The Huddle

Harry Froling opens up to Pete about his journey back to the court after a near-fatal head injury. From the moment of the incident to the long road of recovery, Harry shares what it was like to face the possibility of never playing again and how with enormous support he has been able to return to the game he loves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clint Steindl has had a unique professional career. Being part of Championships, teams that folded and building new franchises. Now that he's called time, he sits down with Pete to talk about what led him to his decision and what comes next for life after Basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting 0 and 5 it was unlikely the Phoenix would make the post season but the arrival of Josh King and Owen Foxwell's breakout season changed that. Before Southeast Melbourne head to Illawarra to take on the Hawks Pete caught up with Owen to find out where it all started to come together and how he's continued to work to cement himself as a NBL rising star.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perth Wildcats are once again set to feature in the Playoffs and Kristian Doolittle has been a major player in helping to get them there again in NBL25. Pete catches up with Kristian to get an insight into how he's settled into the Wildcats lineup in his second season in the NBL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All NBL First Team Trey Kell III chats with Pete about moving to Australia and his journey in the NBL overcoming injuries to finding his way to the Illawarra Hawks where he's had a career season in NBL25.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Froling talks about what makes this Hawks team special and it largely comes down to the fun they have while playing, as well as the culture. Sam also talks about the journey that got him to this moment which involves some college struggles, becoming a leader even at 24 years old and of course, the fun and banter he has with the entire Froling family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete catches up with his former Coach, Dean Vickerman for an insight into his journey and how he approaches building a winning culture by continuing to listen, learn and evolve. 00:00 – Intro 03:10 – Challenges of the Season 06:12 – Coaching Journey & Philosophy 09:15 – From Assistant to Head Coach 12:30 – Building a Winning Culture 15:12 – Team Dynamics 18:50 – Emotional Management 21:42 – Reflecting on Losses & Celebrating Wins 24:26 – Goals for the Future 27:11 – Dynamics of the League 31:10 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kouat Noi is having the best year of his Career so far, cementing himself as a role player for the Kings Kouat is widely touted as a lock for Sixth Man of the Year. Pete sits down to get to know Kouat better and to find out where his drive and confidence come from and how he translates that to his Game on the Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Pete gets to know Broadcast colleague Ariana Prather, who has settled into life in Australia after leaving a successful career in the USA to become a favourite face of the NBL Media team by fans and players alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Hickey catches up with Pete to reflect on the Hawks' season so far, breaking into the team under Coach Justin Tatum and making a run for the NBL25 Championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Macdonald joins Pete Hooley to discuss how exactly he started with the new franchise that was the Tasmania JackJumpers, all the way through to the present day where he plays a big role on a winning team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh King, Head Coach of the South East Melbourne Phoenix, dives deeper into his competitive drive, his quick attraction to Melbourne and what exactly his coaching style is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montrezl signed on with the 36ers as an Injury Replacement but the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year cemented himself in the team and has quickly become and NBL fan favourite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete catches up with the great Derek Rucker for Heritage Round. Ruck shares his journey and discusses the legacy he's left on the NBL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his incredible 51 point game, Pete Hooley speaks with Brisbane Bullets star import James Batemon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wildcats fan favourite Elijah Pepper discusses being born in Shepparton to growing up in the USA, breaking College Scoring Records then making the move to the NBL to turn pro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Mooney opens up about who he is as a basketball player and as a person. Detailing his rollercoaster rides in college, the NBA and now overseas as his professional journey has lead him to New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Hurt has had many chapters in his basketball career to date and they range from his Duke Days under Mike Krzyzewski, to making the Memphis Grizzlies roster to now playing for the Phoenix in South East Melbourne. He talks about what is was like growing up in Minnesota, to why he decided to go to Duke and now to Australia, where he can see exactly why people don’t want to ever leave here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Cadee joins Pete Hooley to discuss his journey in the NBL from a scary car accident early days, to 300+ games later as he’s about to clock over 400 games in the NBL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Cleveland Cavalier and now Perth Wildcat Dylan Windler talks about his journey that led him to this point. Including his talent in not just basketball but golf and baseball as well, college experiences, being ambidextrous and takeaways from his career so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Only being in Australia for two Months, Darius Days has shown he is a big reason why the Illawarra Hawks look set for a deep run into the playoffs again this year. Already a fan favourite, Pete gets to know a little more about Darius and his journey that has led him to the NBL. Want more NBL news and action ⤵️ Download the NBL app - https://nbl.com.au/app Read more - https://nbl.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete sits down with MVP Xavier Cooks to talk the Rollercoaster the last couple of years has been. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, the love of the game remains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Hooley sits down with Scott Roth and talks life outside of basketball. How Tasmania wrapped it's arms around Roth and his family and how Roth wrapped his arms around his team and delivered a championship to the state in only the third year of existence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Hooley catches up with recently appointed New Zealand Breakers coach Petteri Koponen at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, to get to know the Ex Honka Playboy from his beginnings as a player to his style as a coach. What is Petteri looking forward to about joining the NBL as the coach of the Breakers? Want more NBL news and action ⤵️ Download the NBL app - https://nbl.com.au/app Read more - https://nbl.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian coach Damian Cotter has seen a lot in his coaching career to date. From many years with Knox, the Sydney Kings, Australian teams and now an assistant coach of the Chicago Bulls, Cotter talks about the lessons learned throughout his different roles and how excited he is now to have another Aussie in Josh Giddey joining the Bulls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newest Sydney King Keli Leaupepe practically lives in the gym, so what better place to catch up with the 24 year-old about his journey to this point, his connection with the Goorjian family and what he’s going to bring to Sydney next season. Pete Hooley is live in the gym with Keli and the pair bounce around weights (one more than the other) as they dive into many different discussions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack White joins Pete Hooley to discuss his rollercoaster NBA experiences in recent years, including a championship with the Denver Nuggets, as well as what it is like to be back in Australia preparing for the NBL, his next NBA opportunity and the Boomers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of many highs and lows with the Sydney Kings, Angus Glover is excited for a fresh chapter in the Heartland, with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Pete Hooley sits down with him to discuss free agency, his Sydney years, injuries and future with the Phoenix.