Notre Dame great, two-time NBA All-Star and broadcaster, Kelly Tripucka.

Part two of an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation about Kelly's career.

Topics / links discussed (include):

• The NBA's highest-scoring game
• 1984 NBA All-Star Game
• The famous Pistons v Knicks series from the 1984 NBA Playoffs
• The stunning details on how Kelly heard news of his trade from Detroit to Utah
• Kelly's trade to the newly-minted Charlotte Hornets
• The Charlotte Hornets' first game and inaugural NBA season
• The faux-controversy surrounding "Frank" and "Dick" (via Kelly's Wikipedia page)
• Kelly's career in (TV and radio) broadcasting
• Starting Lineup (NBA) figures and items Kelly still receives to this day, in the mail

People mentioned in this episode, include: Bill Laimbeer, Julius Erving, Bernard King, Jerry West, Dave Bing, Kiki VanDeWeghe, Pete Maravich, Rex Chapman, Bill Hanzlik, Dell Curry, Adrian Dantley & Muggsy Bogues.

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

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- 1986 Playoffs through NBA Finals

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

Full show notes will be online from November 8. Enjoy!

This episode continues our coverage of the 1985-86 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!

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- Mike Carey - covering the Boston Celtics on a daily basis

- Marvin Barnes' importance to the success of the 1986 Celtics

- What is was like to travel with the Celtics throughout the season

- How Mike and Danny Ainge first heard news of Len Bias' tragic death

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

The ultimate episode of #NB86. We finish our series with an in-depth interview, inviting award-winning (Boston Herald - 1980s) Celtics beat writer, Mike Carey, on the show. He discusses his experiences travelling with the mighty Boston Celtics.

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

Links discussed:

* 1985 NBA Finals. The Lakers defeat the Celtics on the famed parquet floor
* Bill Walton's importance and his undying love for the Celtics franchise
* Michael Jordan's 63-point explosion versus Boston
* The Boston Celtics celebrate a 16th NBA title
* From jubilation to complete despair. Len Bias' tragic death

This episode concludes our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the series. If you enjoyed the content, please share it with your friends!

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the highest-grossing basketball movie of all-time, Nigel and Nate pull back the curtain and share inside stories on the iconic Space Jam.

Nigel and Nate were vital contributors, both in-front of and behind the cameras. They also played a crucial role in the smooth running of the legendary Jordan Dome. Both gentlemen are close friends of Michael Jordan and recall some fantastic stories from on the set and discuss how the genre-bending movie came to be.

Topics / links discussed (include):

• How ‘Hare Jordan’ led to Space Jam’s creation
• The Green Team
• Space Jammin’: Michael and Bugs Hit the Big Screen (book)
• Funny story: Kris Johnson, Cedric Ceballos and the Jordan Dome

People mentioned in this episode, include: Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, Marques Johnson, Larry Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Muggsy Bogues, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing & Shawn Bradley.

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

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- Off-season news, notes and quotes

- 1986 NBA Draft

- Chicago Bulls 1986-87 training camp and preseason games

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

We're back with a new series. Starting early-to-mid June, 1986, we discuss a wide array of interesting topics and happenings, from the NBA's off-season.

We cover the 1986 NBA Draft and how the Bulls planned to retool for the upcoming season. We recap Chicago's 1986-87 preseason games. The results were mixed. Michael Jordan was ever-reliable, however, most other players were still looking to cement their position and importance to the team.

To round out the episode, we talk about the Bulls' efforts to put forth a competitive and cohesive team, on the eve of the regular season.

Links discussed:

* Moses Malone a Piston?
* UNC Pro-Alumni Game
* John Shasky wearing (Bulls) #45 - same year (1995) MJ did
* ‘The Trail’ (Arvydas Sabonis episodes) 
* Mike 'Gibbo' Gibson - Australian journalist
* Stan Albeck's parting shot (see full show notes) [Chicago Tribune]

Others mentioned in this episode, include: Doug Collins, Brad Sellers, Gene Banks, Pete Myers, Orlando Woolridge, Steve Colter, Hot Rod Williams, Jeff Ruland, Dave Corzine, Olden Polynice, Jawann Oldham, Chuck Person, Granville Waiters, Joe Barry Carroll, Bob Hansen, Elston Turner, Johnny Dawkins, Kenny Walker & Alfredrick Hughes.

This episode begins our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here's our 15-episode series, exploring Michael Jordan's sophomore campaign.

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

-  NBA regular season – October 31 through November 15, 1986

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

In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the first 16 days of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – five wins and three losses.

Michael Jordan ensured Doug Collins' coaching debut was a memorable one. Jordan registered his first 50-point game at New York and his scintillating form led Chicago to start the season with three-consecutive wins.

Links discussed:

* Bowie’s persistent leg-related problems led to a shocking incident versus Dallas

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: Earl Cureton, John Long, Ron Harper, Sam Bowie, Adrian Dantley, Granville Waiters, Bill Hanzlik, Mark West, Dave Corzine, Rory Sparrow, Chuck Person, Johnny Dawkins & Mike Smrek.

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Tom Chambers’ iconic jam on Mark Jackson. This episode covers:

- details behind one of the NBA’s all-time greatest slam dunks [Jan 27, 1989]

The first in a new series of podcast episodes: Behind the Game. Learn why Tom Chambers and Mark Jackson are forever linked in NBA history.

