Fullcourt Passport

Ric Bucher
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Everything you want to know -- and need to know -- about the international basketball scene, from the influx of foreign-born NBA stars to Americans playing overseas to the young international talent with NBA potential, brought to you by longtime NBA analyst Ric Bucher and former NBA player Bostjan Nachbar, now the director of the EuroLeague Players Union. Watch the show live on NoFilter.net or recorded on YouTube's United We Cast channel. #nba #euroleague #euroleaguebasketball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Nik Stauskas: “I Almost Walked Away” — The Night Before 57

    On this powerful episode of Fullcourt Passport, Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar sit down with former NBA lottery pick and EuroLeague vet Nik Stauskas for one of the most honest conversations you’ll hear about the reality of chasing the dream. From being the 8th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft… to surviving a 10–72 season with the Philadelphia 76ers… to battling food poisoning that cost Canada an Olympic berth… to nearly quitting basketball the day before scoring 57 points in the G League… Stauskas opens up about: Why playing in the NBA was the least fun he’s ever had in basketballThe mental toll of “The Process”The chaos of bouncing between 14 teams in 8 yearsHow fatherhood changed everythingThe truth about EuroLeague intensity vs the NBA regular seasonWhy international players now dominate MVP conversationsAnd what it really means to walk away from the gamePlus: behind-the-scenes stories from Baskonia, wild nights in Athens against Panathinaikos, and the Lithuanian basketball roots that shaped it all. 🕒 Time Stamps00:00 – Intro & New Air Club 01:20 – Nik’s full résumé: NBA, EuroLeague & “Soss Castillo” 02:30 – Food poisoning & the Olympic heartbreak with Team Canada 05:30 – The games that haunt you 06:00 – Transition to broadcasting (Big Ten Network & NBC) 08:00 – Fighting to get back to the NBA 10:00 – Why playing in the NBA wasn’t fun 13:00 – Fatherhood vs chasing contracts overseas 17:00 – Lithuanian roots & early basketball beginnings 19:00 – Arriving at Baskonia: culture shock in Spain 21:00 – “Replace the bottom 200 NBA players…” 23:00 – The wildest EuroLeague atmosphere ever 24:00 – NBA Europe: smart expansion or cultural risk? 27:00 – International dominance in today’s NBA 31:00 – Surviving 10–72 & the toll of “The Process” 35:00 – The grind, self-doubt & system fit 38:30 – The night he almost quit basketball 40:00 – 57 points… and redemption ✈️ Presented by New Air ClubPrivate jet service done right. Luxury, logistics, and efficiency—bundled. Learn more: https://newairclub.com #FullcourtPassport #NikStauskas #EuroLeague #NBA #NBAPodcast #InternationalBasketball #LithuaniaBasketball #UnitedWeCast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  2. 9 FEB

    NBA vs EuroLeague: David Kahn Explains Why Europe Plays Harder — And What the NBA Gets Wrong

    Is European basketball actually better than the NBA right now? On this episode of Full court Passport, longtime NBA analyst Ric Bucher and former NBA forward Bostjan Nachbar are joined by David Kahn, the only American executive to run an NBA franchise and build a winning EuroLeague club from scratch. Kahn pulls no punches on: Why EuroLeague intensity surpasses the NBAWhy Paris Basketball plays faster than almost anyone in EuropeThe cultural gap between NBA entertainment and EuroLeague fandomWhat an NBA-backed league in Europe has to get right — or it will failThis is a masterclass on global basketball, roster strategy, and why the future of the sport may be tilting east. ⏱ Time Stamps00:00 – Welcome to Fullcourt Passport01:18 – Why February is EuroLeague “separates men from boys” season03:00 – Mid-season signings: NBA vs EuroLeague philosophy08:45 – Why Cameron Payne works in Europe10:50 – Jabari Parker’s uncertain EuroLeague future12:05 – Kenneth Faried, Corey Joseph & NBA buyouts17:45 – Why EuroLeague limits player movement18:00 – David Kahn joins: NBA → Paris Basketball24:00 – Why Paris Basketball plays faster than anyone31:10 – Why NBA games feel “unwatchable” to Euro executives39:00 – Replay reviews & slowing the game down42:30 – NBA Europe: What works, what fails, what’s coming50:45 – Final thoughts on the future of global basketball #FullcourtPassport #EuroLeague #NBAEurope #ParisBasketball #InternationalBasketball #GlobalHoops #NBAvsEuroLeague #BasketballStrategy #UnitedWeCast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  3. 2 FEB

    Jaxson Hayes, National-Team “Cheat Codes,” and Why Europe Keeps Outdeveloping the U.S.

