FEB 19

The Business of Basketball | Ben Harrison (JackJumpers Owner)

What does it really take to run an NBL club? In this episode of Ballerz Baffle, Lachlan sits down with Ben Harrison — Partner at Altor Capital and Owner of the Tasmania JackJumpers — to break down the business of basketball. We cover: 🏀 Why Altor Capital bought the JackJumpers 📈 How ownership and investment works in the NBL 💎 The launch of the Jewels 🏗️ The High Performance Centre 👔 What they’re looking for in the next CEO 🔥 Finals pressure and roster decisions 🇹🇸 Growing the game across Tasmania This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a professional basketball club operates off the court — from strategy and leadership to long-term vision. If you’re a JackJumpers fan, an NBL fan, or interested in sports business, this one’s a must-listen. 🎙 Hosted by Lachlan 🏀 Ballerz Baffle The Future of Hoops Talk Powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North Get your Merch Check us out on the Radio - Chillifm

35 min

FEB 6

This Trucker Made the NBA: Junior Viranatuleo

He didn’t chase fame — he earned his way into the NBA.In this episode of Ballerz Baffle, powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North, Lachlan sits down with Junior — a former truck driver who worked his way behind the scenes to the very top of basketball. Junior shares his incredible journey from volunteering in Australian basketball to becoming elite support staff in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, working playoff games, rebounding for superstars, and managing the Australian Boomers on the world stage. This is a real story about:• work ethic• humility• being coachable• taking opportunities when they come No shortcuts. No hype. Just hard work and belief. A must-listen for players, coaches, volunteers, and anyone chasing a dream in sport. 👉 Follow Ballerz Baffle for more real stories from the world of basketball. #BallerzBaffle #NBA #BoomersBasketball #BasketballLife #WorkEthic #NoShortcuts #BehindTheScenes #AustralianBasketball

47 min

11/06/2025

Jack Heverin: The Voice Behind Australia's Biggest Games | Ballerz Baffle

In this episode of Ballerz Baffle, Lachlan sits down with legendary sports commentator Jack Heverin — the voice behind some of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments across the NBL, AFL, and cricket.Jack opens up about his journey from local radio to calling the Jack McVeigh buzzer-beater, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the commentary box, and gives advice to future broadcasters. They talk hoops, highlights, family life, and what it’s really like calling games alongside icons like Andrew Gaze, Lanard Copeland, and Pete Hooley.If you love the NBL, sports media, or dream of being behind the mic, this one’s a must-listen! 🏀 Proudly powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North📍 Presented by BallerzBaffle.au

35 min

10/19/2025

From Basketball Dreams to Building Empires: Aaron Sansoni

In this inspiring episode of Ballerz Baffle, Lachlan Mahoney sits down with Aaron Sansoni — part-owner of Melbourne United, best-selling author, global entrepreneur, and mentor to over 700,000 people worldwide. Aaron shares how his love for basketball began on the courts of Melbourne and eventually led him to co-own one of the biggest NBL teams in Australia. He opens up about his journey from humble beginnings, washing cars as a 12-year-old, to investing in over 80 businesses, including SpaceX. Together, Lachlan and Aaron dive deep into: 🏀 The vision for Melbourne United and the growth of Australian basketball 💼 What it really takes to succeed in business (and why failure is part of the process) 💡 The mindset behind “Practice Makes Progress” and the power of saying “I haven’t done it… yet” 🔥 Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship and why taking action beats waiting for perfect Whether you’re into hoops, business, or self-growth, this episode will leave you motivated to build your own empire. 🎙️ Powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North 📍 Listen now on ballerzbaffle.au/listen

27 min

10/02/2025

Lanard Copeland Unfiltered: Tigers Tales, MVP Talk & NBL's Next Big Thing

Strap in for an all-timer episode of Ballerz Baffle, as host Lachlan sits down with NBL royalty — Lanard Copeland. From his early days ballin’ in the NBA alongside Charles Barkley, to soaring through Aussie stadiums in the 90s with Andrew Gaze and the Melbourne Tigers, Lanard has seen it all. This isn’t just a trip down memory lane though. Lanard drops fresh takes on today’s NBL, the rising stars, and the biggest questions around the league — including JaVale McGee’s MVP buzz, Bryce Cotton’s citizenship drama, and why Tasmania, United and Illawarra are all in the title race. We cover:🏀 What made the Gaze–Copeland duo so deadly🎯 JaVale McGee’s massive impact on the league🇦🇺 Should Kyrie Irving play for the Boomers?🗣️ Why Bryce Cotton's move to Adelaide was deeper than hoops📺 The difference between playing and coaching🔥 Trash Talk: Steph vs Ray Allen, LeBron vs MJ🧠 Advice for hoopers, coaches, and future commentators👀 Behind-the-scenes NBA stories from the 90s🍽️ His honest take on Vegemite (spoiler: it’s a no)💰 Why today’s NBL players have it sweet compared to the "peanut money" days Lanard also talks about his commentary work on ESPN's "Nothing But Net", life after coaching, and why he’s still getting buckets on the golf course with Gaze every Tuesday morning. This is more than just an interview — it’s a front-row seat to decades of basketball insight, Aussie hoops culture, and pure storytelling gold. Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Career Snapshot03:00 – Playing with Gaze, the Tigers era06:30 – NBL 2025 breakdown: teams to watch09:30 – MVP race: JaVale, Bryce, and the rest13:00 – Coaching vs Commentating16:00 – Lanard's NBA journey (Philly & Clippers)20:00 – Fun chat: Vegemite, LeBron vs MJ, Steph vs Ray25:00 – Advice for players & coaches30:00 – Reflections on legacy, Hall of Fame & future of the game 🔊 Ballerz Baffle is proudly brought to you by: Swisherr Hoops Academy North 🎧 Subscribe for more weekly episodes diving into the heart of Aussie basketball.🌐 www.ballerzbaffle.au📲 Follow us @ballerzbaffle.au on all your socials🧢 Merch, news, and more via the website. Ballerz Baffle — The Future of Hoops Talk

