High School All-American, NCAA great and NBA All-Star, Jeff Ruland. Jeff discusses his early sporting life and the major growth-spurt that coincided with his decision to focus on basketball. He was named High School All-American in the same class as Magic Johnson and was heavily recruited across the country. We chat about his decision to remain in New York and commit to Iona College, led by future luminary, Jim Valvano.

Jeff opens up about the 1980 NBA Draft and why he opted to head overseas and play in Spain, before commencing his rookie season in 1982. We talk about Jeff's excellent first three full seasons, that resulted in NBA All-Star selections in 1984 and 1985. Jeff recalls Michael Jordan's debut game in the NBA and the rude awakening that MJ would receive on his first dunk attempt in Chicago Stadium.

We chat about the impact of the Showtime Lakers and Boston's Big Three, plus, the onset of injury issues that began to halt Jeff's career. We also talk about one of the most memorable trades in NBA history; the Bullets' decision to trade Jeff to Philadelphia, in exchange for Moses Malone. Jeff details his (first) retirement from the NBA in 1987 and how he went back to college to complete his degree, before making his remarkable comeback attempt in the 1992 season.

We also learn about the successes of Jeff's coaching career, that are also mixed with trials and tribulations you need to hear to fully comprehend. Our conversation covers a broad-range of interesting topics and is an open and engaging look at one of basketball's most underrated careers, ever.

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One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, Rick Barry. Rick discusses his first sporting love of baseball - he talks fondly of his hero - the reason behind his choice to wear the iconic jersey number 24. Incredibly, as a high-school senior, Rick almost gave up on his future Hall of Fame career, due in large-part to his then-coach.

We chat about the origins of his unique, underhanded free-throw shooting technique and its impact on his overall game. Rick talks about his passion for basketball and his immense desire to win. We talk about his outstanding college career at the University of Miami and how it prepared him to make an instant impact at the next level. We discuss the 1965 NBA Draft, where Rick was one of 10 future All-Stars selected.

We cover Rick's NBA Rookie of the Year triumph, playing against Wilt Chamberlain in the 1967 NBA Finals and Barry's decision to join the fledgling ABA (he won the 1969 ABA Championship) for its inaugural season. Rick talks candidly about being forced to sit out the entire 1968 season, when he was arguably in the prime of his career. We chat about his All-Star Game memories (eight in the NBA, four in the ABA) and his 1975 NBA Championship glory.

We talk about Rick's last two NBA seasons in Houston and how injury prematurely halted his career; interestingly, an NBA rule-change possibly denied Rick's plan to join the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers.

Rick discusses his Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement, his foray into coaching (1990s) and the opportunities missed at NBA level. We round out the conversation, learning about Rick's current-day interests, including a love of fly fishing and his business pursuits.

We run the gamut of discussion topics that shed light on the competitive nature of a true basketball great.

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Michael Jordan's lifelong friend and confidant, David Bridgers. A unique episode. Ross Franco is a North Carolinian friend of mine. We connected, through my podcast - one of the many great outcomes I've experienced, since creating the show. Ross is a great friend of David Bridgers. Ross and I have previously discussed the possibility of inviting David on the podcast, as a guest. When the opportunity presented itself, we were both very pleased. The three of us had a great chat.

Prior to speaking with Ross and David, I wasn't sure if our conversation would necessarily make for an interesting podcast episode. However, five minutes into proceedings, that all changed. This is simply three guys, talking all-things Michael Jordan, from a perspective you'd be very hard-pressed to top. You'll learn the origins of Bridgers' relationship with Jordan. The two first met, at just seven years of age! We cover David's enduring friendship with Michael and his experiences with the Jordan family, plus, David's close bond with Ross.

Ross tried his best to not be involved in this audio recording. He suggested that David should speak solely with me. From my point of view, that was never going to happen. Thanks again Ross, for making this conversation possible. I hope you - the listener - enjoy it.

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Dayton Flyers' all-time leading scorer and NCAA star, Roosevelt Chapman. Adam & Aaron welcome Roosevelt to the podcast, with an in-depth discussion of his very successful, well-traveled, yet largely-unheralded basketball career. If ever a guest warranted featuring on the show, Roosevelt 'Velvet' Chapman is that guy. In 1984, within the span of just three months, he starred in the NCAA Tournament, was invited to the Team USA Olympic Trials and was selected in the NBA Draft.

Roosevelt talks about his early years in Brooklyn and how his game developed on the playgrounds of New York City. He discusses some of the future NBA stars he grew up with, including Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson and Rod Strickland, to name a few. The development of Chapman's game earned him the opportunity to attend the University of Dayton. We chat about his incredible senior season at college, where he led the Flyers to the Elite Eight in the 1984 NCAA Tournament - overcoming Wayman Tisdale and Detlef Schrempf in the process; finally succumbing to Patrick Ewing and his Georgetown Hoyas.

