Triple J Studios

Channel · 2 Shows

Sports

Sports

Updated Oct 17
Sports

Sports

Updated Oct 20

06/11/2024

Amir Carraway | Basketball to Business | Chico State| | Ep 2 (Full) | Triple J Sports Podcast

Sacramento, CA local and Chico State alum sits down and revisits his Basketball career from high school years to our time together with Coach Greg Clink at Chico State, and on to his overseas pro career. He updates us on what he is doing professionally today as an entrepreneur also giving back to the basketball community.
08/12/2024

Fowzi Abdelsamad | Retired Pro | Producer/Director/Screenwriter | Ep 9 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Writer, Director, and Producer Fowzi Abdelsamad reflects on his basketball journey from his early days to his professional career, which took him back to his birthplace, Saudi Arabia. He shares his philosophy of prioritizing the game and his passion for it above all. He fondly recalls his time at Fairfax High School, playing with a team brimming with Division 1 talent. His impressive stint at UC Davis left an indelible mark, establishing him as one of the most skilled players to don the Aggie uniform. He recounts his experiences playing internationally in Finland, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia before transitioning into Hollywood after retiring from basketball. He explains how the sport paved his way into the film industry, where he thrives as a screenwriter, director, and producer. Tune in to hear Fowzi’s compelling tales of defying norms and arbitrary rules, exuding confidence and swagger born from a genuine love for the game of basketball and the thrill of competition at the highest levels.
Aug 22

Melvin Ely: Accountability, Loss & Rebuilding After the NBA | TJSP E33 | S3

Melvin Ely returns for the final chapter of his three-part conversation with former Fresno State teammate and Triple J Sports Podcast host Phil Rasmussen. In Episode 33 of the Triple J Sports Podcast, Melvin opens up about the end of his nine-year NBA career, learning to live without the recognition that came with professional basketball and adjusting to marriage, family life and a new identity away from the game. Melvin also directly addresses his involvement in the NBA health care fraud case, the mistakes he made, the consequences he continues to face and what accountability means to him today. The conversation explores the loss of his mother and brother, reaching rock bottom, seeking therapy and finding the willingness to ask for help. Melvin shares the difficulty of repeatedly hearing “no” while trying to rebuild his professional life and move forward after becoming a convicted felon. He also discusses losing more than 100 pounds, his favorite NBA memories, why former players should stop measuring their careers against one another and the humility he gained while working at Frito-Lay. This is an honest conversation about mistakes, grief, mental health, accountability, rebuilding and learning to move forward without chasing the life or recognition you once had. In this episode: 🏀 The end of Melvin’s NBA career 👏 Learning to live without the applause 💍 Marriage and adjusting to life after basketball ⚖️ His involvement in the NBA health care fraud case 💔 Losing his mother and brother 🧠 Seeking help and beginning therapy 🚪 Hearing “no” more than 30 times after the case 💪 Losing more than 100 pounds ⭐ Memories involving JR Smith, Shaq, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan 🤝 Why former NBA players should stop comparing careers 🚶 Walking forward instead of chasing the past 🥔 Working at Frito-Lay and learning humility 🎮 Melvin’s “Come Play With Us” gaming project This is Episode 33 of the Triple J Sports Podcast and Part 3 of a three-part conversation with Melvin Ely. Part 1 follows Melvin’s childhood in Harvey, Illinois, his rise through the national basketball ranks, playing for Coach Jerry Tarkanian and developing into an NBA first-round draft pick at Fresno State. Part 2 covers his NBA Draft experience and nine-year professional journey through the Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Bobcats, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets and Denver Nuggets. Part 3 examines life after basketball, accountability, loss, therapy, physical transformation, humility and determining what comes next. WATCH THE COMPLETE MELVIN ELY SERIES Part 1: https://youtu.be/_j4WlAqstJE Part 2: https://youtu.be/YBEgGH-0RPA Part 3: This episode Complete podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE-3ZEh4TpBk CHAPTERS 00:00 Melvin on Accountability — Preview 02:51 Episode Introduction 08:28 The End of His NBA Career 11:44 Living Without the Applause 17:03 Coming Home — Marriage and Adjusting to Civilian Life 25:12 The NBA Health Care Fraud Case 32:17 Losing His Mom and Brother — Rock Bottom 36:16 Seeking Help and Therapy 59:11 Hearing “No” More Than 30 Times 1:05:38 Weight-Loss Journey — 360 to 255 Pounds 1:14:17 Best NBA Memories — JR Smith, Shaq, KG and Tim Duncan 1:24:03 NBA Brothers — Stop Measuring Careers Against Each Other 1:30:20 What’s Next — Walking Forward, Not Chasing 1:34:00 Working at Frito-Lay and Lessons in Humility 1:38:21 “Come Play With Us” — Melvin’s Gaming Project and Sign-Off Subscribe and turn on notifications for more honest conversations with athletes, coaches and leaders on the Triple J Sports Podcast. WATCH AND LISTEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TripleJ-Studios Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/triple-j-sports-podcast/id1816347722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64uwapfE1cgkO8tjF9bKfm SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/triplejstudios Follow Triple J Studios across every platform: https://linktr.ee/triplej.studios FOLLOW TRIPLE J STUDIOS Instagram: https://www.in
May 24

