Frank Mitchell's unorthodox path to the NCAA and calling St. Bonaventure home

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:04] Speaker B: Welcome to the Canadian Basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. We're across the border this week. Saint Bonaventure, New York, the location of the Saint Bonnie's men's basketball program, a program that has rich history of producing Canadian basketball talent. And this year, a Toronto native is set to headline the team. This year, he might have the craziest story. Didn't start playing basketball until I think, maybe five years ago. [00:00:34] Speaker A: Ish, four or five years ago. [00:00:35] Speaker B: And has become an established D1 player. Going from Humber College winning a national championship to Canisius to Minnesota. Now at Saint Bonaventure, my guy from Toronto, Frank Mitchell. How you doing, brother? [00:00:46] Speaker A: It's good, bro. You know, just living the dream, man. Every day it's here, and all glory goes to God, you know what I mean? [00:00:52] Speaker B: So I've been excited to have you on the podcast. People that are listening in, we have you set up background with the court. Beautiful court right here. [00:01:01] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:01:02] Speaker B: What's it been like being on campus? I'm guessing you've been here for a bit. When did you first get on campus? [00:01:06] Speaker A: I came here during the summer, so I was here in May. It's been good, bro. Like, you don't understand, like, it's been good. You know, here's this rich culture, basketball, you know what I mean? They just eat, breathe basketball, you know what I mean? So it's good to be here. I've been around Bonnie's for a while, you know what I mean? So we played Canis, Kenesha's played Bonnie's when I was my first year Division one, and there's no experience like it, you know what I mean? So I had to come back here. I had to renew it, be on the other team this time, and, you know, just great, man. Schmidt's a good guy, and basketball's basketball, you know what I mean? [00:01:37] Speaker B: You entered the Portal when you went through that process. I remember reading something that Woj said you were the number one priority. Obviously, he's the general manager of the program. He scouts for the talent, that kind of stuff. And he's heavily scouting in Canada. When you hear that he was prioritizing you, what was that process like? And putting your name through that portal and then choosing St. Bonnie's honestly, you. [00:02:00] Speaker A: Know, the game of basketball, especially collegiate level, the portal is a real thing, you know what I mean? Porto is everything. People are here for one year, next year they're gone. But to Hear Woj say that is it was a blessing and it was something that motivated me to come here. You know the thing with wo, he's a down to earth guy, man. Like, he prioritizes everyone he puts on the team, you know what I mean? Like, not necessarily Frank, not necessarily Joe, not necessarily no one, you know what I mean? Everyone who's on this team is here for a reason. So he prioritizes everyone. And it's just being blessed to be, be, be around a established person. Like Woj is just incredible and like it just motivates you every day knowing that you have someone like that in your corner. And it's just a blessing, you know what I mean? So. [00:02:38] Speaker B: Yeah, well, what's like being the next in line of Canadian talent like that that's coming Andrew Nicholson, obviously we'll get into him. And I know you guys have a club, close relationship. [00:02:47] Speaker A: Sure. [00:02:48] Speaker B: What's the like Canadian history when you think about people that played in this program, man? [00:02:52] Speaker A: For example, Canadian guys played in this program. That's who other better than Andrew Nicholson, you know what I mean? Someone that I'm around every day in the summer. My trainer, DT David Tindale, one of my big bros, he's been putting me through the ringer. He trains Andrew as well. So I've been around Andrew for a while, you know, this summer is the first time I beat him one on one. [00:03:14] Speaker B: Oh yeah. [00:03:15] Speaker A: Like he's a pro. He's a problem. Three spots. I think I beat him all three spots. [00:03:20] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:03:21] Speaker A: Correct me if I'm wrong. [00:03:22] Speaker B: If I asked him this, will he vouch? [00:03:23] Speaker A: Yeah, he'll vouch, he'll vouch. But let's talk about the summons. Before that he gave me the works, you