UVA and NOVA Legends Podcasts®

Julian Brown
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports

NOVA, Virginia, and UVA Legends Podcasts are interviews with the best of Virginia and DC Area homegrown talent and with sources that provide insightful information about local and statewide sports. I talk to national figures like Grant Hill, Tommy Amaker, and Jill Ellis but also terrific local athletes, coaches and even business/legal leaders. Hundreds more interviews available on NOVA Legends Podcast's Youtube channel.

  1. 3h ago

    Johnny Anderson: The South County Clutch Star's Unforgettable Senior Season | NOVA Legends

    Former South County basketball standout Johnny Anderson joins me to reflect on the unforgettable 2025–26 season that saw the Stallions capture district and regional championships and reach the Virginia state semifinals.An All-State guard, Anderson delivered one of Northern Virginia's most memorable moments of the postseason, hitting a dramatic last-second shot against Lake Braddock to keep South County's season alive. Johnny takes us inside that final possession, recalls the celebration that followed, and discusses the chemistry, confidence, and resilience that fueled the Stallions' championship run.He also reflects on his relationship with South County coach Mike Robinson, the fierce rivalries of the Patriot District, and the teammates and mentors who shaped his development.Now beginning his college career at Virginia Wesleyan, recently renamed Batten University, Johnny discusses the transition to college basketball, playing alongside his older brother Paul, and his goals for the next chapter.NOVA Legends® Podcast is proudly sponsored by Foley Mechanical, the DMV's elite HVAC company.

  2. 5d ago

    Brady Conklin: Woodson's Two-Sport Star Chooses Basketball | NOVA Legends

    Woodson standout Brady Conklin joins me to discuss his remarkable career as one of Northern Virginia's top two-sport athletes.A First-Team All-State basketball player and All-Region soccer midfielder, Brady recently committed to Washington and Lee University to continue his basketball career. But his path wasn't always clear. At one point, he seriously considered giving up basketball to concentrate on soccer.Brady reflects on Woodson's rich athletic tradition, playing for basketball coach Doug Craig and soccer coach Burke, and the Cavaliers' memorable 2025 basketball postseason run. He previews Woodson's highly anticipated 2026–27 basketball season, discusses the fierce competition in the Patriot District, and shares his thoughts on the benefits of playing multiple sports rather than specializing at an early age.We also talk about his family's athletic background, the challenges of balancing two sports, and why the friendships and memories of high school athletics are so special.NOVA Legends celebrates the great athletes, coaches, and personalities of Northern Virginia sports, past and present.

  3. 5d ago

    Jose Olivero: From Woodson Star to European Pro Basketball | NOVA Legends

    From standout high school basketball player to international pro to military officer, Jose Olivero has led a life defined by discipline, adaptability, and leadership.Olivero joins me to reflect on a basketball journey that began at Woodson High School, where he emerged as one of Northern Virginia's top players after transferring from Tampa. An All-Met and All-State selection, he went on to star at Lehigh University, scoring 1,762 career points, earning First Team All-Patriot League honors twice, and helping lead the Mountain Hawks to a Patriot League championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.He then spent several years playing professionally in Europe and the Caribbean, competing in Lithuania, France, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. Olivero shares stories from the international game, including a memorable championship run, the intensity of overseas basketball culture, and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the court.The conversation also revisits the golden era of Northern Virginia high school basketball, the influence of legendary Woodson coach Mike Pflugrath, and the relentless work ethic that helped transform talented players into Division I athletes.After his playing career, Olivero embraced a new challenge by joining the United States Army. He discusses the transition from professional sports to military service, the similarities between athletic and military leadership, and the lessons that carried over from one career to the next.Olivero also offers thoughtful insights on NIL, the transfer portal, loyalty, resilience, and how the modern college game differs from the one he experienced.It's a conversation about basketball, leadership, service, and the unexpected paths that can follow a dream pursued to its fullest.NOVA Legends® Podcast is proudly sponsored by Foley Mechanical, the DMV’s elite HVAC company.

  4. 5d ago

    Loudoun Valley Football: 6–0, Revenge on Loudoun County & a State Title Dream | NOVA Legends

    Loudoun Valley football is 6-0, and the Vikings have already avenged one of the most painful losses in recent program history.Quarterback Zach Detweiler, running back Ethan LaFollette, and lineman Aiden Oliver join NOVA Legends after Loudoun Valley's dramatic 23-20 victory over longtime rival Loudoun County, the team that ended the Vikings' season in last year's regional championship.The three seniors discuss what that win meant after an offseason fueled by disappointment, why they believe Loudoun Valley can contend for a Virginia state championship, and what must improve before the playoffs.We also explore the unique football culture of Purcellville, the rivalry with Woodgrove, and what sets western Loudoun County athletics apart from the rest of Northern Virginia.Zach, Ethan, and Aiden reflect on playing both sides of the ball, the teammates who have emerged this season, and the leadership of head coach David Bishop. They also discuss their college football aspirations and what they're seeking in their next program.Most memorably, the three friends look back on growing up together, the bonds forged through football, and the realization that this is their final season wearing a Loudoun Valley uniform.From a thrilling rivalry win to dreams of a state championship, this is a conversation about football, friendship, community, and one last chance to make history.Featured Guests Zach Detweiler, Quarterback Ethan LaFollette, Running Back Aiden Oliver, Offensive and Defensive Lineman