Scott Marsh | Season 2, Episode 19 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Triple J Sports Podcast – Episode 19 🎙️ Featuring Scott Marsh Host Phil Rasmussen is joined by longtime broadcaster and media veteran Scott Marsh, the voice behind more than 1,500 UC Davis games, for a deep dive into sports media, college athletics, and the evolving landscape of the game. Scott shares his unconventional path into broadcasting, from volunteering at a college radio station to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Aggie athletics. He reflects on the full-circle moments in his career, the preparation behind the microphone, and why the energy of live sports never gets old. The conversation explores: • The craft of sports broadcasting and what separates great play-by-play voices • Building long-term relationships with teams, coaches, and athletic departments • The evolution of college athletics in the NIL and transfer portal era • What makes successful coaches and programs stand out today • The balance between development, opportunity, and business in modern sports Phil and Scott also dive into Sacramento Kings history, from the electric Arco Arena days to the ongoing challenge of building consistency in a small market, and what those moments meant to the city and its fans. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at sports through the lens of someone who’s lived it from the microphone, blending storytelling, insight, and a deep appreciation for the people who make the game what it is.
Apr 5

Bennett Davison and AJ Bramlett | Season 2, Episode 17 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Season 2, Episode 17 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ Host Phil Rasmussen continues the deep dive into the legendary 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, welcoming back Bennett Davison and introducing his frontcourt teammate A. J. Bramlett, a key contributor on that championship team who went on to become an All-Pac-10 player and an NBA Draft pick. The conversation opens with reflections on today’s Arizona program under Tommy Lloyd, as AJ and Bennett draw comparisons between the current team and the culture built under Lute Olson during their era. From there, they rewind to their own journey, being thrown into the fire as young bigs, battling in practice against NBA-level talent, and developing through long hours in the gym with coaches like Phil Johnson. They share how their off-court friendship helped shape the identity and chemistry of a team that would go on to make history. The episode walks through the full tournament run, from early scares against South Alabama and College of Charleston to the turning point win over Kansas that gave the team unshakable confidence. Along the way, they revisit unforgettable moments: Miles Simon’s leadership, Biggie’s “Hypnotize” echoing through the hotel, and the presence of Arizona legends like Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr before the championship game. They also reflect on the title game itself against Kentucky, including AJ’s battle with foul trouble and the clutch free throws from Donelle Harris that sealed the win in overtime. The conversation closes with stories from the celebration, from a quiet late-night search for food to a massive homecoming in Tucson, and a reminder that nearly 30 years later, the bond between teammates remains just as strong. This week we dive into: 🏀 Reflections on today’s Arizona program vs. the ‘97 team 💪 Development, adversity, and earning a role as young players 🔥 Behind-the-scenes moments from the championship run 🎯 The turning point games and rise in team confidence 🏆 Final Four and title game memories 🤝 Brotherhood, chemistry, and lifelong friendships It’s a nostalgic, story-filled episode that captures the heart of a championship team, and the relationships that made it special. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations each week on the Triple J Sports Podcast! Chapters 00:00:00 – Intro & AJ Bramlett Introduction 00:02:55 – Welcome Back + Current Arizona Team Talk 00:15:41 – Freshman Year, Development & Team Chemistry 00:21:22 – The Tournament Run Begins 00:24:33 – Advancing Through the Bracket 00:42:57 – Final Four, Championship Game & Celebration
11/02/2025