know what I mean? Like, Andrew Nicholson is like a chess game of chess, you know what I mean? Like, he might pull the tray, he might shoot it, he might take you to the hole. Like his touch is incredible. I learned a lot from him, you know what I mean? So just being able to have a guy like that who represented Bonnie's, it just shows the dedication and the, the value of basketball to these guys and the guys who played in this program, you know what I mean? Like, Bonaventure is just like an established basketball school. There's no football, there's no, there's not really hockey. There's not no other sports that can really take the shine, you know what I mean? Like, basketball is basketball here, like through and through. The community rows behind you. Like the stadium gets packed every game. So just having Guys like that, who's Canadian to walk behind and you know what I mean, they did it for us. And now it puts pressure and puts me to be at my A game, to be able to follow behind greats like Andrew Nicholson, you know what I mean? So it's a blessing. [00:04:17] Speaker B: Yeah, we'll get into detail just about that kind of stuff. Andrew Nicholson, the role he's played with you, and kind of like the. I feel like a summer workout. I'm seeing a lot of videos with you in the gym with a lot of guys, Canadian talent. We'll get through all that, but first, I want to go through your journey. [00:04:32] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [00:04:32] Speaker B: You mentioned, obviously St. Benjamin is not really known for hockey. No, but you were a hockey guy. [00:04:37] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, hockey. [00:04:38] Speaker B: How did you get into hockey at. [00:04:39] Speaker A: First, and what was your position? Yeah, I started defense, so I played hockey for a while, you know what I mean? Like, I just been around a guy named Ty Nelson. He's one of my best friends. [00:04:49] Speaker B: NHL. [00:04:49] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. Seattle Krakens. He's a great guy, bro. You know what I mean? We used to. I just remember hockey. We used to play Christmas. We used to go play shinny. You know, we built our own ice rink outside with my mom and his dad. And, you know, Ty Nelson is a great individual, humble, and, you know, he's just a person that I looked up to and hockey was his sport. I followed in his footsteps even though he's younger than me. And, you know, he's just an excellent guy to follow. And hockey is his thing. Like, I played hockey and, you know, we just played hockey all the time and, you know, hockey stopped for me and focused on different things, and then, boom, basketball came away. [00:05:24] Speaker B: And were you playing basketball beforehand? Like, what was the participation? [00:05:27] Speaker A: No, basketball was like basketball. You know what I mean? Like, I'm sure you played basketball. I'm sure everyone else played basketball. I played. [00:05:34] Speaker B: I played. You know what? [00:05:36] Speaker A: I'm not. Not like, you mean like, I played like a. You know, like outside. Like, I remember playing with the guys are older in my area, and I used to, like, have to wait on the sideline type. You know what I mean? Like, I was like, yo, like, you know, can I get in there? He's like, nah, it's not one of those. You know what I mean? So, like, I used to play in the park. I used to play outside. And, you know, it wasn't no organized basketball, you know what I mean? So after Covid, basketball was in play, you know what I mean? Like, I did my Dougie I did construction. After I grad. During high school, I did construction and I went to Skill. I went to did Skills, and then I went to Oyap and I was in a union. And then covet happened, shut that down. And then boom, basketball came. And, you know, basketball was my. My. Why since then, you know what I mean? [00:06:18] Speaker B: So late bloomer five years ago, basically starting basketball, like, seriously, taking it seriously. And you mentioned you're doing. You're working at the union floor and doing that kind of stuff. [00:06:27] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [00:06:28] Speaker B: How did that come about? And then you also mentioned, like, Covid kind of shut things down. [00:06:33] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:06:33] Speaker B: If that didn't happen. [00:06:35] Speaker A: Yeah. Where. [00:06:35] Speaker B: Where would you be? [00:06:36] Speaker A: Honestly, if that didn't happen, I probably would have been union still. So this construction