No Place I'd Rather Be …

Send us Fan MailWelcome back, Brandon! Today, the guys caught up with 2024 grad Brandon Adelman about his journey post SJU, which includes a successful season in Kosovo and then a run with the Iowa Wolves of the G League. Thanks for making the time, Brandon!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with senior assistant coaches Danny Quinn and Zach Filzen. Thanks, guys, for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with senior Thomas Menk. Thanks Thomas for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday on the program the guys caught up with freshman Jack Gross, Brayson Sawyer and Deonte Meeks. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with sophomore Gavin Olson and freshman Noah George and Max Spanier. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with freshman Tommy Auge and junior Jamison Lien. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgFind our podcast, take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back! Today, the boys caught up with managers C.J Cummins, Harisson Kreft, Logan Schad and Justin Holden (4 for 4 on celebrity shots) who talked with the guys about all things managing, how they ended up with the team and much more. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with freshman Peyton Podany and Hudson Hochstedler along with a quick midseason visit with the head coach. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailIn honor of the 2020 team's upcoming recognition at Saturday's alumni day game we're republishing last year's episode with the team. Enjoy!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with sophomore guard Justin Johnson and junior Anthony Thorman. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailWe're back! Today, the boys caught up with junior guard A.J. McCleery and freshman post Evan Weichert. Thanks, guys, for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello! We're taking a break from publishing new episodes over the holidays. We'll be back with brand new episodes in January. Until then, happy holidays!

Send us Fan MailThanks to Charlie, Parker and Eli for making the time to talk to the guys! ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailWe’re back to our regularly scheduled programming this week as they guys caught up with sophomore guard Liam Farniok and redhsirt freshman Henry Tschetter. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailWe're off this week, but wanted to stay on track with our weekly updates on the latest with the Cardinal and Blue. So we decided to re-air one of our favorites from past seasons in anticipation of the return of the rivalry. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with juniors Vincent Hillesheim and Baiden Bean, who talked some early-season ball with the guys, their roles on the team and some academic success stories. Thanks Vinnie and Baiden for taking the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailToday, the boys caught up with new assistant coach Zach Filzen, who was nice enough to take some time to talk a bit about the path that led him to SJU. Thanks, Zach, for making the time! ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailWe're back! Season four starts today with a portion of the second annual Tip-Off Party at Basement Bar. Today's show includes interviews with Kyle Johnson, Thomas Menk and Vincent Hillesheim as well as with head coach Pat McKenzie. The full video is available at our YouTube page @benchwarmersmediamn. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group for the use of their beautiful facilities - Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz- Klerissa and John Church- Margaret and Paul JudgeThank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible …We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello everyone and welcome back! We’re here today with assistant coach Danny Quinn, who was nice enough to take some time Wednesday evening between team activities in Chicago to talk with the guys about the team’s travel plans changing due to the winter storm, some sight-seeing while in the windy city and the proper way to prepare a hot dog from a Chicago area native. Thanks, Danny!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to the Season 3 finale! Today, we welcome Jubie Alade, Lucas Walford, Colton Codute, Kyle Sorensen, Oakley Baker, Ethan Novacinski and Sean Ryan from the 2020 team who were generous enough to tell us about their experience with the covid-shortened 2020 season and NCAA tournament -- with a couple assists from Mark Lewandowski. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible. And that includes all you listeners out there. We can’t thank you enough. We’d probably still do this anyway, but the fact that there are people out there actually listening is pretty cool. Thank you to coach Pat McKenzie for his participation and thank you to all players and guests who have been kind enough to take the time to come on the show this year. We don’t get to do what we do without it. We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we welcome back Griffin Rushin and Luke Budzyn to the program, who were nice enough to take some time Tuesday morning to get into the weeds on defensive philosophies, post graduation plans and a little breakdown of the final two regular season games....Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we welcome a handful of parents of this year’s team for our second installment of our version of The Parent Trap. We can’t thank Dave Scwhob, Cathy Budzyn, Heather Bean, Brian Healy, and Jeanine Wagner enough for their willingness to put into words what their experience with Johnnie Basketball has been from the perspective of a parent....Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we welcome back Luke Healy and Kyle Johnson to the program to talk about the last couple games of the regular season and how practices can differ from early in the season to now. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we revisit a fairly notable piece of the legacy of one of our previous guests this season … Fr. Roman Paur and his relationship with The Rats. Along the way we have some contributions from Joe Deignan, Troy Bigalke and Mike Dady along with the usual crew. Thanks to those guys for their contributions!