Episodes
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle - Alex Pledger Episode
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
We are back with another off-season episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and once again, just because there's no basketball action on the court, that doesn't mean there isn't a lot for us to talk about as evidence by this packed show with a very special guest.
Basketball Writer Chris Pike and Perth Wildcats NBL Legend Shawn Redhage are back again for another Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and begin the show tackling all the hot recent news in the game including Brian Goorjian named coach at the Hawks, the new owners of the Hawks as they now look to call Illawarra, Canberra and Newcastle home, the retirement of Kevin Lisch, discussion about Andrew Bogut's future, latest on the Perth Wildcats after Bryce Cotton's re-signing, the Cairns Taipans future uncertain thanks to a redevelopment of Cairns Convention Centre and also the appointment of Ryan Petrik as Perth Lynx WNBL coach.
Then it's time for our special guest for this episode and it's four-time championship winning centre from the New Zealand Breakers, and most recently Melbourne United big man Alex Pledger.
It's an open and honest Alex who joins us as we discuss how he's handled dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic while still living in Melbourne and he talks about entering free agency and his willingness to still move to play anywhere if the situation was right to continue his NBL career.
We also chat about reflecting on winning four titles at the Breakers and then dealing with having to leave and find a new home, his bond with Dean Vickerman and his passion for representing the Tall Blacks which will always remain a priority and source of pride for him.
We also discuss the on-going frustration of the lack of funding provided to basketball in New Zealand despite the impressive growth of the sport and we also get Alex's recollections of Shawn Redhage as an opponent and plenty more in a fascinating discussion.
We then wrap up the show with Shawn providing his thoughts on the SBL replacement West Coast Classic and whether he'll be playing for the Perry Lakes Hawks or not, the proposed NBL start date of December 3 and the NBA attempting to restart at Disneyland.
This is all made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven. Check out their new, renovated store on Murray Street in the Perth City or check them out at www.hoopsheaven.com.au for all of the basketball gear you could ever imagine. Please support those who support us!
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle - Tim Coenraad Episode
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Next up on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle is a fascinating conversation with Illawarra Hawks 310-game NBL stalwart Tim Coenraad.
As we keep saying, it might be the NBL off-season but there remains plenty to talk about and this week's guest provides plenty of evidence of that as he catches up with NBL Writer Chris Pike and Perth Wildcats legend, The Scoring Machine Shawn Redhage.
There is so much covered in the discussion starting off with the constant rejection Coenraad received early in his career before finding a college home and then even from a rival NBL coach before settling at the then Wollongong Hawks.
Coenraad then talks about what an honour it was to him to play for Australia with the Boomers and the shock he had when some players turned down the chance, and why he gained an enormous amount of respect for Mitch Creek.
He also talks playing 3x3 basketball for Australia and gives an impassioned plea for Basketball Australia to rethink their decision to not fund the teams playing in the Asia Cup which can provide automatic World Cup qualification.
Coenraad then discusses the current ownership situation with the Illawarra Hawks and also provides an update on his own situation. He is currently out of contract and while he'd love to stay at the Hawks, is prepared to go anywhere to continue his NBL career because he has no doubt he still has plenty left to give.
Coenraad also goes on to talk about his impressions of LaMelo Ball, the growth of the NBL during his career and why the Perth Wildcats will also be his fiercest rivals in the league.