Canada Hoops

Episode 100! We go solo as Matty talks some Canadian basketball storylines from the NBA, SMNT and SWNT for Canada Basketball, NCAA and EuroLeague. Then we do a Canada Hoops mailbag with questions and thoughts from you our friends and listeners. Thank for you hanging with us for the first 100 episodes. Let's hit another 100. Download and share us and hit up the Canada Hoops YouTube channel. Appreciate you all ! Matty. Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Summer Masikewich, the Saskatchewan Husky Legend, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Summer sits down with us to share her basketball story. Summer tells Matty about being back in Calgary after winding down her playing career and lets us know she is still following her Huskies closely and why they have a good shot to win the National Championship again this year. Summer shares how basketball is a family affair and how she fell in love with the game. Summer tells us about learning from those around her, her goals for her future in basketball and how she made her decision to attend the University of Saskatchewan. At U of S, Summer would go on to be a true leader for the Husky Program and become the National Defensive Player of the Year and a 2 time National Champion. Summer talks about playing for Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis and the impact Lisa had on her both on and off the floor. We dive into Canada Basketball with Summer as well as she was a member of the 2017 U19 FIBA World Cup team that captured bronze for Canada Basketball. Summer talks about what it meant to her and the rest of her family to represent Canada and the relationships formed from her time with the Program. And Summer drops a great Top 5 for Canada Basketball on us ! Much love to Summer Masikewich for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

"TK", Thomas Kennedy, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! TK sits down with us to share his basketball story thus far. Thomas talks about his season in Slovenia with Ljubljana and what the jump to that league and EuroCup has been like. TK tells us about the goals for the season and how he tries to impact winning. Thomas talks about growing up in Windsor, Ontario, how basketball is a family affair for he and his family and how he started to develop his game. TK takes us through deciding to attend the University of Windsor where he would win National Player of the Year and cement himself as not only an all time Lancer but one of the best USports players ever as well. Thomas talks about the importance of the CEBL, not only for him but for basketball in Canada and his jump to becoming a pro player. TK talks about being a good pro day in and day out and the lifestyle that comes with it. And you know we talk some Canada Basketball with Thomas. TK shares what wearing the red and white for Canada means to he and his family, the relationships he was formed through Canada Basketball and why he will always try to commit and sacrifice to play for Canada. And Thomas gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to Thomas Kennedy for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Libaan Osman, host of The Canadian Basketball Show, journalist for the Toronto Star and one of the best and most trusted voices in Canadian Basketball, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Libaan sits down with us to talk about his podcast, the Canadian Basketball community and how his career in journalism unfolded. We talk Canadian NBA players, Canada Basketball and so much more. And Libaan gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. You don't wanna miss this episode. Much love to Libaan Osman for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Our friend Oren Weisfeld returns to Canada Hoops to discuss his upcoming book "The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse". If you're a Canada Basketball fan the book is a must have for your collection. "The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse" is out November 4, 2025. Grab your copy on Amazon, at Indigo or your local bookstore. Much love to Oren Weisfeld for joining us ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Kyle Wiltjer, the Sniper, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Kyle sits down with Matty to share his basketball story thus far. KW talks about his recent time with the SMNT for Canada Basketball at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup and his season with Reyer Venezia in Italy as he starts another season as a pro. Kyle talks about growing up in Portland, Oregon, loving basketball from an early age as his Dad, SMNT Alumni and Olympian Greg Wiltjer, taught Kyle the game. Kyle tells us about improving his game and getting to the point where he knew he could complete with the best: which landed him at the University of Kentucky playing for Head Coach John Calipari. KW played at Kentucky for two seasons before transferring to Gonzaga University to play for another legendary Head Coach in Mark Few. Kyle speaks fondly of his time playing for the Zags especially alongside other fellow Canadian players. KW turns pro after his time at GU and talks about his NBA Draft process; which had Kyle signing with the Houston Rockets after going undrafted. Kyle reflects on his NBA time before he tells us about being a pro in Europe and the many memories he has collected playing overseas both on and off the floor. Kyle dives into his Canada Basketball moments with us as well. KW tells us what it means to him and his family to play for and represent Canada , why the commitment and sacrifice is an easy call for him and why he thinks Canada Basketball is really trending upwards and in a great spot. Kyle tells us who is he close with from Canada Basketball and then KW gives us his great Top 5 for Canada Basketball. Much love to Kyle Wiltjer