The Benas Podcast

Benas Matkevicius
  • 4.6 (5)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within their profession. If you're interested in hearing the stories and lifestyles of high achievers, the biggest lessons throughout their life, their mindsets within their respective sports then please subscribe to this podcast, buckle up, get your cup of coffee and 'come fly with me'. Thank you :)

  1. EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director

    4D AGO

    EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#88) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Vlado": Vlado Micov is a former Euroleague player and current Sports Director for Galatasaray basketball. He has played in several high level clubs around Europe, most notably CSKA, Armani Milano as well as Galatasaray where he currently works as the Sports Director for the FIBA Champions League club. Vlado and me talked mostly about his time as a player and what he experienced with the different coaches around Europe, his mindset around coaching and what he expected as a player vs what he expects as a front office member. We also touched on topics such as his dog hotel back in Belgrade and other personal matters. A very insightful episode from the perspective of a former player. Topics:00:00 Intro 2:00 First challenges on the job 10:10 Handling emotions player vs front office 14:10 Expectation for the job18:30 Learning from different coaches25:10 Expectation from the staff30:00 Best scouting report36:30 Observing practices 39:50 Relationship with players42:10 Relationship with fans and club45:20 Vision for the team48:50 Communication with agent52:00 Break between playing and working55:30 No laptop and dogs57:40 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network!  #VladoMicov #SportsDirector #Galatasaray #Basketball #FrontOffice Finding Vlado: No chance :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

    1h 5m
  2. EP#87 | Rajko Blaskovic: Vocal Health for Coaches

    MAR 20

    EP#87 | Rajko Blaskovic: Vocal Health for Coaches

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#87) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Rajko": Rajko has Serbian roots but is born and raised in Vienna, Austria and is not your typical basketball guest. He's a speech-pathologist and works independently to help young people as well as actors and other professionals and leaders within the sports community to control their voice.  Rajko teaches people how to yell properly and still sound imposing as well as being impactful with the message you are trying to send. Today, he explained his methods and history and gave some real life examples of how voices can sound like when you are not taking care of it! Topics:00:00 Intro 7:15 Why speech pathology? 9:50 Speech pathology vs therapy 14:35 Common disorders 16:50 What is a voice box? 20:50 Common mistakes 23:50 Breathe effect on voice 32:30 Voice exercises 38:30 Longterm effect / Training 45:00 Voice-control & intonation 52:00 How can I improve? 1:00:20 Examples of coaches 1:04:20 Summary & recommendations  1:13:45 Speech ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network!  #RajkoBlaskovic #SpeechPathology #SpeechTherapy #Voice Finding Rajko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajko-bla%C5%A1kovi%C4%87-661343231/ Website: https://www.logopaedie1060.at/index.html  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

    1h 26m
  3. EP#86 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas (LT): Atvirai apie Jono Kazlausko aurą, karjeros iššūkius ir ateities tikslus

    FEB 14

    EP#86 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas (LT): Atvirai apie Jono Kazlausko aurą, karjeros iššūkius ir ateities tikslus

    NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#86) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Kuze": Mindaugas Kuzminskas – vienas universaliausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, galintis žaisti tiek lengvojo, tiek sunkiojo krašto puolėjo pozicijose. Profesionalo karjerą pradėjo Lietuvoje, vėliau ryškiai atsiskleidė atstovaudamas Žalgiris, su kuriuo tapo LKL čempionu ir įgijo svarbios Eurolygos patirties. Didelį karjeros šuolį padarė Ispanijoje, rungtyniaudamas Unicaja Málaga – ten tapo vienu komandos lyderių ir stabiliai žaidė Eurolygoje. 2016 m. išvyko į NBA, kur vilkėjo New York Knicks marškinėlius. Nors NBA etapas nebuvo ilgas, jis tapo svarbia patirtimi tarptautinėje arenoje. Vėliau Kuzminskas rungtyniavo aukšto lygio Europos klubuose, tarp jų – Olympiacos, taip pat atstovavo Lietuvos rinktinei Europos ir pasaulio čempionatuose, pasižymėdamas energija, universaliu žaidimu ir profesionalumu. Šiame epizode atvirai kalbėjome apie trenerio Jono Kazlausko aurą ir lyderystę, sporto psichologijos svarbą aukščiausiame lygyje, ryšį tarp žaidėjo ir trenerių bei aiškių lūkesčių reikšmę, ypač skautingo darbuose....ir daug kitu asmeniniu temu. Epizodo pabaigoje Mindaugas pasidalijo planais po karjeros – svarsto tapti agentu ir likti arti krepšinio, padedant jauniesiems žaidėjams. Temos :00:00 Mindaugas Kuzminskas – Intro 3:40 Karjeros iššūkiai ir „atsidaužimas į sienas“ 7:20 Jono Kazlausko aura ir trenerio lyderystė 12:00 Asmenybės branda profesionaliame krepšinyje 18:30 Sporto psichologija aukščiausiame lygyje 25:50 Spaudimas, pasitikėjimas savimi ir vidiniai pokalbiai 30:40 Žaidėjo ryšys su treneriais ir trenerių vaidmuo 36:00 Taktika, skautingas ir pasiruošimas rungtynėms 48:30 Medicinos personalas ir traumos sporte 50:40 ProBallers.com ir krepšininko įvaizdis 55:30 Karjeros Lietuvos rinktinėje pabaiga 58:10 Sprendimas baigti profesionalo karjerą 1:01:30 Naujos karjeros kryptys po krepšinio 1:04:45 Investicijos ir finansinis raštingumas sportininkams 1:07:33 ATOs 📢 Prenumeruokite mano „YouTube“ kanalą „The Benas Podcast“, jei norite nepraleisti naujausių epizodų! Šį tinklalaidės epizodą taip pat rasite visose garso platformose. 👍 Paspauskite „Patinka“ ir pasidalykite šiuo podkastu su savo tinklu! #MindaugasKuzminskas #LTUrinktine #Krepsinis #NBA #SportoPsichologija  Rasit “The Benas Podcast” čia: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …arba aspilankykite www.bmatke.com . Komentuokit, spauskit 'like' & dalinkites 'social media' kanaluose: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

