Splash City Basketball Podcast

Steve Hartman
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Basketball

Splash City is your go-to basketball podcast, diving deep into all the basketball that matters in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. From tactical breakdowns and recruiting news to live game commentary, we cover it all from the land of 10,000 lakes.

  1. 5h ago ·  Video

    Raising the Floor: The Business of College Hoops NIL, Revenue Sharing & The Wild West

    The landscape of college athletics is shifting in real time. From name, image, and likeness (NIL) to revenue sharing models, college basketball is operating more like a professional business strategy than ever before.  In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman sits down with Kevin Hughes, former UW-Green Bay player and founding partner at Walker Miles. Bringing 16 years of branding and strategy experience, along with a background in NFL athlete representation, Kevin offers an insider's look at how NIL is transforming collegiate sports.  In this episode, we cover: The Evolution of NIL: Explaining the difference between "Salary NIL" under revenue sharing and "Real NIL" marketing endorsements. Budget Breakdown: How universities allocate the initial $22M revenue share cap across football, basketball, and non-revenue sports. Regulation & Oversight: The role of the College Sports Commission (CSC) and NIL Go in auditing deals for fair market value. Metropolitan Advantages: Why urban markets like the Twin Cities (featuring Minnesota Gophers and St. Thomas) are uniquely primed for corporate NIL partnerships and storytelling. Behind the Scenes: Stories from the athlete representation world, navigating the transfer portal, and where college sports governance goes from here. Follow & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Splash City Basketball Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or YouTube! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  2. 2d ago ·  Video

    Lynx Playoff Realities & Wolves Superior Vibes with Derek Long

    Host Steve Hartman is joined by Derek Long (aka Croonch) from the Sideline Vibes podcast for a deep dive into the latest in Minnesota hoops! In this episode, Steve and Derek break down the Lynx’s swift postseason exit against the New York Liberty, dissecting the match-up challenges, offensive flow, and key offseason outlooks.  Then, the guys switch gears to the Timberwolves as training camp kicks into high gear. They talk about the team’s new-look chemistry, the dynamic impact of adding LaMelo Ball, Ant’s evolution as a leader, and what noticeable on-court changes to expect this season—from improved offensive flow to second-unit defensive stability. Plus, Steve breaks down an upcoming project on Niko Medved’s Princeton offense with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and shares details on an exciting vintage apparel collaboration with Dime House Hoops! Sponsor Shoutout: Special thanks to Dan Radke at Radke Basketball Academy for sponsoring this episode! Elevate your player’s game with group or individual training sessions by visiting RadkeBasketballAcademy.com and using code SPLASH5 for $5 off a group session. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and follow the Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Blue Sky! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  3. Sep 30 ·  Video

    Raising The Floor: Top 10 Preseason CBB Events & The Protect College Sports Act

    In this "Raising The Floor" episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman dives into the upcoming college basketball season with a full breakdown of the top 10 preseason events to watch and attend this November. From destination tournaments in the Bahamas, Maui, and Las Vegas to marquee showcases in New York City and Chicago, Steve ranks the best early-season action based on location, star power, and off-court entertainment.  Plus, he gives a special shoutout to the upcoming slate of games at the driveable, for most Midwesterners, Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.  Before jumping into the tournament rankings, Steve breaks down the news surrounding the Protect College Sports Act following its passage in the Senate. He discusses the bill's proposed transfer portal rules, conference limits, and the ongoing debate regarding player representation and earning caps.  He also provides an update on the legal situation of fifth-year eligibility cases—including Cade Tyson—and how state-by-state court rulings are impacting roster projections across the country.  Sponsored by 2nd Chance SportswearScore vintage, pre-loved sports apparel, throwbacks and game-day gear at budget-friendly prices. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  4. Sep 28 ·  Video

    Lynx vs. Liberty Playoff Preview with Terry Horstman + Target Center Arena Drama?

    In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman brings on beat writer Terry Horstman (The IX Sports, Hitting the Hardwood) to break down the Minnesota Lynx’s first-round WNBA playoff matchup against the New York Liberty.  Fresh off Lynx practice, Terry gives an inside look at the squad, analyzing rookie superstar Olivia Miles’ impact and her calf, Napheesa "Phee" Collier’s health, Cheryl Reeve’s playoff preparation, and the key turnover and size matchups that could decide the series.  Steve recaps the Lynx's Game 1 playoff battle and dives into the off-court news surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves and Target Center. He weighs in on team ownership hints regarding potential public funding for a new arena, alongside updates on Niko Medved’s offensive system and the ongoing debate over renovating "The Barn" vs. building a new venue.  Key Topics Covered: Lynx vs. Liberty Deep Dive: Terry Horstman breaks down the first-round matchup, Cheryl Reeve's playoff history, Olivia Miles' elite rookie year, and injury/health updates on Napheesa Collier and Jonquel Jones. Lynx Game 1 Breakdown: Analyzing Minnesota’s offensive execution, turnover struggles, and New York's perimeter length. Target Center & Timberwolves Arena News: Unpacking the latest comments from Timberwolves ownership regarding public funding assistance for a new arena. Tactical & Minnesota Hoops Talk: A look ahead to Niko Medved’s national assist-rate-leading offensive schemeConnect & Subscribe: Website: splashcitybasketball.com Follow: Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Terry Horstman: Check out his coverage at theIXsports.com and hittingthehardwood.com, or follow him on social media @TerryHorstman Sponsor Offer: Visit Radkebasketballacademy.com and use promo code SPLASH5 for $5 off a group session!Sponsored by Radke Basketball AcademyBased out of Mound, MN RBA provides small-group & 1-on-1 basketball training. Book a session today! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  5. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Raising the Floor: Debate over The Barn + NIL & WNBA with Nicole Jackson