Links discussed:

* New York Knicks at Phoenix Suns [January 27, 1989]

* Game highlights

* Pigeons and statues

People mentioned in this episode, include: Eddie Johnson, Jeff Hornacek, Kevin Johnson, Mark West, Tyrone Corbin, Larry Nance, James Edwards, Jay Humphries, Dan Majerle, Tim Perry, Andrew Lang, Patrick Ewing & Gerald Wilkins.

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

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

No love for Michael Jordan on Valentine's Day, 1990. This episode covers:

- details behind Jordan's sole-performance in jersey #12 [Feb 14, 1990]

Behind the Game. Learn why Michael Jordan was forced to wear a nameless jersey. Love, theft and basketball.

Links discussed:

* Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic [February 14, 1990]

* Game highlights

People mentioned in this episode, include: Andrew Bernstein, Larry Guest & Johnny Red Kerr.

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

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- NBA regular season – November 16 through 30, 1986

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

Full show notes will be online in the coming days. Enjoy!

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 – two 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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

High school, college and NBA coaching great, Don Casey.

To say that Don Casey is an important figure to the game of basketball, is to massively undersell his contributions. His head-coaching journey began in 1958, when he was just 21 years old. Almost by accident, Don found basketball; perhaps, basketball found Don. He enjoyed great success, leading Bishop Eustace High School to two state championships (Class B and A in successive seasons) in six years.

We discuss Don’s transition to the college ranks, where he spent nine seasons as the head coach of Temple University. We also chat about his long-time mentor, the legendary Harry Litwack.

The NBA came calling for the 1983 season. Don remained at the highest level (as an assistant and/or head coach) for almost 20 years. We talk about his memories and experiences from that stage of his life. He went from the sleepless nights and frustrations of leading the L.A. Clippers (through 1990), to joining Chris Ford‘s coaching staff on the Boston Celtics (1991). We reflect on Don’s memories of Boston, including his links to the great Jack McCallum, who at one time, lived with Don whilst researching Unfinished Business. Don would move to New Jersey after the 1996 season, to work for John Calipari, before finishing his NBA (coaching) career as head coach of the New Jersey Nets.

The conversation concludes with a brief discussion about Don’s post-NBA interests.

Links discussed (include):

* Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers (1991 NBA Playoffs)

* New Jersey Nets vs Chicago Bulls (1998 NBA Playoffs)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Terence Stansbury, Chuck Person, Jim McIlvaine, Kendall Gill, Bob Hill, Jim Lynam, Larry Bird, Red Auerbach, Reggie Miller, Sherman Douglas, Ernie Grunfeld, Gene Shue, Don Chaney & John Bagley.

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

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

Show notes will be available within 48 hours. Enjoy!

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

[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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

[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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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!

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Support Adam via Amazon: click-through and purchase any item (store-wide – within 24 hours) - it helps support the podcast – importantly, at no additional cost to you. Thanks.

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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!

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

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

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

'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.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Chicago sports-radio pioneer and broadcasting veteran, Cheryl Raye-Stout.
 
As a young girl, Cheryl was taught the nuances of baseball, by her maternal grandfather. That helped foster her love of sports and set the path for what would be - and still is - a pioneering career in Chicago sports radio.

We chat about Cheryl's early years in radio and her experiences in the early-1980s, as she sought equal footing as a sports reporter in a largely male-dominated industry. Cheryl had PR directors ask her to leave locker rooms, resulting in her conducting interviews on the floor outside. Finally, after "a couple of years", Chicago Bears rookie, Jim Harbaugh, put an end to Cheryl's outside-the-locker-room conversations; she was finally allowed to join her male counterparts.

Cheryl talks about the state of the Chicago Bulls, pre-Michael Jordan. We discuss her recollection of when she first heard Jordan's name. This was well before Michael arrived in Chicago. Cheryl, and the city-at-large, were eager followers of college basketball. We chat about Jordan's immediate impact on the Bulls, plus, Cheryl details memories of his (1980s) teammates, Dave Corzine and Charles Oakley.

We chat about the highs of WMAQ (AM-670) obtaining the rights to broadcast Chicago Bulls games on radio, coupled with the lows the station would soon experience, after recently-minted Rookie of the Year, Michael Jordan, broke his foot on October 29, 1985.

It may surprise some people, however, Michael Jordan was perhaps the NBA's most-accessible star in the 1980s and (early) 1990s. Cheryl talks about the access she had to arguably, the game's most-electrifying performer - including night sessions at Bulls' training camp, when nary a reporter was in sight. We talk about the Bulls' incredible run of six titles in eight years and some of Cheryl's fondest memories from those championship runs.

Cheryl recounts the biggest news stories she broke in the 1990s. Both, not surprisingly, involved Michael Jeffrey Jordan. The first, Michael's decision to play baseball. Second, Jordan's return to the NBA ("I'm back"). The behind-the-scenes details of how Cheryl uncovered the stories are nothing short of fascinating.

Learn more about all of the above, discover the story behind Michael's autograph on this photo, plus, hear a couple of classic Dennis Rodman anecdotes. If you love NBA history, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Links discussed (include):

* Michael Jordan’s (would-be) broken foot (1985)

* Bulls’ radio call of MJ’s 63-point game at Boston Garden (1986)

* “The Shot” | WMAQ [Jim Durham and Johnny ‘Red’ Kerr] (1989)

* Cheryl: “John Paxson‘s not here! John Paxson’s not here!!” (1991)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Phil Jackson, Luc Longley, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright & Scott Williams.