    Are national teams crossing a line in the name of winning — or simply adapting to modern basketball? On this episode of Full Court Passport, hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar are joined by University of Wyoming assistant coach Chris Thomas for a deep dive into the evolution of global basketball development — and the growing controversy around naturalized players on national teams. The conversation is sparked by reports involving Jaxson Hayes, the Los Angeles Lakers big man whose name has surfaced in discussions around Slovenia’s national team needs. From there, the episode expands into a masterclass on how European basketball teaches skill, decision-making, and processing speed earlier — and why that approach continues to produce MVP-caliber players. Thomas also explains why the 24-second shot clock matters, how positionless basketball is reshaping development in the U.S., and what college programs are doing to close the gap. Plus, Ric and Boki examine EuroLeague financial pressures, club sustainability, and why “winning at all costs” may be changing the soul of international competition. 00:00 – Welcome to Full Court Passport (Ric Bucher & Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar) 00:00:45 – Sponsor: New Air Club 00:01:24 – Guest intro: Chris Thomas (University of Wyoming) + Sundance Wicks endorsement 00:04:11 – Chris Thomas’ Puerto Rico experience (GM & head coach lessons) 00:05:08 – Coaching Slovenia’s national team: pressure, pride, and perspective 00:06:40 – Basketball as a passport: coaching and traveling across 59 countries 00:08:16 – Why European development keeps producing elite decision-makers 00:09:52 – Youth basketball differences: shot clocks overseas vs. the U.S. 00:10:32 – 24-second vs. 30-second shot clock: pace, reads, and processing 00:11:18 – Phil Jackson “drum” story: teaching instant recognition 00:14:02 – Why MVP-level players are increasingly international 00:17:24 – Positionless basketball and modern player development 00:18:12 – Teaching reads, not just moves 00:19:16 – Isolation culture vs. flow offense 00:20:14 – NBA influence from European coaches and systems 00:24:38 – The controversy: Jaxson Hayes, Slovenia, and national-team “cheat codes” 00:27:21 – National pride vs. roster loopholes 00:37:46 – EuroLeague financial instability and club sustainability 00:41:28 – Monaco’s budget pressure and locker-room consequences 00:45:13 – Virtus Bologna stuns Monaco; Luca Vildoza’s late dagger 00:46:44 – What’s next for EuroLeague and national teams #FullCourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #JaxsonHayes #Lakers #InternationalBasketball #EuroLeague #NBA #PlayerDevelopment #PositionlessBasketball #NationalTeams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  4. 26 JAN

    Berlin vs. London Told the Truth: The NBA Is Looking at the Wrong European Cities

    The NBA didn’t just visit Europe—Berlin and London became a live stress test for what NBA Europe could actually be. Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar break down Adam Silver’s latest Europe messaging, why the 2027–28 launch window feels increasingly unrealistic, and the one thing the NBA can’t afford to destroy: EuroLeague rivalries (Real Madrid–Barcelona, Partizan–Red Star). Then Ric shares a conversation with Quinten Post (Netherlands → ALBA Berlin → Mississippi State → Boston College → Golden State Warriors) that exposes the modern pipeline: family hustle, highlight tapes, and one “right” development year that changes everything—plus why he’d tell 18-year-olds: don’t chase NIL first… chase playing time and growth. Finally, Ric brings in audio with Quin Snyder to explain why the value of international players keeps rising—fundamentals, training volume, and pro-level development—and how culture/communication gaps are shrinking fast. The big question remains: if the NBA brings its star-driven commercial engine to Europe, can it do it without ruining the win-first soul of European basketball? Timestamps 00:00 — Full-Court Passport intro 00:30 — NBA “invades” Europe: Berlin vs. London reactions 02:43 — “Cooperation is required”: NBA Europe + EuroLeague reality check 04:05 — Ric’s takeaway: the league is happening, timeline likely slips 04:41 — The non-negotiable: protect classic rivalries (Real-Barça, Partizan–Red Star) 05:43 — Stop chasing “big cities”: build around true basketball hubs 10:07 — Quinten Post interview: Amsterdam → ALBA Berlin → NCAA → Warriors 15:52 — NIL warning: don’t pick money over development and minutes 17:03 — Boki’s path vs today: pre-internet development and getting noticed 22:15 — Europe problem: pro life + university don’t align like the NCAA 27:47 — Quin Snyder audio: why international players’ value keeps rising 34:34 — Culture & language gaps shrinking; NCAA as a bridge (sometimes) 37:19 — Zaccharie Risacher pressure: expectations, growth, and what’s “normal” 45:00 — NBA stats vs EuroLeague wins: the philosophical clash 49:43 — Wrap-up + where to catch the show live #FullCourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #NBAEurope #EuroLeague #AdamSilver #InternationalBasketball #NIL #NCAABasketball #NBADraft #PlayerDevelopment #QuinnSnyder #Warriors #BasketballCulture #EuroBasket Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  5. 19 JAN

