Jermaine Beal on Wildcats Championships (2014 & 2016), Life Lessons, and Becoming an Author
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
Release Date: 01/24/2025
Nick Horvath on the 2009 Dragons vs Tigers Championship and Becoming the Author of an Action Hero
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
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) 🏀...
info_outline
A New Era: Boomers Coach Adam Caporn on his vision for the team, thoughts on the roster and more
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
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 , 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 . Topics include: 🏀 Feelings after being offered the job (2:00) 🏀 Lessons learned from Brian Goorjian’s coaching...
info_outline
Luke Kendall on developing basketball in India, 2006 FIBA World Champs & Sydney’s 2005 NBL Title
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
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 INBL championship and taking over as head coach at Casey for...
info_outline
NBL Next Star Malique Lewis on the Phoenix’s Playoff Run and his plans for the NBA draft
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
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 thoughts on NBA draft...
info_outline
The Rise and Fall of the West Sydney Razorbacks with Mark Watkins
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Current NBL Stars: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Our Finest Coaching Minds: , Barry Barnes, , Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, , Rob Beveridge, , , , Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, , Will Weaver, NBA Stars Past & Present: , , , , Randy Livingston, , , , , , , , The NBL's Greatest Imports: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, , Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris...
info_outline
Jermaine Beal on Wildcats Championships (2014 & 2016), Life Lessons, and Becoming an Author
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
Former Perth Wildcats star and 2014 NBL Grand Final MVP, , 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...
info_outline
Paul Henare on the NZ Breakers’ Early Years, the Tall Blacks’ 2002 World Champs Run, and Japan’s Basketball Boom
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
Former Tall Blacks head coach and New Zealand Breakers legend joins the podcast to reflect on his illustrious basketball journey. From being a cornerstone of the New Zealand Breakers’ early days to coaching in Japan’s rapidly growing B.League, Henare shares his unique insights into the game across multiple continents. We dive into the 2002 Tall Blacks squad that stunned the basketball world with a fourth-place finish at the FIBA World Championships, the evolution of the New Zealand Breakers from their beginnings to championship glory, and Henare's transition into coaching. Now leading the...
info_outline
Jamie O'Loughlin on NBL25 Coaching Trends and building the Wildcats’ 2016-17 Back-to-Back championship teams
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
Former Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans assistant Jamie O'Loughlin joins the podcast to share his insights into the NBL's elite coaching landscape. With a career spanning back-to-back NBL championships with the Wildcats and navigating the unique challenges of coaching less-resourced teams like the Taipans, O'Loughlin provides a deep dive into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of Australian basketball. Jamie reflects on the Wildcats’ championship runs, the arrival of Bryce Cotton, and how Gregg Popovich’s “pounding the rock” philosophy influenced their success. He also...
info_outline
Shawn Dennis on Whether Too Many Foreign Coaches Are Hurting the NBL, Plus Japanese Stars Who Belong in the NBL and Aussies Who Should Be Playing in Japan
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
Head coach of Japan's Nagoya Dolphins, joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of Japanese basketball and its strong connection with Australian players and coaches. Since its launch in 2016, the B.League has become one of the highest-paying leagues worldwide, attracting both seasoned Australian coaches and NBL talent. Dennis, going into his sixth season in Japan, joins host Dan Boyce to shed some light on how the NBL and B.League could benefit from closer collaboration, Japanese players who should be playing in the NBL and vice versa, and the rapid growth of basketball in Japan....
info_outline
New Wildcats Owner Mark Arena on the NBL Team Sale Process, Financial Upsides of Sports Ownership, and Expanding Basketball’s Reach in Asia
Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast
New Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena joins the podcast to break down the intricate details behind purchasing an NBL team and his vision for the club's future. As a lifelong Wildcats fan and successful tech entrepreneur, Arena shares insights into the business side of sports ownership and how he plans to elevate the Wildcats' brand, both locally and internationally. In this episode, Mark discusses: What makes owning a sports team financially advantageous (2:30) The complex process of buying the Wildcats and how NBL approvals work (12:00) Why his focus is on winning championships rather than...
info_outlineFormer 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 records—including becoming the first player in the NBL's 40-minute era to hit 10 three-pointers in a single game, a feat that’s since been matched by Chris Goulding, Bryce Cotton, and Dejan Vasiljevic.
Beal also opens up about his short-lived stint with the Brisbane Bullets, the challenges of being released mid-season, and his final years playing in Belgium and Israel before transitioning into coaching.