A Hoops Journey

Bryson Johnson’s path runs through Waterloo, Ontario’s St. David’s Catholic High School before landing at Bucknell University, where he became a four-year standout and two-year captain under head coach Dave Paulsen. He helped lead the Bison to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2011, 2013) and an NIT trip (2012), finishing 11th in program history with 1,384 career points and earning Second Team All-Patriot League honours. After college, the 6’2” guard played professionally with the Fraport Skyliners in Germany and spent a season with the Orangeville A’s in Canada’s NBL, before pivoting to coaching. His coaching career has run almost entirely alongside Paulsen: a graduate manager stint at George Mason, an assistant year at Brown, a return to George Mason, then two America East Championship seasons at Vermont, where he helped coach two straight America East Players of the Year. When Paulsen took over at Holy Cross in 2023, Johnson followed as associate head coach — a role he still holds, with Paulsen calling him the best assistant in his 33-year coaching career. Bryson Johnson - Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryson-johnson-33589596 https://gomason.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bryson-johnson/699 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Alex Newson is making history as the first player from Prince Edward Island to reach NCAA Division I women’s basketball. The Stratford, PEI native built her game representing Team PEI at national championships for four straight summers before moving to Ontario ahead of Grade 11 to play at King’s Christian Collegiate, where she averaged 16.8 points and 5.6 rebounds a game and earned All-Canadian recognition. This past summer, Newson started at shooting guard for Canada at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico, helping the team to a silver medal with a semifinal win over Argentina before falling to the U.S. in the final. She was also named flag bearer for Team PEI at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, a nod to her standing back home. Her recruitment has its own twist — Newson originally committed to the University at Albany in September 2025, the first D1 commitment in PEI basketball history, before flipping to the University of Rhode Island, where she joins the Rams’ 2026-27 freshman class as they defend an Atlantic 10 title. It’s a story that hits a lot of the show’s recurring themes: small-market roots, the Ontario prep pipeline, and a Canadian breaking new ground for her province. Alex Newson - Guest https://www.instagram.com/alex.newson4 https://bvmsports.com/2026/08/22/discover-alex-newson-first-pei-player-in-ncaa-d1-basketball Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Let’s go! Summer is still sizzling, and we have a banger for you today! Danilo Djuricic, a 6’8” guard from Brampton, Ontario, and of Serbian and Montenegrin descent, joins us on the eve of the CEBL finals for his home team, Brampton! Once choosing hoops, Danilo attended St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, where he was ranked among the top players in Canada’s Class of 2017, before committing to Harvard. Over three seasons with the Crimson (2017–2020), he developed into a steady frontcourt contributor, posting a career-high 20 points against Rhode Island as a sophomore. His senior season was wiped out when the Ivy League cancelled its 2020–21 season due to COVID-19, so he used his final year of eligibility to transfer to Santa Clara in 2021. He turned pro in 2022, signing with BC Brno in the Czech NBL, and has spent multiple seasons splitting time between Europe and the CEBL’s Scarborough Shooting Stars, re-signing with both organizations more than once (And now with Brampton). On the international stage, he represented Canada at the U16 Americas Championship (silver), the U17 World Championship, and the gold-medal-winning U19 World Cup team in 2017, where he averaged 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds a game and led the squad in threes made. Beyond basketball, Djuricic has spoken openly about facing testicular cancer while simultaneously trying to build a pro career — framing it as part of a broader conversation about planning for life after sport. That dual focus — competing at a high level while thinking ahead to what comes next — seems to be a recurring thread in how he talks about his journey, which is exactly why you don’t want to miss this Episode! Danilo Djuricic - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_Djuricic https://www.instagram.com/3danil0d Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 188: Florida Prep to March Madness and the CEBL — Transfers, Breakthrough Seasons, and the Rise of Josh Omojafo Episode 188 brings you one of the more slept-on stories; a guy who has quietly gone about his business carving out a great career and has pretty much just getting started, Josh Omojafo! The Hamilton native found football and basketball to be his things, but eventually he made the choice to stick with hoops, and his journey is a good one. After leaving Hamilton to go play high school in Florida he came back for his senior year and signed with D2 Gannon University. After a solid year he then transferred to Robert Morris where his team earned a tournament spot and almost upset Alabama. In 2025-26 he transferred to USF for 2025-26, where he started 32 of 34 games, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Now playing in the CEBL for Brampton this young man is on the rise! Tap in! Josh Omojafo - Guest https://www.instagram.com/josh.omoo/ https://www.cebl.ca/canadian-guard-omojafo-signs-with-brampton-honey-badgers Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