Editor's note: sign-up for the 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.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Newsletter | RSS | Website

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- NBA regular season – March 16 through 30, 1987

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

Full show notes will be online soon. Enjoy! 

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

This episode covers:

- 'Full Court with Michael Jordan'. A charity game with a backstory almost as fantastic as MJ's performance [Sep 14, 1985]

Behind the Game. Show notes online later this week. Enjoy!

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

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

(Former) Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of NBA Entertainment, Don Sperling.

Don Sperling has a remarkable filmography that you’d almost certainly be familiar with. Titles including Michael Jordan: Come Fly with Me, NBA Awesome Endings, Michael Jordan’s Playground, NBA Superstars and Michael Jordan: Air Time, are just a handful of his iconic releases.

Sperling was Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of NBA Entertainment, NBA TV and NBA.com for 15 years. Don discusses his early life, the opportunities that presented themselves and how he moved from his native New York, to Atlanta, prior to being contacted by soon-to-be NBA Commissioner, David Stern, regarding the establishment of NBA Entertainment. Don discusses its formation and amazing growth, plus, offers fascinating specifics on some iconic moments from Come Fly with Me. He recounts some amazing stories about travelling with The Dream Team in 1992, particularly, a wonderful 48-hour span he’ll never forget, chronicling Michael Jordan, that ultimately featured in Air Time’s release.

Don also talks about two of the NBA’s greatest promotional campaigns – ‘America’s Game – it’s fantastic’ and ‘I Love this Game’. We also discuss the origins of NBA Inside Stuff and NBA Action, plus, how the famous ‘Bad Boys’ moniker originated. Due to the breadth of Don’s tenure with the NBA, he’s agreed to join us for a second conversation at a future date. I’m already looking forward to that.

Links discussed (include):

* Come Fly with Me: “…the biggest-selling, sports home-video of all-time”

* Michael Jordan – Air Time

* ‘America’s Game – it’s FANtastic’

* ‘I Love this Game’

People mentioned in this episode, include: Bill Bradley, Charles Barkley, Dave DeBusschere, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Larry Bird, Drazen Petrovic, Vlade Divac, Earl Monroe, Magic Johnson, Luc Longley, Phil Jackson, Rod Thorn & Dick Barnett.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- NBA regular season – March 31 through April 19, 1987

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

Notable milestones:

Trent Tucker - career-high 34 points

John Salley - career-high 28 points

Kenny Walker - career-high 26 points

John Paxson - career-high 14 assists

Nick Vanos - career-high 13 rebounds

Links discussed:

* Jordan throws down some classic dunks versus the Bullets

* Phoenix Suns tribute - honoring Nick Vanos

* MJ ties his season-high scoring mark of 61 points

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: Julius Erving, Brad Sellers, Bernard King, Magic Johnson, Kenny Carr, Ennis Whatley, Press Maravich, Sedale Threatt, Rod Thorn & Moses Malone.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- Playoffs through 1987 NBA Finals (April 23 through June 14)

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

The ultimate episode of #NB87. We finish our series with a detailed recap of the postseason.

Notable milestones:

Magic Johnson - named Most Valuable Player / Finals MVP

Chuck Person - named Rookie of the Year

Ricky Pierce - named Sixth Man of the Year

Michael Cooper - named Defensive Player of the Year

Dale Ellis - named Most Improved Player

Mike Schuler - named Coach of the Year

Links discussed:

Magic Johnson's 77'8" buzzer-beater (WCQF G1)

Warriors @ Jazz - mayhem erupts as game ends (WCQF G2)

Sleepy wakes Warriors, drops 51 points on Lakers (WCSF G4)

Laimbeer clips Bird's wings (ECF G3)

Larry Legend steals victory from the jaws of defeat (ECF G5)

Kill Bill (Laimbeer)? Parish the thought (ECF G5)

Doubting Thomas? Isiah on his Larry Bird comments (Finals G2)

Magic's "Junior, Junior Sky Hook" (Finals G4)

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: Larry Bird, Sleepy Floyd, Charles Oakley, Isiah Thomas, Akeem Olajuwon, Julius Erving, Robert Parish, Karl Malone, Bill Laimbeer, Kevin McHale, Doug Collins, Xavier McDaniel & Bob Ryan.

This episode concludes our coverage of the 1986-87 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the series. If you enjoyed the content, please share it with your friends!

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- Off-season news, notes and quotes

- 1987 NBA Draft

- Chicago Bulls 1987-88 training camp and preseason games

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

We’re back with a new series (#NB88). Following a brief visit to April of 1987, we head to early-to-mid June, discussing a wide array of interesting topics and happenings from the NBA’s off-season.

We cover the 1987 NBA Draft and the Bulls’ draft-day dealings that secured Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant – foundation players who would team with Michael Jordan and John Paxson to form the nucleus of the franchise’s future success.

We’re also joined by special guest, Joyce Szymanski, who was in the unique position of working (media relations) for the Seattle SuperSonics on 1987 NBA Draft day. Shortly after, she began work with the Chicago Bulls. Joyce shares her 1987 memories.

We recap Chicago’s 1987-88 preseason games. The results were mixed. Michael Jordan was his dependable self, however, the team was still looking to mesh individual talent into a cohesive unit.

