Before The League

Grant Gurtin
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Basketball

Before the League tells the stories behind college basketball’s rising stars.Before the highlights. Before the draft. Before the league.We sit down with college basketball players to uncover the journeys, sacrifices, setbacks, relationships, faith, family, and moments that shaped them both on and off the court.From the players chasing their first big opportunity to the ones on the path toward professional basketball, **Before the League** is about getting to know the person behind the player — while they’re still writing the story.🏀 Real players.🎙️ Real conversations.📖 The stories behind the game.This is Before the League.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Peyton Miller: “Mr. 7:30”

    Peyton Miller has built his basketball identity around one simple habit: showing up early and putting in the work. Known as “Mr. 7:30,” Miller earned the nickname at St. Peter’s Prep by consistently arriving at the gym early for workouts—a routine he carried with him to Overtime Elite. He opens up about breaking his ankle before his junior year, how missing an entire summer fueled his passion and gave him a chip on his shoulder, and how going from an unranked player to competing against elite four- and five-star talent at OTE transformed his game. Now at George Mason, Miller explains why he chose the Patriots, what he sees in Coach Tony Skinn's system, and why he's determined to help lead the team to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

  2. 5d ago

    Fred Payne: The Injury That Changed Everything

    Fred Payne reflects on the journey that took him from Boston College to Oregon and the experiences that reshaped his approach to basketball and life. Five games into his freshman season at Boston College, Fred suffered a devastating injury that tore his ACL, LCA, and hamstring tendon. The long road back changed his perspective, giving him a deeper appreciation for the game and a renewed passion for playing. Fred also talks about the impact of Coach Grant on his development and maturity, adjusting from the energy of Boston to the laid-back lifestyle of Eugene, and why he believes trash talk is an important part of competition. Now, with the possibility of losing basketball still fresh in his mind, Fred is chasing one ultimate goal: a long career in the NBA.

  3. 6d ago

    Money Williams: “Separate Yourself”

    Money Williams sits down to talk about his unique journey from playing tackle football in California to becoming a college basketball player at Boston College. He shares how the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him toward basketball, winning a state championship at Damian Lillard’s alma mater, and the advice Lillard gave him about separating himself from the competition through extra work in the gym and film room. Money also opens up about his move from Oakland to Montana, transferring to Boston College, playing through illness during a conference championship, and the coaching conversation that ultimately convinced him BC was the right fit. Plus, he explains where his unforgettable name came from and why he believes young players should stop comparing their journeys to everyone else’s on social media.

  4. Oct 6

    Alex Wilkins: Overlooked, Undersized, Unstoppable

    Alex Wilkins sits down to share the journey that took him from being overlooked by high-major programs out of high school to earning an opportunity at one of college basketball’s biggest programs: Kentucky. He talks about being doubted because of his frame and recruiting profile, how Furman helped him expand his game, and the tournament run that gave him confidence he could compete against anyone—including UConn. Alex also opens up about his transfer portal process and why building a genuine relationship with Coach Mark Pope mattered more to him than chasing the biggest offer. From overcoming a serious childhood injury to still driving the 2010 Nissan Altima he bought with money from his high school job, Alex explains the mindset and work ethic that keep him grounded as he pursues his ultimate goal: the NBA.

  5. Oct 5

    Marcus Wilson: 2-Sport All-State Athlete

    Marcus Wilson sits down to talk about his journey from being an All-State athlete in both football and basketball to becoming a leader at Sacramento State. He shares how playing two sports helped develop his physicality and toughness, his journey through Washington State and UC Davis, and why Sacramento State felt like the right fit. Marcus also discusses working with Coach Mike Bibby, developing his basketball IQ, and learning from NBA veterans like Davion Mitchell and Isaiah Thomas. With a strong bond among the team and big goals ahead, Wilson believes this Sacramento State roster has what it takes to compete for a Big West championship and a spot in March Madness.

  6. Oct 4

    Matthew Willenborg: His Unbelievable Breakout Season

    After moving from Florida to Oklahoma, he helped lead his high school team to the state tournament for the first time in 23 years before beginning his college career at the University of Central Oklahoma. For two seasons, he was primarily a role player with limited minutes. Then everything changed. His junior season brought a breakout opportunity, including an incredible 18-point, 12-rebound, 9-block performance against the No. 1 team in Division II. That season eventually led to interest from multiple Division I programs and a transfer to Cal State Fullerton. He also shares the personal connection he discovered between his family and Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium, his decision to leave his planned corporate career behind, and his advice for players waiting for their opportunity.

  7. Oct 3

    Kaden Powers: From Quarterback to Big Ten Basketball

    Kaden Powers shares the story of how he went from being a standout quarterback in football to pursuing basketball full-time and eventually earning his opportunity at Rutgers. He talks about the game-winning shot that changed his confidence, the NBA players who influenced his mindset, why he modeled his game after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and what it was like stepping into the intensity of Big Ten basketball. Kaden also reflects on his freshman year, including a standout performance against UCLA, the reality of competing for limited opportunities, and what it meant to finally live out his childhood dream of playing high-level college basketball.

  8. Oct 2

    Jaden Forsythe: Becoming an Elite Shooter

    Jayden Forsythe sits down to talk about his basketball journey, from picking up the game at a young age to becoming an elite three-point shooter at Westtown, playing his freshman season at West Virginia, and transferring to William & Mary. Jayden shares what he learned from his coaches, the challenges of adjusting to college basketball, the surreal experience of winning The Crown tournament, and why he believes William & Mary is the perfect fit for his game. Now, his sights are set on helping William & Mary win a conference championship and make the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance.

  9. Sep 30

    Felipe Quinones: From Puerto Rico to IMG Academy

    From Puerto Rico to Florida, IMG Academy, and the college basketball level, this player opens up about the experiences that shaped his journey both on and off the court. He talks about building a relationship with Coach Jakus, moving to the U.S. after a hurricane, adapting to a more physical style of basketball, winning a state championship at IMG, representing Puerto Rico internationally, and what he hopes to be remembered for. A story about growth, resilience, representing where you come from, and the journey Before the League.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Before the League tells the stories behind college basketball’s rising stars.Before the highlights. Before the draft. Before the league.We sit down with college basketball players to uncover the journeys, sacrifices, setbacks, relationships, faith, family, and moments that shaped them both on and off the court.From the players chasing their first big opportunity to the ones on the path toward professional basketball, **Before the League** is about getting to know the person behind the player — while they’re still writing the story.🏀 Real players.🎙️ Real conversations.📖 The stories behind the game.This is Before the League.

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Gurtin
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Before The League
  • Show Website
    Before The League