for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Spencer McKay, Victoria Vikes legend, BC Basketball Hall of Fame Member and SMNT Canada Basketball Alumni pulls up on Canada Hoops Podcast ! Spencer sits down with us to share his basketball story. Spence tells us about running club teams and camps back in the Oliver and Penticton area which keeps him giving back to the game. Spencer tells us about growing up in Oliver, British Columbia, where he started to play basketball. The game was a family affair and Spencer also did swimming which helped with his hoops game. Spencer talks about basketball in the province at that time, how strong the competition was and that fierce competition allowed Spencer to get noticed from Division 1 schools in the States. Spencer weighed his options but opted to stay at home and chose to play basketball for the University of Victoria under the legendary HC Ken Shields. Spence put together a truly remarkable career at UVIC and he speaks fondly of his time as a Vike. Spencer then takes his game pro and takes us through that transition and tells us about his pro journey which took him all over the world. And you know we dive into Spencers' time with Canada Basketball. Spence tells us about some of his favourite teams he played with for Canada Basketball, his outstanding teammates which included the likes of Steve Nash and Rick Fox and reflects on his many friendships and relationships from his time with Canada Basketball. And then Spencer drops his great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball on us. Much love to Spencer McKay for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Keishana Washington, the Drexel Dragon legend, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Keishana sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. KW talks about her off season right now as she gets ready for her upcoming season. Keishana tells us about being back in Philly at Drexel to train and how she is embracing some downtime in Toronto right now with her family. KW tells us about growing up and starting to play basketball and who she looked up to on the basketball court. Keishana talks about playing in high school, playing at Durham Prep and summers with Team Ontario. KW tells us about her decision to attend Drexel and how she knew it was a good fit. Keishana talks about her time as a Dragon and her number being retired at Drexel. KW shares how her pro career got started and what she has enjoyed about being a pro thus far. And you know we get into the Canada Basketball side. Keishana talks about playing for Canada and what that means to KW and her family. KW tells us about playing at the 2023 GLOBL JAM and having a monster game in the Final with 25 points. Keishana shares who she is close with from her time with Canada Basketball and the drops a legendary Top 5 for Canada Basketball on us. Much love to Keishana Washington for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Our guy Jonathan Chen, writer for the Raptors Republic and Canada Basketball specialist, pulls up on Canada Hoops to chat about Gordie Herbert being named the Head Coach of the SMNT for Canada Basketball. Matty and Chen also talk some Canadian NBA storylines as the 2nd round of the 2025 NBA playoffs are underway. SGA, NAW, Nemby and more..... Thanks for the listen ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Niyah Becker, representing Winnipeg, Manitoba, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Niyah sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. Niyah talks about wrapping up her 2nd season as pro in Spain and being back home in The Peg to rest and get ready to train again for the summer and her next season professionally. Niyah tells us about her goals ahead of the next season before she shares how basketball came into her life. The game is a family affair for the Beckers' and Niyah confirms to us that she is indeed the best hooper in her family ! NB talks about looking up to Emily Potter as a young player as well living in Winnipeg. Niyah tells us about playing her last season of high school in the OSBA with Lincoln Prep and how that prepared her for the next level. The next level took NB to the University of Utah as she started her career as a Ute. Niyah shares her memories of Utah with us and why being a Ute will always be special for her. NB then heads to Wake Forest to play for the Demon Deacons and Niyah shares with us why she loved playing at Wake as well. When she turned pro Niyah headed to Slovenia for her season and leaned on others to navigate being a professional. And you know we get into Canada Basketball ! Niyah talks about playing for Canada, what it means to her and her family and who she has grown close with from her time with the Program. NB talks about her goals for the 2028 LA Olympics and playing for the SWNT. And then Niyah gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to Niyah Becker for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Tara Wallack, Washington State Cougar and Canada Basketball GLOBL Jam player, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Tara sits down with us to share her basketball story thus far. Fresh off of finishing her Senior season at WSU TW reflects on her time in Pullman. Tara talks about her memories as a Cougar and why WSU will always be home. Tara tells us about growing up in Surrey, British Columbia, where she started loving basketball and playing with her brothers. TW shares how competitive it was playing against her brothers. Tara talks about playing for the legendary Allison McNeill and how Allison really helped shape her basketball career and future. TW tells us about her upcoming pro season and what that will look like. Tara shares how she loves to play Canada, her favourite memories thus far playing for Canada and who she has grown close with during her time with the Program. Tara speaks on her future goals with Canada before