To round out the episode, we talk about the Bulls’ efforts to put forth a competitive and cohesive team, on the eve of the regular season.

Links discussed:

1987 NBA Draft – Scottie Pippen drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics

1987 NBA Draft – Olden Polynice drafted by the Chicago Bulls

1987 NBA Draft – SuperSonics trade Pippen to Bulls for Polynice

Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant are welcomed to Chicago

Chicago Bulls v L.A. Lakers – Hall of Fame Game (87-88 preseason)

1988 Bulls Luncheon – Jordan, Pippen & Oakley All-Star presser

This episode begins our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA.

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

People mentioned include: Doug Collins, Gene Banks, Karl Malone, Rickie Winslow, Tony White, Dave Corzine, Carey Scurry, Bill Russell, Dennis Hopson, David Robinson & Manute Bol.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- 1987 NBA Hall of Fame Game - Bulls versus Lakers

- The origin story of Michael Jordan's 'Come Fly with Me' dunk

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

A short but sweet episode - a primer for the start of the Bulls' 1987-88 season. We're as excited about our #NB88 series as you are.

Links discussed:

Chicago Bulls v L.A. Lakers – Hall of Fame Game (87-88 preseason)

1988 Bulls Luncheon – Jordan, Pippen & Oakley All-Star presser

This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA.

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

People mentioned include: Doug Collins, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Dave Corzine, Mike Smrek, Scott(tie) Pippen, Horace Grant, Tony White, A.C. Green, Charles Oakley & Jeff Lamp.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- November 7 through November 20, 1987

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

Notable:

Larry Bird opens the season with an amazing performance at Washington

Artis Gilmore returns to Chicago (last played for the Bulls in 1982 season)

Chicago wins its 500th game in franchise history

Darren's day(e). Bird-less Celtics, down 28, beat Knicks at the buzzer

The Chicago Bulls' home-sellout streak commenced

Links discussed:

* Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls (season-opener)

* Bird's buzzer-beater buries Bullets

* Reggie Miller, Chuck Person pace Indiana

This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA.

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

People mentioned include: Maurice Cheeks, Rory Sparrow, Dallas Comegys, Jawann Oldham, Mark Eaton, Darren Daye, Dennis Johnson, Doc Rivers, Terry Porter & Bob Ryan.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

The one and only "Mr. Stats" (NBA on NBC) and author of Who’s Better, Who’s Best in Basketball?, Elliott Kalb.

Elliott is a multiple Sports Emmy-winning producer, writer and television personality. He has worked in sports television for more than 35 years, including more than two decades with NBC, where he was known as “Mr. Stats”. Currently, he is the Senior Editorial Director of MLB Network.

In the 1990s through early-2000s, Elliott didn’t often appear on camera, however, he was a vital cog in the mighty NBA on NBC machine. We cover a wide variety of topics and he shares plenty of great stories about his life and the experiences he’s had with a who’s who of talent for more than 30 years.

He discusses his most-memorable games from his 12-year run with the NBA on NBC. Elliott also chats about his love for the 1972 L.A. Lakers and how, almost 20 years later, he ended up alongside Pat Riley - a member of that famed squad - a recent addition to the NBA on NBC team.

Links discussed (include):

* Magic Johnson's awesome ending to the 1992 NBA All-Star Game

* Michael Jordan: "I'm back"

* Dennis Rodman's unannounced trip to the broadcast table

People mentioned in this episode, include: Willis Reed, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Sean Elliott, David Robinson, Bill Russell, Isiah Thomas, Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Scottie Pippen, Bob Costas, Ahmad Rashad, Mike Fratello & Bob Lanier.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Four-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA (1993) and Dream Team II (1994) member, Mark Price.

Mark Price rose to basketball prominence from humble beginnings. He starred at Enid High School in Oklahoma, breaking many records; serendipitously, equaling feats set by his famous father, Denny, decades earlier.

After high school, Mark played four years with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. To this day, his name is littered throughout the record books. As a freshman, he led the ACC in scoring (20.3 ppg) – an outstanding achievement, given the depth of talent in the conference. Prior to his sophomore campaign, he was a member of Team USA’s gold-medal winning squad at the 1983 Pan-American Games in Venezuela. Mark, and fellow teammate, John Salley, were named team co-captains as sophomores. As a junior, Mark led his team to a 27-8 record. Tech won the ACC Championship, Price was named Tournament MVP and also won (1985) ACC Player of the Year. Georgia Tech advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, before finally bowing out to the Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown Hoyas. Mark left Georgia Tech as the only player in school history to lead the team in scoring all four seasons.

Mark was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1986 NBA Draft, before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. We discuss Price’s transition from college to the pros, plus, how the Cavaliers franchise went from ‘cadavers’ to contenders in just two seasons. Mark breaks down each season in Cleveland and we touch on memorable moments from throughout his fantastic tenure with the Cavaliers, culminating with the team’s run to the 1992 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, where they met the Chicago Bulls – one of Mark’s five post-season series’ versus Chicago. Mark also talks about his trade from Cleveland to the Golden State Warriors and his season in Washington where he was teammates with his brother, Brent Price. Mark’s last season was spent in Orlando.

We conclude the conversation by discussing Mark’s journey on the sidelines, where he has a wealth of experience in a multitude of roles; most recently (September, 2018), where he was named an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets.

This is a strong contender for my favourite episode of the show yet.