stuff happened through Mr. DeSantis. He's one of the guys that I look up to. He's a teacher at my school. He does a wood shop, like Skills Canada. He works for the board. Like, he's one of the established, like, union guys. He was a teacher who. Who. He. Who taught trades at our school. And I very. I kicked him. You know what I mean? Like, he was a guy that, like, you know, saw potential. I mean, and we did Skills Canada, we did Oyap, and then from Oyep. It's called Ontario. [00:07:07] Speaker B: You. [00:07:07] Speaker A: The pregnancy program, it gets you, like, placed into the union. After high school, graduated with Shisham, and I started that. I was in my stuff. I did flooring. I switched from flooring to, like, cement, did, like, labor. And then I was in school for that, trying to get my red seal. And boom, Covid happened. And they said, you know, we'll let you know when stuff is going to get back. And stuff never came back. You know what I mean? Covid happened. [00:07:31] Speaker B: What was going through your mind? [00:07:32] Speaker A: So I was just like, oh, like, you know, I'm in my house. I'm a guy that wants to do stuff. You know what I mean? So I'm in my house, and basketball was kind of the only thing going on, like, secretly. And I remember I was playing outside, and I was playing in tournaments outside, you know what I mean? And then I bumped into. I bumped into one of my close friends. You know, he has a big part of why I started Xavier Howard. And he. He said, yo, come to some runs. And I came to a run, and at that time, I only had a motor I could jump. And that was it. You know what I mean? So I got invited to that. And then I remember I was playing with Marlon Les and a bunch of guys. And I remember there was a coach named Dustin McTegger. He's still in my life to this day. I appreciate him for everything he done for me. He said, yo, I like the way you play. Like, come. I'm a head coach at Over Prep. Come. You know, we like what you like, what you're doing. Like, I wasn't supposed to come to these runs, but it was a blessing and it just worked out. I went over there and he showed me Oakville Prep. We had a 12 games in a bubble playground in. I think it was Pickering. Not Pickering, or Pittsburgh Pitts. What's that? [00:08:37] Speaker B: I'll be honest, I'm terrible at geography. In Ontario. [00:08:40] Speaker A: Peterborough. Peterborough. Peterborough, yeah. Peterborough. Yeah. Yeah. So we had a tournament there, and then I got a offer from Vincennes. Ajuko in Indiana went there. [00:08:49] Speaker B: Is that your first offer? [00:08:50] Speaker A: Yeah, went there for a semester. Oh. Yeah. I left before the season started. [00:08:53] Speaker B: Why'd you leave? [00:08:54] Speaker A: It was just. It wasn't the right fit, you know, I didn't. I didn't really know what to expect with basketball. Like, I was away from home and, like, it was just a lot. So I left. And then, boom. Coach Omar reached out, said, yo, what's going on? Yeah, I knew K2 already. Kevin Otu. Yeah. [00:09:09] Speaker B: Humber College. Yeah. [00:09:10] Speaker A: Great athlete, great player. Did his thing at Humber. Went to Ottawa. Yeah. I went to Ottawa after G's did. He's a great player now. I knew dq. And they said, yo, come on out. Came over there, and Omar taught me the ropes, and we had a crazy year at Humber. [00:09:28] Speaker B: What'd you think, though? Obviously, going from Oakville Prep. [00:09:31] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:09:32] Speaker B: Going to juco. [00:09:33] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:09:33] Speaker B: And then going to Canadian College to play basketball. [00:09:36] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:09:36] Speaker B: Like, did you realize, like, okay, now you're playing D1 basketball, like, where you're at right now, playing for St. Bonnie's but at that time, did you realize, hey, I'm a D1 player? Like, did that ever cross your mind? [00:09:47] Speaker A: Honestly. [00:09:47] Speaker B: Because obviously, going to Humber, it's like, okay, it's like. Like, not to knock it, but it's not. You sports, too, Right. But you're going to Humber. And then I think everyone's like, who is this guy? [00:09:57] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:09:57] Speaker B: You know what I'm saying? [00:09:58] Speaker A: Honestly, not even, like. Not even to, like. Like, honestly, I didn't just. I was new in the basketball scene. Like, I really. I didn't really know what a Division 1 basketball player looked like. You know what I mean? I