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming back Andrew Wagner, Kooper Vaughn and Zach Longueville to the program to talk about their senior season. Thanks guys for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we feature the voice of Johnnie sports over the last quarter century -- Mark Lewandowski -- who talked with the guys about his start in radio, his transition to St. John's and some of his observations as he's had a front row seat for some memorable moments over that past 25 years. Thanks Mark for sitting down and talking with the guys!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming back Ryan Thissen, Blake Berg and Connor Schwob to the program to talk about their collective decision to return for a fifth year. Thanks guys for making the time! ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we focus on the tail end of Smitty’s incredible run as head coach of St. John's basketball and welcome the only other person to occupy the coach’s office since 1964 Head Coach Pat McKenzie. Which ties directly to the very first episode of this podcast. Some of this might sound familiar, but this time with some fresh perspective from longtime voice of Johnnie football and basketball -- Mark Lewandowski -- who had a front row seat to the changing of the guard. Not much more to say that won’t be said shortly so let’s get to it. Thanks to the guys for taking the time! ...Thanks to WJON and Townsquare Media for access to their archives for this episode. Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we pulled from the archives to find some never before heard parts of our conversation with Smitty and longtime thorn in the Johnnies side, legendary St. Thomas coach Steve Fritz where they get into some of the finer points of their coaching philosophies, other coaches around the conference and some of the insights they gained while athletic directors at their respective institutions. Let’s get to it. Here’s Coach Steve Fritz with Coach Smith, Tom Connell and John Russett. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, there’s a bit of a different bent in store as we shift the perspective from the court to carpet row as we welcome ‘71 grad Mike Dady, who played for coach smith during his student days and served as Board of Regents chair from 1992-1995 as well as President of the Alumni Association and is the founding partner of Dady and Gardner PA, along with Fr. Roman Paur, who received both an undergrad and masters of divinity from Saint John's, was ordained in 1966, completed graduate degrees in clinical and counseling psychology and has filled numerous roles at the university including a faculty resident, psychology professor, vice president of Student Affairs, residential programs director, as well as the director and founder of the Human Resource Center among other roles. Still feels like I sold these guys a little short, but that’s what the rest of the episode is for. So without further ado ... here’s Mike Dady and Fr. Roman Paur with Coach Smith, Tom Connell and John Russett. ...Thanks to Fr. Roman Paur and Mike Dady for sharing their stories with the guys!Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, senior manager Andrew Nerud joins the show to talk about his decision to come to St. John's, the transition from player to manager and some of the unique insights he has gained from seeing the game from a different perspective. Thanks Andrew for making the time!...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back! Today, we have one of the most successful teams in St. John's history in the same room to turn back the clock and reminisce about their time together. Usually reserved for later in the episodes, we’re going straight to the source for some context before we begin. From The Record, Thursday March 1, 2001, page 14."Basketball Success Leads to Windfall of Awards. In the wake of its recent 15-game winning streak and conference titles, several members of the SJU basketball team received awards Monday. Junior forward Mike Nester was named MIAC men's Basketball Player of the Week. During the MIAC playoffs, Nester averaged 15.5 points per game and 6 rebounds per game including 23 points on 10-11 shooting against Gustavus in the MIAC final. Nester is ranked second in the nation in field goal percentage, shooting at a 69.3 percent clip. Senior guard Troy Bigalke was named MIAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Bigalke, the Johnnies' leading scorer, shared the award last year with Geoffrey Reed of Augsburg SJU head coach Jim Smith was named MIAC Coach of the Year. Smith is in his 37th season and has 588 career wins. Nester, Bigalke and junior guard Ryan Keating were named to the All-MIAC first team." And they advanced further than any other team to-date in the NCAA tournament, making it to the sweet 16. Buckle up, it’s a long one … with some bleeps because, well, you all know Mike Nester. And if you don’t … you sure will after this. OK, here we go … 2001 team right now on "No Place I'd Rather Be …" ...Thanks to Troy Bigalke, Bryon Krause, Sam Bugbee, Luke Witt, Ryan Dusha, Chris Nordmann, Ryan Keating and Mike Nester for all getting together and being so willing to share their stories. And, of course, thank you to Coach Jim Smith. Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com."No Place I’d Rather Be" is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHello! Today, we're back with Coach McKenzie for our mid-season update. ...Thanks to Coach McKenzie for taking the time to talk with the guys. Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailToday, we welcome another J-Club Hall of Honor member. This 2001 grad is the third-most prolific scorer in St. John's history with 1,568 career points, trailing only '57 grad Dick Matchinksky and '79 grad Frank Wachlarowicz. He is one of a handful of players to crack the starting lineup as a freshman during Smitty’s five decades at the helm, earning MIAC all-rookie honors that season. And, he followed that up with three consecutive years as an All-MIAC selection, earning the conference MVP his junior and senior seasons -- one of only five players to receive that recognition multiple times since 1990 and also was named to the all-region first team as a senior. A lot of good stuff to get to today so let’s get to it. Here is troy Bigalke with Coach Smith, Tom Connell and John Russett … ...Thanks to Troy Bigalke for sitting down and talking with the guys. Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailHello Johnnie basketball fans and welcome back to No Place I'd Rather Be, the podcast about St. John's University basketball and the legacy of Minnesota’s all-time collegiate wins leader Coach Jim Smith. Today, we’re back with our regularly scheduled programming as we continue to traverse the decades of Smitty’s 51-year career. But unlike our first two seasons, season three has a little something different … by the time we get to the end of this season we will have entered a new era of St. John's basketball as we get an insider’s look at the transition from Coach Smith to head coach Pat McKenzie, now in his tenth season at the helm of your favorite basketball team and entered the season with 174 wins to 53 losses. That’s … pretty good. But enough on that. We’ll get there. Today, we pick up right where we left off at the end of season two, smack dab in the middle of the 90s with ‘95 grad Joe Deignan, a two-time academic All-American who played 105 career games in the cardinal and blue, Deignan sits 27th all-time for SJU in points with 1,113 … 4th all-time with 333 career assists … fifth in three pointers made with 172 … 8th in games played … 8th in total minutes with 2,839 … tied for 10th in games started … and was a two-time All-MIAC selection. Also, while we try to keep this show as family-friendly as we can, there is some expressive language used on occasion throughout the episode with the bleeps. So with all of that, here is Joe Deignan with Coach Smith, Tom Connell and John Russett. ...Thanks to Joe Deignan for sitting down and talking with the guys. Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailThis week we welcome assistant coach and former player Lucas Walford to the show. Lucas was nice enough to sit down and talk with the guys about his path through basketball, how he got to St. John's and his role with the team. Thanks, Lucas!The Johnnies wrapped up their trip to our nation's capital with a couple convincing wins, bringing their win total to 10 on the season. Up next, a nice holiday break before a Jan. 4 matchup against Hamline....Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailThis week for our On the Court feature we welcome junior Thomas Menk, who was nice enough to find some time to sit down and talk with the guys about some injury updates, his role with the team and what to grab at Kwik Trip for a solid late-night snack. Thanks for taking the time, Thomas! The Johnnies picked up two road wins against Minnesota-Morris and St. Mary's to move to 8-2 (3-0 MIAC) on the season in advance of their trip to the nation's capital for a couple games next week. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailThis week, we welcome Andrew Wagner, senior guard from Prospect Heights, Ill., to the show as he was kind enough to carve out some time Thursday morning following the Johnnies first conference game of the season ... a 75-60 win over St. Olaf to bring the win total to five (1-0 in conference play, 5-2 on the season) for your favorite basketball team. A big thanks goes out to Andrew for being willing to chat with the guys. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailFirst of all, we hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We’re back today with Head Basketball Coach Pat McKenzie as he was kind enough to talk with the guys first thing Monday morning after the team’s second consecutive weekend on the road, going 2-0 in Iowa and 1-1 at last weekend’s great lakes invitational in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As always, we are very appreciative of Coach McKenzie's time. Be sure to tune in each week as we continue with our "On the Court" series and shift the focus to current players. ...Support for benchwarmers media productions provided by:- Sixth Man Enterprises- The Sexton Family Foundation- Bobbi and John Augustine- Maggie and Marty McCaslin- Steve Cummings at Nova Group- Matt Johnson- Rick DesLauriers- Sue and Jim Bowe- John Schultz Thank you to everyone who helps make our projects possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.We have a new website! Check it out here: benchwarmersmedia.orgTake a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to "No Place I’d Rather Be," the podcast about Johnnie basketball and the legacy of Minnesota’s all-time collegiate wins leader coach Jim Smith. We have a very special episode of the show to bring you today. While we’re hard at work getting the rest of season 3 of the podcast ready to go, the basketball season starts Saturday with a 5 p.m. tip against UW Oshkosh at Sexton Arena, right here in Collegeville. We wanted to make sure everyone was as excited as we are for the start of another great run of Johnnie basketball so we’re kicking things off with something new, as we were there to capture the inaugural Johnnie Basketball tip-off event at Basement Bar in Minneapolis October 30 (huge thanks to owner Brett Johnson, class of 2008). Organized by our very own Tom Connell, the evening featured full team introductions and interviews with three key returning players as well as some questions for head coach Pat Mckenzie. Since this was a special event we decided we needed a special guest host as well. And we got one in the incomparable Eric Thomes, class of ‘94. We just let it roll from there. ...Thank you to Coach Pat McKenzie and this year’s Johnnie basketball team for their participation in the evening and to ET for doing a masterful job keeping us on the rails. Thank you again to Brett Johnson, class of 2008, owner of Basement Bar for the use of their beautiful facilities. Brett also owns Nolo’s Kitchen and Bar, which is located directly above the basement bar in the north loop on Washington Avenue as well as the Hilltop in Edina. Stop by for some great local fare.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Please be sure to like, follow, rate and review … No Place I’d Rather Be … on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you go for your podcast needs … and be on the lookout … more information about season 3 coming soon … Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.No Place I’d Rather Be is a Benchwarmers Media production in association with Nine Pines Podcasts. Thanks for listening. 