Links discussed (include):

* Mark’s (1983) Team USA wins gold at the Pan-American Games

* Mark recalls his historic 1989 Playoffs series versus Chicago

* Mark returns from a possible career-ending injury

* Dream Team II destroys all-comers; wins 1994 World Champs

* Price joins Denver Nuggets as an assistant coach

People mentioned in this episode, include: Craig Ehlo, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Larry Bird, Drazen Petrovic, Lenny Wilkens, Mike Fratello, Wayman Tisdale, Chris Mullin, Spud Webb, Johnny Dawkins, Wayne Embry, Nate McMillan, Jim McIlvaine & Kenny Smith.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- November 21 through December 4, 1987

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

Full show notes online soon. Enjoy!

This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

My friend, Mike Fraler, host of 'Forgotten Maverick', recently invited me on his show. We discuss how our podcasts came to be and reminisce about our love of NBA history. I also discuss my 1994 and 1995 trips to the USA, and how luck wasn’t on my side – both times I visited the States, Michael Jordan was in the midst of his first retirement. Fancy some NBA trivia? Listen in and test your knowledge against mine.

As the name of Mike's podcast cleverly suggests, he chats with Dallas Mavericks players of years gone by. Mike’s twin brother, Jeff, has his own NBA-history podcast: ‘Forgotten Lakers’, Are you sensing a theme, here?

If you enjoy my podcast, you’ll certainly enjoy Mike and Jeff’s. Search for ‘Forgotten Maverick’ and ‘Forgotten Lakers’ on your podcast player of choice.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Washington Mystics Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Thibault. Our wide-ranging conversation examines a multitude of great topics. Thibault's (pronounced Tee-bo) coaching career began in the 1970s. Before the decade ended, he was scouting for the L.A. Lakers and contributed to the team’s 1980 and 1982 NBA championships.

We discuss Mike's move to Chicago, where he was an assistant coach for the Bulls for four seasons (1983 through 1986). He scouted the top-three picks - Olajuwon, Bowie and Jordan - in the iconic 1984 NBA Draft. Mike details Chicago’s approach to that draft and the behind-the-scenes decision making that led to Michael Jordan's selection. Plus, you’ll hear just how close the Bulls came to selecting a future Hall of Famer in the 1985 draft. A ‘what if?’ for the ages.

After a year at the helm of the inaugural World Basketball League's (WBL) Calgary 88's - where he was responsible for almost every decision affecting the franchise - Mike took over another first-year franchise. This time, the Continental Basketball Association's (CBA) Omaha Racers. From 1989 through 1997, he steered the Racers to eight-straight playoff appearances - winning the CBA title in 1993.

In 1998, Mike returned to the NBA. He was a scout for George Karl in Seattle, before joining Karl - as his assistant coach - in Milwaukee (through 2002).

2003 would be a turning point in Mike's career. He became head coach of the (WNBA's) Connecticut Sun. He led the team for 10 seasons; twice making the finals (2004 and 2005). Further, Mike was named Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008.

In late 2012, Thibault took over as head coach of the Washington Mystics. In the two seasons prior, the team went 11-57. He led the franchise to postseason play in each of the first-three seasons. In 2018, the Mystics made it to the finals - the first time in franchise history.

When we recorded this conversation in late 2018, Mike was sitting on 310 WNBA victories - nobody has won more games as coach than him. Mike discusses the Mystics' upcoming 2019 season (commencing in late May) and reflects on his memories of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was assistant coach on Team USA's gold-medal winning women's team.

Links discussed (include):

* The famous 1984 NBA Draft

* Sam Bowie or Michael Jordan?

* Team USA (women’s) win gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

* Most wins as WNBA head coach (now 310 – as of 2018)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Jerry West, Pat Riley, Charles Oakley, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Pete Newell, Rod Thorn, Jerry Krause, Bob McAdoo, Elena Delle Donne, Karl Malone & Kevin Gamble.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Indiana Pacers staffer (Media Relations / Publications: 1991-2007), MaryKay Hruskocy.

Though a native of Whiting, IN, MaryKay grew up a fan of Chicago sports. As the Bulls were celebrating their 1991 NBA Championship at Grant Park, MaryKay was driving to Indianapolis to commence her career in media relations for the Indiana Pacers.

Our conversation covers behind-the-scenes memories from MaryKay’s tenure with the team. This includes, arguably, the biggest one-day sporting event of the 1990s. Two words: “I’m back”. She discusses the frenzy surrounding Michael Jordan’s NBA return in 1995; detailing how the Pacers managed the news and went into overdrive to prepare Market Square Arena - in less than 24 hours - for a game that suddenly held as much importance as the NBA Finals.

Hruskocy details how she created the Pacers' team newsletter, distributed by fax to approximately 3,000 loyal subscribers. MarkyKay discusses how she was tasked with putting together Indiana's media guides in-house and shares a fantastic story about her creative use of technology that allowed a prominent member of the roster to be 'present' for the official team photo (2005).

We also talk about MaryKay's push to have (Pacers) ABA greats, Mel Daniels and Roger Brown, enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. All this and more in a wide-ranging, engaging discussion about the history of the Indiana Pacers.

