Episodes

  • Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive into the New England prep school basketball season with guest Brad Feldman. The discussion covers a wide array of topics including team previews, key players, and upcoming showcase events. Brad Feldman, the play-by-play voice of the New England Revolution and a pivotal figure in high school sports broadcasting, shares exciting updates about the New England Basketball League's new streaming ventures. The episode features an in-depth analysis of top NEPSAC teams across different classes, highlighting intriguing matchups and standout student-athletes to watch this season.

    Topics

    00:43 Special Guest: Brad Feldman

    01:04 Exciting News for NEBL Streaming

    03:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Prep School Basketball

    07:57 New Hampton School: Team Analysis

    14:15 Spotlight on Newman School

    19:01 Top Contenders in Class AAA

    22:10 Emerging Teams and Players to Watch

    25:51 Transition to Class AA

    26:34 Player Highlights and Team Dynamics

    27:28 Team Talent and Challenges

    30:13 Exciting Teams to Watch

    30:25 Cushing Academy's Rising Stars

    33:16 Worcester Academy's Key Players

    34:19 Northfield Mount Hermon Insights

    35:50 St. George's and Other Double A Teams

    38:16 Class A and B Teams Overview

    43:41 Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

  • Hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt are joined by Harvard Women's Basketball Coach Carrie Moore. They discuss the upcoming college basketball season, Moore's impressive coaching and playing career, and her current tenure at Harvard. Topics include preparing for the season opener, Moore's recruiting strategies, managing expectations, and the competitive landscape of New England basketball. Coach Moore shares personal insights on balancing the demands of coaching, the importance of relationships in recruiting, and her experiences living in the Boston-Cambridge area.

    Topics

    01:36 Carrie Moore's Impressive Resume and Playing Career

    05:05 Carrie Moore's Journalism Background

    06:08 First Impressions of Boston and Cambridge

    08:36 Honoring and Building on Kathy Delaney Smith's Legacy

    13:07 Adding Analytics to the Coaching Strategy

    18:20 Managing Expectations and Team Dynamics

    21:50 The Role of the Lead Guard

    23:19 Harmony Turner's Senior Year

    25:55 Non-Conference Schedule and Local Rivalries

    28:36 Recruiting Philosophy and Process

    36:09 Challenges and Rewards of Recruiting

    42:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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  • In this episode of the Hoop Wise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller sit down with Babson College basketball legend Joey Flannery. The discussion covers Flannery’s busy summer transitioning into his new role as Associate Head Coach at Babson, his collegiate success as a D3 national champion, and his professional career. The conversation provides insights into the evolving basketball landscape, the influence of the transfer portal, and the operational dynamics at Babson. Flannery shares stories from his tenure at Villanova, detailing his growth from graduate assistant to Director of Basketball Operations, and provides a unique perspective on coaching under Coach Jay Wright. Memories from coaching NBA prospects, participating in a pre-draft workout with the LA Clippers, and playing professionally in Spain are also highlighted. The episode concludes with nostalgic reflections on basketball memorabilia, memorable dunks, and the vibrant community support during major tournaments.

    Topics

    00:38 Welcoming Joey Flannery: Babson Basketball Legend

    01:02 Joey's Return to Babson as Associate Head Coach

    01:23 Reflecting on Babson's Basketball Program

    02:26 Coaching Dynamics and Changes Over the Years

    05:34 Recruiting and Team Preparations

    13:01 Impact of the Transfer Portal on D3 Basketball

    14:02 Joey's Journey at Villanova

    20:22 Memorable Moments and Lessons from Villanova

    27:52 Reflecting on a Championship Journey

    29:38 The Importance of Team Chemistry

    30:56 Community Support and Media Coverage

    31:55 The Championship Game and Key Moments

    34:47 Post-College Career and Draft Experience

    36:25 Playing Overseas and Transition to Coaching

    39:51 Full Court Press: Fun and Memorable Moments

    49:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of the Hoopwise podcast, hosted by Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal, two standout college basketball players from Duke, Oluchi Okananwa & Taina Mair of Duke basketball, join the discussion. The episode covers a comprehensive look at their basketball journey, experiences playing in New England and at Duke, their perspectives on recruitment, memorable games, and the impact of influential coaches like Kara Lawson. Both players share insights on their growth, mental toughness, and the experiences that shaped their college careers. The episode also dives into fun segments with light-hearted questions about basketball memories and preferences.

    Topics

    00:34 Meet the Guests

    02:24 March Madness Memories

    05:04 Facing Top Competition

    08:08 Coach Kara Lawson's Impact

    13:23 Lessons from College Basketball

    18:24 Recruitment Insights and Experiences

    23:09 Intense Competition

    23:53 Memorable Matchups and Games

    25:29 Coaching and Transition to College

    27:35 New England Basketball Recognition

    29:27 Full Court Press: Fun Questions

    36:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller welcome Michael Crotty, director and head coach of the Middlesex Magic 17U team. Crotty discusses the history and impact of the Middlesex Magic program, established by his father in 1993. They delve into his summer experiences, commitment season, and the developmental journey of standout players like Alex Wilkins and Ryder Frost. Additionally, Crotty shares stories involving NBA players Pat Connaughton, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Kolek, who are Magic alumni. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of grassroots basketball, the importance of mental toughness and role definition, and future goals for the program.

