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Hoop Threads

by Aaron Proia

Interviewing successful figures in the basketball space in the DMV and around the country: media members, trainers, coaches, scouts, and entrepreneurs.You see where they're at now, tap in to learn about their journey to the top.

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Episodes

  1. Prospect Spotlight: BABC PG Alex Weaver

    We spoke with Alex about his basketball journey, being raised by two former players, his strengths and weaknesses on the floor, his goals, his why, and so much more! 1:00 The warm up 4:00 Basketball beginnings 5:00 Circle 5:45 Self scout 7:00 BABC 8:00 Adversity 8:30 Gym schedule 9:00 Undervalued...

  2. Episode 163: Book Richardson of St James Academy

    0:45 Where did the nickname book come from?4:00 Winning a state championship 7:00 Coach’s impact14:45 Survival mode22:00 Gauchos25:30 Hoop Group to Marist28:45 Back to Gauchos30:00 Kemba 33:30 University Games35:30 Xavier41:15 Arizona 45:00 Coaching development 48:45 Recruiting50:30 2011 NCAA...

  3. Next Up: Vermont AC Nathan Johnson

    We spoke with Coach Johnson about his playing career, growing up in Canada, coming from a coaching family, coaching overseas, learning from Coach Hardaway at Memphis, coaching under Coach Becker at Vermont, and much more! 0:30 Learning from mom 3:00 Coaching family 5:00 St Francis Xavier…

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  4. 100% Committed: St. Mary's Darius Bivins

    We spoke with the McDonald's All American about his journey from Texas to the DMV, playing for Coach Wootten at O'Connell, his thoughts on some of his doubters, and much more! 0:30 From Texas to St. Mary’s 1:30 Being recruited in the portal era 2:00 Recruitment priorities 2:30 Leadership 3:10...

  5. Prospect Spotlight: '29 6'2 PG Austin Pitts of Boys' Latin/Team Thrill

    Austin Pitts ’29 6’2 Boys Latin/ Team Thrill 1:00 The warm up 2:30 Family ties 2:45 Parents 3:15 Circle 3:45 Who do you model your game after? 4:15 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:00 Communication 5:30 Gameday routine 6:00 Do you love to win or hate to lose? 6:15 Coaching 6:35 HS Basketball 7:15 Choosing…

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  6. Next Up: Mike Sotsky Harvard MBB Associate HC

    Next Up: Mike Sotsky Harvard MBB Associate HC 1:00 What moment did you know that you wanted to be a coach?2:00 Beginnings at Duke3:30 Duke memories3:30-4:45 Quinn5:45 Coach K7:30 Team USA experience10:15 Harvard beginnings12:45 Early career advice13:00 Coaching in the Ivy League17:00 Ivy League...

  7. Next Up: Chester Frazier VT Associate HC

    0:30 Take me through your journey as a prospect 8:45 How was your game/role different in HS vs college 9:00 Rebounding 10:30 Weber defense 12:00 Advice for 1st year HC 13:45 Building a coaching staff 15:45 Give me a moment of assistant coach excellence 19:15 Overcoming stereotypes 21:15 Elite...

  8. Next Up: George Mason Assistant Louis Hinnant

    1:00 Basketball journey 2:00 What moment did you know that you wanted to be a coach? 4:00 From player to coach 5:45 Playing career informing coaching 8:00 Advice for young coaches 10:15 George Mason 13:15 Structuring a program 15:30 Connecting with staff 17:30 Finding your coaching voice 21:15...

  9. Prospect Spotlight: Ricards Aizpurs of Stella Azzurra

    We interviewed international basketball player Ricards Aizpurs of Stella Azzurra to ask about his Latvian roots, his basketball journey, playing professionally in Italy, favorite pregame meal, goals, and much more!0:45 The Warm Up5:00 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play?6:45...

  10. Prospect Spotlight: '28 PG Terry Brooks III of McNamara/Team Durant

    We spoke with Terry about his York PA roots, his transfer to McNamara, playing in the WCAC, his development, long term goals, AAU, and much more! 0:30 The Warmup 3:15 How did you get started in the game? 3:45 Talk about the role that your parents have had in your development 4:15 Talk about your...

