Podcast · Sport

Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

by The Aussie Hoopla Team · English · Sport

Visit our website at www.aussiehoopla.com for in depth analysis of Aussie Basketball. Each episode features interviews with current Aussie basketball stars, Australian Boomers playing overseas and legends of the NBL.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 27 min

Paul Rees on NBL titles, battles with Brian Goorjian and small town success

Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Four-time NBL champion and 1994 Grand Final MVP Paul Rees joins the podcast to reflect on his 17-year career with the Brisbane Bullets, North Melbourne Giants and Adelaide 36ers, as well as representing Australia at…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · 11 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
Mario Donaldson on THAT 1994 NBL Dunk Contest and his time playing with Sydney & Canberra
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Sydney Kings and Canberra Cannons import Mario Donaldson joins the podcast to look back on the highs and lows of his time in the NBL, the memorable 1994 NBL Dunk Contest, and the success he enjoyed playing…
S1 · 20 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Mitch McCarron on What Went Wrong in Adelaide, United's 2021 Championship & Overachieving in Cairns
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former NBL champion and Australian Boomer Mitch McCarron joins the podcast to discuss retiring from professional basketball at just 32, what went wrong during his three seasons with the Adelaide 36ers and the…
S1 · 7 Aug 2026 · 59 min
Darnell Mee on Adelaide's 2001 Heartbreak, Defending NBL legends and more
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Two-time NBL champion and five-time NBL Best Defensive Player Darnell Mee returns to the podcast to revisit Adelaide's back-to-back championships, the heartbreaking end to the 2001 season and why that loss ultimately…
S1 · 27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
Matt Garrison on Winning Back-to-Back Titles with Multiple NBL Teams, NBA Opportunities and Aussie Hoops impact overseas
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Two-time NBL champion Matt Garrison joins the podcast to reflect on winning back-to-back championships with two different teams, helping the Wollongong Hawks claim their first NBL title in 2001 before joining the…
S1 · 7 Jun 2026 · 54 min
John Rillie on roster changes for NBL27, pressures from fans and media and Bryce Cotton/Trevor Gleeson narratives
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie joins the podcast to discuss the pressure of coaching one of the NBL's most successful clubs, the expectations that come with the Red Army, and what he has been building since…
S1 · 18 May 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Rolan Roberts on Kings Titles, Dunk Contest Injury and Playing for Brian Goorjian and Trevor Gleeson
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Sydney Kings and Townsville Crocodiles big man Rolan Roberts joins the podcast to reflect on his time in Australia, including joining the Kings mid-season and helping them complete their historic 2005 NBL…
S1 · 22 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
Julius Hodge on Stepping on Brett Maher, NBL Pay Issues and NBA Stories
We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Adelaide 36ers star Julius Hodge joins the podcast to reflect on one of the most dominant short stints in NBL history, his journey from the NBA to Australia, and the impact he made during the 2007/08 season. Host Dan Boyce chats with…
S1 · 3 Apr 2026 · 55 min
Mick Downer on NBL Talent in Japan, NBL vs B.League, and Offensive Rebounding
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Current head coach of the Akita Northern Happinets, Mick Downer joins the podcast to discuss the differences between coaching in Japan and the NBL, his stints with Perth, Cairns, Brisbane and Adelaide over the past 25…
S1 · 19 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 42 min
Remembering Ken Cole (Remastered Interview): The Invincibles, Early NBL Stories & Mitch Creek
Originally recorded in 2018 — this episode has been remastered and re-released following the passing of Australian basketball legend Ken Cole. Ken Cole, a championship-winning coach of the Adelaide 36ers and architect of the iconic 1986 "Invincibles" season (24–2), left a lasting impact on basketball in Australia — as a coach, leader, and later President of the Sixers. In this interview, Ken reflects on his return to the Adelaide 36ers, his battle with multiple myeloma, and shares unforgettable stories from the early days of the NBL — from the birth of the game in Australia to the evolution…
S1 · 7 Mar 2026 · 31 min
Bring Back the Falcons: How former Kings & Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi is trying to bring an NBL team to Newcastle
Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi takes us inside his latest venture — buying into the Lebanese Basketball League and becoming president of the NSA Falcons. Host Dan Boyce chats with Kordahi…
S1 · 25 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 48 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 7 — The Hawks' 2nd Title and The Rivalry Today
We wrap up our seven-part deep dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — as the modern era turns the heat all the way up and the Freeway Series swings wildly from season to season. Host Dan Boyce picks things up after the Hawks' rebirth under new ownership and Brian Goorjian , a fresh start that quickly turns into a brutal reality check — including the worst season in franchise history (3–25) — before the club pulls off one of the great turnarounds in recent NBL history, storming back to win their second NBL championship . From there, the rivalry doesn't cool…
S1 · 29 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 6 — LaMelo Ball, Spy-Gate and 'The Hawks' lose their Illawarra name
We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up as LaMelo Ball and his rookie of the year season in 2019 that propelled the Hawks into the global spotlight, setting NBL viewership and attendance records, while the Kings reload under Will Weaver and push for a championship in a season that ends in chaos. Host Dan Boyce breaks down LaMelo's viral debut, his back-to-back triple-doubles, and the impact of the injury to Aaron Brooks to Illawarra playoff hopes, before diving into the record-setting 17,514 crowd that packed Qudos Bank…
S1 · 23 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 5 — Firepower Kings, Saville heads to Sydney and The "Resurrection Squad"
We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up right after the Kings' 2005 three-peat sweep of the Hawks and tracking how the "Freeway Series" evolved through the chaos of Firepower, the Kings' disappearance, the rivalry's rebirth in 2010, and the Hawks' huge 2015/16 rebrand and recruiting spree. Host Dan Boyce breaks down the 2005/06 shootouts (and that bizarre Roland Roberts dunk contest injury), the Hawks' underrated 2006 campaign, and the Kings' near-miss 4-peat that ended at the hands of Chris Anstey and Melbourne, before…
S1 · E304 · 8 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 4 — Sydney's Three-Peat Response To Wollongong's 2001 Title
We continue diving deeper dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up from the Wollongong Hawks' historic 2001 championship and tracking how the Kings and Hawks battled for New South Wales bragging rights through the mid-2000s. Host Dan Boyce revisits Wollongong's underdog run to become the first NSW club to win an NBL title, then jumps into Sydney's response — the arrival of Brian Goorjian, the recruitment of Chris Williams and Kavossy Franklin, and the three-year stretch that saw the Kings finally shed the "Violet Crumbles" tag and dominate…
S1 · E303 · 12 Nov 2025 · 55 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 3 — The Race To New South Wales First NBL Championship
We continue our deep dive into one of Australian basketball's greatest rivalries... Sydney versus Illawarra. This episode we continue on through the late 1990s and into the Hawks' historic 2001 championship run. Host Dan Boyce picks up the rivalry from 1995 onward, exploring the coaching swaps, player defections, and the rise of a new generation of stars — from Shane Heal 's move to Sydney and Marcus Timmons ' breakout in Illawarra, to the emergence of Glen Saville , who would soon become the face of the Hawks. Featuring first-hand accounts from Bob Turner , Shane Heal, Gordie McLeod , Greg…
S1 · E240 · 19 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 2 — Hawks/Kings defections and the rivalry grows through the 90's
We continue our deep dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — looking at the success of both teams during the 1990s. Host Dan Boyce picks up where Episode 1 left off, bringing in Hawks legend Gordie McLeod to get his throughts on whether his move to Sydney in 1983 was the starting point of the Kings v Hawks rivalry, before moving their the success of both teams during the 1990s Featuring first-hand accounts from Gordie McLeod, Greg Hubbard , Dwayne McClain , and Bob Turner , this episode continues to blends personal stories of the NBL's boom period, while…
S1 · E239 · 27 Sep 2025 · 55 min
Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 1 — The Origins of the Illawarra v Sydney Rivalry