    1h 19m
  4. EP#85 | James Gist: Life After Pro Basketball, Mentorship & the Next Generation

    FEB 2

    EP#85 | James Gist: Life After Pro Basketball, Mentorship & the Next Generation

    Former EuroLeague standout James Gist joins The Benas Podcast to talk honestly about life after pro basketball, chasing the NBA dream, and preparing for basketball retirement. Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and stashed in Europe, James built a high-level career with elite clubs like Partizan and Panathinaikos, winning titles across Europe. He shares what it was like balancing NBA aspirations while fully committing to a professional career overseas — and why mentorship played a key role in his development. James also opens up about his transition into coaching high school players, passing on lessons from his career, and helping the next generation prepare for life both on and off the court. This episode offers valuable insight for players and coaches thinking about retirement and what comes next after basketball. Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:00 Rookie in Europe & mentorship 9:55 NBA dreams 19:10 Fan bases & Cultures 33:20 Euro coaching vs US coaching 40:20 ⁠ProBallers.com⁠ 45:15 Retirement Process & Identity 52:15 Next Generation Mindset 1:01:40 Unlearning habits 1:05:15 New realizations as a coach 1:16:10 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network!  #JamesGist #Panathinaikos #LifeAfterBasketball #BasketballRetirement #ProBasketball #EuroLeague #Mentorship Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3⁠  Stitcher: ⁠https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast⁠ …or visit ⁠www.bmatke.com⁠ to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/bmatke3⁠ ⁠www.bmatke.com⁠

    1h 28m
  5. EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture

    JAN 12

    EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture

    In this episode of The Benas Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Balčėtis — former Denver Nuggets front office member, 2023 NBA Champion, Harvard University graduate, and CEO of Confluence Valley (Tesonet Group). Tomas spent 20 years in the United States, worked inside the NBA, and now connects Žalgiris Kaunas and London Lions, leading AI, analytics, and technology integration in professional basketball. This conversation goes deep into NBA decision-making, Draft and trade processes, basketball analytics, and cultural adaptation in elite sports organizations. 🎙 Topics covered in this episode: - Inside NBA communication and front office decision-making - NBA Draft evaluation and trade discussions - Cultural adaptation in the U.S. and professional sports - Building trust with players and coaches - AI tools and analytics at Žalgiris Kaunas - The connection between basketball, data, and mathematics This is one of the most in-depth and insightful NBA-focused conversations on The Benas Podcast. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:40 U.S. culture & Boston 06:15 Heart issues 10:20 NBA communication 17:20 Trade discussions 21:15 Draft, Roster fit vs top talent 26:15 Learning from Tim Connelly 28:45 Connecting with players & coaches 32:20 Gold medal syndrome 39:00 ProBallers.com 42:30 Basketball, math, and data 44:30 "CEO of Confluence Valley"  46:40 Old Experience & new lessons 50:00 Žalgiris AI statistical tool 55:40 10 year plan 56:55 ATOs 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more NBA, basketball analytics, and sports leadership content. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms 🌐 https://www.bmatke.com