    Jordi Fernández on the NBA’s Global Coaching Takeover and Why Europe Is Losing Its Best Prospects

    Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar to break down the NBA’s accelerating internationalization—from foreign-born head coaches to the looming NBA Europe push. Fernández explains why the league is hunting ideas worldwide (coaching, performance, sports science), why the best system is a blend of European reads + American athleticism, and why relationships—not fear—are the real “superpower” in modern coaching. Then Ric and Boki connect the dots to the NBA’s footprint in Europe, the “city list” debate, and the biggest issue European hoops keeps dodging: development—and why Europe can’t complain about losing 18–21-year-old talent if it won’t play them. Time stamps00:00 Fullcourt Passport intro: the global hoops gateway00:31 Guest reveal: Brooklyn Nets HC Jordi Fernández + international coaching surge01:18 Why the NBA is looking outside the U.S.: coaching, medical, performance, innovation02:54 “The NBA doesn’t care about your passport”—what matters is your superpower03:16 Europe vs. U.S. basketball education: reads & versatility vs. athleticism & competition04:03 Fernández’s roots: Badalona, Joventut, and coaching at 1507:15 The dream to return to Europe: EuroLeague/ACB aspirations + “surviving” the NBA job09:11 What’s his superpower? Curiosity, relationships, accountability (both ways)12:27 Ric’s comp: Jerry West as the ultimate learner + why humility wins locker rooms13:36 National teams & the Olympics: why it’s the most intense, most special competition15:49 Barcelona ’92 memories + how that Olympics changed everything globally17:55 Coaching through sports psych + sports science: why variety makes you better20:49 NBA Europe + European basketball’s crossroads: business realities vs. development21:43 The key problem: Europe loses young stars… because it won’t play them22:37 Nets example: six players ages 19–21 getting real minutes—development pipeline24:10 Collaboration vs. competition: how the NBA will approach Europe25:02 Ric & Boki react: modern coaching = connection, collaboration, and player management27:51 Boki in Berlin: NBA games in Europe, atmosphere, and what it signals36:36 El Clásico memories: Barça–Madrid intensity, culture, and rivalry psychology39:17 Closest NBA equivalents: Texas rivalries + Nets–Knicks at MSG43:56 Wrap: what to watch next week + the season tightening up#FullcourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #NBA #EuroLeague #NBAEurope #InternationalBasketball #JordiFernandez #BrooklynNets #BasketballCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #Olympics #FIBA #ACB #ElClasico #GlobalBasketball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  6. Alec Peters on EuroLeague Winning Culture, NBA Tanking, and the NBA Europe Question | Fullcourt Passport

    13 JAN

    Alec Peters on EuroLeague Winning Culture, NBA Tanking, and the NBA Europe Question | Fullcourt Passport

    EuroLeague forward Alec Peters (Olympiacos) joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar for a wide-ranging international hoops conversation—starting with the true business of jersey numbers (and a Chipotle gift card), then diving into why Peters chose a long-term overseas path, what NBA tanking actually feels like inside a locker room, and why EuroLeague winning hits different. From CSKA’s championship culture to finding a home in Piraeus (and opening a restaurant called “25”), Alec breaks down how Europe helped him become a more complete player—and why the EuroLeague product is still under-discovered in the U.S. The episode closes with a big-picture debate: NBA Europe—what it could solve, what it could complicate, and why the league’s marketing model may clash with Europe’s club-first tradition. Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome to Fullcourt Passport (United WeCast Network)00:36 Introducing Alec Peters (Olympiacos)01:04 Why he changed his Summer League number: jersey politics + a “hefty” Chipotle card03:40 The jersey-number hustle: Brendan Haywood’s $100K story05:08 Why Alec left the NBA for Europe (and what “tanking” looked like up close)07:29 Choosing CSKA: stability, coaching, and a winning blueprint08:52 Why EuroLeague wins feel different (emotion, rivalry, road environments)10:07 Why EuroLeague is still under-marketed in the U.S. (and who’s actually watching)13:09 Development: college “do everything” vs NBA “one skill” vs Europe “complete player”18:17 Finding a home at Olympiacos + opening a restaurant in Greece21:23 The restaurant name: “25”22:01 NBA Europe: Alec sees both sides—elevate the product, reduce confusion31:26 Kendrick Perkins’ “internationals taking over” + what “face of the league” means37:01 NBA marketing stars vs Europe marketing clubs—collision course?44:10 EuroLeague Game of the Week: Monaco vs Valencia + why it mattered50:10 Next week teaser: EuroLeague coaches’ personalities and philosophies51:46 Wrap + where to listen/watch live (NoFilter Network + United WeCast YouTube) #FullcourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #EuroLeague #Olympiacos #AlecPeters #InternationalBasketball #NBAEurope #EuroLeagueBasketball #NBA #BasketballPodcast #RicBucher #BokiNachbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  7. NBA Europe, EuroLeague & the Global Game: Tommy Sheppard on Basketball’s Next Frontier | Fullcourt Passport

