC Thunder may be too vulnerable repeat as champions!We then had a look at New York Knicks and whether they were "done" as the team who will come out of the East after another drubbing by the East-leading Detroit Pistons - without their fortified frontline of Isaiah Stewart and starting Center and first-time All-Star, Jalen Duren.And finally, we brought back our debut segment from Episode 4 "Second Take," where we remixed a segment done by Kendrick Perkins where he ranked the 5 "Most Box-Office" players in the NBA. We discussed that term, assessed who may be worthy of "Face of the League" and did our own list but ranked who we thought were the "Most Exciting" players in the league.It was a very engaging conversation that we hope you enjoy too on Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

As we get into the proverbial second half of the season after the All-Star Break, we recounted the comment James Harden made with regards to player loyalty in the NBA, reflecting on his on situation and economics as he leaves another team.We also touched on the comments from LeBron James after he assessed the readiness of the Lakers to compete after being beaten by the defending champions, OKC Thunder. He bluntly noted that the Lakers were not championship ready which rubbed a few fans the wrong way...but he was honest...and right! And finally, we touched on the All-Star Game and the recent lack of intensity and noting Victor Wembanyama's quest to infuse more energy (which he absolutely did) in this season's game, after Kevin Durant called out Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic for their lack of effort in prior games. All this and more in Episode 13!

The 2026 NBA Trade Deadline lived up to being another interesting point in the NBA Calendar. Whilst the biggest "available" name did not land at a new zip code, some surprising outcomes were observed, leading many to wonder about the possibilities of teams fighting for a championship this year...and beyond! Anthony Davis was the biggest name moved, where the Mavericks acknowledged failure with his short and injury-riddled tenure. After being acquired for Luka Doncic, AD is now on his way to Washington to team up with Trae Young and it's a move that caught some by surprise, whilst also setting up the Wizards to be the "darling" of the 2026/27 season. Giannis stays in Milwaukee! However, Alister believes the Bucks gained some important "intel" in not pulling the trigger on a trade - which may actually put them in a better position to move their star in the offseason!What the hell are the Chicago Bulls doing? Is Pat Riley past his prime? Why didn't the Houston Rockets trade for Mike Conley and can the Cavalier be the biggest threat in the East after they acquired...James Harden! All this and more from our Caribbean guys on Episode 12 of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

The "JamRockers" Men's Basketball Head Coach, Rick Turner - a former Executive with the Seattle SuperSonics dropped by to have a chat about the exciting era of international basketball the team is heading into!Since becoming the Head Coach in 2019, Coach Turner has turned a once dormant programme into a thriving and exciting team of skill, culture and enthusiasm, making the island proud and as competitive as it's ever been.With their recent victories against Puerto Rico in the FIBA Basketball Americas Qualifiers, the signing of NBA Champion Norman Powell, an influx of Professional talent showing genuine interest in playing for their country and with the amazing backing of Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation in tow, the team is poised for success and a hopeful berth in the upcoming 2027, FIBA Basketball World Cup!Coach Rick discusses the challenges involved in running and constructing the team, the influence of NBA basketball on the international game and we share a laugh about whether he transitioned into fandom of the Oklahoma City Thunder, as someone who grew up as a fan of and worked for the Seattle SuperSonics!All this and more in Episode 11!

Hall of Fame Media Legend Peter Vecsey joined us to drop some absolute gems of NBA history and also clear the air on a few topics that have been narrated and covered incorrectly for DECADES!In this interview we discussed his start in the reporting business to becoming the pioneering news breaker that he is known to beHe gave his thoughts on the Michael Jordan - Isiah Thomas "feud" and revealed that Michael Jordan had nothing to do with Thomas being left off the 1992 Dream Team - contrary to popular belief and has been perpetuated in the media for decadesHe let us know that Caitlin Clark and Steph Curry are actually his favourite basketball players to watch as a fan. Despite their drastic difference in playing style to those players he covered in the 70s-90s and into the 2010s, he gushed about how he totally enjoys watching them play and is their biggest fan! He discussed his disdain for Draymond Green and players like him.He had a pointed suggestion for LeBron James, who's coming to the end of his career.We touched on whether David Stern would be happy with all the changes made to the formats of the NBA if he were still alive.And we had a little laugh about his time travelling to Jamaica as Alister tried to pitch his home country of Saint Lucia as a viable option for visiting anytime Peter wanted a relaxing break! All this and so much more on this Episode of Baseline to Baseline with Alister and Orane! Reference link added here of previous interview conducted by Alister's website The Actors' Post, in 2019 who had a great discussion with Peter: https://www.theactorspost.com/the-reflections-of-peter-vecsey-an-interview-with-sports-writer-peter-vecsey-2019/