didn't know, like, yo, this guy has this characteristic that makes him a D1 player. Like, he's, you know what I mean? I just played basketball. Like I said, I had a motor. I was a rebounder, you know what I mean? So I didn't really understand the levels of like, skills sets and how to differentiate yourself from this guy and this guy. Like, what do you do? Like, how do you train yourself to get this amount of stuff in your bag? Like, you know what I mean? Like, what is a good basketball player? You know what I mean? So I just had a motor and I knew what it took to, you know what I mean, be great, you know what I'm saying? So I had guys in my corner to say, yo, always be the best player motor wise on the court. Like, try to get everything. And that's how rebound came for me. Like, I understand. Like, I learned how to like, read a ball off the rim. Like, let's rebound outside my area. And then that was getting me looks, you know what I mean? And then it started translating to games and like I was grabbing 18, 16, 14 rebounds, you know what I mean? And guys were saying, like, frank, what you're doing is like, that's. That rebound is the only skill set that translates at every level. Like, this is how you could separate yourself from everyone. So I started, okay, maybe I have a chance in this basketball stuff. Boom. Kept rebounding, kept rebounding, started winning games. I started getting attention from it. And I remember Michael Meeks I met, he's Canada legend, told me, if you're good at basketball, basketball will find you no matter what level you're playing at. You know what I mean? Like, you might play at the lowest level in Bosnia. If you're good, if you're a pro, you're going to come up. And that's what happened. Came up, started working with Charles and Zach. Zach Eaty, Charles Bediaco, all in the league. And then Meeks went to Kenesha's. He connected me with Reggie Witherspoon. You know, one thing led to another. We won a championship. Went over there. First visit, Reggie offered me. Had to sit out a year. Yeah. And then boom. [00:11:54] Speaker B: Because of the chance for stuff. Yeah. Let's dial back a little bit. You go Humber. [00:11:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:11:59] Speaker B: What's your first impressions when you get there? Because even though I'm saying humber is a college. [00:12:03] Speaker A: Yeah. They're. [00:12:04] Speaker B: They've beaten you sports teams, they. They compete and they win. [00:12:08] Speaker A: Champ. [00:12:09] Speaker B: What did you know about the program itself when you get there, Omar? And just like the, the program itself. [00:12:13] Speaker A: Honestly, like, I Didn't. Like I said I didn't know a lot about the basketball scene. I didn't even know what, like, going to Humber. I learned about, like, what's a pin down, you know what I mean? Like, I didn't know what a, like, black and a ball screen. I didn't know a lot of stuff about basketball, you know what I mean? So I remember, like, I said Dustin was my guy. Like, and he told me, like, yo, this school is an established school. Like, it's like a juco for Canada, you know what I mean? Like, these guys are legit. Like, you know what I mean? These guys produce pros and, you know, it's Humber basketball. Everyone knows Humber. Everyone knows Humber and Sheridan, you know what I mean? That's the vibe. Humber and Sheridan is the vibe. So I said, okay, you know, And I remember, you know, juco, you know, I was American basketball player, first time, came over there with a little bit of arrogance. I'm like, oh, you know, I'm a little better than these guys. Omar Quick. Yeah, you're not better than Humber, you know what I mean? Like, I came off the bench the first few games, you know what I mean? Like, he shut me down quick. And I realized, like, yo, Humber is a. Hummers is elite basketball. You know what I mean? Like, these guys think like pros, you know what I mean? Like, their. Their organization, the way they play, like, they don't let the level consume them, you know what I mean? Like, yo, you here for a reason. You're here to play basketball, you know what I mean? We're here to beat you sports. We're here to beat schools at Carlton, you know, we're here to beat schools like that, you know what I mean? Like, you don't come here to, like, it's not a. It's not house league, you know what I'm saying? Like, it's not rep. You know what I mean? You're here to do this. So I understand. I slowly bought into the culture and like, that culture of Humber made me who I am, you know what I mean? I understand