Roosevelt discusses his involvement in the Team USA Olympic Trials in 1984, including two great stories involving Michael Jordan and John Stockton. He opens up about his selection in the 1984 NBA Draft and what led to him pursuing opportunities to play professionally - achieving great success - traveling around the world.

This is one of my favorite episodes of the show, to date. Roosevelt's story is fascinating; discovering the history and importance of players who often fly under the radar, is a passion of mine. Aaron & I are confident you'll enjoy this feature.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – December 1 through 15, 1986

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – three wins and five losses.

Notable milestones:

Pat Riley - won his 300th game as coach
Dominique Wilkins - scored an equal career-high 57 points

Links discussed:

* Michael Jordan's thunderous jam around Mark Eaton
* Human Highlight Film versus Air Jordan

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Tom Chambers, Alvin Robertson, Charles Oakley, Alex English, Wilt Chamberlain, David Greenwood, Mike Brown, Isiah Thomas & Curtis Kitchen.

Editor's note: sign-up for my monthly newsletter - receive exclusive details on upcoming podcast episodes and future, high-profile guests to appear on the show.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – December 16 through 30, 1986

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played seven games in this span – four wins and three losses.

Notable milestones:

Magic Johnson - career-high 46 points
James Bailey - career-high 35 points
Kenny Gattison - career-high 29 points
Sidney Green - career-high 23 rebounds
Charles Oakley - career-high 15 assists

Links discussed:

* Patrick Ewing defeats Michael Jordan's Bulls, just in the Knick of time

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Bill Laimbeer, Chuck Person, Dave Corzine, Fat Lever, Alex English, Bob Hansen, Darrell Griffith & Derek Smith.

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Senior NBA Photographer and Director of Photography for Staples Center, Andrew Bernstein.

Show notes will be available within 48 hours. Enjoy!

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University of Wyoming standout, five-year NBA veteran, Chris Engler.

Chris discusses his childhood in Minneapolis and how his links to the sport of basketball began early in life. Between eighth and ninth grade of high school – whilst participating across numerous sports – Chris had a six-inch growth spurt and a focus on basketball became more appealing.

We chat about Chris walking-on at the University of Minnesota, where he’d play alongside future (NBA) stars Mychal Thompson and Kevin McHale. After two seasons with the Gophers, Chris transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he had more opportunity to develop his game. His final college appearance was an NCAA Tournament match-up against Patrick Ewing and the mighty Georgetown Hoyas.

Chris shares memories from his five years in the NBA, plus, experiences in the CBA, travelling overseas to play professionally and also winning back-to-back gold medals (1994 and 1998) at the World Masters Games.

Links discussed (include):

* Chris’ (1984) NBA Stars vs Team USA game in Minneapolis, coinciding with Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA Tour

People mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Trent Tucker, Sleepy Floyd, Bill Garnett, Bernard King, Charles Bradley, World B. Free, Ernie DiGregorio, Rick Brown, Orlando Woolridge & Mark Landsberger.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – December 31, 1986, through January 14, 1987

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played five games in this span – four wins and one loss.

Notable milestones:

Rolando Blackman - season-high 41 points
Brad Sellers - first-career start (27 points [12/14 FGs] and 12 rebounds)
Alvan Adams - season-high 25 points

Links discussed:

* Michael Jordan torches the Trail Blazers for 53 points at Chicago Stadium

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Dominique Wilkins, Sedale Threatt, Pete Myers, Mitchell Wiggins, Lewis Lloyd, Gene Banks, Fred Cofield, John Stockton, Alvan Adams, Stanley Brundy & Grant Gondrezick.

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[Full show notes will be online soon. Enjoy!]

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – January 15 through 29, 1987

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – three wins and five losses.

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Editor's note: sign-up for my monthly newsletter - receive exclusive details on upcoming podcast episodes and future, high-profile guests to appear on the show.

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[Full show notes will be online soon. Enjoy!]

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – January 30 through February 13, 1987

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played six games in this span – three wins and three losses.

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Editor's note: sign-up for my monthly newsletter - receive exclusive details on upcoming podcast episodes and future, high-profile guests to appear on the show.

I appreciate all feedback, FB Page 'Likes' and iTunes ratings / reviews.

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Bullets shoot-down Pistons in classic contest. This episode covers:

- details behind Jeff Malone's (Washington) miraculous game-winning shot versus the Pistons [Jan 3, 1984]

Behind the Game. Discover the background behind one of the NBA's all-time great game-winning shots.

Links discussed:

* Detroit Pistons at Washington Bullets [January 3, 1984]

* Malone's game-winner

If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

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Show notes | I appreciate all feedback, FB Page 'Likes' and iTunes ratings / reviews.