In our return episode for 2026 after the Christmas break Orane and I delved into the trending topics of the last few weeks which have been gaining immense traction in the headlines to start the calendar year.We discussed the first major trade of the season with the Atlanta Hawks shipping away former franchise star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. We both agreed that it was a trade that was best for both teams and parties and that the future could potentially look bright for Trae with the current young pieces in Washington...but right now, the Hawks won that trade.Next we discussed the outstanding rise of Jaylen Brown into the MVP conversation this season, with him averaging nearly 30 PPG and almost singlehandedly raising the Celtics’ floor with his play and extended their ceiling to contendership, especially with the potential return of Jayson Tatum during this season. Can Brown now also claim himself to be a “Superstar?” We talk on this and we reflect on his recent rant on free throw disparity for him and team when facing other contenders.We paused briefly to remember the life and times of our SportsMax colleague Donald Oliver who passed away recently and left a huge whole in Jamaican and regional sport broadcasting expertise.We resumed the ever-present talk of Ja Morant as the Grizzlies have now officially put him on the trading block and look to shift their disgruntled start before the February 2026 trading deadline. With that, we automatically revisited our previous discussions in episodes prior about landing spots for the mercurial starAnd finally we reviewed the NBA’s 2nd All-Star ballot returns against our predictions in November 2025 to see how far off we were, a quarter way into the season. Who gets selected, who gets replaced in our earlier selections and who gets snubbed? All up next in our 9th Episode of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

In this new Episode, Orane and Alister engage in a wide-ranging discussion that started with Christmas in Jamaica and Saint Lucia and ended with the teams that have disappointed so far this season, into the December with a star-studded Christmas slate on the horizon!We discussed the thrilling NBA Cup and how the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks battled their way to the In-Season Tournament Final and more importantly, whether their showing in the Cup Final could foreshadow deep Playoff runs. They also discuss the impact of the NBA Cup to the league and whether it has been a positive to the league, whilst assessing viewership statistics and how the tournament has impacted the players. Whilst discussing the teams that have disappointed so far this season, Orane delivered the quote of the podcast series so far, when he revealed his take and feelings about Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors...you don't want to miss this one! All this and more on Episode 8, of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

“So Far” All-Stars for the 2025/26 season in December; Chris Paul’s dismissal from the Clippers and Giannis and the Bucks Drama were on the topic sheet for the 7th episode of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.At beginning though, Alister confessed to committing the #1 Cardinal Sin of podcasting that affected the episode but was able to recap and reel things back into control by going through the discussions had with himself and Orane. Firstly the Chris Paul dismissal by the Clippers which they both were astounded by and agreed that it improperly handled by the team. Secondly the retelling of the situation with Giannis is Milwaukee and where they believe the former champ and 2-time MVP should end up.Finally, Alister and Orane discussed the strong play of a number of players so far and who would be vying for All Star nods and considering this season! The two discussed the inclusion of a number of potential first-time All-Stars and some honourable mentions that are bound to raise some eyebrows! Listen up here and share this new drop of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane!

LeBron James has returned to action and so far, the team continues humming. After winning their first 4 games straight with him in the line-up, the team and LeBron seem to have adjusted to his new role and reality as a key contributor, rather than thee leading man. Approaching 41 years old, is this the "new normal" for LeBron and can this team achieve the ultimate goal with “The King” being the 3rd wheel on a very competitive team now lead by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves?We next tackle a question that has been asked for multiple seasons prior to this one. Can Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum co-exist? Without Tatum this season - as he recovers from Achilles surgery - Jaylen Brown has upped his scoring average, as the team’s undeniable leader and has actually improved his shooting efficiency, for the first 19 games. However at 11-9 (at time of recording), have the Celtics finally provided the answer that for them to be elite, Brown and Tatum NEED to be on the court together? Can we put to bed the “Should they trade Brown or Tatum?” talk?Finally Alister and Orane spotlight the Toronto Raptors who have had an impressive start to the season, settling for now as the 2nd best team in the East. Are the Raptors still a “pappyshow,” or a team that should be taken seriously this year behind B.I.3. (and “Bae”) and Scottie Barnes?All this and more as we roll forward towards Episode 7 on "Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane."