    Topics

    00:28 Special Guest: Michael Crotty of Middlesex Magic

    00:40 Middlesex Magic's Impact and Achievements

    00:56 Mike Crotty's Journey and Career

    01:44 Summer Activities and Current Season

    02:08 Commitments and College Recruitment

    04:44 Challenges and Gratification in Coaching

    08:34 Managing Multiple Players and Expectations

    12:11 Alex Wilkins' Journey to Division I

    15:20 Ryder Frost's Development and Success

    19:18 The Importance of Physical Development

    21:47 Joining the Under Armour Circuit

    27:12 Defying Stereotypes in Grassroots Basketball

    30:49 Building a Team Culture

    32:26 Legacy and Values

    33:21 NBA Success Stories

    34:22 Lessons from Pat and Duncan

    38:52 Memorable Moments

    44:47 Future of the Program

    47:42 Full Court Press: Panel Discussion

  • In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive deep into the basketball scene in New England with special guest Vinh Bui. They explore Vin's significant impact on the Boston City basketball community, his experiences with Shooting Touch, and his coaching journey at Nobles and other institutions. The conversation takes a personal turn as Vin shares insights about his niece, Christina Pham, and the relationships and challenges that shape inner-city Boston basketball culture. They also discuss the impact of three-point shooting and analytics on modern basketball, highlighting both positive changes and potential drawbacks. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Full Court Press,' where the hosts and Vin share their thoughts on favorite non-star players.

    Topics

    00:24 Guest Introduction: Vin Bui's Impact on Boston Basketball

    01:01 Vinh Bui's Hong Kong Experience

    03:16 Nobles Basketball Success and Challenges

    07:12 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

    15:09 Building an Independent Program: Shooting Touch

    22:56 Game Planning and Toughest Opponents

    26:31 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Personal Reflections

    33:09 Reflecting on Parental Influence in Sports

    33:44 Balancing Support and Criticism

    34:43 Coaching Philosophy and Responsibilities

    37:18 Challenges of Growing Up in Boston

    41:13 Community and Basketball in Boston

    44:26 Christina's Basketball Journey and Aspirations

    49:13 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution

    53:45 Analytics in Basketball: Boon or Bane?

    57:27 Favorite Non-Star Players

    01:02:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive deep into the New England basketball scene. They are joined by their first guest, Leo Papile, the founder of the Boston Amateur Basketball Club (BABC), established in 1977. Leo shares insights from his storied career, including his time working with the Celtics and Clippers, and his role in US men's national development team. The conversation covers the BABC's recent season, standout players and future prospects. The podcast also touches on the broader basketball landscape, AAU misconceptions, NIL impacts, and the evolution of recruiting. A light-hearted ‘Full Court Press’ segment wraps up the episode with rapid-fire questions about rules and memorable moments in basketball.

    Topics

    00:26 Introducing the First Guests: Leo Papile and Cotton

    01:13 Leo Papile on Basketball Downtime and Olympic Insights

    05:21 Discussing BABC's Season and Performance

    09:06 Highlighting Top Players and Their Prospects

    17:42 Recruitment and Academic Challenges

    24:53 The Philosophy of Team and Individual Success

    31:01 The Misnomer of AAU Basketball

    32:27 Evolution of Grassroots Basketball Leagues

    35:31 NIL Deals in Amateur Basketball

    39:23 Coaching Philosophy and Longevity

    43:44 Full Court Press: Rapid Fire Questions

    54:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

  • Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller discussing the basketball landscape in New England, with a focus on top girls basketball prospects. The conversation includes insights on covering girls basketball, player development, and the differences between MIAA and NEPSAC leagues. The hosts also reflect on their favorite stories, the rising interest in women's basketball, and the impact of players' commitments.

    Topics

    00:19 Highlighting Memorable Stories

    03:34 Spotlight on Orla Gormley

    04:53 Rising Stars in New England

    13:06 The Debate: NEPSAC vs. MIAA

    17:58 Top Prospects to Watch

    20:54 Spotlight on Jasmine Cooper

    23:23 Nobles' Key Players

    25:30 Natalia Hall Rosa: A Rising Star

    28:05 Alicia Mitchell: The Reliable Post Player

    30:08 Cam Nelson: The Fast and Fearless Guard

    31:30 High Motor Player: Theory from Haverhill

    32:36 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

  • In this debut episode of the Hoopwise podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller introduce the newly launched venture aimed at covering high school, prep school, and AAU basketball in New England. They discuss the schedule complexities and the year-round nature of youth basketball, as well as their goals for the podcast and online content. The episode highlights top boys basketball prospects for the class of 2025, providing insights into their backgrounds and potential future moves. Both Steve and Ethan share their backgrounds and experiences leading up to the launch, building excitement for the future of the New England Basketball Journal.

    00:00 Introduction to Hoopwise Podcast

    00:26 Excitement for New England Basketball Journal

    01:27 Challenges of Covering Local Basketball

    02:41 Spotlight on Top Prospects

    05:01 Hosts' Backgrounds and Journey

    07:05 Steve Hewitt's Journalism Journey

    16:35 Ethan Fuller's Basketball Background

    23:06 Excitement Over New Pod

    23:16 Introducing Top Basketball Players in New England

    24:22 Spotlight on AJ Dybantsa

    25:22 AJ Dybantsa's High School Journey

    26:32 AJ Dybantsa's College Decisions and Family Roots

    31:23 Dwayne Aristode: A Rising Star

    32:35 Oswin Erhunmwunse: The Defensive Powerhouse

    35:45 Jaylen Harrell: Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year

    37:41 South Kent's Promising Talents

    40:56 New Hampton's Dynamic Duo

    45:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

  • The HoopWise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal is here. Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller explore the local amateur basketball scene — and the many talented prospects who are in the pipeline to play high-end college basketball. Steve and Ethan discuss the launch of New England Basketball Journal and their plans to bring you coverage in this podcast and out our site — BasketballJournal.com.