what it takes to be a leader, be. Be coachable, learn from other leaders, you know what I mean? Like, I learned a lot from that. And, you know, it carried on through the season and we started winning games we didn't lose. So I didn't really understood. I didn't know what it felt like to lose. So I built like, almost like a winning mentality, you know what I mean? [00:13:56] Speaker B: I was gonna Say some of these Humber might need to be considered for a U sports team for sure. The way, the way they compete. [00:14:02] Speaker A: For sure. [00:14:02] Speaker B: The way they. [00:14:03] Speaker A: And they honestly could because they're goel Humber as well. Yeah, like, I think they could, they could, yeah. They would do damage, you know what I mean? Like, so, yeah, let's figure it out. Yeah. [00:14:14] Speaker B: Did you feel pressured, like, to catch up with like, other players who had been playing basketball basically, like their whole lives? [00:14:20] Speaker A: Yeah. Like I said, after Humber, that's when I understood the basketball world, the basketball community, you know what I mean? I didn't know there was a basketball community for real. Like, after Humber, that's when I said, yo, these guys have been doing it. This guy's my age. Like, these guys are in the league, you know, I mean, that's when I said, okay, like, let's, let's, let's, let's turn up, you know what I mean? Like, let's get some respect. Let's start doing what I do, you know what I mean? Like, that's, that's what happened, you know what I mean? Like, Humber was a learning experience as a whole, you know what I mean? Like, how to be a basketball player, how to be a winner, how to carry yourself different, how to understand the basketball community, how to, you know what I mean? Just how to move in this basketball world, you know what I mean? So, like, like I said, we went keeping win, we won games, we kept winning, kept winning, kept winning, won the ocs, won national championship. And then from there, just doors just open left, right and center. [00:15:13] Speaker B: A special year. But, like, did you wish you started to take basketball like, seriously more earlier? And then what made you want to where you're like, okay, I'm good. Like, the way I'm playing, like, who was maybe like the first person to tell you you're a D? 1 guy. [00:15:28] Speaker A: I had two actually. It was, it was definitely Dustin and Omar and dt. Like, DT is like, he's a significant person in my life, you know what I mean? I look up to him. DT David Tindall, one of the best trainers in the city, if not the best. He showed me a lot, you know what I mean? Like, he understand, like, he told me, like, yo, this is what you do great. How do you challenge it? Like, how do you challenge. Channel that and like, make that your identity, you know what I'm saying? So I started learning from him, started chilling with him, and boom, Jeremy as well. Jeremy David Ann, like, he told me as well, you know what I mean, like, he believed in me. A lot of guys said. I told the guys I was leaving Humber and he. He was one of the only guys that said, yo, I think you could do it at Division 1 level. [00:16:11] Speaker B: Shout out to Jeremy. I was just at one of their games. King Heights versus World crowd. [00:16:14] Speaker A: Serious program. [00:16:15] Speaker B: That was a very fun down to Wire game. YouTube, go check it out. North Pole hoops, I believe. Go check out the game over there. How would you describe just like your one year at Humber? Because let's just go through it all. Rookie of the year. [00:16:27] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:16:28] Speaker B: Defensive player of the year. I'm just reading off first team all star, all star tournament teams, school record 31 rebounds, which we'll get to in a second. 13 double doubles. You basically got like, you averaged what, 14 and 18. [00:16:41] Speaker A: I've never. [00:16:42] Speaker B: 18 rebounds is insane. You led Humber to occa provincial championships. [00:16:48] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:16:48] Speaker B: And CCCA national championships. How would you describe your one year? Because when I look back, it might be like the best one year from a rookie that maybe we've ever seen in college in Canada. How would you sum up your one year? [00:17:02] Speaker A: I sum it up as a. As a fun year, man. As a blessing, man. Like, you know, like I said, the guys in my corner allowed me to do that. Like, I had. I was playing against, like, I was playing with K2, Lambo, DQ. Like, these guys are