In this 5th instalment of Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane, we jump right into the retirement news of Point Guardextraordinaire, Chris Paul. He announced his retirement via X, which was later confirmed by various news outlets thereafter. Alister and Orane discuss CP3’s career impact and Alister goes further, placing him in the all-time PG conversation. Moving on to his current and old-time team, the Los AngelesClippers, the guys discuss the need for Executives to blow the team up and start a rebuild, in earnest, around James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Alister and Orane lament the disappointing years that have befallen the Clips and how the front office has been too reluctant to break up an ailing and aging core. Thisleads Alister to point the spotlight on Lawrence Frank and takes him to task on his job as an Executive, believing Frank has been too safe!Finally Alister and Orane talk about their MVPs so far thisseason, with Alister making his case for Nikola Jokic, whist Orane persuades the audience with a eloquent and evidence-based argument for Antigua and Barbuda-roots, reigning league and Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!

In our latest upload, Alister and Orane discussed the latest development of Nico Harrison’s firing from the Dallas Mavericks. They touched on whether Nico was made the scapegoat and whether this team still has a pathway to contention or if they should just rebuild?Alister debuted a new segment called “Second Take,” which sought to rebut some questions about DeAndre Ayton’s “shocking” resurgence and whether he can contribute to a contending team. The former number 1 overall pick of the 2018 draft has been phenomenal with his new team and they discuss whether he can sustain his productivity with the return of LeBron James. Alister and Orane spotlighted the Detroit Pistons who came into this recording as the East’s best team at that time, by record. Alister discussed the hunger of that team and made a provocative prediction that had Orane double-taking! And finally, the episode ends with Alister’s interview of Bernadette Albert - EDI and Cultural Awareness Specialist, Musician and Co-Author of book “The Cultural Risk Assessment in Events: Achieving Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity.” They discuss the importance of understanding cultural risk in a basketball and sports settings and how this can be mitigated. Alister also debuted a new song, produced by Bernadette, for the podcast which is sure to leave our listening and singing along! 

In Episode 3, Alister welcomes back Co-Host Orane to the show and we focus on the many “Hot Starts” to this season. We first jump into the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the SpursWe then turn our attention to the Chicago Bulls who started the season 6-1 and were first in the East, beforetheir recent slideOrane discussed his favourite player LeBron James and whether he will be able to “fit in” as he approaches his season debut, in a few days. Lots of talk has surfaced about whether he should want a trade and if he would negatively affect Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic’s amazing production whilst he’s been out. And finally we look again at Ja Morant and the current Grizzlies dysfunction. Alister and Orane also discuss 3 teams (each) they think they could see Morant on, if a trade was on the horizon! All this and more on Baseline 2 Baseline with Alister and Orane.

In this 2nd episode, Alister hosts the show solo as Orane and our extended Caribbean family in Jamaica recover from the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa! Alister shares his support and lets everyone know where they can support the recovery efforts via official government platform. He then gives listeners a clearer view of what Baseline 2 Baseline Network is and it's structure. Moving into Block B, Alister delves into the drama-filled week it has been for Ja Morant and how the noise got louder after a disheartening loss to the LakersCan the Atlanta Hawks make noise in the Eastern Conference? Hear what Alister thinks after a mediocre start and injury to Trae Young. And finally, Alister makes an impassioned plea to Chris Boucher to step up his efforts on the Celtics roster as he believes he has a lot more to offer, with his championship experience.

In our first ever episode, hosts Alister and Orane:Introduce themselves to you, giving their broadcasting experience and why this podcast was created. Delve into the shocking sports betting scandal which saw Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups arrested, just days into the new season and how that impacts their careers, reputation and the leagueDiscuss the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the teams to look out for this season - The Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.Discuss the health of LeBron James and whether the Lakers "need" him to be as elite in production as in previous years, at soon-to-be 41 years old, to do well this seasonAlister debuts the Baseline 2 Baseline Preseason Power RankingsMove into interview with Dr. Edmund Regis Jr., who comes in to discuss the major injuries that have plagued the league to start the season, giving his expert advice on severity of injuries, timeline for recovery and whether these Players can return to form!As a video podcast, you will be able to view via the channel on YouTube to see all the visuals linked to the conversation but audio-only listeners can get access via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.