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/

This episode is all about a young up-and-coming hooper on the women’s side, but someone who has been with our National teams since she was 17, Merissah Russell! What a fun episode, the energy Merissah brings to this one is so good, and you can see why she is a do-it-all type on the court! Once basketball became the focus (and not volleyball like her big sister), Merissah pursued the next level and traveled North America to see the best. In the end, she committed early to the Louisville Cardinals program, a storied program that made two Elite 8’s and one final four! That, plus national team experience with two World Cups (U17 and U19), is why it feels like Merissah has been around so long! The Ottawa native found herself on a recent new adventure, hoopin' up in the 3x3 with our legendary Women’s team! This episode has it all, don’t forget to tap in! Merissah Russell - Guest https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/merissah-russell https://www.instagram.com/mruss15 https://www.linkedin.com/in/merissah-russell-9b52b2309 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Today we go back with a guy who used to coach summer camp with Mitch, current pro player in Hong Kong coming off a championship run, one of Kits finest, Tommy Nixon! Mitch and Tommy have a bit of a story about how they met each other, and they enjoy reminiscing on those times. Tommy recently just completed a playoff run with is SCAA pro team, a club that has been around for over 100 years. After an outstanding high school career where lots of growth and development took place, under the guidance of people like Jeff Gourley, Randy Coutts and Mel Davis. Tommy was a self admitted slow starter, and shy, but once he got the love for the game he continued to expose himself to the best players and levels, training alongside the likes of Kelly Olynyk and more. A decision to attend UBC, a solid five year career and now being in HK for ten years are what make this story great! Best to Tommy and his family, as usual don't forget to tap in! Tommy Nixon - Guest https://www.instagram.com/tommynixon7 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-nixon-03a44bb5 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

From Burnaby to overseas, we chop it up with former Byrne Creek Bulldog, U Sport hooper at Laurier and now pro baller Majok Gum! Majok has a great story, early on learning the game at the YMCA in Surrey and then moving to Burnaby and playing for the Bulldogs, his career took off. After 3 great high school years with back-to-back final 4s and one finals appearance, Majok decided to attend Laurier University. After a solid 5-year career, he has recently finished his second season overseas and is now with the Vancouver Bandits. The future is bright! Tap in Majok Gum - Guest https://www.thebandits.ca/roster/majok-gum https://www.linkedin.com/in/majok-gum-b8b225174/ Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Episode 183! Today we are celebrating 6 YEARS of podcasting, thank you to each of our listeners, guests and subscribers! No better way to celebrate than having a young up and coming coach with an amazing playing resume, Tevonn Walker. Tevonn comes out of Quebec and we all know the lineage and hoopers that have been developed out of that area. After a solid year at CCAA Vanier College, he made the decision to attend Valparaiso! During his time there Tevonn won both offensive and defensive awards, he led his team in scoring and ended in the top 15 all-time at Valpo. From there a short stint overseas and in the CEBL were next, but Tevonn knew when it was time to walk away. The journey continues on a young coaching path and Tevonn gives great reflection on what he’s been through and how he’s still learning. After coaching AAU and Division 1 he is now with the Utah Jazz and growing each day. The future is bright for this young man and we are thrilled to be sharing his story today! Tap in! Tevonn Walker - Guest https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sea-bears-assistant-coach-tevonn-walker-departs-for-nba-opportunity-team-welcomes-jerry-williams-to-coaching-staff/n-6243723 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