Links discussed (include):

* Chicago celebrates the 1991 NBA Champion Bulls

* Great Scott! (1994 NBA Playoffs)

* "I'm back" (March, 1995)

* Rik gives Orlando the Smits (1995 NBA Playoffs)

* Photo manipulation (2005 Pacers)

* Mel Daniels (enshrined in 2012)

* Roger Brown (enshrined in 2013)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Larry Bird, David Benner, Artis Gilmore, Byron Scott, Dale Davis, Rik Smits, Reggie Theus, Rick Fox, Reggie Miller, Travis Best, Erik Spoelstra & Joe Maddon.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

NCAA great, 12-year NBA veteran and 1988 All-Star, Xavier McDaniel.

The X-Man joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion about his life in basketball. Few players in NBA history were as physical as McDaniel. However, there's much more to Xavier's bow than simply being an enforcer. He was the first-ever player (1985) to lead the NCAA [Division I] in scoring and rebounding in the same season. His name is littered throughout the record books at Wichita State, where he played four seasons with the Shockers. As a senior, he was named First-team All-American.

The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Xavier with the fourth pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. He played all 82 games as a rookie and was second to (future teammate and great friend) Patrick Ewing in Rookie of the Year voting.

Xavier talks about his six seasons in Seattle. He discusses the impact that Maurice Lucas had on his game, speaks candidly about his role in the 1988 NBA All-Star Game and talks fondly of (would-be) future stars, Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. We discuss his trade to Phoenix (15 games into the 1991 season) and how he became a member of the New York Knicks.

Though he played the one season with the Knicks, his addition to the team made New York instant contenders for the NBA title. In 1992, the Knicks extended the Chicago Bulls to seven games in the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. We discuss the series in-depth and Xavier expresses his thoughts on the series as only he can.

McDaniel joined the Boston Celtics in the wake of Larry Bird's retirement. He played for three seasons in Boston. We discuss his memories of that time, how the Celtics tried to adjust to life without Bird, the soon-to-be retirement of Kevin McHale and the tragic loss of Reggie Lewis.

Xavier headed overseas to play a season in Greece (1996), before returning to the NBA to close out his career as a member of the New Jersey Nets. He talks about his retirement from basketball, some of the great honors he's received and much more, in a conversation that clearly demonstrates Xavier McDaniel's passion for basketball. This is without doubt, one of the most-enjoyable conversations I've had to date.

Links discussed (include):

* X-Man playing for the Wichita State Shockers

* Bird calls game-winner over X-Man (1987 season)

* "I remember I was tired as hell!" (1990 season)

* McDaniel wows The Garden faithful

* "[expletive] you, X!" ... "[expletive] you, Mike!!" (1992)

* The X-Man Cometh - Singles (1992)

* Kansas Sports Hall of Fame induction (2006)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Cliff Levingston, Antoine Carr, Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Pat Riley, Charles Oakley, Aubrey Sherrod, John Starks, Cheese Johnson, Bernie Bickerstaff, Arvydas Sabonis, Tyrone Corbin & Detlef Schrempf.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Brothers, Sean and Brad Malone, are co-directors and producers of Wild About ’88 – The Rise of Arizona Basketball.

In 1988, Sean and Brad caught basketball fever (often contagious – I contracted it the following year). As fate would have it, the Arizona Wildcats were firing on all cylinders, advancing to the Final Four of the 1988 NCAA Tournament. Tucson loved their Wildcats and the city relished in its team’s dominant 35-3 season. Arizona’s roster featured six players who would make the NBA – Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Jud Buechler, Tom Tolbert, the late Sean Rooks (redshirt) and Anthony Cook.

We discuss the brothers’ respective love for the Wildcats and how they went from being super fans of the Cats, to producing a film that documents a season for the ages.

Sean and Brad talk to the brilliance of the program’s “unlikely and fantastic rise under former head coach, Lute Olson”. They detail the importance of Steve Kerr’s captaincy of the 1988 Wildcats, plus, the unique circumstances behind Kerr still being a member of the team. Further, we cover the legendary Sean Elliott’s signing with Arizona and the vital role played by ‘The Gumbies’ – the Wildcats’ lesser-known, yet equally important players.

We also chat about the impressive list of interviewees who are involved in the film and how Sean and Brad managed to contact them and arrange conversations that form the documentary’s backbone. You’ll hear great behind the scenes stories about Steve Kerr’s interview and an amusing Skype scenario that involves the always-affable Tom Tolbert.

The episode concludes with Sean and Brad’s recollections of ‘The Game I’ll Never Forget’. There’s always time for a Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins story.

Listen to our conversation and you’ll clearly identify with Sean and Brad’s positive approach and dedication to their forthcoming documentary. They have literally spent hundreds of hours researching and planning the film. Follow the brothers’ blog to keep up to date on the film’s status. Add your support (financially, or, via connections) here.

Links discussed (include):

* This great clip – penned by Wildcats’ Harvey Mason – topped radio charts in ’88

People mentioned in this episode, include: Dick Vitale, Billy Packer, Bruce Fraser, Jay Bilas, Craig McMillan, Matt Muehlebach, Craig Ehlo, Roy Williams, Mike Kryzewski & Mike Bibby.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

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

- December 5 through December 18, 1987

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

Notable:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s streak of 787 straight double-figure scoring games ends

Larry Jordan (Michael’s brother) drafted by the IBA’s Chicago Express

Ralph Sampson traded from Houston to Golden State for Joe Barry Carroll

Links discussed:

* Chicago versus Houston - Rockets trade Sampson after this game

* Michael Jordan's heroics force overtime versus Detroit

This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA.