  11. 100% Committed: Arkansas Commit Jordan Smith Jr

    We spoke with Paul VI/Team Takeover '26 G Jordan Smith about his commitment to Coach Calipari and Arkansas, his development, his circle, loyalty, legacy, and much more! 0:30 Circle 2:00 Recruiting Process 3:45 Development 5:30 Loyalty 7:00 Drive 8:30 Legacy 9:30 Goals

  12. Prospect Spotlight: '29 6'8 W David Johnson Oak Hill Academy

    David Johnson '29 6'8 W Oak HillWe spoke with David about growing up in Rochester, his circle, transferring to Oak Hill, who he models his game after, his goals, his why, and so much more!0:30 I believe in your long term potential because…0:45 The warm up4:15 Growing up in Rochester NY4:45...

  13. Prospect Spotlight: Peter Rosta ’27 6’10 F Blair/PSA

    Peter Rosta ’27 6’10 F Blair/PSA 0:45 The warm up 3:00 Basketball Beginnings 3:15 Parents 3:45 Circle 4:15 Who do you model your game after? 5:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:45 Differences in American game 6:00 Blair backcourt 6:30 Communication 7:00 Adjusting to life in the US 7:15 How do you prepare...

  14. Prospect Spotlight: Julian White of John Carroll/HC United

    0:30 The warm up2:15 Family influence2:30 Parents 3:00 Circle3:15 Who do you model your game after?3:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 4:45 Game day prep5:15 Do you love to win or hate to lose?5:30 What type of coaching do you respond to?5:45 AAU role6:15 Differences in the game at the HS level7:00…

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  15. Prospect Spotlight: '28 G Eli McQueen of Landon/ Wash. Warriors

    1:00 Warm up 4:00 Beginnings 4:30 Parents 5:00 Circle 6:00 Who do you model your game after? 6:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 8:30 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 9:15 Choosing HS 10:00 Choosing AAU 10:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 11:30 Leadership 12:15 Facing adversity 13:00 Gym...

  16. Episode 147 : Seth Berger Player’s Era Creator/ Westtown HC

    0:30 Genesis of Players Era 4:30 Racial component 11:30 Rate card 13:30 Player branding 16:30 Bringing March to November 20:30 Why Vegas? 22:45 P5 leagues 25:00 Play-in idea 27:00 Point differential model 28:30 % share 29:30 Payout Structure 32:30 NBA Scouts/CBB National Media 35:30 CBB Coach...

  17. Prospect Spotlight: '29 6'8 W Harlem Nuñez Mt. Zion National/Durant

    0:30 The Warmup3:15 Basketball wiring3:45 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play?4:15 Who do you model your game after?5:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 6:30 Choosing Mt Zion7:15 Choosing Durant7:45 Game day prep8:30 Difference between HS and AAU9:00 Roles9:45 Facing adversity 10:30…

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  18. Prospect Spotlight: Jordan Costley '29 6'3 PG Springdale Prep/Team Thrill

    0:45 Warmup 3:00 Who do you model your game after? 3:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:00 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 5:15 Differences in the game at the HS level 5:30 In role between AAU and HS 6:00 Choosing Springdale 6:15 Choosing Thrill 6:45 Facing adversity 7:00 Gym schedule 7:45 What…

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  19. 100% Committed: Latrell Allmond

    0:45 Why Oklahoma State? 2:30 Development3:45 Players he looked up to4:30 What can fans expect from you in Stillwater?6:00 Goals7:30 My Why

  20. Prospect Spotlight: '28 6'5 Will Brunson of Rutger Prep/ NY Rens

    0:30 Warmup 4:00 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play? 4:30 Who do you model your game after? 6:15 Strengths/Weaknesses 7:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 9:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 10:15 Choosing HS 11:00 Choosing AAU 12:30 Facing adversity 13:30...