Gus Argenal | Season 2, Episode 4 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Season 2, Episode 4 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ This week, host Phil Rasmussen sits down with Gus Argenal, head coach of the UIC Flames, for an insightful conversation about leadership, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of college basketball. From building a winning culture to navigating the modern realities of social media and NIL, Gus shares his perspective on what it takes to lead young athletes in today’s game, both on and off the court. He opens up about the lessons that come from tough losses, the importance of believing in yourself, and the role that family plays in keeping everything grounded. This week we dive into: 🔥 The mindset it takes to believe in yourself and learn from failure 🏀 How NIL and social media are shaping today’s college athletes 💡 The power of family support in pursuing your passion 🎯 What it takes to build trust and culture within a college program 📱 How young players can use their platforms to grow their brand responsibly It’s a candid, forward-looking episode full of wisdom for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to grow through competition, connection, and belief. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations all season long! Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:04:55 Coaching Journey & Career Moves 00:09:57 Lessons from Two Decades in Coaching 00:19:00 Head Coaching Philosophy 00:24:36 Managing Relationships & Team Culture 00:33:00 NIL, Branding, and Social Media 00:41:00 College Sports Landscape Changes 00:48:04 Youth Development & Skill Evolution 00:56:00 Team Building & Simplicity in Coaching 01:04:00 NBA Examples & Player Growth 01:10:55 Upcoming Season & Team Outlook 01:16:03 Closing Remarks & Farewell
Jan 11

Fowzi Abdelsamad | Season 2, Episode 11 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Season 2, Episode 11 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ This week, host Phil Rasmussen sits down with former UC Davis standout, professional basketball player, and filmmaker Fowzi Abdelsamad for a wide-ranging conversation about fatherhood, creativity, leadership, and embracing every chapter of life. Fowzi opens up about raising his 18-month-old daughter and balancing family with an ever-evolving career. From playing professional basketball overseas across Europe, South America, and the Middle East to transitioning into writing, directing, and producing in Hollywood, he shares how sports prepared him for life in film, from teamwork and communication to handling pressure and adapting on the fly. This week we dive into: 👨‍👩‍👧 Fatherhood, balance, and personal growth 🎬 Transitioning from athlete to filmmaker and producer 🏀 Overseas basketball stories and UC Davis nostalgia 🤝 Leadership, teamwork, and adapting communication styles 🚀 Growth through discomfort and expanding beyond one role It’s a thoughtful, inspiring conversation that blends sports, film, family, and leadership, offering insight for anyone navigating change, chasing creative goals, or building something bigger than themselves. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations all season long! Chapters 0:00 Introduction - Welcome & Guest Intro 2:28 Fatherhood Journey - Raising an 18-Month-Old 3:58 Current Projects - Nigerian Film Industry Partnership 4:48 Nigerian Cinema Expansion - Meeting Producers & Financiers 7:58 Distribution & Financing - Multi-Country Opportunities 9:18 Nigerian Talent & Vision - Showcasing African Stories 12:24 Cultural Adaptation - International Experience & Basketball 17:44 Networking Through Basketball - Building Relationships 24:18 Leadership & Communication - Adapting to Different Personalities 27:28 Playing Pickup Today - Social Media Era vs Old School 30:00 Hooping with Millionaires - LA Basketball Scene 31:05 NBA Players We Faced - Cedric Bozeman, Josh Childress, Craig Smith 33:16 Ramon Sessions Story - Filming at His Atlanta House 38:40 Deshaun Stevenson & Jamil Pugh - Freak Athletes 41:04 Athleticism vs Skill - NBA Development Paths 50:45 Transfer Portal Era - How College Basketball Would Be Different 53:30 Memorable College Games - Stanford, Utah State, Northridge 1:03:50 Dom McCloy’s Impact - Veteran Leadership & Confidence 1:11:00 Teammate Influence - Robert Esan & Gus Argenal 1:16:40 Dunking Stories - The Day We Had Our Legs 1:19:20 JK the Entertainment Lawyer - UC Davis Teammate Success 1:22:00 Career Development Journey - From Writing to Directing 1:25:25 Catching Up Short Film - Working with Thomas Jones 1:27:40 Growth Through Discomfort - Expanding Your Skillset 1:29:20 Closing Thoughts & Wrap Up
10/26/2025