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/

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/

What a story we have today, a young hooper beyond his years and growing everyday, Jacob Holt. The Vancouver College grad is currently in Germany after a great season in the NBL with the Brisbane Bullets! After high school Jacob decided to attend Santa Clara and after two seasons there he transferred to Sacramento State where he averaged 17ppg and 6rpg in his senior year! Turning pro was the next step but Jacob had to have hip surgery, a nerve wracking experience but all went well and this young man finds himself trending in the right direction, especially after his recent call up to the Australian Senior National Team! Tap in! Jacob Holt - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Holt_(basketball) https://www.instagram.com/jacobbholt Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

What a journey we have to share today! Nathan Johnson has been on the coaching grind for some time now, and is only really just getting started! After the former U Sport player walked away from playing, his first stop was an assistant coaching role at Lakehead with former guest Scott Morrison and from there it took off! Experiences in Asia, Montverde, Orangeville, a grad assistant role under legendary Penny Hardaway and now an assistant at Vermont! This episode has so much to it, be sure to tap in! Nathan Johnson - Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-johnson-85623789 https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/nathan-johnson/3085 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Today, we chop it up with one of only TWO Canadian Division 1 head coaches, Stonehill College’s Chris Kraus. Chris has a deep lineage of basketball; his father was a coach at legendary Markham High School, and Chris followed the team around at a young age. Because of that situation, it seemed like basketball was always going to be, and although Chris was involved in a bunch of sports he couldn’t break the passion for hoops. He excelled at the game and even found himself playing in the historical grassroots program alongside the likes of Denham Brown and Jermaine Anderson. After a couple of attempts at pro hoops, Chris realized it was time, and he dove right into the coaching world. His story is great, and even took a flyer on how he started out! He now finds himself back at Stonehill, the same place he played and is having success while navigating the move to Division 1. A great episode for all aspiring coaches and hoop heads, tap in! #Canadabasketball #ahoopsjourneypodcast Chris Kraus - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Kraus_(basketball) https://x.com/CoachChrisKraus https://stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/chris-kraus/1324 Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

HELLOOOO! What a banger we have for you today, as we sit down with Brooklyn native, Division one coach and current broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors (Since 1998), Jack Armstrong!!! Mitch and Jack have a great conversation, and it covers a ton of ground, from life, to adoption, coaching, the Raptors, pretzels, broadcasting, and so much more! If you didn’t know, Jack is a former Division one basketball coach. As he reflects on that part of his life, he shares many stories and reflections of who he shared the court with and learned from, it truly is amazing the amount of people he has come across! We don’t want to say anymore, in fact, the term is “say less” are we right? This one is so great, as usual, make sure to tap in………….and tell a friend! The return of Eli this episode too! (IYKYK) #Canadabasketball #ahoopsjourneypodcast Jack Armstrong - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Armstrong_(basketball) https://www.instagram.com/jackhellooo Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Scarborough, stand up! What a beauty we have for you today with a Canadian National Team rock, a deep thinking, hard-working point guard currently overseas in Spain, Trae Bell-Haynes! We actually catch Trae a couple of days after a matchup with former guest and Canadian legend himself Melvin Ejim (Trae’s squad got the W If you’re wondering). The episode starts from there, and it makes perfect sense, Melvin the steady veteran for Team Canada and Trae, still a young 30 but a constant on our National Teams who’s slowly becoming that Veteran as well, possibly an “UNC” role too! Trae had a great four-year career at Vermont, leading his team to an NCAA appearance in 2017, where they lost to Purdue. (Trae had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists). Since college Trae played professionally in Germany, Finland, the NBA G League, the CEBL, Spain, and Montenegro and contributed everywhere he goes. The one constant that remains is Trae always stepping up when his number is called for his country, no matter the time or place he represents the maple leaf with pride! Tap into episode 176 with this massive Nas fan and hear more of his journey! Best to Trae going forward! #Canadabasketball #ahoopsjourneypodcast Trae Bell-Haynes - Guest https://www.instagram.com/trae_ball https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trae_Bell-Haynes Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