like, these guys been in that program. You know what I mean? Like, I had guys to show me the rope. Like I was. There's not a time where I felt confused, where I felt, like, incompetent. Like, I didn't know what I was doing. You know what I mean? Like, it was just like an ongoing family. Like, I felt comfortable. Like, I was able to do what I do because of them. Like, Coach Omar believed in me. Like, you know what I mean? Like, that's why I'm truly blessed to this day that I inquired a motor before skills. [00:17:41] Speaker B: I feel like that's like, that's not. [00:17:42] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:17:43] Speaker B: Thing nowadays, people don't have that. [00:17:45] Speaker A: Yeah. Like, I just think, like, that's probably. [00:17:47] Speaker B: Hard to teach, right? [00:17:47] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. Motors, like, you can't, like, you can't really teach that. You know what I mean? Like, I think a lot of guys don't understand, like, at the next level. And it took me a while to understand this. I still learn to this day, like, at the next level. Like, I learned from guys who did it and who's doing it. You know what I mean? Like, the NBA pro, they don't. Guys at the highest level, they're not looking for scores. You get what I'm saying? They're not looking for guys to come in here and average 30, you know, 50, you know what I mean? Like, it's not. It doesn't. That's not how it works. Looking for guys to play around. Those guys, who. Who are those guys are going to help us win, you know what I mean? Who's gonna get a stop run hard, defense collapse gets a Steph Curry open for a shot. Who's gonna make that right read who's gonna be drop coverage, get a pass, pass to the Curry. Who's like, you know what I mean? Like, who's gonna make the star players do their Dougie and how, like, eventually win games, you know what I mean? So I learned that and I really bought into, like, yo, Frank, he could be a double double guy. So let's buy into that. Let's work hard, keep that motor and don't let your identity change you, you know what I mean? Like, obviously I added a bag. I added, you know, touch around the rim post move, you know, I'm able to score offensively now, you know what I mean? But I can never shy away from what got me to that level. You know what I mean? I can never shy away. Like, yo, you are a motor guy. You're a guy that does your work and now you can add certain stuff to your game to help elevate you but not change you, you know what I mean? So, yeah, that's what Humber did. Did for me. And I. And I still play like that to this day. [00:19:18] Speaker B: Yeah, we talk about the Motor 31 rebound game, which we just mentioned. Walk me through that, because what's going through your mind? Are you tired? 31 rebounds is insane in a game. [00:19:30] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah, man. Tired, tired, tired. You know what I mean? I think this year's one of the best shapes I've been in my life, you know what I mean? Like a humber. I was. I was chubby. Yeah, I mean, like, I was, you know, a little chubbier guy. And yeah, conditioning was a factor, you know what I mean? Like, but I think it comes down to, like, a motor, you know what I mean? Like, I think it comes down to a mindset, you know what I mean? Like, if you love to rebound, you love to do certain things. Like, your mind will overpay that, you know what I mean? Like, I show you. I'm sure you love to do what you do, you know what I mean? Like, I'm sure You're. You're sitting home, you're like, you have to drive six hours to go see this guy. Like, nah, I love it, man back. You love this, you know what I mean? So, like, it drives you, you know what I mean? Like, I love grabbing rebounds. I love energy. I love energy plays, you know what I mean? So, like, that drives me, you know what I mean? Like, I might be tired, but I get a dunk. Like, my energy is like, ah, I'm back up, you know, I'm on goal mode. So I think that what drove me, like, I was definitely tired. Like, I definitely lifts up, you know what I mean? And I. Coach Omar knew. Knew who I was, you know what I mean? He knew, like, when I did a little tendencies after five, six minutes, he knew. He knew how to pull me and get my energy back and. But yeah, 31 rebounds, man, it was crazy. Against Redeemer, it was crazy. So it's crazy. [00:20:40] Speaker B: We talk about rebounding. What's the key for yourself? Maybe the secret. You have to give it away. Obviously, people listen to this podcast, might be guarding you this season, but