    Is The Barn, formerly Williams Arena, a beloved historic treasure or an outdated facility in need of a overhaul? Host Steve Hartman is joined by Hitting the Hardwood writer Nicole Jackson for the season debut of Raising the Floor.  Together, they explore: The Barn's Crossroads: Analyzing the feasibility of renovating Williams Arena vs. building a new venue, and how corporate sponsorship (like Blue Cross Blue Shield) fits into modern college hoops. The Legal Side of College Sports: How Nicole's day job as a paralegal shapes her view on NIL rulings, transfer portal precedent, and extra eligibility cases. Gopher Women's Basketball: Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season after raising a Sweet 16 banner. WNBA & College Venues: Checking in on the Minnesota Lynx's playoff seeding and comparing iconic venues from Cameron Indoor to Allen Fieldhouse. This episode of Raising the Floor is brought to you by Second Chance Sportswear, your home for vintage and pre-owned sports apparel. Visit secondchancesportswear.com!  Sponsored by 2nd Chance SportswearScore vintage, pre-loved sports apparel, throwbacks and game-day gear at budget-friendly prices. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  6. Sep 21 ·  Video

    Year 2 Kickoff: New Sponsor, Timberwolves’ Kuminga Fit & 3 Youth Tryout Realities

    We’re officially in Year 2 of the Splash City Basketball Podcast! Host Steve Hartman kicks off the new season reflecting on the journey so far and breaking down the new weekly calendar. Sunday potpourri episodes and Wednesday’s new college/Gophers-focused show, Raising the Floor.  Plus, in this episode: Sponsor Spotlight: Steve sits down with Dan Radke of Radke Basketball Academy to talk about his first 6 months, fundamental training, and building player confidence. Timberwolves Breakdown: Analyzing the Jonathan Kuminga signing, his athletic fit alongside Ant and LaMelo Ball, rotational flexibility, and concerns over frontcourt depth. Youth Tryout Realities: 3 key takeaways from 5 years of youth basketball tryouts, including shifting from "looking good" to displaying hard work, building balanced rosters, and teaching athletes self-evaluation. Special Offer: Use code SPLASH5 at RadkeBasketballAcademy.com to get $5 off your next group training session!  Sponsored by Radke Basketball AcademyBased out of Mound, MN RBA provides small-group & 1-on-1 basketball training. Book a session today! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  7. Sep 14 ·  Video

    Greatness at the Position: Ranking the Greatest Centers in Minnesota & NBA History

    On the fifth and final installment of the "Greatness at the Position" series, host Steve Hartman breaks down the position that has defined generations of basketball: the center.  Steve is joined by Andrew Wiener, Director at West Central United AAU, for a deep dive into the evolution of the big man, from old-school rim protectors and footwork masters to modern-day perimeter threats and high-level facilitators. They explore what truly defines elite play at the center position, how positionless basketball is changing roster construction, and how certain traits and characteristics of the position are timeless. Plus, Steve and Andrew debate their ultimate top five rankings of all-time Minnesota high school and the top five NBA centers of all time. They finish the conversation by analyzing current Minnesota Timberwolves big men, rim protection, and player trajectory heading into the upcoming season.  Key Topics Covered: AAU & Player Development: Recapping West Central United’s summer run, playing in Las Vegas, and evaluating high school prospects. The Evolution of the Center: Balancing physical size, instinctual shot-blocking, and screen setting with modern skills like outside shooting and passing. Minnesota’s Greatest Big Men: Debating the state’s rich history of legendary centers, from small-town stars to college and NBA standouts. All-Time NBA Centers Debate: Comparing dominant eras, style matchups, efficiency stats, and where current superstars fit in history. Timberwolves Center Outlook: The defensive impact of current frontcourt players and what to expect from Minnesota bigs this season. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the pod with your fellow basketball junkies!  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

  8. Sep 7 ·  Video

    Greatness at the Position: Power Forwards, Unsung Enforcers & Top 5 from MN & all-time

    Host Steve Hartman returns for Part 4 of the Greatness at the Position series on the Splash City Basketball Podcast! This week, the spotlight shifts down low into the trenches to break down everything that defines an elite power forward, from rim tenacity and complimentary skill sets to physical enforcers and master footwork. Joining Steve is friend and former St. Francis Saints big man Matt Neumann to unpack the physical evolution of the four-spot, undersized enforcers, and the unsung dirty work that wins big games.  Key Topics Covered: Anatomy of an Elite Power Forward: Why complimentary fit with your center matters most, embracing physical contact, paint control, hand fighting, screen-and-roll dynamics, and baseline off-ball movement. Local Enforcers & North Metro Legends: Matt and Steve look back at some of the toughest, most physical big men in Minnesota high school hoops history (including North Suburban Conference, Lakeville North and Central Minnesota standouts). Top Minnesota Power Forwards of All Time: The guys debate the greatest four-men to come out of the North Star State including NBA Hall of Famers and Big Ten legends to high school phenoms. Tune in to hear who made the top of the list! Top 5 NBA Power Forwards of All Time: A clash of eras comparing mid-range maestros, elite rebounding machines, hyper-efficient champions, and physical enforcers. The guys swap out classic names and debate who truly belongs on the ultimate Mount Rushmore.Let us know who we missed in the comments or if you have more names to add!  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.  Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Splash City is your go-to basketball podcast, diving deep into all the basketball that matters in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. From tactical breakdowns and recruiting news to live game commentary, we cover it all from the land of 10,000 lakes.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Hartman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Splash City Basketball Podcast
  • Show Website
    Splash City Basketball Podcast

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