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arguably the greatest NBL coach ever, Brian Goorjian, has returned to the team that he coached to three consecutive NBL championships (2003-2005), the Sydney Kings. Pete Hooley talks to ‘Goorj’ about his next coaching chapter with the Kings, the Boomers and how important culture is to any team in basketball. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the verge of cracking game 400, Todd Blanchfield talks about the journey it has been, his continued love for the game and even admitting that he himself has thought about hitting the 500 game milestone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did a 6’7 defensive forward playing in Saint Louis find himself decades later as a professional head coach in Wollongong, Australia?   It’s the story of Justin Tatum and he even admits to finding his situation unique. Now as the head coach for the Illawarra Hawks, Justin Tatum talks about his coaching identity, the Hawks culture shift and his son, NBA star Jayson Tatum and what that upbringing was like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago Bull champion Horace Grant is excited to come to Australia as part of the ‘NO BULL’ Tour in 2024. Horace joins Pete Hooley to talk about the tour, the stories he will tell and how blessed he was to play with some of the NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's a champion in the NBL, a champion in the NBA, needless to say Ian Clark knows a thing or two about winning. Pete Hooley spoke to the Melbourne United guard about his time in the NBA, the wild ride on the 73-9 Golden State Warriors team, his 'needed' college experience at Belmont and also what it's like being a teammate now of Chris Goulding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off a terrific few games with Tasmania, Will Magnay joins Pete Hooley to talk about his time with the JackJumpers so far, how they all hold each other accountable over there and that everyone wants you to succeed. Will also talked about his NBA experiences and what a challenging time it was with COVID and how young and nervous he was during that period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who’s inserted a ton of energy into the Adelaide 36ers since joining them, DJ Vasiljevic talks about that, his want to “just be a kid again” by simply hooping, his experience with the Washington Wizards and how he now views the Sydney Kings after all that history with them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brisbane Bullets star Nathan Sobey is in MVP form and he explains a big part of that is his health and the culture around him.   We’re so used to see “Sobes” the basketball player but here we get an insight into Nathan Sobey, the Dad, the family man, as his two kids make an appearance during this chat about life on and off the court at the moment.   The Huddle is a podcast hosted by Pete Hooley and produced by NBL Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a start to NBL24 it has been for Jordan Hunter, making the most of his opportunity as a starter for the Sydney Kings but basketball isn’t his only passion as we find out. Hunter is heavily into his writing, film and even has a fantasy novel (and maybe TV series) on the way. The Huddle is a podcast hosted by Pete Hooley and produced by NBL Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests don't get much bigger than this, we are joined by one of the greatest NBL players ever, MVP, Perth Wildcat - Bryce Cotton. He talks about what it's like being in the GOAT conversation, how he has more things to tick off on the checklist, his passion towards AFL and Collingwood, the journey of thinking he'd retire if he ended up playing overseas to falling in love with Perth and the NBL, and lastly a deep reason why he wears the number 11 and how it motivates him every day. This is a great conversation and insight into the life of Bryce Cotton. The Huddle is a podcast hosted by Pete Hooley and produced by NBL Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The attention and pressure was heavily on Will McDowell-White during this free agency period and we heard from the man himself, live on the Gold Coast at the Blitz, about what the process was like. Including how close he was with signing with Perth and Tasmania, the stress of saying no to the MVP, Bryce Cotton, after he tried recruiting him for the 2nd time and what ultimately led to him returning to the Breakers. A fascinating chat with Will McDowell-White is the latest instalment of The Huddle, hosted by Pete Hooley and produced by NBL Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man they call "Finn Diesel" is back home in New Zealand and he's not here to mix his words, he wants to win a Championship as a Breaker and he's determined to do so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After re-signing with the Taipans in the offseason we caught up with Bul Kuol to dive into what the South Sudan team means to him and the rest of the country, his free agency period, "chasing the bag" and how excited he is to build something special in Cairns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new man at the helm for the Sydney Kings, Mahmoud Abdelfattah, talks to us about how he got the head coaching role, his background and what he will bring to the Champs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an offseason of new beginnings for Luke Travers. After 4 seasons with Perth he is departing to Melbourne, adding new elements to his game at the same time, bulking up, returning to Summer League, plus, are the famous locks about to be chopped off?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze joins Liam Santamaria to analyse the Boomers World Cup squad announcement. Who made it? Who was snubbed? What about Ben Simmons? Who could be in the final 12?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Brisbane Bullets Head Coach Justin Schueller joins the show to talk his new role, new players and the outlook on this Bullets squad as a whole, including some pieces to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex Melbourne United and now Denver Nuggets forward Jack White joins the show to discuss what it has been like entering the NBA and meeting the likes of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. He talks about his goals, his play in the G-League and keeping tabs on the NBL while overseas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have the pleasure of being joined by South East Melbourne's newest Head Coach, Mike Kelly, as he talks about the decision and the excitement about returning to the "Heartland" where he played all those years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off a championship and now a two-year deal with the Sydney Kings, Angus Glover has had quite the couple of weeks and Liam Santamaria sat down with him to discuss it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's all tied up at 1-1 and it's anyone's guess as to what will happen next. NBL great Chris Anstey joins the show to talk about the Championship Series and his predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Championship Series, who have you got? Damon Lowery sits down with Liam Santamaria to answer just that and more around the best of 5 game series between the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.