We crack open one of Aussie hoops' spiciest grudge matches: Sydney vs Illawarra. Host Dan Boyce traces the rivalry back before the Kings even existed—into state-league days at the Snakepit—then follows it through the 1986 replay controversy, the Kings' 1988 merger and rise, and the big-city v small-town energy that's fuelled decades of heat. Featuring first-hand stories from Bob Turner, Greg Hubbard and Chuck Harmison, this episode blends history, on-court flashpoints, and off-court theatre to show how the "Freeway Series" became must-watch basketball. Topics include: What this series is and…
S1 · E238 · 18 Aug 2025 · 53 min
Brian Wethers on the Hunter Pirates' best season, his 2005 MVP run and the dark times of the 2000s NBL.
Brian Wethers shares his journey from a standout NCAA career at Cal and NBA aspirations, to becoming one of the most explosive imports in Australian basketball during the mid-2000s. He breaks down the Pirates' underdog rise in 2004 under Adrian Hurley, his dynamic partnership with Kavossy Franklin, and the unforgettable playoff push that followed. We also revisit his return to the league with New Zealand, a blistering run of form that included multiple 30-point nights before injury struck. Wethers opens up about how the game has evolved since then, what came next after his playing days, and…
S1 · E237 · 16 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Fabijan Krslovic on joining Melbourne United, building a championship culture in Tasmania and being overlooked by fans and media
Fabijan Krslovic joins the podcast to reflect on his NBL journey so far, a 2024 championship run with the Tasmania JackJumpers, and what lies ahead in his new chapter with Melbourne United. Krslovic shares stories from his Boomers debut, his time as a junior alongside Ben Simmons and Dante Exum, and how he's consistently earned his place in the league through grit, defence, and leadership. We also dive into his college days in Montana, his first pro stint in Europe with Phoenix Hagen, and his role in building the JackJumpers' winning culture from day one. Topics include: 🏀 Playing for the…
S1 · E236 · 20 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Jordan Hunter on His First Year with the Phoenix, Roster Changes, and Oscar Season Movie Reviews
Jordan Hunter joins the podcast to reflect on his first season with South East Melbourne, his time with the Boomers, and how he's building a voice off the court through podcasting, filmmaking, and comedy. Hunter opens up about navigating the ups and downs of the Phoenix's 2024/25 campaign, how the team evolved under new leadership, and the real impact of Mike Kelly's mid-season departure. We also explore his off-season stint in Puerto Rico, international experience with the Boomers, and his passion for storytelling—both on stage and on screen. Topics include: 🏀 First year in South East…
S1 · E305 · 11 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
Andrew Svaldenis on the early years of Sydney Kings, the role of the Enforcer during the '80s and '90s, and the final NBL seasons for Hobart and Geelong
Andrew Svaldenis joins the podcast to reflect on a 13-year NBL career that took him from Bankstown to Sydney, Hobart, Adelaide, and Geelong—appearing in 299 games and carving out a legacy as one of the league's most consistent frontcourt battlers across the '80s and '90s. Svaldenis opens up about debuting as a teenager under Robbie Cadee, his breakout years in Hobart under Cal Bruton, and what it was like to be part of the original Sydney Kings merger. We also dig into some of his biggest games, toughest matchups, and the evolution of the NBL through the lens of a blue-collar big man who saw…
S1 · E304 · 1 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Brad Newley on Facing the Redeem Team, Thoughts on why he never made the NBA & Losing a Title to "COVID"
Brad Newley joins the podcast to reflect on a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, three NBL clubs, countless international tournaments, and a stint with the NBA's Houston Rockets. From his breakout rookie season with Townsville to Olympic campaigns with the Boomers and his late-career leadership role at Melbourne United, Newley shares the highs, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his journey. We dig into his development at the AIS, becoming the first player to ever win NBL Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man in the same season, and his MVP performance at the 2005 NBL…
S1 · E303 · 18 May 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
Lamar Patterson on His NBL Career, Playing in India, and his chances of returning to the NBL
Lamar Patterson joins the podcast to talk through the highs, lows, and wild turns of a pro career that's taken him from Pittsburgh to the NBA, NBL, China, Puerto Rico, and most recently, India. Patterson opens up about his time in India's pro league, his rollercoaster ride with the Brisbane Bullets, and why things unravelled during his stint with the New Zealand Breakers. He also shares how close he came to signing NBL deals in each of the past two seasons, what's kept him motivated off the radar, and why he still hopes to return to the league that made him a fan favourite. Topics include: 🏀…
