A Hoops Journey

ahoopsjourney
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A podcast that explores the journey of people whose lives have been shaped by basketball. Hosted by Aaron Mitchell.

  1. 2 days ago

    Episode 189: Brampton to Harvard, Santa Clara, and the Pro Game — Team Canada, European Hoops, and the CEBL Journey with Danilo Djuricic

    Let’s go! Summer is still sizzling, and we have a banger for you today! Danilo Djuricic, a 6’8” guard from Brampton, Ontario, and of Serbian and Montenegrin descent, joins us on the eve of the CEBL finals for his home team, Brampton!  Once choosing hoops, Danilo attended St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, where he was ranked among the top players in Canada’s Class of 2017, before committing to Harvard. Over three seasons with the Crimson (2017–2020), he developed into a steady frontcourt contributor, posting a career-high 20 points against Rhode Island as a sophomore. His senior season was wiped out when the Ivy League cancelled its 2020–21 season due to COVID-19, so he used his final year of eligibility to transfer to Santa Clara in 2021. He turned pro in 2022, signing with BC Brno in the Czech NBL, and has spent multiple seasons splitting time between Europe and the CEBL’s Scarborough Shooting Stars, re-signing with both organizations more than once (And now with Brampton). On the international stage, he represented Canada at the U16 Americas Championship (silver), the U17 World Championship, and the gold-medal-winning U19 World Cup team in 2017, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds a game and led the squad in threes made. Beyond basketball, Djuricic has spoken openly about facing testicular cancer while simultaneously trying to build a pro career — framing it as part of a broader conversation about planning for life after sport. That dual focus — competing at a high level while thinking ahead to what comes next — seems to be a recurring thread in how he talks about his journey, which is exactly why you don’t want to miss this Episode!   Danilo Djuricic - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_Djuricic https://www.instagram.com/3danil0d   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  2. 17 Jul

    Episode 188: Florida Prep to March Madness and the CEBL — Transfers, Breakthrough Seasons, and the Rise of Josh Omojafo

    Episode 188: Florida Prep to March Madness and the CEBL — Transfers, Breakthrough Seasons, and the Rise of Josh Omojafo  Episode 188 brings you one of the more slept-on stories; a guy who has quietly gone about his business carving out a great career and has pretty much just getting started,  Josh Omojafo! The Hamilton native found football and basketball to be his things, but eventually he made the choice to stick with hoops, and his journey is a good one.  After leaving Hamilton to go play high school in Florida he came back for his senior year and signed with D2 Gannon University. After a solid year he then transferred to Robert Morris where his team earned a tournament spot and almost upset Alabama. In 2025-26 he transferred to USF for 2025-26, where he started 32 of 34 games, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Now playing in the CEBL for Brampton this young man is on the rise! Tap in!   Josh Omojafo - Guest https://www.instagram.com/josh.omoo/ https://www.cebl.ca/canadian-guard-omojafo-signs-with-brampton-honey-badgers   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  3. 19 Jun

    Episode 186: Ottawa to Louisville, National Teams to 3x3 — Elite 8 Runs, World Cup Experience, and the Next Chapter with Merissah Russell

    This episode is all about a young up-and-coming hooper on the women’s side, but someone who has been with our National teams since she was 17, Merissah Russell! What a fun episode, the energy Merissah brings to this one is so good, and you can see why she is a do-it-all type on the court!  Once basketball became the focus (and not volleyball like her big sister), Merissah pursued the next level and traveled North America to see the best. In the end, she committed early to the Louisville Cardinals program, a storied program that made two Elite 8’s and one final four! That, plus national team experience with two World Cups (U17 and U19), is why it feels like Merissah has been around so long! The Ottawa native found herself on a recent new adventure, hoopin' up in the 3x3 with our legendary Women’s team! This episode has it all, don’t forget to tap in! Merissah Russell  - Guest https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/merissah-russell https://www.instagram.com/mruss15 https://www.linkedin.com/in/merissah-russell-9b52b2309   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  4. 5 Jun

    Episode 185: Kits to UBC to a Championship Run in Hong Kong — Growth, Longevity, and Life as a Pro with Tommy Nixon

    Today we go back with a guy who used to coach summer camp with Mitch, current pro player in Hong Kong coming off a championship run, one of Kits finest, Tommy Nixon!  Mitch and Tommy have a bit of a story about how they met each other, and they enjoy reminiscing on those times. Tommy recently just completed a playoff run with is SCAA pro team, a club that has been around for over 100 years. After an outstanding high school career where lots of growth and development took place, under the guidance of people like Jeff Gourley, Randy Coutts and Mel Davis.  Tommy was a self admitted slow starter, and shy, but once he got the love for the game he continued to expose himself to the best players and levels, training alongside the likes of Kelly Olynyk and more. A decision to attend UBC, a solid five year career and now being in HK for ten years are what make this story great! Best to Tommy and his family, as usual don't forget to tap in! Tommy Nixon - Guest https://www.instagram.com/tommynixon7 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-nixon-03a44bb5   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  5. 22 May