Al Biancani | Season 2, Episode 3 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Season 2, Episode 3 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ This week, host Phil Rasmussen welcomes Al Biancani, renowned strength and conditioning coach whose career has taken him from the NBA to college basketball and beyond. Best known for his years with the Sacramento Kings, Al shares stories from working with some of the game’s biggest names and reflects on what made that era so special — the teamwork, the trust, and the culture that fueled their success. Now part of the Sacramento State basketball program alongside Mike Bibby and Shaq, he continues to bring that same energy and insight to a new generation of players. This week we dive into: 🏀 Life inside the Kings organization and the lessons learned from elite athletes 💪 The evolution of training, recovery, and performance at every level of the game 😂 Memorable moments and laugh-out-loud stories — including getting pinned by Shaq 🌏 Coaching experiences with the Chinese Women’s National Team 🔥 The lasting value of leadership, mentorship, and connection in sports It’s a thoughtful and entertaining look at the people, moments, and mindset that define a lifetime in basketball. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations all season long! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Kings Career 14:02 The Championship Era Kings and Team Culture 26:31 Training Philosophy and Working with Different Athletes 39:10 Locker Room Stories and Golfing 57:18 Coaching Stories and NBA Evolution 1:11:18 Sac State Basketball and Future Plans
Aug 9

Melvin Ely: Coach Tark, Fresno State & Becoming an NBA Prospect | TJSP E31 | S3

Melvin Ely joins his former Fresno State teammate Phil Rasmussen for Part 1 of an honest three-part conversation about growing up in Harvey, Illinois, becoming one of the nation’s top basketball prospects, playing for Coach Jerry Tarkanian and developing into an NBA first-round draft pick. In the Season 3 premiere of the Triple J Sports Podcast, Melvin reflects on his family, childhood, early development and the experiences that helped shape his confidence and competitive mindset. Melvin and Phil revisit his rise through the basketball ranks, attending the legendary ABCD Camp alongside Tracy McGrady, being recruited to Fresno State, adjusting to college basketball and learning within the culture Coach Tark created. They also discuss the modern realities of NIL and the transfer portal, Melvin’s senior season, believing in yourself when the odds appear stacked against you and Fresno State’s emotional trip to New York following the September 11 attacks. In this episode: 🏀 Growing up in Harvey, Illinois 👨‍👩‍👦 Melvin’s family, siblings and early influences 🔥 Rising through the national basketball rankings ⭐ Attending ABCD Camp with Tracy McGrady 🐾 Being recruited to Fresno State by Coach Jerry Tarkanian 🎯 Fresno State basketball culture and expectations 💪 Developing confidence and believing against the odds 🗽 September 11 and Fresno State’s NIT trip to New York 💰 NIL, transfers and advice for today’s young athletes This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation with Melvin Ely. Part 2 follows Melvin’s nine-year NBA career, beginning with the Los Angeles Clippers and continuing through the teams, coaches, teammates and experiences that defined his professional journey. Part 3 explores his life after the NBA, the mistakes that led to his involvement in the NBA healthcare fraud case, the consequences he faced and the lessons he has learned through accountability and reflection. WATCH THE COMPLETE MELVIN ELY SERIES Part 1: This episode Part 2: https://youtu.be/YBEgGH-0RPA Part 3: https://youtu.be/rtV8iGPnF9E Complete podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE-3ZEh4TpBk CHAPTERS 00:00 Coach Tark Recruiting Story Preview 01:40 Season 3 Intro 02:23 Guest Introduction — Melvin Ely 05:26 Growing Up in Harvey, Illinois 13:44 Family and Siblings 19:14 Rising Through the Ranks — ABCD Camp and Tracy McGrady 25:58 Coach Tark’s Legacy and Culture at Fresno 30:14 NIL, Transfers and Advice to Younger Players 35:17 Arriving at Fresno State 36:28 Fresno State Stories 47:23 Melvin Ely’s Senior Season 1:14:01 Believing in Yourself Against All Odds 1:20:54 September 11 and the New York Preseason NIT Trip Subscribe and turn on notifications for more honest conversations with athletes, coaches and leaders on the Triple J Sports Podcast. WATCH AND LISTEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TripleJ-Studios Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/triple-j-sports-podcast/id1816347722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64uwapfE1cgkO8tjF9bKfm SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/triplejstudios Follow Triple J Studios across every platform: https://linktr.ee/triplej.studios FOLLOW TRIPLE J STUDIOS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplej.studios/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triplejstudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560886028712 X: https://x.com/TripleJ_Studios Threads: https://www.threads.com/@triplej.studios Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/triplejstudios.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/triplejstudios/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/triplej_studios/ #TripleJSportsPodcast #TripleJStudios #MelvinEly #FresnoStateBasketball
Jan 2