    5 JAN

    NBA Europe, EuroLeague & the Global Game: Tommy Sheppard on Basketball’s Next Frontier | Fullcourt Passport

    What does the future of basketball look like outside the United States — and how close is the NBA to planting permanent roots in Europe? On this episode of Fullcourt Passport, longtime NBA executive Tommy Sheppard joins hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar for a wide-ranging, insider conversation on the global evolution of basketball, the rise of international stars, and the controversial idea of NBA Europe. Sheppard reflects on three decades in the NBA, the transformation of international scouting and player development, the influence of EuroLeague coaching and tactics, and why passion, culture, and relegation make European basketball fundamentally different from the NBA model. The trio also debate injuries, pace of play, commercialization, and whether basketball risks losing its soul as it grows globally. This is a must-listen for fans of NBA, EuroLeague, FIBA basketball, international player development, and the future of the sport worldwide. 00:00 – Welcome to Fullcourt Passport 01:20 – Introducing Tommy Sheppard & his NBA background 05:10 – From the 1990s to today: how international basketball exploded 09:40 – Slovenia’s impact & paving the way for Luka Dončić 13:55 – International MVPs & changing perceptions of greatness 18:20 – EuroLeague academies vs U.S. development model 22:45 – Why EuroLeague basketball teaches higher IQ 26:10 – Is the modern NBA “too easy”? Toughness debate 30:05 – NBA Europe: league, partnership, or experiment? 34:40 – Culture clash: passion, history & European fans 38:50 – Relegation vs franchise stability 42:30 – Timeline, money & long-term viability of NBA Europe 46:05 – Injuries, pace of play & player workload concerns 49:10 – Greek Derby spotlight: Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos 52:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up #NBAEurope #EuroLeague #GlobalBasketball #NBATwitter #BasketballWorld Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  8. EuroLeague Isn’t the Whole Story: Sean McCaw Explains Overseas Basketball, Salaries & Adaptation

    30/12/2025

    EuroLeague Isn’t the Whole Story: Sean McCaw Explains Overseas Basketball, Salaries & Adaptation

    In this episode of Fullcourt Passport, hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar sit down with longtime overseas pro and consultant Sean McCaw to break down what American players must understand before pursuing a professional basketball career in Europe. McCaw explains why overseas basketball is more popular than ever—yet widely misunderstood. From the reality that EuroLeague represents only the top 1%, to the truth about monthly salaries, “starter countries,” second divisions, and why adaptability is the No. 1 survival skill, this episode delivers a candid roadmap for players navigating the international game. The conversation also explores NIL expectations vs. European pay, how players climb the European ladder, the role of agents, due diligence on teams, and why European player development continues to produce NBA superstars. Plus: a deep dive into the NBA-Europe debate, coaching culture differences, and why team fit matters more than reputation. ⏱️ Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Fullcourt Passport0:31 Introducing Sean McCaw (SJM Consulting)1:25 Boki’s basketball camp & European development culture2:41 Why overseas basketball is now “in vogue”3:55 EuroLeague exposure & the myth of easy money5:01 Reality check: EuroLeague = top 1%7:10 NIL money vs. starting over in Europe7:55 The most important skill: adaptability8:53 NBA Europe: hype vs. reality11:18 Starter countries & second-division pathways14:10 Why European Cup games matter16:02 How players should research teams & contracts19:31 Why Sean McCaw stayed in Europe21:14 European teaching vs. U.S. “highlight culture”23:33 Why international players dominate today’s NBA32:28 Mike D’Antoni’s impact on European basketball41:03 Why EuroLeague isn’t easy—even for former NBA players45:14 Game of the Week: Olympiacos vs Virtus50:26 Final thoughts & wrap-up #FullcourtPassport #EuroLeague #OverseasBasketball #InternationalBasketball #ProBasketball #BasketballLife #NIL #Hoops #BasketballDevelopment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
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About

Everything you want to know -- and need to know -- about the international basketball scene, from the influx of foreign-born NBA stars to Americans playing overseas to the young international talent with NBA potential, brought to you by longtime NBA analyst Ric Bucher and former NBA player Bostjan Nachbar, now the director of the EuroLeague Players Union. Watch the show live on NoFilter.net or recorded on YouTube's United We Cast channel. #nba #euroleague #euroleaguebasketball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ric Bucher
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ric Bucher
  • Show Website
    Fullcourt Passport

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