Send us Fan MailHey Johnnie Basketball fans! While we're hard at work getting season 3 of "No Place I'd Rather Be" all ready to go we didn't want you to miss out on the chance to get together with current players, Head Coach Pat McKenzie and his staff, reconnect with old teammates and meet some new Johnnie alums at the Johnnie Basketball 2024-25 Season Tip-Off Party from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at The Basement Bar, 511 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis.Hosted by the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association, this is a great opportunity to show your support for Coach McKenzie and the boys as they gear up for what is sure to be another exciting season. Get your tickets today by clicking here. Can't make the event but still want to show your support? Sponsor a player or coach by purchasing a ticket and emailing Dan Smith or Tom Connell at [email protected] to let them know. We hope to see you there!

Send us Fan Mail45 years ago today, "Norma Rae" was just released and number one at the box office, Rod Stewart’s "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy" topped the charts of the Billboard Hot 100, and the St. John’s University basketball team was on its way to Mankato for what we have already established as one of the greatest contests in St. John's athletic history. Today we bring it to you as it was heard over the air waves all those years ago … unadulterated, straight from the mouth of the legendary Connie O … so sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of 1979 coming straight at ya … right now … on "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." 

Send us Fan MailThis week, as the johnnies wrap up the regular season, we welcome Luke Budzyn and Griffin Rushin to the program to talk with the guys about the recruitment process, their approach off the bench, some housing plans for senior year, and Gary’s Pizza takes one from the top rope on our weekly late night food debate. ...And that was Luke Budzyn and Griffin Rushin. Thanks guys for taking the time. The Johnnies picked up a pair of wins against St. Olaf and at Gustavus to secure the regular season conference title and the top seed heading into the conference tournament. But first, the Johnnies host Bethel tonight in a valentines day duel at Sexton Arena, right here, in Collegeville. And speaking of hosting, the Johnnies begin their post season Thursday, Feb. 22 as they welcome one of the winners from Tuesday's two quarterfinal matchups, which is the same night coach Jim Smith will receive a very special honor. From the St. John's University newsroom: “Hall of Fame Coach Jim Smith to receive Saint John's University Presidential Medal. Please join us for a very special award presentation to Hall of Fame Coach Jim Smith during halftime of the Johnnies upcoming MIAC basketball playoff semi-final contest at Sexton Arena on Thursday evening, Feb. 22. Game time is 7 p.m. CSB+SJU President Brian Bruess will present Jim with the Saint John’s University Presidential Medal in recognition of his commitment to inspiring his players to achieve their highest potential as athletes, as students and as principled men educated in the Benedictine tradition over his extraordinary 51-year career. Congratulations Jim!”This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailWe are very excited to bring you today's program as we close out season two with '94 grad Travis Weiss along with the last minute addition of our very special guest Bob Alpers, who aside from being athletic director and a hall of fame golf coach was an assistant basketball coach for 20 years and had a front row seat to just how humble and team-oriented Weiss was. They changed the offense because of his particular set of skills and Coach Smith had to implement rules to get him to shoot more. Can you imagine? But that was all with good reason as Weiss was selected to the all-conference team his junior and senior seasons and was conference mvp and first-team all-region his senior year. Which was the season he set the NCAA all-divisions record for field goal percentage in a season at 76.6 percent, a record that stood until the 2008-2009 season. ...And that's a wrap on season two of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." But don't fret ... your favorite podcast about Johnnie Basketball will be back next week with another brand new episode of "On the Court." And the Benchwarmers team has lots of great bonus content planned for the very near future.  We cannot give a big enough thank you to all of you out there listening for the tremendous support this season. We love what we and we are grateful for the opportunity. So to everyone who makes that possible, thank you. This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Thank you to Travis Weiss for all the great stories and to Bob Alpers for making the time to join us on short notice. Thank you, as always, to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings, ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailThis week senior manager Ethan Youso took a few minutes before Monday's game to talk to the guys about his plans after graduation, why he came to St. John's and his role with the team. ...Thanks Ethan for taking the time.The Johnnies put on a show Saturday for all those in attendance for alumni/senior day. with a record-setting performance from behind the arc in a win over St. Scholastica. with 21 threes made on 34 attempts. A staggering 11 of those threes came from Kooper