Al Biancani | Season 2, Episode 10 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Season 2, Episode 10 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️ This week, host Phil Rasmussen welcomes back Al Biancani for his second appearance on the Triple J Sports Podcast, diving deeper into the evolution of training, team culture, and the realities of modern sports. Al reflects on how strength and conditioning has changed over the years, from early skepticism around weight training to today’s focus on functional movement, injury prevention, and consistency. He shares practical insight into what truly drives player development, emphasizing work ethic, accountability, and the importance of showing up every day. The conversation also explores the challenges facing college basketball and professional sports today, including team chemistry, leadership, and the business side of athletics. Al opens up about his time with the Sacramento Kings, offering behind-the-scenes perspective on ownership, coaching staffs, and the standards that shaped team culture, along with personal stories about some of the franchise’s most memorable players. This week we dive into: 💪 The evolution of strength and conditioning in sports 🏋️ Functional training, injury prevention, and building durable athletes 🤝 Team chemistry, accountability, and self-policing within programs 🏀 Inside stories from Al’s time with the Sacramento Kings 📈 The business realities of college and professional sports 👨‍👩‍👧 Youth sports, parenting, and navigating too many options It’s a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation packed with perspective for coaches, athletes, parents, and anyone interested in how sports continue to evolve on and off the court. 📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations all season long! Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:01:50 Al’s Start in Coaching & Early Strength Training 00:04:10 Evolution of Weight Training in Sports 00:09:30 Functional Training & Injury Prevention 00:15:20 Team Chemistry & College Basketball Challenges 00:21:40 Athlete Compensation & NCAA Changes 00:28:15 Sacramento Kings: Ownership & Culture 00:36:05 Legendary Kings Players & Locker Room Stories 00:44:50 Player Development & Work Ethic 00:49:30 Youth Sports, Parenting, and Life Lessons 00:52:45 Episode Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

Conversations and stories from athletes, coaches and leaders across sports and business. Exploring the interesting connections and mindsets that crossover from sports to business while keeping an eye on the impact of leadership and coaching on confidence and success.

Triple J Studios

Top Shows

Amir Carraway | Basketball to Business | Chico State| | Ep 2 (Full) | Triple J Sports Podcast

Fowzi Abdelsamad | Retired Pro | Producer/Director/Screenwriter | Ep 9 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Melvin Ely: Accountability, Loss & Rebuilding After the NBA | TJSP E33 | S3

Scott Marsh | Season 2, Episode 19 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Bennett Davison and AJ Bramlett | Season 2, Episode 17 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Gus Argenal | Season 2, Episode 4 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Fowzi Abdelsamad | Season 2, Episode 11 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Al Biancani | Season 2, Episode 3 | Triple J Sports Podcast

Melvin Ely: Coach Tark, Fresno State & Becoming an NBA Prospect | TJSP E31 | S3

Al Biancani | Season 2, Episode 10 | Triple J Sports Podcast

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