    1h 8m
  6. EP#83 | Tomas Balčėtis | NBA, „Draft“, kultūra & žmoniškumas

    JAN 10

    EP#83 | Tomas Balčėtis | NBA, „Draft“, kultūra & žmoniškumas

    Šiame epizode – pokalbis su Tomu Balčėčiu, kuris praleido 20 metų JAV, studijavo Harvarde, dirbo Denver Nuggets organizacijoje ir tapo NBA čempionu (2023). Šiuo metu Tomas yra CEO of Confluence Valley („Tesonet“ grupė) ir dirba su „Žalgirio“ bei „London Lions“ klubais, vystydamas duomenų analitiką, AI sprendimus ir technologijų integraciją. Kalbame apie: NBA organizacijų vidų „Draft“ ir „trade“ procesus Kultūrinę adaptaciją Amerikoje Ryšį su žaidėjais ir treneriais AI ir duomenų svarbą šiuolaikiniame krepšinyje 👇 Laiko žymos (chapters): 00:00 Intro02:05 Bostono ir JAV kultūra08:00 Vidinė NBA komunikacija15:00 „Trade“ pokalbiai18:40 Žmogiškas ryšys organizacijose23:30 Ribos su žaidėjais26:45 Pozityvinis ir negatyvinis treniravimas31:20 Investicija į talentą35:00 Aukso medalio sindromas40:00 ProBallers.com46:25 „Žalgirio“ AI įrankiai56:00 Matematikos ir krepšinio jungtis1:01:30 NBA žinių ateitis Gilus, atviras ir labai vertingas pokalbis apie sportą, kultūrą ir sprendimų priėmimą aukščiausiame lygyje. 🎙 The Benas Podcast 🌐 www.bmatke.com

    1h 21m
  7. EP#82 | Regev Fanan (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - Connection between Performance staff & Coaching staff

    12/29/2025

    EP#82 | Regev Fanan (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - Connection between Performance staff & Coaching staff

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#82) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Reggie": Reggie is currently the strength&conditioning coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv. After his playing career came to an end he became the athletic trainer at Bnei Hertzliya in 2009 and has been with Maccabi since 2013. He became the Euroleague champion as a player in 2005 and champion with Maccabi as the athletic trainer in 2014. Today, I Reggie & me talked mostly about the connection between him and the coaching staff. After having worked for so many different coaches at Maccabi Tel Aviv, he learned various ways to bring his message across and connect his job with the coaching staff. Reggie also opened up about the ins&outs of gaining the trust of players. This episode has a heavy focus on communication and coordination of his work with the rest of the team. Topics: 00:00 Intro 3:45 Logistics & Chemistry 11:15 Evolution of Science 14:40 Lifting after games 20:00 Gaining trust of players 24:00 Staff & Relationships 28:00 Communication with Head Coach 31:40 Watching practice & load 35:30 Injury & chain of commands 41:00 Adjusting to new coaches 45:20 Playing time & load 49:20 Trust of players / Information 54:00 Advice for young coaches 58:30 Health of staff 1:02:10 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network!  #RegevFanan #MaccabiTelAviv #Israel #Euroleague #Champion #Reggie #Strength&Conditioning #Performance Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

    1h 14m
  8. EP#81 | Mario Fioretti (Derthona Tortona) - 22 year journey from Assistant to Head Coach

    12/02/2025

    EP#81 | Mario Fioretti (Derthona Tortona) - 22 year journey from Assistant to Head Coach

    NEW EPISODE!  (EP#81) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Mario": Mario Fioretti is a first time Head Coach after spending 22years at Milano as an Assistant coach under various Head Coaches, most notably Ettore Messina the last 8years. He also spent one season as an Assistant Coach under Bobby Knight at the University of Indiana and learned from one of the best early on. After winning countless domestic titles with Milano he finally decided it was time to take on a new challenge and became the Head Coach of Derthona Tortona in the Italian 1st division.  Today, Mario and me talked about his journey as an Assistant coach and the lessons he learned working under various coaches, the essence of video scouting, the discussions about Post spacing and many more angles to look at. Obviously, we also talked the adjustment of becoming the main decision-maker, mentoring his staff and creating a bond. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 1:20 Memories of Ettore Messina 6:30 Obvious vs Non-obvious 11:40 Working under Bobby Knight  16:00 22years at Milano20:40 Incremental Improvement 23:30 How to handle information 28:30 Agree to disagree 34:10 Video Scouting Philosophy  39:15 ProBallers.com 46:00 First summer as Head Coach 49:00 Appreciation for Assistant Coach job 55:55 Handling a loss as Head Coach 59:00 Organizing Video Sessions  1:06:20 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network!  #MarioFioretti #DerthonaBasket #Tortona #ItalyBasketball #AssistantCoach #HeadCoach #Coaching Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

    1h 9m
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About

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within their profession. If you're interested in hearing the stories and lifestyles of high achievers, the biggest lessons throughout their life, their mindsets within their respective sports then please subscribe to this podcast, buckle up, get your cup of coffee and 'come fly with me'. Thank you :)

Information

  • Creator
    Benas Matkevicius
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Benas Matkevicius

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