  21. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'9 F Jared Jeffers of DeMatha/DMV Hoopstarz

    0:30 The warm up 5:00 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play? 6:00 Who do you model your game after? 7:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 8:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 10:30 Wheaton 12:45 Making the jump to DM 14:00 DMV Hoopstarz 16:15 Facing adversity 17:30 Development...

  22. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'3 PG J'Lon Lyons of Clinton Grace/New World

    0:30 The warm up 3:00 Basketball beginnings 3:15 Who do you model your game after? 3:45 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:30 Routine 6:15 Selecting Clinton Grace 7:30 Facing adversity 8:30 Development 8:45 Mentality 9:30 Undervalued skillset 10:00 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least...

  23. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'1 PG Keon Scott Meade HS

    0:45 The warm up 2:45 Early beginnings 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 6:30 HS competition 7:15 Facing adversity 8:30 Gym schedule 9:00 What is your self talk like during a bad game ? 9:15 Tell me a part of your game...

  24. Episode 139: Geo Baker Owner of GB Go Beyond

    We spoke to GB about coming up as an underdog prospect out of NH, playing for the DC Blue Devils, thriving under Coach Pikiell at Rutgers, playing with and against pros, starting an AAU program and training business, and much more! 1:00 Basketball beginnings 2:45 Underdog approach 6:30 AAU...

  25. Prospect Spotlight: Trevor Manhertz ’26 6’7 Green Level HS/WCBA

    0:30 The warm up 3:15 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play? 3:45 Growing up around the game 4:00 Who do you model your game after? 4:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:15 Growth spurt 5:30 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 6:00 HS and AAU style of play 6:30 Facing adversity…

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  26. Prospect Spotlight: CJ Stinson ‘25 6’5 PG Western Reserve Academy

    0:30 The warm up 2:45 Family background 3:45 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 6:00 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 7:45 Adjusting to prep basketball 8:30 Transferring to Western Reserve 9:00 Playing with Ant 9:45 KC Run GMC 10:30 Facing adversity 11:15 Gym...

  27. Prospect Spotlight: Jacoby Briscoe ’27 6’6 Riverdale Baptist/New World

    0:30 The warm up 3:00 Basketball beginnings 3:45 Who do you model your game after? 5:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 6:15 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 7:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 8:15 In role between AAU and HS 9:15 Being challenged by Coach Shingler 10:00 Choosing Riverdale...

  28. National Prep Showcase Recap with NERR's Dylan Thayer

    :45 Starting with Zero Gravity/NERR 2:00 What makes the event special? 4:00 A team that surprised you 8:00 New names that popped 12:30 Favorite individual matchup 13:30 Favorite player to watch 19:00 Best playmakers 22:30 Best big men 28:15 Best shooters 32:15 Best defenders 36:00 Intriguing...

  29. Prospect Spotlight: '26 6'5 PG Ruey Ruey of Masanutten Military Academy

    Prospect Spotlight: '26 6'5 PG Ruey Ruey of Massanutten Military Academy 0:45 The warm up 4:45 Landing at Massanutten 5:30 When was the first time you beat your brother in 1s? 6:00 Who do you model your game after? 6:15 Self Scout 8:00 Game Day Routine 8:45 Boo Williams 9:45 Facing adversity…

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  30. Prospect Spotlight: '25 6’9 PF Panagiotis Pagonis Massanutten

    Panagiotis Pagonis 6’9 PF Massanutten 0:30 The warm up 4:30 Basketball beginnings 5:30 European vs American style 6:30 Playing with clubs in Greece 8:00 Transferrable skills 8:45 Who do you model your game after? 9:15 Strengths/Weaknesses 11:15 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 12:00...

  31. Campus Connect: Darren Harris Duke Freshman SG

    We spoke with Darren about his early beginnings, career at PVI, TTO, his recruitment, choosing Duke, his development, and much more! 0:30 The Warm Up 3:30 Beginnings in the game 5:00 Mental approach 5:45 What is your self talk like during a bad game ? 6:15 Self scout 9:00 What’s a conversation...

