Passport to the Pros

Hozaifa Almaleh & Patrick Paone

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Basketball
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Passport to the Pros is a storytelling platform that shines a light on the untold journeys of professional athletes who’ve taken their talents across borders. The show dives into real conversations with athletes who’ve lived the grind, embraced the culture, and built careers in places far from home.

Jun 2

Boost Your Basketball IQ with Coach & Author Jason Calabrese

Basketball isn't just about talent, athleticism, or shooting. In this episode of Passport to the Pros, Hozaifa Almaleh sits down with veteran coach and author Jason Calabrese to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of the game: Basketball IQ. Jason discusses his bestselling book Boost Your Basketball IQ, shares lessons learned from years of coaching, and explains how players can improve decision-making, defensive awareness, rebounding, communication, and overall understanding of the game. The conversation also explores: • What separates smart players from talented players• Why transition defense is so important• International players and basketball intelligence• Lessons from legendary coaches and NBA stars• How parents and coaches can better support player development• Current NBA playoff observations and coaching strategies If you're serious about improving your understanding of basketball, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who has spent decades studying the game.

1 hr
May 8

KD Criticism, Lakers Problems & Betting Picks

In Episode 14 of Passport To The Pros, the crew dives deep into the NBA Playoffs, discussing LeBron James’ incredible performances at age 41, Victor Wembanyama’s playoff growth, the Lakers’ battle with OKC, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, Kevin Durant’s leadership questions, and much more. The episode also features betting insights, playoff predictions, and reactions to the biggest storylines across the NBA. Featuring: Hozaifa "Z" AlmalehMike ShagouryChad HendrickGiorgio Khoury

36 min
Apr 30

Training NBA Players & Modern Approaches to Basketball Player Development

In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we sit down with elite player development coach Danny Cooper — founder of Danny Cooper Basketball — to break down what it really takes to build high-level athletes in today’s game. Danny walks us through his journey from a Division III player to training NBA, college, and youth athletes across the U.S. and internationally. But this conversation goes beyond drills and workouts. We get into: Why emotional intelligence is a competitive advantage in basketballThe truth about what “commitment” actually looks like at the highest levelWhy most players are training the wrong wayThe biggest gaps in player development today (and how to fix them)How international players approach the game differentlyThe business side of building a basketball brand from scratchThis is a practical, honest look at player development — not just as a skillset, but as a mindset. If you're serious about improving your game, coaching others, or building something in the basketball world, this episode is worth your time.

38 min
Apr 21

Episode 12: NBA vs FIBA Rules: What Every Player Needs to Know

The NBA and international basketball may look similar—but the rules create two completely different games. In this episode, we break down the biggest differences between NBA and FIBA rules, including game length, court dimensions, three-point line spacing, goaltending, and defensive systems. We also go deeper into how these differences affect player performance, strategy, and why some players thrive in one system but struggle in another. If you're serious about understanding basketball at a higher level—this episode is essential.

37 min
Apr 11

Episode 11: There’s No One Path: The Real Journey Beyond the NBA (with David Dixon)

Most players grow up chasing one goal: the NBA. But what happens when that path doesn’t play out the way you expected? In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we sit down with David Dixon — a high-level college player who experienced firsthand how unpredictable the game can be beyond the spotlight. From early expectations to the reality of competing at the highest levels, Dixon breaks down what young athletes often miss: there are dozens of paths in basketball, and most of them don’t look anything like what you see on TV. This conversation goes beyond stats and highlights — it’s about mindset, adaptability, and understanding the full ecosystem of the game. If you're serious about basketball, this is the perspective you need before it’s too late.

1h 4m
Mar 12

Episode 10: The first 3-Point Shot in NBA history & more stories from NBA Champion Kevin Grevey

NBA Champion. NBA All-American. Scout. Coach. And one of the sharpest minds to ever talk about the game. In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we sit down with Kevin Grevey — former Washington Bullets guard and 1978 NBA Champion — for a deep conversation about basketball, mentorship, and what it really takes to reach the highest level of the game. Grevey shares the journey from growing up in Hamilton, Ohio, to starring at the University of Kentucky, and ultimately being drafted into the NBA. Along the way, he breaks down the influence of mentors, the importance of discipline and basketball IQ, and the moment he realized he could truly compete with the best players in the world. Episode 10-Kevin Grevey We also dive into: What it was like playing alongside legends like Wes Unseld and Elvin HayesThe mentality behind championship teamsHow the three-point line transformed the NBAThe evolution of the modern gameWhy understanding the history of basketball matters for today’s playersKevin’s perspective on today’s NBA and NIL in college basketballThis episode is full of stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights from someone who has seen the game from every angle — player, champion, scout, and mentor. If you care about basketball, leadership, and what separates great players from everyone else, this conversation is worth your time. Guest: Kevin Grevey🏆 NBA Champion – Washington Bullets (1978)🏀 All-American – University of Kentucky🎯 Former NBA scout and executive 📌 Subscribe to Passport to the Pros for more conversations with players, coaches, and experts across the basketball world. 👍 Like, comment, and share if you enjoyed the episode. #NBA #Basketball #KevinGrevey #PassportToThePros #NBAPodcast #BasketballHistory #CollegeBasketball #NBALegends

2h 5m
Jan 28

NBA Scouting Legend & Shooting Coach Adam Filippi on Kobe Bryant, US vs Int. Player Development and 3 things he looks for in young players.

From Player to NBA Scout: Inside the Mind of Adam Filippi In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we sit down with Adam Filippi—former professional player, the youngest scout in NBA history, and a key figure behind multiple championship organizations, including a decade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Adam takes us through his truly global basketball journey: growing up between the U.S. and Italy, playing professionally in Europe, and leveraging that international foundation into a career scouting and developing elite talent. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the NBA, including his time evaluating international prospects, working within championship locker rooms, and learning directly from legends like Kobe Bryant. This conversation goes deep on what scouts actually look for, the realities of playing and developing overseas, why fundamentals still matter more than hype, and how language, culture, and adaptability can open—or close—doors in professional basketball. Adam also breaks down his transition into player development and shooting, explaining why shooting remains the ultimate equalizer in the modern game. Whether you’re an aspiring pro, coach, scout, or just a student of the game, this episode is a masterclass in basketball knowledge, humility, and long-term career thinking.

1h 28m
Jan 9

Episode 8: You Didn’t Make the NBA… Now What?

In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we dive into the realities of playing professional basketball abroad. From navigating contracts and visas to adjusting to new cultures, styles of play, and expectations, this conversation breaks down what the overseas path really looks like. Michael Shagoury is joined by Hozaifa “Zee” Almaleh and Chad Hendrick, two players who have lived the international basketball experience firsthand. Together, they discuss who playing abroad is actually for, how players find opportunities, what kind of money can realistically be made, and the biggest mistakes athletes make early in their overseas careers. The episode also explores how international basketball can serve as a development pathway, not just a fallback, and why some players and coaches used overseas experience to reach the NBA. The conversation wraps with a fast-paced game challenging the hosts to guess which NBA players and coaches played or coached abroad before making it to the league. This episode is essential listening for high school, college, and international players considering professional basketball beyond the NBA.

1h 9m

Passport to the Pros is a storytelling platform that shines a light on the untold journeys of professional athletes who’ve taken their talents across borders. The show dives into real conversations with athletes who’ve lived the grind, embraced the culture, and built careers in places far from home.

Creator

Hozaifa Almaleh & Patrick Paone
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

15
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Hozaifa Almaleh & Patrick Paone
Show Website

Passport to the Pros