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New York City Player of the Year, Louisiana State University great and eight-year NBA veteran, Jerry Reynolds.

We chat about Jerry's life within basketball. Full show notes will be available soon. In the interim, enjoy our conversation.

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Hey, it’s Adam here. A quick note to advise you that I’ll be away on holidays for the next-three weeks. As I record this here in Australia, it’s December 19th, 2017. My wife and I fly to the USA tomorrow. We’re visiting New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you live near any of those cities and would be interested in meeting-up for a quick coffee, I’m all for it. Our first stop is New York - we’ll be attending the 76ers @ Knicks game on Christmas Day @ Madison Square Garden.

My podcast will return in mid-to-late January, 2018. As I’ve previously stated, my goal is to release episodes fortnightly - at worst - weekly, at best.

Most likely – hearing this - you already subscribe to my show. Thanks so much for continuing to listen and supporting my passion. I have plenty of great guests lined up in 2018. Numerous topic-based episodes, too. Further, we’ll continue our special #NB series.

I welcome your interaction – feel free to e-mail me: inallairness@gmail.com. I’m always happy to discuss our mutual love of NBA history.

Have a great 2018 and I look forward to releasing plenty of new and exciting content for you, as the year goes on. All the best and thanks once more for being a listener of the show. Merry Christmas / happy holidays!

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My lovely wife, Lisa, joins me to discuss the highlights / basketball-related experiences from our recent USA holiday. We visited the States for three weeks - Dec 20, 2017, through Jan 10, 2018.

Hear about my first (in-person) NBA game in 23 years, Lisa's first-ever NBA game, meeting Hall of Fame legend, Bernard King, catching-up w/ previous podcast guests and plenty more.

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Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – February 14 through 28, 1987

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

Notable milestones:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - surpassed 36,000 career points

Sidney Moncrief - surpassed 10,000 career points

Gerald Wilkins - career-high 43 points

Buck Williams - career-high 35 points

Michael Jordan - seventh-highest scoring game ever (58 points)

Nate McMillan - career-high 25 assists

Gerald Henderson - career-high 17 assists

Manute Bol - (matched) career-high 15 blocks and career-high 19 rebounds

Links discussed:

* MJ lights-up Chicago Stadium en route to 58 points

* Alvin Roberston spurs San Antonio to victory

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Derek Smith, Horace Grant, Michael Cage, Larry Smith, Caldwell Jones, & Ben Poquette.

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Full show notes online soon. Enjoy!

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:

- NBA regular season – March 1 through 15, 1987

- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history

This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!

Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era.

Editor's note: sign-up for my monthly newsletter - receive exclusive details on upcoming podcast episodes and future, high-profile guests to appear on the show.

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Honorable Mention All-American (1983) and NBA veteran, Roy Hinson.

Roy Hinson calls himself a “late bloomer”. His underlying talent – matched with his height – didn’t lay dormant for long. As a senior, his sudden impact on the hardwood helped steer Franklin Township High School to a 25-2 senior season, culminating in the Sectional Championship Game.

Roy details the decision making behind his choice to attend Rutgers University, where he became a standout and future Hall of Fame player. Not only did Roy make post-season tournaments in his junior and senior seasons, he also had the opportunity to fly to Europe, twice, representing Team USA (1981 World University Games) and an All-Star squad (1982 National Invitational Tournament tour).

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics. We discuss Roy’s early years in the NBA, his appearance in the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest, his trade to Philadelphia – and later, New Jersey, his home state – and the injury concerns that ultimately forced him into an early retirement. The conversation concludes with discussion about Roy’s role at the NBA Players Association, the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend / Legends Brunch and terrific insight into the reasoning behind the jersey numbers that Roy wore throughout his career.

Links discussed (include):

* Cleveland clinch playoffs berth; despite terrible start to season

* 1986 Slam Dunk Contest

People mentioned in this episode, include: George Karl, World B. Free, Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Billy Cunningham, Spud Webb, Maurice Lucas, John Bagley & Ralph Sampson.

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Three-time HS State Championship coach, 25-year NCAA veteran and basketball luminary, Mike Jarvis.

Mike Jarvis played on Rindge Technical High School’s 1962 Class A Championship (East Massachusetts) team. Today, he’s a member of the Cambridge High School, Massachusetts Coaches, New England Coaches Association and George Washington University Hall of Fame. However, Mike’s storied life in basketball almost didn’t happen.

As a sophomore at Northeastern University, he quit the team – deciding to work for his father and brother’s fish-and-chip shop – before his brother convinced him to return to Northeastern and apologize to his coach, Dick Dukeshire. Given a second chance, it wasn’t long before Mike knew that his calling was as a basketball coach.

