In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive deep into the New England basketball scene. They are joined by their first guest, Leo Papile, the founder of the Boston Amateur Basketball Club (BABC), established in 1977. Leo shares insights from his storied career, including his time working with the Celtics and Clippers, and his role in US men's national development team. The conversation covers the BABC's recent season, standout players and future prospects. The podcast also touches on the broader basketball landscape, AAU misconceptions, NIL impacts, and the evolution of recruiting. A light-hearted ‘Full Court Press’ segment wraps up the episode with rapid-fire questions about rules and memorable moments in basketball.

Topics

00:26 Introducing the First Guests: Leo Papile and Cotton

01:13 Leo Papile on Basketball Downtime and Olympic Insights

05:21 Discussing BABC's Season and Performance

09:06 Highlighting Top Players and Their Prospects

17:42 Recruitment and Academic Challenges

24:53 The Philosophy of Team and Individual Success

31:01 The Misnomer of AAU Basketball

32:27 Evolution of Grassroots Basketball Leagues

35:31 NIL Deals in Amateur Basketball

39:23 Coaching Philosophy and Longevity

43:44 Full Court Press: Rapid Fire Questions

54:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller discussing the basketball landscape in New England, with a focus on top girls basketball prospects. The conversation includes insights on covering girls basketball, player development, and the differences between MIAA and NEPSAC leagues. The hosts also reflect on their favorite stories, the rising interest in women's basketball, and the impact of players' commitments.

Topics

00:19 Highlighting Memorable Stories

03:34 Spotlight on Orla Gormley

04:53 Rising Stars in New England

13:06 The Debate: NEPSAC vs. MIAA

17:58 Top Prospects to Watch

20:54 Spotlight on Jasmine Cooper

23:23 Nobles' Key Players

25:30 Natalia Hall Rosa: A Rising Star

28:05 Alicia Mitchell: The Reliable Post Player

30:08 Cam Nelson: The Fast and Fearless Guard

31:30 High Motor Player: Theory from Haverhill

32:36 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

In this debut episode of the Hoopwise podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller introduce the newly launched venture aimed at covering high school, prep school, and AAU basketball in New England. They discuss the schedule complexities and the year-round nature of youth basketball, as well as their goals for the podcast and online content. The episode highlights top boys basketball prospects for the class of 2025, providing insights into their backgrounds and potential future moves. Both Steve and Ethan share their backgrounds and experiences leading up to the launch, building excitement for the future of the New England Basketball Journal.

00:00 Introduction to Hoopwise Podcast

00:26 Excitement for New England Basketball Journal

01:27 Challenges of Covering Local Basketball

02:41 Spotlight on Top Prospects

05:01 Hosts' Backgrounds and Journey

07:05 Steve Hewitt's Journalism Journey

16:35 Ethan Fuller's Basketball Background

23:06 Excitement Over New Pod

23:16 Introducing Top Basketball Players in New England

24:22 Spotlight on AJ Dybantsa

25:22 AJ Dybantsa's High School Journey

26:32 AJ Dybantsa's College Decisions and Family Roots

31:23 Dwayne Aristode: A Rising Star

32:35 Oswin Erhunmwunse: The Defensive Powerhouse

35:45 Jaylen Harrell: Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year

37:41 South Kent's Promising Talents

40:56 New Hampton's Dynamic Duo

45:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up