S1 · E302 · 11 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Nick Horvath on the 2009 Dragons vs Tigers Championship and Becoming the Author of an Action Hero
Nick Horvath joins the podcast to reflect on a one-of-a-kind basketball journey—from Duke University to NBL champion and beyond. Horvath opens up about writing his debut novel Sledge Vs, the highs and lows of his pro career, and what it was really like playing under legends like Mike Krzyzewski and Brian Goorjian. He shares stories from the heated South Dragons vs. Melbourne Tigers Grand Final, overcoming serious injury setbacks, and making the transition from import to local player in the NBL. Topics include: 🏀 We talk about Sledge Vs , Nick's highly successful action adventure novel (2:00)…
S1 · E301 · 19 Mar 2025 · 38 min
A New Era: Boomers Coach Adam Caporn on his vision for the team, thoughts on the roster and more
Newly appointed Australian Boomers head coach Adam Caporn joins the podcast to discuss his journey to the role, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the national team's future. Caporn opens up about what it meant to be offered the job, the lessons he's taken from legendary coach Brian Goorjian , and the key changes he plans to implement as he leads the Boomers toward their next major tournament. He also dives into roster considerations, the role of Matisse Thybulle, and his partnership with newly appointed associate coach Dean Vickerman . Topics include: 🏀 Feelings after being offered…
S1 · E300 · 14 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Luke Kendall on developing basketball in India, 2006 FIBA World Champs & Sydney's 2005 NBL Title
Former NBL player and current Casey Cavaliers head coach Luke Kendall joins the podcast to discuss his journey from junior basketball to professional success and now coaching. Kendall's path saw him develop under renowned coach Mike Dunlap at Metro State, where he won a national championship before heading to the NBL. He played for the Sydney Kings, Melbourne Tigers, Perth Wildcats, and Gold Coast Blaze, winning a championship with the Kings and battling injuries that ultimately forced an early retirement. Now, he's making his mark as a coach, recently leading the Gujarat Stallions to the…
S1 · 21 Feb 2025 · 30 min
NBL Next Star Malique Lewis on the Phoenix's Playoff Run and his plans for the NBA draft
Rising star Malique Lewis joins the podcast to discuss his incredible journey from Trinidad & Tobago to professional basketball. At just 16, Lewis left home for Spain, where he developed his game with Fuenlabrada, before making the leap to the G League with Mexico City Capitanes. Now, as a Next Star with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, he's one step closer to his NBA dream. Lewis opens up about the challenges of leaving his family behind, why he chose the NBL over the G League and Europe, and what he's learned from playing in different basketball systems worldwide. He also shares his…
S1 · E298 · 17 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
The Rise and Fall of the West Sydney Razorbacks with Mark Watkins
Former Razorbacks coach Mark Watkins joins the podcast to reflect on the team's journey from expansion squad to Grand Final contenders before financial struggles led to their downfall. A key figure from the club's inception in 1998, Watkins shares insights on recruiting NBL stars like Simon Dwight and John Rillie, the Razorbacks' 2002 and 2004 Grand Final runs, and the challenges of coaching on a budget. He also discusses the departures of key players, the franchise's collapse, and the lessons he's carried into his coaching career today. Topics include: Building the Kilsyth Basketball…
S1 · E297 · 24 Jan 2025 · 55 min
Jermaine Beal on Wildcats Championships (2014 & 2016), Life Lessons, and Becoming an Author
Former Perth Wildcats star and 2014 NBL Grand Final MVP, Jermaine Beal , joins the podcast to reflect on his basketball journey—from his standout college days at Vanderbilt, to his championship-winning years in the NBL, and beyond. We dive into his time playing alongside future NBA and NBL talent like Festus Ezeli and AJ Ogilvy, his experiences in the NBA Summer League, and his journey through professional leagues in Europe and South America before landing in Australia. Beal shares his insights on playing for the Wildcats under Trevor Gleeson, winning two NBL championships, and setting…

About Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast is a English sport podcast from The Aussie Hoopla Team. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Aussie Hoopla Team
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1028906888

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English sport

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.