  32. Prospect Spotlight: Favour Ibe '26 7'1 C Mt. Zion/New World

    0:30 The warm up 3:45 How did you get started in the game? 4:15 Who do you model your game after? 5:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 6:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 7:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 8:30 Choosing Mt. Zion 10:15 Development 11:00 Tell me a part of your game that...

  33. 100% Committed: UConn Commit Eric Reibe of Bullis/Team Museum

    100% Committed Eric Reibe 0:45 Why UConn? What stood out to you and your circle on the visit? 2:30 At the end of your developmental arc- what type of player do you see yourself being? 3:15 Players he looked up to 3:45 What can fans expect from you in Storrs? What is your biggest goal for your...

  34. Prospect Spotlight: Aaron Bryant ’28 6’1 PG Paul VI/ Team Takeover

    We spoke with Aaron about his 757 roots, competing in martial arts, choosing Paul VI, his development, and much more! 0:30 The warm up 2:30 Early beginnings 4:00 Who do you model your game after? 4:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:30 Game day prep 6:00 Differences in the game at the HS level 6:30 In…

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  35. Prospect Spotlight: James DiBitetto ’27 6’10 F St. Mary’s Annapolis/Durant

    We spoke with James about his basketball beginnings, development, choosing St. Mary's, his workout schedule, game day routine, career goals, and more! 0:45 The warm up 3:15 Basketball beginnings 3:45 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:45 Game day 6:15 Choosing St.…

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  36. Episode 127: Glenn Farello of Paul VI

    We spoke with Coach Farello about his coaching pedigree, playing career, building a powerhouse at ER, coaching at PVI, coaching philosophy, chemistry-building, and so much more! 0:30 Learning from dad 4:15 Playing influence on coaching 5:45 Confidence 9:00 Non-negotiables at ER 12:45 Delonte West...

  37. Episode 126: Jordan Divens of MaxPreps

    We spoke with Jordan about his love for the game, creating his own website, growing with MaxPreps, what goes into team rankings, role models within the space, and much more! 0:30 What got you into basketball? 1:45 Building HS Hoops Elite 3:30 Starting with MaxPreps 5:00 Carving out a role 6:45...

  38. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'7 W Christian Proctor DeMatha/Washington Warriors

    We spoke with Christian about his basketball journey, choosing DeMatha, his development, his goals, what makes the DMV special, and much more! 0:30 The warm up 2:30 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play? 3:00 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:00 How...

  39. Episode 124: Raja Bell NBA Vet/Ringer NBA

    We spoke to NBA veteran Raja Bell about his beginnings in the game, HS basketball, recruiting, transferring to FIU, surviving semi-pro basketball to play in the NBA Finals, playing in the NBA for over a decade, raising athletes, philosophy, and much more! 0:30 Virgin Islands 2:15 Athletic family...

  40. Prospect Spotlight: Jaden McDuffie ’26 6’3 South River/Shooters

    Jaden McDuffie ’26 6’3 South River/Shooters 0:30 The warm up 2:30 How did you get started in the game? 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:30 Game day routine 6:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 7:15 Spalding to South River 9:00 Roles 9:45 Gym schedule…

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  41. Prospect Spotlight: ‘27 PG Delton Prescott

    Delton Prescott ’27 5’11 PG Sunnyslope HS/AZ Unity 0:30 The warm up 2:15 Playing Darius Wabbington 3:00 How did you get started in the game? 3:15 Who do you model your game after? 3:45 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:15 Game day routine 5:45 HS Hoops 6:30 Choosing Sunnyslope 7:15 AZ Unity 7:45 Tony Miller...

  42. Prospect Spotlight: '28 6'5 W Ian Archbold of New Heights/Blair Academy

    '28 6'5 W Ian Archbold of New Heights/Blair Academy 0:30 The warm up 2:30 Basketball beginnings 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 6:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 8:15 Choosing Blair 8:45 Choosing AAU 9:30...