48 min

09/28/2025

Christine Finnegan: A Journey in Sports Leadership

In this special ep, Lachlan sits down with Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan, fresh off her five-year milestone leading one of the NBL's most exciting clubs. They dive into the early days of building the Jackies, the massive impact of players like Will Magnay, Bryce Hamilton, and Jack McVeigh, and what’s next with Tasmania’s new WNBL team. Plus:– How the club started at a dining table in lockdown– The real story behind player signings and exits– Lachlan’s MVP prediction (👀 Bryce fans)– Tips for young leaders, future expansion talk & loads more Christine doesn’t hold back — and Lachie brings the heat with his trademark banter, bold takes, and inside scoops. 🎙️ Brought to you by Swisherr Hoops Academy North 🧢 Merch: ballerzbaffle.au📲 Follow us: @ballerzbaffle on socials Ballerz Baffle – The Future of Hoops Talk #NBL #JackJumpers #ChristineFinnegan #WNBL #AustralianBasketball #BallerzBaffle #Tasmania #NBL2025 #BasketballPodcast

53 min

09/20/2025

Reyne Smith: Hoops, Heat & Hometown Pride

From Ulverstone to Louisville, and now suiting up for the Cairns Taipans, Reyne Smith joins Lachlan for a proper yarn on his journey from small-town Tassie hoops to the bright lights of the NBL. In this episode, we chat through college ball, Boomer moments, BBQ chicken pizzas at Red Grasshopper, and what it really means to share the floor with Jack McVeigh. Reyne gets candid on injuries, tattoos, NBL dreams, and why Cairns was the right fit (soz Jackies fans). If you're a young baller, there are gems galore—shooting tips, mindset hacks, and a sneak peek into Reyne’s NBA ambitions. Plus, classic Ballerz banter, a few cheeky digs, and a whole lot of hoop love for Tassie. 🎯 Key Topics: Growing up in NW Tasmania Breaking the 3-point record at Louisville The Jack McVeigh Experience™ Repping the Boomers Why the Taipans were the right move 💥 Powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North👕 Fresh merch just dropped at ballerzbaffle.au 🎧 Like, follow, rate, and share — and tell ya mates about the future of hoops talk.

1 hr

09/18/2025

JackJumpers Reloaded: Bryce Hamilton, DJ & Tassie’s New Era

It’s all love for the Jackies this week as Lachlan goes all-in on his home squad, the Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜💚 With a fresh new core featuring Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson, Tyger Campbell, Josh Bannan, and the ever-solid Will Magnay, Tassie’s looking big, young, and dangerous. Lachlan runs through all the ins and outs, including key departures like Milton Doyle, Jordan Crawford, and Clint Steindl, plus what the new imports bring to the table. 🔥 Who’s the breakout star?🔥 Can Bryce be the best import in the league?🔥 Will this team be better than last year’s? Plus stats, potential starting five, and Lachlan’s trademark Tassie passion. 🎧 Powered by Swisherr Hoops Academy North 👕 Grab your merch at ballerzbaffle.au💥 The Future of Hoops Talk

6 min

Ballerz Baffle 🏀 The future of Hoops talk!🏀

The Business of Basketball | Ben Harrison (JackJumpers Owner)

This Trucker Made the NBA: Junior Viranatuleo

Jack Heverin: The Voice Behind Australia's Biggest Games | Ballerz Baffle

From Basketball Dreams to Building Empires: Aaron Sansoni

Lanard Copeland Unfiltered: Tigers Tales, MVP Talk & NBL's Next Big Thing

Christine Finnegan: A Journey in Sports Leadership

Reyne Smith: Hoops, Heat & Hometown Pride

JackJumpers Reloaded: Bryce Hamilton, DJ & Tassie’s New Era

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Ballerz Baffle 🏀 The future of Hoops talk!🏀

Episodes

The Business of Basketball | Ben Harrison (JackJumpers Owner)

This Trucker Made the NBA: Junior Viranatuleo

Jack Heverin: The Voice Behind Australia's Biggest Games | Ballerz Baffle

From Basketball Dreams to Building Empires: Aaron Sansoni

Lanard Copeland Unfiltered: Tigers Tales, MVP Talk & NBL's Next Big Thing

Christine Finnegan: A Journey in Sports Leadership

Reyne Smith: Hoops, Heat & Hometown Pride

JackJumpers Reloaded: Bryce Hamilton, DJ & Tassie’s New Era

About

Information

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