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

People mentioned include: Doug Collins, Kevin Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, Bob Cousy, Benoit Benjamin, Charles Barkley, Calvin Murphy, Bo Jackson, Chris Mullin, Martin Nessley & Bob Ryan.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

NBA Creative Director (former), Gameplan Creative CEO and Sports Design Trendsetter, Tom O'Grady.

Tom was born and raised in Chicago and graduated with a degree in Design, Marketing and Visual Communications from Columbia College Chicago in 1981. We talk about his childhood memories and the large influence that sport had on him and his family.

During the 1980s, Tom worked as an ad agency art director on the McDonald’s business. Simultaneously, McDonald’s began to devote resources to sports marketing. This was the perfect opportunity for Tom – he combined his love of sports with his passion for design. He met and worked with Michael Jordan on the memorable Large fries for “Small Fries” ad campaign and also contributed design work to the inaugural McDonald’s Open later that same year (1987).

Judy Shoemaker was the agency account director that Tom worked with on the McDonald’s Open project. In 1988, she accepted the role of Vice President, Marketing, with NBA Properties. Two years later, Judy began to recruit Tom to join her at the NBA. Commissioner David Stern named Tom O’Grady the league’s first Creative Director in 1990. Tom discusses the process that led him to leave Chicago and take up residence in New York.

We discuss the impact that well-known designer, Alexander Julian, had on the aesthetics of the expansion Charlotte Hornets (1989 season). To that point, equipment managers were largely responsible for their team’s uniform design (in concert with Medalist Sand-Knit). Tom talks about how he built the NBA’s creative services team, recruiting designers who were comfortable with the explosion in graphic design software of the early 1990s.

Tom was tasked with the creative direction for The Dream Team (1992 Olympic Games). He shares inside stories on how the now-iconic photos were created during the 1992 NBA season.

Tom was responsible for the rebrand of the Phoenix Suns (1993 season). He met with then-team president, Jerry Colangelo, and the Suns’ ownership group. We do a deep dive on the creative process. That same season, Phoenix celebrated its silver anniversary (25th season) in the NBA, Charles Barkley joined the team and the Suns met Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals.

A fascinating aspect of our conversation relates to design considerations the NBA factored in to its television broadcasts. For example, when the league received team prototypes, they would broadcast test the new uniforms at the New Jersey Nets’ home arena (The Meadowlands), to ensure colors and numbers would “read”.

1995 was a big year for the NBA and Tom. He oversaw the launch of the NBA.com website and was also vital in the Atlanta Hawks’ new logo – a hawk in flight, its claws clutching a basketball. Further, two expansion teams – the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies – were set to enter the league for the 1996 season. Tom was responsible for the brand identity creation of the franchises. In a future episode of the show, Tom will return to discuss (in-depth) the Raptors / Grizzlies origin story, plus, the iconic 1995 and 1996 NBA All-Star Weekend designs.

Our discussion also includes the near-rebrand from the New Jersey Nets to the New Jersey Swamp Dragons. We talk about Zach Lowe‘s excellent ESPN piece that detailed the proposed identity change.

We round out the episode by talking about Tom’s all-time favourite NBA uniforms, his crucial role as brand architect for the WNBA’s launch in 1997. All this and plenty more in one of the best conversations I’ve had yet.

Topics / links discussed (include):

* A would-be secondary logo for the Chicago Bulls?

* The rebranded Phoenix Suns uniform (debuted in 1993 season)

* 1995 and 1996 NBA All-Star Weekend

* What if?! The Nets were almost the New Jersey Swamp Dragons!

People mentioned in this episode, include: Chris Tripucka, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Rick Welts, Don Sperling, Peter Capolino, Dick Sakahara, Andrew Bernstein, Anne Occi, David Haney, & David Boss.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Michael Jordan isn't immune to hi-jinks. This episode covers:

- Jordan's role in a few (1980s) April Fools' Day pranks

Behind the Game. Learn of three instances where Michael Jordan was involved in April Fools' Day stunts. We begin with Laney High School (1981), then move to the University of North Carolina (1982) and conclude with the Chicago Bulls (1987) of the NBA.

People mentioned in this episode, include: James Worthy, Ralph Sampson & Pat Benkowski.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Adam and Aaron dissect Michael Jordan’s comeback game at Indiana - March 19th, 1995 - the Pacers hosted the visiting Bulls, at Market Square Arena.

We discuss the circumstances behind Jordan's return, uncover great tidbits that preceded this much-hyped match-up and of course, offer an in-depth recap of the game itself. We chat about Michael's post-game presser, too.

In the podcast archives, you’ll find numerous guest episodes that add even deeper context to this conversation. Bill Wennington, Luc Longley and Corie Blount played for the Chicago Bulls in this game. Legendary reporter, Peter Vecsey, and the great Mr. Stats, Elliott Kalb, were part of the NBA on NBC broadcast. Chicago broadcasting veteran, Cheryl Raye-Stout – who first broke the news of Jordan’s 1995 comeback - is also a previous guest. Last but not least, MaryKay Hruskocy, who worked in Media Relations for the Pacers, also recently appeared on the show and shared her memories of the 24 hours of hysteria that led up to the tip-off in Indianapolis.

As per usual, the conversation is scattered with humor and plenty of insight. A must-listen, for die-hard NBA fans, regardless of the team you support.