what's the key? You feel like just being in the right position. Obviously you talk about just wanting it more. The motor. [00:20:57] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [00:20:58] Speaker B: The energy. What do you think is the key to rebounding and why you've been so successful? [00:21:02] Speaker A: You know what I mean? I think main thing, you know, I have tricks and stuff that I learned, acquired. Can we hear some? You know, it's 95% of the rebounds that come shoot from this side. It's going this side, you know what I mean? Like, it's just. I just learned a lot, like, how to, like, see where the guys are shooting. But I think it comes down to just wanting it more, you know what I mean? Like, it's an effort. It's a mindset. Like, you know, swims, like, you know, sometimes, like, these guys should have put a body, like, I'm gonna swim around you. You know what I mean? Like, I won't get, like, you know, a little football style on you, you know what I mean? Try to grab that. Like, I just think it's just a want and a necessity that if you want that in your game, you're gonna do that. Like, how do you rebound outside of your area? Like, I might be on one side, but I'm gonna grab that rebound on the other side, you know? I mean, like, and it's just, like, it's. It's feeling accomplished, you know what I mean? Like, I just enjoy grabbing rebounds. Like, when I grab that rebound. Like, it's just like, okay. You know what I mean? Like, I wanted it, and I got it. I mean, it's like hitting a three. Like, I don't shoot to. To miss, you know? I mean, I'm not trying to jump and grab a re.1 to not grab it. You know what I mean? Like, so when you grab it, it's like, okay, you know what I mean? And, like, it just keep going, keeps going, keeps going. And then some games, like, I get. Because some games, it feels like the ball stuck to your hands. You know what I mean? It feels like you have a magnet in your hands. In some games, you have to find ways to, like, okay, I need to grab this. I need to beat my opponent. Like, these guys are sending two on me. Like, how am I gonna, like, beat these guys to grab that rebound? You know what I mean? So this just comes down to mentality and, like, wanting it. Like, who wants it more? Yeah. [00:22:20] Speaker B: Kenesha is your first year average, 11.6 rebounds. I was fourth. Yeah. Higher. NCAA. You're behind guys like Zach, Edie, Enrique Freeman. Kind of just like, I'm just looking at that. What was going through your mind where you're at Kenesius and you're on the top of the leaderboard, and, like, I'm guessing you're probably like, hey, like, this is a great situation, too. We'll get into that, how you ended up there, that kind of stuff. But what was that like, seeing yourself on with amongst NBA guys? [00:22:49] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, it was good. It was good, man. Like, it's like. It just kept giving me motivation, you know what I mean? Like, I'm seeing that. I'm just like, yo. I'm like, this basketball stuff is really, like. It's my. Why? You know what I mean? Like, this is me and, you know, being able to go up every night. And I just think. I don't think a lot of players give a lot of credit to people around you, you know what I mean? Like, I think a lot of guys can fall into the trap of, like, hearing other people hearing noise. But, like, if you have the right people in your corner, like, it helps you, bro. It elevates you. You know what I mean? Like, Reggie, my. My head coach and Coach Hawkins, Coach Cage, you know, Therm. Like, it just. It gave you a lot of. It gave me a lot of motivation. You know what I mean? Like, these guys are like, yo, Frank, like, you know what you do? Go grab this people. Go do what you have to do. You know what I mean, like, it's just, like, it was just a blessing, man. Like, every day I went out there, I just said, yo, how am I gonna help the team? Like, you know what I mean? How am I gonna do this to get what I want to do done? And I kept going, kept going, kept going. And I'm looking, I'm like, oh, grab me 15. I'm grabbing 16. Like, I remember one guy, Coach Reggie, my first year playing, we had a tournament in Montreal, and the first game we played Walford, I finished with two points, three rebounds. And I'm like, yo, what is going on? Like, what are we doing? And coach said to me, he's like, yo, Frank, you know, what's your problem? You're thinking too much. He says, go out every game and kind of like, get lost. Like, get lost in a fight. You know what I mean? Like, go there and just get lost. Just