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#91 | Dražen Orešković: Basketball in Syria, Developing Jusuf Nurkic & Croatia Basketball

    May 28

    EP#91 | Dražen Orešković: Basketball in Syria, Developing Jusuf Nurkic & Croatia Basketball

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#91) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Dražen": Dražen Orešković’s coaching career has mostly been built as a high-level assistant coach in Croatian and European basketball, with a focus on player development, tactics, and national-team work rather than long-term head-coaching roles. He moved through youth and assistant positions before establishing himself in top-level professional basketball. He has worked as an Assistant Coach at the National Team level with Bosnia as well as Croatia. Also worked in the Euroleague with Khimki basketball and is currently a youth level coach in Aleppo, Syria. He also trained Jusuf Nurkic individually during his time in Portland and shared his experience in the NBA. Dražen has a rich coaching experience spanning across different cultures and continents and today we talked about all things coaching abroad. From being an assistant coach on the national team level during all competitions as well as his current experience in Syria and how he goes about adapting to a completely new cultures abroad. We also talked about living in the US, him training Jusuf and the Croatian basketball culture change within the team. Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:38 Why do you coach? 9:45 Developing Jusuf Nurkic 17:45 Youth competition in Syria 41:12 ProBallers.com 47:20 Croatian Basketball crisis & culture 1:08:04 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!  #DrazenOreskovic #CroatiaBasketball #SyriaBasketball #JusufNurkic #Development Finding Luka: IG: https://www.instagram.com/oreskovic.drazen/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drazenoreskovic/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583896873114  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
  2. EP#90 | Darius Songaila (LT): NBA etapas, pamokos iš Gregg Popovich & nauji vyr. trenerio iššūkiai

    May 12

    EP#90 | Darius Songaila (LT): NBA etapas, pamokos iš Gregg Popovich & nauji vyr. trenerio iššūkiai

    NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#90) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Sonko": Darius Songaila – vienas ryškiausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, daugiau nei dešimtmetį rungtyniavęs NBA ir Europos krepšinio elite. Su Lietuvos rinktine jis iškovojo 2003 metų Europos čempionato auksą bei Sidnėjaus olimpinių žaidynių bronzos medalį.  Baigęs žaidėjo karjerą Songaila pradėjo trenerio kelią kaip asistento vaidmenyje – Žalgiris Kaunas štabe talkino Šarūnas Jasikevičius, o vėliau San Antonio Spurs organizacijoje dirbo šalia Gregg Popovich. 2025 metų vasarą jis treniravo Lietuvos U20 rinktinę, o šį sezoną tapo BC Šiauliai vyr. treneriu. Šiame epizode su Darius Songaila kalbėjome apie jo kelią nuo NBA žaidėjo iki trenerio darbo aukščiausiame lygyje. Aptarėme NBA naujoko realybę ir linksmas užduotis rūbinėje, darbą trenerių štabe bei patirtį San Antonio Spurs organizacijoje šalia Gregg Popovich.  Taip pat kalbėjome apie svarbiausias pamokas iš NBA, trenerio filosofiją, pirmuosius žingsnius vyr. trenerio rolėje bei darbą su BC Šiauliai komanda. Ir, žinoma, dar daugiau istorijų iš ilgametės karjeros krepšinyje. Temos : 00:00 Darius Songaila – Intro 02:00 NBA naujoko užduotys & rūbinės kultūra 08:00 Šiuolaikinis bendravimas ir komunikacija 16:40 Adaptacija Europoje & žaidėjų rekrutavimas 24:50 Tapimas treneriu ir naujo identiteto paieškos 30:00 Trenerio darbas & žaidėjo limitai 41:40 ProBallers.com 49:30 Pirmosios vyr. trenerio pamokos 55:50 Gregg Popovich pamokos ir žinios 1:05:50 Kokį identitetą nori perteikti komandai? 1:14:40 Darbas su sporto direktoriumi / Ginu Rutkausku 1:18:30 Asmeninis gyvenimas ir aukos 1:24:00 ATO situacijos 📢 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! #DariusSongaila #Treneris #NBA #Siauliai #GreggPopovich  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 32m
  3. EP#89 | Luka Bassin - Doncic Effect, Slovenia Basketball & Player Development

    Apr 23

    EP#89 | Luka Bassin - Doncic Effect, Slovenia Basketball & Player Development

    NEW EPISODE! (EP#89) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke  Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Luka": Luka Bassin is a Slovenian basketball coach, player-development specialist, and scout known in regional European basketball circles. He has coached at youth and senior club levels, including currently as an Assistant coach of KK Ilirija in Ljubljana. He is especially recognized for player development—particularly with young prospects and big men—as well as scouting and tactical basketball education. Overall, he is respected in Slovenia for helping develop talent and contributing to the game behind the scenes. Today, we talked about the Slovenian basketball system and how it all comes together, the involvement of the Slovenian federation by hiring coaches like him to work with some clubs and try to explain how the Slovenian basketball has evolved over the years. We also covered the player development part as well as the current NIL/NCAA dynamic with investing in players. Topics: 00:00 Intro 2:50 Luka's beginnings 8:10 Where does the player development start? 15:35 How much training is too much? 19:15 Best pathway to develop for young guys 22:00 How to gain the player's trust? 25:20 Structure and view of Head Coach 29:40 ProBallers.com 34:10 Impact of Luka Doncic & Development 44:20 NIL & NCAA pathway 51:30 Slovenia Basketball Pyramid 59:40 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!  #LukaBassin #SloveniaBasketball #Ilirija #SloveniaBasketball Finding Luka: X: https://x.com/LukaBassin  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
  4. EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director

    Apr 1

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Benas Matkevicius

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