With European youth tournaments in progress, The MVP Cast looks at our next generation of talented males. US-based Brit, coach and scout Chris Mayes, and stats guru / talent spotter Dave Owen join Mark Woods to go over the names on a trajectory to the top and we assess how the forecasting progress works and who is flagged up as ones to watch. More …

The MVP Cast looks ahead to EuroBasket Women 2023 and examines Great Britain's chances. We get the thoughts of head coach Chema Buceta and new captain Temi Fagbenle - plus Hannah Robb and Erin McGarrachan go deep on their pathways to Slovenia and the expectations from within the camp. More at mvp247.com…

Great Britain centre Kirsty Brown joins the MVP Cast. With less than a week before FIBA EuroBasket Women 2023 begins, we catch up with the Leicester Riders star on progress on the road to Slovenia. She tells us about the long round trip from Edinburgh to California and back to these shores, her drive to turn pro and the hopes of a new generation of…

A rough and ready episode of the MVP Cast from The 02 as London Lions make it a double over Leicester Riders in the BBL and WBBL Playoff Finals - as we hear from Ryan Schmidt, Darien Nelson-Henry, Krumesh Patel, Azania Stewart and Stella Kaltsidou.By Britball Media

London Lions men's head coach Ryan Schmidt joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about the learning curve undertaken last season and in mixing with old hands in the EuroCup and the opportunities it has afforded him. We head back to the start of his love affair with basketball in Portland and how injuries took him from playing in the minor leagues…

MCing legend Simon Hosannah joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about how he fell into announcing basketball, the big names and big games where he's been the man on the mic, and the work it takes to put on a show. But he also reveals the mammoth change in his life that's put him in a contest of his own - and why it's led him to retire from cour…

WBBL chair Jim Saker joins the MVP Cast to talk State of the League. Plus reaction following the 2023 BBL and WBBL Trophy finals. Hannah Robb tells us why Leicester Riders will be back, Shanice Beckford-Norton looks inside London Lions win, Azania Stewart explains her retirement - and why she may not be quite ready to finish up. And following Caled…

Caledonia Gladiators and Ivory Coast big Patrick Tapé joins the MVP Cast.----more---- Amid March Madness, he tells us about his own college days which began with combining books and basketball at Ivy League Columbia University, ended with a stint off the streets of San Francisco, and crammed in a spell under Coach K at Duke University. He recounts …

Bristol Flyers guard Jelani Watson-Gayle joins the MVP Cast. He tells us about his transformation from being a footballing hopeful with Leyton Orient to throwing his all into basketball - with huge assists from his mother and older brother. We talk the learnings to becoming a leader, the confidence he gained from going to the States at age 15 that'…

Durham Palatinates centre Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about the globetrotting odyssey that saw her grow up across Europe but left her hunting for proper roots in this post-Brexit time. She reveals the rationale behind her decision to return to the Women's British Basketball League, her early leap into the game …

Manchester Giants wing Dirk Williams joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about combining fatherhood with basketball and the life lessons learnt while growing up in Alabama with hoop dreams. We relive the dunks that won him trans-Atlantic fame and the move he has in mind next. And why a players-only meeting in Manchester can be the spark for the…

British basketball's numbers guru Dave Owen joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his drive to chronicle the stats of all our players at home and abroad to give them the recognition they deserve. We talk about his tech development and a push to provide insights that complement what we watch on screen - and how the numbers define…

Kofi Josephs and Oliver Lawrie join the MVP Cast to discuss their new Mental Health Charter for Basketball.----more---- Kofi tells Mark Woods about how his own lived experience left him to set up his 'Why Not I?' organisation to raise awareness of the issues and how talking about it openly has led to other players and basketball staff talking to hi…

New British Basketball League CEO Aaron Radin joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about a strategy to transform the BBL into a "premier content and entertainment organisation" through raising the standards of teams, game night experience, and its broadcast product. He talks us through the learnings from his previous roles, why expan…