she gives us an iconic Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to Tara Wallack for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Courtnay Pilyapitis, Canada Basketball SWNT Alumni and 2012 Olympian, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Courtnay sits down with us to share her basketball story. Courtnay tells us about another season winding down as an Assistant Coach for the Fresno State Bulldogs and how the recruiting work has already started for the Program. Courtnay talks about how her coaching journey began and how she felt she would likely coach after her playing career ended. Courtnay gives us her NCCA Tournament winner before she starts into how basketball took shape for her. The game was a family affair for Courtnay and she soon grew to love basketball. Courtnay talks about her legendary time as a Vermont Catamount and how she will always remember her time at the U of V. Courtnay shares her pro journey with us before we talk Canada Basketball. CP tells us about the 2012 Olympics, her friendships with teammates, the pride of playing for Canada and more. And you know Courtnay gives us a great Top 5 for Canada Basketball. Much love to Courtnay Pilypaitis for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Karl Tilleman, 2 time Olympian with the SMNT for Canada Basketball and University of Calgary Dinos Legend, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! King Karl sits down with us to share his basketball story. Karl tells us about retirement yet he still keeps a close eye on Canada Basketball and his beloved Dinos Mens Basketball. Karl talks about moving from Utah to Calgary at a young age and how he became immersed in the basketball community in the city and the province. Till tells us about his days at Winston Churchill and how he knew he'd play at the University of Calgary. Karl speaks about his time as a Dino which is a career that has been cemented as the best to ever do it at the U of C. Karl is quick to praise his teammates for his success and acknowledges that others helped him achieve his success and goals. Till shares how he mades the SMNT under Jack Donohue and dives deep into his time with Canada Basketball. Karl tells us how much he admires the current players for the SMNT, why he thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is so special and how the SMNT is poised to win a medal at the next Olympic games. Till reminisces about his time alongside his teammates and how much they all cared for each other. And you know Karl gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to King Karl Tilleman for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Kadre Gray, Laurentian Legend and Canada Basketball SMNT Veteran, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Kadre sit down with us to share his basketball story thus far. Kadre tells us about his season this year in Romania and how he and his team are optimistic for the playoff run. Kadre talks about growing up in Toronto and loving basketball from an early age. KG shares how he played multiple sports and who he looked up to in basketball. Kadre shares how he made his way to Laurentian University where he would cement himself as an all time great in USports basketball; playing under Head Coach Shawn Swords. Kadre touches on the impact Shawn and the Swords family had on him both on and off the floor. KG tells us about the start to his pro career, favourite stops on the journey and why the CEBL is important to basketball in Canada. And you know we get into the Canada Basketball stories with Kadre. KG shares why he loves to play for Canada, his friendships with his teammates, playing for Nathaniel Mitchell and more. Plus, Kadre gives us his great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Kadre shared a lot of wisdom and reflection with us and we are grateful he could join us. Much love to Kadre Gray for joining us on Canada Hoops! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

James DePoe, SMNT Team Manager for Canada Basketball, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! If you know Canada Basketball you have surely heard the name James DePoe. James sits down with us to share his basketball story and takes us deep into Canada Basketball. James tells us about balancing his roles at both Humber College and Canada Basketball and how he is excited to get back with the SMNT for the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifier next month. James tells us about his sports background and how he eventually got started with Canada Basketball. The Canada Basketball career of James DePoe is INCREDIBLE and James shares all kind of memories and stories of his time with the Program thus far. From the age group teams, the 2017 U19 FIBA World Cup Championships , the SMNT at the 2023 FIBA WORLD CUP and the 2024 Paris Olympics the nuggets don't stop with James. James speaks on the leadership and work ethic of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks being the ultimate teammate and why Lu Dort is an underrated player for Canada Basketball. And you know James DePoe gives us an incredible Top/Favourite 5 for Canada Basketball. If you love Canada Basketball this episode with James DePoe is a MUST. Much love to SMNT Team Manager James DePoe for joining us on Canada Hoops Podcast ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors Reporter for TSN, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Josh sits down with us to talk the Toronto Raptors, his career in broadcasting and journalism, early memories watching the Raptors at the SkyDome and Canada Basketball. Josh talks the SMNT for Canada Basketball and why he thinks the Program is in really good shape. And Josh gives us a great Top 5 for Canadian players to interview and interact with. Much love to JLew, Josh Lewenberg, for joining us on Canada Hoops Podcast ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