We discuss Mike’s memories of working at Northeastern with future great, Jim Calhoun, followed by a move to Harvard, alongside eight-time NBA Champion of the Boston Celtics, Tom Sanders. Whilst working with Harvard’s varsity team, it wasn’t uncommon for one of Mike’s idols, the all-time great, Red Auerbach, to watch the team practice.

In the mid-1970s, a Jamaican teenager moved to Massachusetts. His name? Patrick Ewing. Mike and Patrick didn’t know it at the time, however, soon enough their lives would be linked forever. A few year later, Mike was appointed head coach of his (high school) alma mater (Cambridge Rindge and Latin School – renamed from Rindge Technical, following a merger). In a stunning run of success, Ewing led Cambridge to three-consecutive state championships (1979-1981), amassing a remarkable 77-1 record during that span. Mike was named Massachusetts HS Coach of the Year in each of those three seasons.

Our conversation continues, as we discuss the rest of Mike’s life in basketball. In 1985, he commenced what would be a 25-season run (between 1986 and 2014) as head coach at Division 1 NCAA schools; Boston University (1985-86 – 1989-90), George Washington (1990-91 – 1997-98), St. John’s (1998-99 – 2003-2004) and Florida Atlantic (2008-09 – 2013-14). Mike led three universities to the NCAA Tournament, making nine appearances in all. We talk about George Washington’s famed (1993) Sweet Sixteen match-up versus Michigan’s ‘Fab Five’ and the Red Storm’s (1999) journey to the Elite Eight.

Mike shares a great story about the 1981 McDonald’s HS All-American Game, where his son, Mike Jarvis Jr., played a crucial role as his (young) assistant, plus, we cover Mike’s post-coaching life and so much more. This is a wide-ranging conversation that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Links discussed (include):

* Patrick Ewing – high-school sensation

* George Washington versus The Fab Five (1993 – Sweet Sixteen)

* St. John’s versus Ohio State (1999 – Elite Eight)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Bill Russell, Adrian Branch, Michael Jordan, Bill Wennington, Chris Mullin, John Thompson, Yinka Dare, Rumeal Robinson, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard & Jalen Rose.

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'Mr. Basketball', Michigan State star, NBA champion and Global Coach, Sam Vincent.

As a youngster, Sam Vincent witnessed intense, cross-town high-school basketball battles between his older brother, Jay Vincent, and Magic Johnson. A few years later, Jay and Earvin joined forces at Michigan State University, winning the 1979 National Championship against Larry Bird - Sam's future teammate in the NBA.

Sam led Eastern High School to the 1980 State Championship. He was named (1981) Michigan's first 'Mr. Basketball'. Following in the footsteps of (his brother) Jay and Magic, Sam Vincent attended Michigan State and would be a four-year standout with the Spartans. He played in the 1981 McDonald's High School All-American game against Michael Jordan. Little did he know then, however, Sam and Jordan's lives would be linked forever.

As a rookie, Sam was a member of the 1986 Boston Celtics - arguably, the greatest team to have ever played the game. We discuss his memories of that season and some of the practice battles the team undertook at Hellenic College.

Prior to the 1988 season, Sam was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played 43 games. As the trade deadline neared, the Sonics dealt Sam to the Chicago Bulls - where he'd reunite with Michael Jordan - and his on-court production increased significantly. We talk about some of his fondest off-court memories from that time, plus some great games he played in as a member of the Bulls.

In mid-June of 1989, the Orlando Magic selected Sam in the NBA Expansion Draft. He was an original member of the franchise and played with the team for three seasons. Injury led to Sam's exit from the NBA after the 1992 season. He played for a season in Europe, before embarking on a post-playing career - overseas and within the USA - that is as varied as it is impressive.

Sam details his extensive travels and successes as a Global Coach. The breadth of his accomplishments is remarkable. Among many achievements, Sam has coached national teams in South Africa and Nigeria. He guided the Mobile Revelers to the 2003 NBA D-League Championship. In 2004, he coached the Nigerian women's team in the Olympics Games. In 2007, Sam was an assistant coach with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, before getting a call from Michael Jordan to coach the Charlotte Bobcats.

Sam talks about his most-recent coaching experiences, clears up misconceptions stemming from his exit as Charlotte coach and discusses his love for promoting the game of basketball globally. A wide-ranging conversation that I am sure you'll enjoy.

Links discussed (include):

* Sam and Charles Oakley join MJ on a trip to the Nike factory (1988)

* Sam's amazing alley-oop to Jordan - Bulls @ Knicks (1988)

* Sam is introduced as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats (2007)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Charles Oakley, Doug Collins, Phil Jackson, Isiah Thomas, Kevin Willis, Scott Skiles, Avery Johnson, Bernie Bickerstaff, Sedale Threatt, Terence Stansbury, Mfon Udoka, Alex English, Xavier McDaniel, Dirk Nowitzki & Tiny Archibald.

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