Vaughn, who tied a school record set by Larry Bassett at Macalester in February 1992. Vaughn was 12 of 17 from the field and made all three of his free throws to finish with 38 points. He grabbed five boards and had one assist and one steal. Which I'm pretty sure all adds up to one of the all-time great performances in Johnnie basketball history. Accentuated only by the 101-62 final score. Which was followed up with a heartbreaking loss at home Monday night to Concordia by the thinnest of margins – 79-80. Conference play continues tonight as the Johnnies welcome St. Olaf for their penultimate home game of the regular season and then travel to Gustavis Saturday, with the regular season finale against Bethel set for one week from today at sexton arena. right here in Collegeville. Catch all the exciting live action right on their website at gojohnnies.com. This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailToday, we step off the court and welcome one of the staunchest and longest-tenured supporters of St. John's basketball, ‘58 grad Jim Bassett, who is the 2024 recipient of the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the Saint John's community and is the highest honor given by the Alumni Association. And, as we’ll hear all about on today’s episode, the former alumni board president didn’t find much to enjoy during his initial encounters with the university. But all that changed. And six sons and two daughters have since graced the halls of St. John’s and St. Ben’s. Along the way, Bassett became a fixture of the Johnnie basketball program, fostering a friendship with the head coach that continues to this day. ...This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Thank you to Jim Bassett for all the great stories and years of support for Johnnie basketball. And thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings, ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailThis week sophomore Kyle Johnson and junior Luke Healy were kind enough to take some time to talk with the guys about game prep, their approach as they come off the bench as well as how they got to St. John’s in the first place. And the late night food debate rages on as we elicit a spirited defense of Gary's Pizza. ...This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailToday we get to the conclusion of our conversation with ‘87 grad Phil Johnson and ‘84 grad John Wiehoff. Both of whom played key roles in making the ‘80s one of the most successful decades in Johnnie basketball history. With a couple more timely interjections from one of our hosts, Tom Connell, ‘84, whose no slouch himself. But that’s for another time. And this being part two, as always, part one is highly recommended. I mean, nothing hits quite like nostalgia and that just so happens to be what we do best here at Benchwarmers Media. Sort of pushing the sand back up through the hourglass. And again, thanks to the hosts for doing such a good job of keeping it on the rails during this conversation so we could just let it roll from start to finish....This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Thank you to Phil Johnson and John Wiehoff for sharing their time and stories. And thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings, ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailThis week we circle back with head basketball coach Pat McKenzie as he joins the guys from the road for a mid-season check-in. ...This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com. 

Send us Fan MailOn today’s episode we are lucky enough to have Phil Johnson and John Wiehoff. Two seminal figures in SJU basketball history during what was one of the most sustained stretches of on-court success seen in Collegeville. From 1976 to 1988 the Johnnies appeared in the national tournament 10 of those 12 years. Wiehoff and Johnson were right in the middle of that run through the ‘80s. Johnson was All-MIAC and All-Region (both first team) in ‘85-’86 and ‘86-’87, with an MVP-caliber year in ‘85-’86, which is not hyperbole since he was voted MIAC Most Valuable Player for that year. Wiehoff also was twice an All-MIAC selection in ‘82-’83 and ‘83-’84 and earned Academic All-American honors in 1983. So … it became clear pretty quickly that what was originally going to be one episode needed to be two. Not only that, but the conversation flowed so smoothly that we’re trying something new by presenting this conversation to you as it went down. Start to finish. Beginning to middle today. Middle to end next week. All with a few touches of color along the way from a major player in the majority of what follows – our very own Tom Connell. So here they are – Phil Johnson, John Wiehoff and Coach Smith with hosts Tom Connell and John Russett....This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Thank you to Phil Johnson and John Wiehoff for being so gracious and willing to share their stories. And thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.Are you a member of the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association? You should be! Sign up right now to join the Johnnie Basketball Nation and connect with teammates and friends, flip through old photos, even listen to episodes of the podcast. Founded and managed by SJU basketball alumni and friends, the Johnnie Basketball Alumni Association exists to foster the already formidable Johnnie Basketball Nation. Go to johnniebasketballalumni.org to see what it's all about.Thank you as always to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.