David Turcotte, SMNT Alumni and 1988 Olympian, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Dave sits down with us to share his basketball story. Dave touches on his life post playing career and tells us about growing up in Sudbury, Ontario where he started to learn and love basketball. Dave talks about the Sudbury basketball scene and the many influences that helped shape his basketball journey; especially the Canada Basketball legend Eli Pasquale. Dave tells us how he makes his way to play at Colorado State through a strange twist of fate while playing for Canada Basketball. Dave talks about his pro journey, his short time in the NBA and then some stops overseas as well. Dave dives deep into Canada Basketball with us and shares some incredible moments and stories from playing with the Senior Mens National Team for Canada Basketball. From moments with teammates, the 1988 Olympics, tales of other SMNT Legends like Steve Nash, Leo Rautins and more Dave shares stories that a Canada Basketball fan will be sure to love. Dave talks about the recent reunion in Toronto for the SMNT Alumni prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlighting the current players for the SMNT and then gives us a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball. Much love to David Turcotte for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Philip Jevtovic, Director of High Performance, Analytics and Strategy for Canada Basketball, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Phil graciously sits down with us to share his basketball story. Phil talks about the recent SMNT Qualifiers in Saskatoon for the FIBA AmeriCup and how the SMNT looks heading into the February Qualifiers. Phil tells us about his work with the Junior Academy and how he loves to work with the age groups for the Program; helping the athletes move along towards the SMNT. Phil tells us how basketball came into his life especially during summers spent in Serbia. Phil makes his way to McGill University to play before he discovers the analytics and strategy of basketball. Phil is then brought into Canada Basketball to develop his analytics even further for the Program. Phil takes us through his incredible journey with Canada Basketball thus far: speaking on his friendships, relationships and role with coaches and players alike for the Program. Phil speaks on the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics and gives us insight into why both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks are great dudes on and off the court. And you know Phil J gives us a great Favourite 5 of all time for Canada Basketball : showing love to some all time Warriors for the Program. Much love to Philip Jevtovic for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Kyle Alexander, 2023 SMNT Canada Basketball FIBA World Cup Bronze Medalist, pulls up on Canada Hoops ! Kyle sits down with us to share his basketball story thus far. Kyle tells about his season with Turk Telekom Ankara in Turkey and how he is approaching his game this year. Kyle tells us about life off the court in Turkey and how he is embracing the Turkish culture. Kyle takes us back to growing up in Milton, Ontario, playing other sports before basketball started to really take shape for him. Kyle links up with Bobby Allen to train at Bobbys' academy before he lands at Orangeville Prep. At Orangeville, Kyle plays alongside Jamal Murray and Kyle reminisces on his time as a Bear with Jamal and his other teammates. Eventually, Kyle lands a scholarship at the University of Tennessee where he played for legendary Head Coach Rick Barnes. Kyle tells us about being a Volunteer and how his game elevated in Knoxville to land him on NBA Draft boards. Kyle talks about turning pro, what his pro journey has looked like thus far and his time with the Miami Heat in the NBA. Kyle tells us about his time with the Heat for the 2020 NBA Finals in the "Bubble" vs the Los Angeles Lakers. And you know Kyle talks about his time with Canada Basketball ! Kyle speaks on what it means for he and his family for him to represent Canada and Canada Basketball and the connection he and his sister Kayla share playing for the SMNT and SWNT respectively. Kyle talks about the 2023 FIBA World Cup Team and how special it was to be a part of that group. Kyle shares wth us his close relationships with his teammates on the SMNT and shows love to past Canada Hoops guests. And you know Kyle gives us his great Top/Favourite 5 for Canada Basketball. This is an episode you don't want to miss ! Much love to Kyle Alexander for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast

Our friend Jonathan Chen, the Canada Basketball specialist, pulls up to discuss the upcoming FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers for the SMNT for Canada Basketball in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. We break down the roster, who we think is important for these games and the SMNT moving forward. Jonathan discusses the coaching approach for Head Coach Nathaniel Mitchell and we talk about why this window and the FIBA AmeriCup are important as Canada Basketball looks ahead to the next FIBA World Cup and ultimately the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. We also talk about the Canadian NBA story lines thus far in the first month of the 2024-2025 NBA Season. Zach Edey has been impressive to start his NBA career. The Canadians have been putting in the work in the NBA to start the season and we touch on the play of Shadeon Sharpe, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and more. Much love to Jonathan Chen for joining us on Canada Hoops ! Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIreland Hit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcast Email: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.com https://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@canadahoopspodcast