Topics / links discussed (include):

* Speculation of Jordan's return (NBA on NBC - March 12, 1995)

* Coverage of Michael Jordan's return (various networks)

* Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers (NBA on NBC - March 19, 1995)

* Michael Jordan's post-game presser (March 19, 1995)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Phil Jackson, Ahmad Rashad, Marv Albert, Bob Costas, Elliott Kalb, Matt Guokas, Hannah Storm, Dale Davis, B.J. Armstrong, Mark Jackson, Pete Myers, Ron Harper, Scottie Pippen, Will Perdue & Steve Kerr.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

Remembering Michael Jordan's iconic 1989 moment. This episode covers:

- Jordan's heroics in Round 1 of the 1989 NBA Playoffs

Behind the Game. The inside story - from MJ's defender, Craig Ehlo - on the moments that culminated with Michael Jordan's amazing, series-clinching jump shot to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

People mentioned in this episode, include: Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Lenny Wilkens, Bernie Lincicome, Sam Smith, Mark Price, Bill Cartwright, Sam Vincent, Cheryl Raye-Stout & Peter Gee.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

High school great, University of Texas at San Antonio star, NBA player and European standout, Derrick Gervin.

Derrick Gervin is a Detroit native. He starred at Martin Luther King High School in his home state of Michigan. Twice, he was named to Detroit's All-Public School League first team. Following high school, Gervin moved cross country to play at a college where his jersey is one of just two to have ever been retired to the rafters - the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Coincidentally, as Derrick continued to hone his skills at college, his older brother - future Hall of Famer, George Gervin (The Iceman) - was lighting up the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

Leaving college after his junior season, Derrick was selected in the 1985 NBA Draft, before eventually travelling overseas to star in Europe. He would return to the USA and achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. We cover this and much more in a wide-ranging conversation.

Derrick is a great story teller and shares some fantastic memories from his life in basketball. Check out his own show, ‘Derrick Gervin’s As Good As It Gets Basketball Podcast’. He’s had a stellar list of guests, including The Iceman.

A slight correction - I inadvertently refer to Derrick’s junior season as his senior year.

For context, this chat was recorded just prior to the madness of 2019 NBA Free Agency.

People mentioned in this episode, include: Antoine Carr, Bill Fitch, Chris Morris, Drazen Petrovic, Flip Saunders, Joe Dumars, Joe Kleine, Leon Wood, Julius Erving, Wes Matthews & Terry Catledge.

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.

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail

High school star, Kansas University standout and 12-year NBA veteran, Paul Mokeski.

Milwaukee Bucks’ cult hero, Paul Mokeski, discusses his life in basketball. As a youngster – whilst not always comfortable in his surroundings – Paul found his calling in basketball. A burgeoning star at Encino’s Crespi Carmelite High School, he was recruited by countless colleges – some went to extremes to land his signature. However, Paul’s family (his father played college basketball) offered strong guidance and he ultimately decided to attend Kansas University. There, he challenged himself and began to thrive; on-and-off the court. He made new friends and would also meet his future wife.

Mokeski was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1979 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he was a back-up to MVP-era Moses Malone. Paul discusses the impact that Moses had on his career and shares some fantastic stories about Malone along the way.

In October, 1980, the Rockets traded Paul to Detroit. Whilst the Pistons struggled, Paul enjoyed a good season, averaging better than seven points and five rebounds in only 23 minutes per game.

After 119 games with the Pistons – and just 15 minutes before the (1982) trade deadline – Detroit moved Mokeski to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Paul tells the unique story of how the trade unfolded.

The 1982 Cleveland Cavaliers were in disarray. In one season, the team cycled through four coaches and finished with a 15-67 record. The Cavaliers – a disastrous 3-21 at the time – waived Mokeski in December of 1982.

On Christmas Eve, Paul signed the first of two 10-day contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks. In mid-January of 1983, he signed a contract for the rest of the season. At the time, Milwaukee were back-to-back Central Division champions and would go on to win the division an incredible six-straight years. Paul was a key member of the Bucks and played six-full seasons with arguably the best team to not make an NBA Finals during the 1980s.

In September of 1989, Paul signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though his second tenure in Ohio was short-lived – he was released after the 1990 season – Paul was part of a team on the rise; one that would soon challenge for the Eastern Conference title.

Prior to the 1991 season, Paul took part in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp, before missing out on a roster spot. In mid-January of 1991, Mokeski was proactive and reached out to his former coach, Don Nelson, who was leading the Golden State Warriors. Paul shares the unique story of how he would earn a place on the roster for the rest of that year. This happened to be the second – and last – season of the iconic trio, Run TMC: Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin.

Following the 1991 season, Paul and his family briefly ventured overseas, before he returned to the USA and took the role of player / coach with the Quad City Thunder of the Continental Basketball Association. What followed – and has continued for more than 25 years – is a coaching and scouting career that is as varied as it is interesting.

This is one of my favourite conversations yet. A big thanks to great friend of the show, Jim McIlvaine, who mentioned my podcast to Paul and helped us connect.

Links discussed (include):

* Paul’s Bucks versus (rookie) Michael Jordan's Bulls

* Paul Mokeski – career highlights

* Paul Mokeski – a nifty performance versus the Bulls (1989)

People mentioned in this episode, include: Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Jack Sikma, Marques Johnson, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Bill Laimbeer & Reggie Theus.

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.

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Spotify | Stitcher | Newsletter

Feedback: e-mail (audio welcome) | Voicemail