  43. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'4 PG Omari Chaudhry of Jet Academy and Overtime Elite

    '27 6'4 PG Omari Chaudhry of Jet Academy/ OTE 0:30 The Warm Up 2:30 Beginnings 3:15 Who do you model your game after? 3:30 When you watch film, what are you looking at? 3:45 Strengths/Weaknesses 4:45 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 5:30 Differences in the game at the HS level 6:00 Roles...

  44. Prospect Spotlight: '26 PG Myles Jones of Modesto Christian/Jalen Green Elite

    Myles Jones ’26 6’3 PG Modesto Christian/Jalen Green Elite 0:30 The warm up 2:30 Basketball beginnings 3:30 Circle’s approach 4:00 Who do you model your game after? 5:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 7:00 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 8:00 Jalen Green Elite 8:45 Filling a role 9:15 Modesto...

  45. Prospect Spotlight: '27 6'5 Tayron Malonga of Mt. Zion HS/Thrill

    '27 6'5 Tayron Malonga of Mt. Zion HS/Thrill 0:45 The warm up 4:00 Basketball family 5:00 Cameroon to France to the DMV 6:00 Choosing Team Thrill 7:45 Roles 8:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 10:30 Game Day 12:15 Facing adversity 12:45 Development 13:45 Contributing to winning at the college level 15:15...

  46. Prospect Spotlight: '26 6'7 W Sammy Jackson of Roman Catholic/Philly Pride

    Sammy Jackson ‘26 6’7 Roman Catholic/Philly Pride 16u 0:30 The Warm Up 2:30 Advice from dad 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 3:45 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:00 Circle’s approach to recruiting 6:30 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 7:00 Differences in role between AAU and HS 7:45 Choosing...

  47. Prospect Spotlight: Justin Edwards ’26 6’5 O’Connell/Warriors

    Justin Edwards ’26 6’5 O’Connell/Warriors 0:30 Warm Up 3:00 How did you get started in the game? Did your family play? 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 6:00 West Potomac 7:15 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 7:45 Differences in VA public vs private 8:00...

  48. Prospect Spotlight: '28 6'5 G Kareem Smith-Bey of St. John's/ New World

    '28 6'5 G Kareem Smith-Bey of St. John's/ New World 0:30 The warm up 2:45 Who do you model your game after? 3:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 4:30 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 5:15 Choosing SJC 6:00 Fitting in at SJC 6:30 Differences in the game at the HS level In role between AAU and HS Or...

  49. Prospect Spotlight: '28 W Avery Nash of Bishop Ireton/Washington Warriors

    Nash Avery 2028 6'7 W Ireton/Washington Warriors 0:30 The warm up 3:00 Who do you model your game after? 3:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:00 Game Day Prep 6:15 Differences between HS and Middle School basketball 6:45 AAU and HS roles 8:00 Gym Schedule 8:45 What do you do that makes you stand out from...

  50. Prospect Spotlight: Korey Francis of Bonner Prendie/ Team Final

    Korey Francis ’27 6’3 Bonner-Prendie/Final 15u 0:30 The warm up 3:00 Who do you model your game after? 3:45 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:30 Game Day 6:15 HS vs Middle School Basketball 6:45 HS and AAU role 7:30 Facing adversity 8:00 Gym schedule 8:45 How do you contribute to winning? 9:30 Undervalued...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Interviewing successful figures in the basketball space in the DMV and around the country: media members, trainers, coaches, scouts, and entrepreneurs.You see where they're at now, tap in to learn about their journey to the top.

HOSTED BY

Aaron Proia

CATEGORIES

sports basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Hoop Threads have?

Hoop Threads currently has 170 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Hoop Threads about?

Interviewing successful figures in the basketball space in the DMV and around the country: media members, trainers, coaches, scouts, and entrepreneurs.You see where they're at now, tap in to learn about their journey to the top.

How often does Hoop Threads release new episodes?

Hoop Threads publishes regularly with 170 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Hoop Threads?

You can listen to Hoop Threads on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Hoop Threads?

Hoop Threads is created and hosted by Aaron Proia.
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