Great Britain forward Jordan Williams joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He dishes all on his current posting with Hungarian side Hubner, the local cuisine and attractions, and the art of packing light and quick when a new overseas basketball assignment comes up. He tells Mark Woods of the influence of his mother in taking life choices that saw him he…

Newcastle Eagles guard Denzel Ubiaro joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his big screen stunt role as the double of Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the Disney movie 'Rise' - and the route that took him from random message to filming in Athens inside a few days. We talk about his globetrotting life as a kid to the collapse of his own…

Sheffield Hatters and Great Britain guard Georgia Gayle joins the MVP Cast.----more---- She tells Mark Woods about the passing off the torch to a new generation of homespun heroines and we discuss GB's recent EuroBasket Women qualifiers. We explore her family tree at the Hatters from her late grandmother Betty to her parents and aunt, to her cousin…

Leicester Riders and Great Britain guard Patrick Whelan joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the brotherly battles that have driven him to succeed, the tragedy that shaped his approach to life and the secret basketball accomplishment within his own family. He details the learning curve that transported him from Warrington to Sp…

Sheffield Sharks guard Rodney Glasgow Jr joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his upbringing as a child of two distinct American cities, the choices he made, and the influences that brought to bear. We discuss society on both sides of the Atlantic and its attitude to racism, the military discipline that helped him shine on the …

Cheshire Phoenix centre Mike Ochereobia joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about his late start in basketball that followed a teenage stint in the boxing ring that knocked him into shape. He reveals his creative side and the release it gives him away from the court, and the secret passion from his youth. More at mvp247.com. Sponsor…

EuroLeague and BBL referee Ed Udyanskyy joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the 36-hour bus journey that took him from Kiev to London and diverted him on a path towards refereeing - and his progression to become our top export into the officiating ranks. And he shares the trials and tribulations of watching a war unfold in his…

Harlem Globetrotters legend Sweet Lou Dunbar joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the impact that the team has made globally on the sport and the importance it has had for African-American basketballers in particular. We chat on the DNA of the Globetrotter that mashes entertainment and hoops and he reels off his perfect five re…

Martin Ford joins the MVP Cast.----more---- He tells Mark Woods about the life of being a leading FIBA Commissioner and his summer ride to the EuroBasket final. We learn about his journey from being Nick Nurse's minibus driver and an England international to overseeing officiating in the British Basketball League and how the bar can now be raised f…

Mark Woods is joined by Dan Routledge to preview the new British Basketball League season.----more----We assess the upswing of the BBL with new investment taking shape - and new investors coming in - and cast an eye over each of ten teams. And ask the question: can anyone stop London Lions from a domestic clean sweep?…

Brian and Steve deliver forecasts for four of the Blazers' youngsters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve and Brian discuss the latest round of training camp invites for the Trail Blazers. Of the four players coming to Portland, who has the best chance to secure a deal? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Woods and guests preview FIBA EuroBasket 2022 on the MVP Cast. We chat to Great Britain coach Nate Reinking, and co-captains Dan Clark and Myles Hesson, about their hopes for the group stages in Milan and examine GB's opponents. And we look at the other sides hoping to make an impact in the tournament. More at MVP247.com…

The fellas discuss the Blazers' decision to part ways with Didi Louzada in this week's episode. Along with that, Brian and Steve examine their favorite parts of Portland's upcoming schedule. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Dame's disrespect, the broadcast debacle, and the Pro-Am up north. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian and Steve deliver a prediction on the Blazers' rotation and minute allotment for the season ahead. Who will populate the starting lineup? Who is on the outside looking in? All that and more on this week's show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

The fellas return to discuss the Trail Blazers' signings for training camp, Damian Lillard's camp, and the circus going on in Brooklyn. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Woods is joined by four of the home stars prepping for 3x3 basketball at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Scotland women's Claire Paxton, England men's Kayne Henry, England women's Chantelle Handy tell us about their journey to Brum while Scotland men's player-coach Gareth Murray reveals that this is his last stop. More at mvp247.com…