The layers to basketball in Canada grow each year, and today we have someone who’s connecting a lot of dots in the hoops world around us, Cailey Theos! The current “Manager, Partnership Marketing & Community Impact” at Canada Basketball has a great story, and that job title doesn’t come close to all the things Cailey has on the go! After breaking her dad’s heart and choosing the rival University, Cailey came back to Windsor, where she graduated from the sports management and leadership program! If you know the show then you know that peaked our interest! Much like the Blake Murphy episode, it was an experience in the Windsor athletics department that really gave Caley the opportunity to learn, change and grow. Using those moments led to a major job in the NHL, and it all goes from there! Cailey is a driven, hard working person, passionate about sport and its growth, this episode drops gems all over the place! All love to Cailey, and we know her career will continue to shine, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next! Tap in! Cailey Theos - Guest https://www.instagram.com/caileytheos https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileytheos https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2025-11-17/sport-management-and-leadership-internship-connects-students-alumni-and-industry Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

I lied on this one! Our SECOND National Champion to join us on the show (Shoutout to@kylewiltjer) we have one of the best to do it in the late 90’s, a smooth guard from Brampton Mr. David Thomas! David has a great story from time in high school to figuring out what College to attend. In the end he chose Michigan State University, home of legends like Magic Johnson and many others. What came to fruition was a moment in history for MSU, the 2000 National Championship defeating the Florida Gators in the final! Being around so many great teammates like Mateen Cleaves and Mo Pete, David elevated his game and although his stats weren’t high he put his name into the NBA draft. After a month long stint in Miami David didn’t crack a roster and took his talents to Australia where he had lots of success. It was a trip with the Canadian National Team where David knew the time had come, and he had to walk from the game. Since retiring, David spent multiple seasons with the Michigan State Team but took time away to be closer to family. David now finds himself working multiple jobs, balancing life and kids who are great athletes themselves! His son is a top recruit in the State! Episode 174 is a gem, with a great person. We thank David for being with us and hope you can find time to spend your Boxing Day with us! David Thomas - Guest https://www.instagram.com/dtdavidthomas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Thomas_(basketball) Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Today’s episode comes in hot with one of the best Canadian hoopers to ever do it, and currently do it, Ms. Bridget Carleton. We get the chance to chop it up with the former All-American, Overseas pro, long time National Team Member and current WNBA star about so many different parts of her journey. From small-town roots but a big heart, Bridget realized basketball was the sport she wanted to pursue in her high school years, but a healthy mental approach helped her understand there would be bumps along the way. That said, it was her first experience with Team Canada that she realized she belonged, and since then, her career has taken off. Drafted in 2019 by Connecticut and then getting released was the biggest eye opener for Bridget so far, and a time she is now grateful for as it was the parachute to drive her to greatness. Don’t skip over this one, Episode 173 is a banger! We thank Bridget for her time and wish her continued success!!! Bridget Carleton - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Carleton https://www.instagram.com/bridgecarleton https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/3906972/bridget-carleton Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

“The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse” Get your copy today! We sit down with the author of this recently released book and discuss how and why he decided to write it, the process and all in between. Oren, a Western University grad and Toronto native, loved sports growing up as a kid and basketball started to really catch his eye when he attended powerhouse Oakwood High School. Following his love for sport and media, he finished his degree and hit the ground running. Since then Oren has been a freelance writer and ventured into many avenues so far in his young career. We appreciate Oren’s time as he talks about his career to this point and how excited he is for the 2028 Olympics, the book has it all, from history to current players and it’s an easy, light read worth checking out! If you’re a hoop head this episode is a must! Oren Weisfeld - Guest https://www.orenweisfeld.com https://x.com/OrenWeisfeld https://www.instagram.com/orenweisfeld Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/