  5. Oct 1

    Vincent Ordenes: From DeMatha & Hayfield to CIAA Football

    Virginia State wide receiver Vincent Ordenes joins NOVA Legends to talk about his football journey from DeMatha and Hayfield to becoming an immediate contributor with the Trojans.Vincent breaks down what Division II football is really like, why he chose not to redshirt, and the competition inside a Virginia State program with championship ambitions. He talks about quarterback Rahsaan Matthews, Coach Henry Frazier’s player‑led approach, and the difference he saw when Virginia State faced Division I South Carolina State.We also revisit his DMV story — growing up admiring Sean Taylor, competing in football and basketball, attending DeMatha, then transferring to Hayfield to play for Darryl Overton. Vincent speaks candidly about the controversy surrounding that Hayfield team, missing the chance to compete in the playoffs, and why he still has no regrets.He reflects on playing basketball for Carlos Poindexter, his friendship with Virginia Tech standout Jeff Overton, and what it has meant to experience HBCU life as a Bolivian‑American student‑athlete — from Virginia State’s traditions to the culture of the CIAA.Now with Virginia State off to a strong start, Vincent discusses the program’s expectations, his own future, and why his focus remains on succeeding where he is rather than constantly searching for the next opportunity.He’s also a Mass Communications major with ambitions in sports broadcasting — so this may not be the last time he’s behind a microphone.NOVA Legends® Podcast is proudly sponsored by Foley Mechanical, the DMV’s elite HVAC company.

  6. Sep 28

    Tim Ellison Comes Home to Edison — and What He’s Learned About Developing Players

    Tim Ellison is coming home.The 2007 Edison graduate returns to lead the Eagles after a basketball journey that took him from Edison to UDC, professional stops in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, and most recently the Hayfield sidelines, where he helped develop players and contributed to two state titles.Ellison explains why he’s ready to be a head coach, what he learned working alongside Carlos Poindexter, and how he approaches player development. He also reflects on his own career — becoming a 1,000‑point scorer at UDC and transforming himself from a slasher who “couldn’t shoot” into a shooter through relentless repetition.We talk about the great Hayfield teams, Braylon Wheeler, Greg Jones, Andy Ramirez, John Awoke, the coaches who shaped him, what parents sometimes misunderstand about individual training, and what Edison fans can expect from his first team.Nearly 20 years after graduating, Ellison is walking the same hallways again — this time as the man entrusted with leading the program.

  7. Sep 28

    Mike Pflugrath: Woodson, South County & One of NOVA Hoop’s Great Coaching Trees

    Former Woodson and South County coach Mike Pflugrath joins NOVA Legends to reflect on a career that spans Army service, coaching, teaching and school leadership.An Oakton graduate and JMU ROTC alum, Coach Pflugrath served as an Army platoon leader in Panama, Somalia and Guantanamo Bay. He explains how leading soldiers shaped the calm, steady leadership style he later brought to coaching.Pflugrath also built one of Northern Virginia’s great coaching trees — eleven former assistants became head coaches. He discusses lessons from Red Jenkins, Charlie Thompson and Tom Casey, and why empowering assistants became central to his approach.We revisit his Woodson years, the Jose Olivero teams and a memorable regional run, then follow his move to help build South County’s athletic culture.Pflugrath also talks about Mike Robinson, South County’s rise, the importance of coaches being educators, and his transition to administration — culminating in his tenure as principal at Osbourn High School, where he focused on removing barriers and improving graduation outcomes.A conversation about basketball, leadership and the lasting influence of a coach.

  8. Sep 24

    Justin Powers: Why Gainesville Could Make Another State Run

    Gainesville boys basketball coach Justin Powers joins me to discuss the rise of the Cardinals, last season’s unexpected run to the Virginia state playoffs, and why Gainesville may be ready for another deep push in 2026–27.Powers has coached across Northern Virginia — from South County and Robinson to Freedom, where he helped turn a struggling program into a state contender. His 2019 Freedom team entered the postseason as a five seed after a 12–10 regular season and still reached the state championship game.We discuss the changing basketball landscape in Prince William County, player movement between schools, the emphasis on exposure and recruiting, and the differences between coaching in Loudoun and Prince William. Powers also recalls opening Gainesville High School and building a basketball culture from scratch — even teaching students how to create a student section before the first home game.Powers breaks down Gainesville’s state tournament run last season and why this year’s team may be even better despite losing two players to private schools. He discusses Christian Brown, Cam Lee and other emerging Cardinals, as well as Grant Polk’s path from Gainesville to St. Albans and South Carolina.We also talk scouting and postseason preparation, the Cedar Run District, Patriot and Battlefield, the changing regional hierarchy, and why old-school post play still has a place in modern basketball.NOVA Legends® Podcast is proudly sponsored by Foley Mechanical, the DMV’s elite HVAC company.

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About

NOVA, Virginia, and UVA Legends Podcasts are interviews with the best of Virginia and DC Area homegrown talent and with sources that provide insightful information about local and statewide sports. I talk to national figures like Grant Hill, Tommy Amaker, and Jill Ellis but also terrific local athletes, coaches and even business/legal leaders. Hundreds more interviews available on NOVA Legends Podcast's Youtube channel.

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