    Episode 184: Surrey to Burnaby, Laurier to the Pros - U Sports, Overseas Hoops, and the Vancouver Bandits with Majok Gum

    From Burnaby to overseas, we chop it up with former Byrne Creek Bulldog, U Sport hooper at Laurier and now pro baller Majok Gum! Majok has a great story, early on learning the game at the YMCA in Surrey and then moving to Burnaby and playing for the Bulldogs, his career took off. After 3 great high school years with back-to-back final 4s and one finals appearance, Majok decided to attend Laurier University. After a solid 5-year career, he has recently finished his second season overseas and is now with the Vancouver Bandits.  The future is bright! Tap in Majok Gum - Guest https://www.thebandits.ca/roster/majok-gum https://www.linkedin.com/in/majok-gum-b8b225174/ Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  6. 1 May

    Episode 183: Quebec to Valparaiso, the CEBL, and the Utah Jazz — A Playing Career, a Young Coaching Journey, and What’s Next with Tevonn Walker

    Episode 183! Today we are celebrating 6 YEARS of podcasting, thank you to each of our listeners, guests and subscribers!  No better way to celebrate than having a young up and coming coach with an amazing playing resume, Tevonn Walker.  Tevonn comes out of Quebec and we all know the lineage and hoopers that have been developed out of that area. After a solid year at CCAA Vanier College, he made the decision to attend Valparaiso! During his time there Tevonn won both offensive and defensive awards, he led his team in scoring and ended in the top 15 all-time at Valpo. From there a short stint overseas and in the CEBL were next, but Tevonn knew when it was time to walk away.  The journey continues on a young coaching path and Tevonn gives great reflection on what he’s been through and how he’s still learning. After coaching AAU and Division 1 he is now with the Utah Jazz and growing each day. The future is bright for this young man and we are thrilled to be sharing his story today!  Tap in! Tevonn Walker - Guest https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sea-bears-assistant-coach-tevonn-walker-departs-for-nba-opportunity-team-welcomes-jerry-williams-to-coaching-staff/n-6243723 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  7. 17 Apr

    Episode 182: Vancouver Island to the NCAA and Back Home — Trinity Western, Coaching, and Life in Haida Gwaii with Cal Westbrook

    From Courtenay to California, Langley and now Haida Gwaii! Today we have the story of a guy Mitch had the chance to coach on the BC U17 team… wayyy back, and now is a coaching colleague, Mr. Cal Westbrook. Cal’s love for competition and the game was evident early, and a few coaching mentors in his area on Vancouver Island helped nurture his basketball career and ability to compete. Some early blooming, making the Provincial Team as an underager, and the ability to score the ball made for a great high school career!  Once his time at GP Vanier Secondary came to an end, Cal started to explore some different options, deciding on heading to a D2 school in California, Cal State Stanislaus. After a frustrating Sophomore year, Cal felt like maybe it was time for some change, and he came back to play for the Trinity Western Spartans.  It wasn’t a difficult decision as Cal knew players like Tyrell Mara (Portland State) and Jacob Doerksen (UVic) were heading home. A great three-year run and a national title appearance were the topping of the cake for Cal. In the end, Cal finished his degree and now finds himself coaching and in administration in Hadai Gwaii. This part of the story is special and truly where all the good stuff happens. We appreciate Cal taking the time to be with us, and know there will be all sorts of takeaways in this one! Tap in! Cal Westbrook - Guest https://varsityletters.ca/calvin-westbrook-how-the-record-setting-g-p-vanier-twu-guard-found-his-coaching-paradise-amidst-the-remote-splendour-of-haida-gwaii/ Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

  8. 3 Apr

    Episode 181: From Regent Park to St. John’s — Teammates with Jamaal Magloire, the ABCD Camp Journey, and Giving Back as a Coach with Collin Charles

    If you know, you KNOW! Collin Charles is one of the most famous players to ever come out of the Toronto area, and for good reason! Collin and his high school teammate Jamaal Magloire broke down the doors in good fashion for Canadians, and carved out great paths for themselves Growing up in the Regent Park area with his Grandma, Collin loved hockey as a young person but quickly realized the cost that came with the sport, and decided to make a shift. He started hooping and couldn’t wait to get to Eastern Commerce and put his talents on display.  During those high school years it was a trip down to ABCD camp where it all changed for Collin. Even though he didn’t think he played well the interest started to come in and after some other trips in the states he gained the attention he so deserved! St. John’s was the choice and man did he get to play on some squads with some teammates. Felipe Lopez, Ron Artest, Zendon Hamilton, Erick Barkley and so many more.  Collin is now an educator back in Toronto and involved in coaching with his Toronto Gauchos and Little Hoopers programs. A story that can’t be missed, make sure you tap in! Collin Charles - Guest https://tmubold.ca/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/collin-charles/13   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

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About

A podcast that explores the journey of people whose lives have been shaped by basketball. Hosted by Aaron Mitchell.

Information

  • Creator
    ahoopsjourney
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Hoops Journey