A Hoops Journey

ahoopsjourney

A podcast that explores the journey of people whose lives have been shaped by basketball. Hosted by Aaron Mitchell.

  1. 1 day ago

    Episode 187: Brandon to the Winnipeg Wesmen and Sea Bears — Grinding Through the Game, Building Programs, and a Life in Coaching with Mike Raimbault

    Happy Summer to all our listeners! We hope the next two months create memories and you get the chance to relax! We kick off July with Mitch’s former teammate and roommate on the road, Winnipeg Wesmen Head Coach and current Winnipeg Sea Bears Head Coach AND General Manager Mike Raimbault!! Mike’s story is a unique one; a Brandon native who grew up watching the Bobcats from a young age, eventually trying to get in off-season runs with the actual team, and cracking a roster spot…..which happened!  A story of adversity and hard work through the game, grinding as a coach and carving out a solid career. After hoops was done, Mike jumped right into coaching, first alongside Barnaby Craddock at BU, and then onto UNBC where he developed a national championship team and was CCAA Coach of the year.  Mike was settled in at UNBC but it was a phone call and push from mentor Dave Crook that had him apply for the Wesmen job. Fast forward 17 years and Coach is still at it! What a fun episode to go back and catch up on! Tap in! Mike Raimbault - Guest https://wesmen.ca/staff-directory/mike-raimbault/8 https://www.seabears.ca/bio--mike-raimbault https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-raimbault-a186b3251/   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

    1hr 12min
  2. 17 Apr

    Episode 182: Vancouver Island to the NCAA and Back Home — Trinity Western, Coaching, and Life in Haida Gwaii with Cal Westbrook

    From Courtenay to California, Langley and now Haida Gwaii! Today we have the story of a guy Mitch had the chance to coach on the BC U17 team… wayyy back, and now is a coaching colleague, Mr. Cal Westbrook. Cal’s love for competition and the game was evident early, and a few coaching mentors in his area on Vancouver Island helped nurture his basketball career and ability to compete. Some early blooming, making the Provincial Team as an underager, and the ability to score the ball made for a great high school career!  Once his time at GP Vanier Secondary came to an end, Cal started to explore some different options, deciding on heading to a D2 school in California, Cal State Stanislaus. After a frustrating Sophomore year, Cal felt like maybe it was time for some change, and he came back to play for the Trinity Western Spartans.  It wasn’t a difficult decision as Cal knew players like Tyrell Mara (Portland State) and Jacob Doerksen (UVic) were heading home. A great three-year run and a national title appearance were the topping of the cake for Cal. In the end, Cal finished his degree and now finds himself coaching and in administration in Hadai Gwaii. This part of the story is special and truly where all the good stuff happens. We appreciate Cal taking the time to be with us, and know there will be all sorts of takeaways in this one! Tap in! Cal Westbrook - Guest https://varsityletters.ca/calvin-westbrook-how-the-record-setting-g-p-vanier-twu-guard-found-his-coaching-paradise-amidst-the-remote-splendour-of-haida-gwaii/ Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

    1hr 45min
  3. 3 Apr

    Episode 181: From Regent Park to St. John’s — Teammates with Jamaal Magloire, the ABCD Camp Journey, and Giving Back as a Coach with Collin Charles

    If you know, you KNOW! Collin Charles is one of the most famous players to ever come out of the Toronto area, and for good reason! Collin and his high school teammate Jamaal Magloire broke down the doors in good fashion for Canadians, and carved out great paths for themselves Growing up in the Regent Park area with his Grandma, Collin loved hockey as a young person but quickly realized the cost that came with the sport, and decided to make a shift. He started hooping and couldn’t wait to get to Eastern Commerce and put his talents on display.  During those high school years it was a trip down to ABCD camp where it all changed for Collin. Even though he didn’t think he played well the interest started to come in and after some other trips in the states he gained the attention he so deserved! St. John’s was the choice and man did he get to play on some squads with some teammates. Felipe Lopez, Ron Artest, Zendon Hamilton, Erick Barkley and so many more.  Collin is now an educator back in Toronto and involved in coaching with his Toronto Gauchos and Little Hoopers programs. A story that can’t be missed, make sure you tap in! Collin Charles - Guest https://tmubold.ca/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/collin-charles/13   Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

    1hr 11min

About

A podcast that explores the journey of people whose lives have been shaped by basketball. Hosted by Aaron Mitchell.