The fellas are back to celebrate a Summer League Championship which included stellar performances from Jabari Walker and Trendon Watford. They then turn the page and examine Portland's place in the West as it stands today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Brian rejoins the show this week to discuss how the Trail Blazers have performed in Summer League. Should we worry about Shaedon Sharpe's absence? Or is it just a Summer League storyline? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

NBA salary cap guru Eric Griffith (@EricG_NBA) stops by this week's show to provide context to the Trail Blazers' 2022 offseason. How is it different from the Olshey era, and where do the Blazers go from here? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

The Blazers two biggest veteran acquisitions appear to be aimed at improving the output on the defensive end of the floor. Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II help right the ship in Portland? Steve is here for this special episode focused on the early portion of free agency. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice …

The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann (@jkylemann) stopped by for this week's episode to discuss Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe. From Sharpe's burgeoning offense to improvement areas on defense, this episode has you covered. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Adrian Bernecich joins the show to discuss the Trail Blazers moves on draft night. Is Shaedon Sharpe the answer? Only time will tell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian and Steve break down their final Blazers-centric big board as the NBA Draft approaches. Along with the big board, they discuss the latest rumors that involve potential movement for Portland. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

This week's show features seven possible outcomes for the Trail Blazers this offseason. Brian and Steve run down the list and rank each rumor. Along with that, Steve delivers his forward-specific big board. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Brian and Steve discuss the rumors surrounding OG Anunoby and the Blazers on this week's episode. Along with the OG rumors, Steve details his center rankings for the 2022 NBA Draft. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Adrian Bernecich drops in to talk about all the rumors that are swirling around the Trail Blazers. Will Deandre Ayton make his way to Portland? Or will the Pistons sneak their way into trade talks with Suns? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Newly-retired Janice Monakana joins the MVP Cast. She tells Mark Woods about the emotions in playing her final game in Sevenoaks Suns' defeat in the WBBL Playoff final and why the inadequate salaries in British basketball contributed to her decision to call time and plot a radical career change. We look back on her journey and how the death of her …

With Steve out, Brian and Perry dissect the lottery and all its potential fallout. Could Portland look to move up, or trade the pick for a difference maker? Could Gobert, Ayton, or even Anthony Davis be in the mix? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

We preview the 2022 BBL and WBBL Playoff Finals on the MVP Cast. Mark Woods is joined by Leicester Riders head coach Rob Paternostro and London Lions boss Nikhil Lawry to look ahead to their duel at London's The 02 Arena - and Lions' Kennedy Leonard and Sevenoaks Suns' Cat Carr give us their insights on Sunday's WBBL finale. More at mvp247.com…

Brian and Steve discuss the Zach LaVine rumors, GM Joe Cronin's new deal, and the draft lottery on this episode. The countdown to the lottery drawing is officially upon us. Will the basketball gods smile upon the Blazers? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Leicester Riders' newly-crowned BBL Player of the Year Geno Crandall joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods the secret behind his team's success this term and the decision process that will determine whether he stays or moves on. We explore the different dynamic between his time at North Dakota and NCAA powerhouse Gonzaga University and how it's s…

With Steve and Brian both out this week, Producer Perry steps in to steer the ship! After giving his thoughts on the season, the conversation shifts to potential concerns around a Lillard-Simons backcourt. Is it a big enough change from what they've had in the past? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht…

Brian and Steve discuss how volatile postseason outcomes for the Jazz and Nets could lead to interesting trade potential for the Trail Blazers. Outside of the NBA Playoffs, Shaedon Sharpe takes center stage as the fellas discuss Portland's draft options. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.…

Loughborough's Carl Ntifo joins the MVP Cast. He tells Mark Woods about opting to tell his story as an openly gay basketballer and the differences he wants to see to make the sport a safer place for the LGBT community. We talk about his experiences on both sides of the Atlantic, his aspirations now he's ending his student days - and what, as a tecc…