Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle - Alex Pledger Episode

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!