be captivating in what you're doing. You know what I mean? Don't worry about the stats. Don't worry about who's watching. Don't worry if you miss a shot. Just get lost in a fight. Fight. And after I applied that to my game and I just said, you know, I'm gonna go out and have fun and just do what I do. That's when I started realizing I'm having 15 and 16. I'm having games of 20 and 20, like, you know what I mean? Like, I just think, like, if you consume yourself in the right things and, like, don't have an agenda, don't, like, say, I need to get my stuff, and you know what I mean? Like, don't focus the game on yourself. Basketball opens up for you. Like, if you do stuff for the right reasons, the basketball guys will reward you. Yeah. [00:24:49] Speaker B: Because we talk about. Because did the right things at Humber. [00:24:51] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:24:51] Speaker B: When you were there, where people come up to and be like, why aren't you I. At a higher level? Like, what was those conversations like? And when do you feel like people took notice? [00:25:01] Speaker A: I think people took notice after. After my Humber year, after we won championship, like. Like, youth sports took notices. [00:25:08] Speaker B: Was there offers a youth sports? [00:25:10] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [00:25:10] Speaker B: So what was that? Like, juggling that and then obviously you decided to go D1. [00:25:13] Speaker A: Yeah. Did you consider you sports seriously? Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I didn't know I was going to go Division 1, you know, I was considering you sports, like, and then I was considering going back to Jugo, and then Kenesius came along and I didn't hesitate and I went to Kenesius and It was good. Like, the attention was good, you know? And I just. Like I said it was a learning curve. Like, I kept learning, like, what it was to be a basketball player. Like, what it was to be, you know, considered. Like, oh, maybe this guy has some. Some, like, type of talent that can carry him somewhere. Like this can make a lit. Like, he could make a living off of basketball. You know what I mean? Like, I've never been a 9 to 5. Like, I can't sit on the desk and just type. [00:25:48] Speaker B: Like, I'm the same. I know I work a 9 to 5 right now. [00:25:51] Speaker A: Yeah, like, 9 to 5. There's nothing wrong with 9 to 5. These guys work hard, you know? I mean, it's nothing. But I'm just. I am the person where I can't sit down. [00:25:56] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:25:57] Speaker A: And type like, this is not me. Like, I'm. I'm gonna be on my phone. [00:26:00] Speaker B: So you can't be a journalist. [00:26:00] Speaker A: I can't be report. I can't. I can't be none of that, you know? So I realized, you know, the sacrifice. And I started understanding what it meant to train. I started understanding what it meant to, like, diet. What I meant to, like, having one, two, three training sessions in a day. I understood, like, okay, now you have to work on this. Your left hand's garbage. Now you have to work on that because these guys are going to stop your right hand. And like, oh, now you have to have a counter to that. Like, now I'm at the level. Like, these guys are watching me play. Frank Mitchell likes to go over his right shoulder. Oh, now I'm trying to go to my right shoulder. It's not working. Now what I'm going to do. So now I have to get in the lab with DT and say, yo, now you have to work on your pivots. Now you have to work on your left hook. Like, now you have to work on. Okay, setting up this. You know what I mean? I just realized how much comes to basketball, how much comes with the game, how much. How much stuff you have to do off the court, how much stuff you have to focus on. Like, yo, it comes down even, like, the way you, like, prepare. You know what I mean? Like, I learned. I learned a lot this year. Like, bro, coming to the gym 30 minutes earlier. Get your shots up. Get your form shots, Warm up. This. Like, I didn't understand that before. I used to come to the gym, put my shoes on and go. Now I understand. Like, you have to come in, you have to do your stuff. You have to Shoot. You have to prioritize certain things. You have to be ready before you start. You know what I mean? So that's what. That's when, like, Humber opened up my eyes to this day, and I'm still learning. You know what I mean? So that's like, what really. Humber really changed my identity as a. As a whole, as a basketball player. [00:27:30] Speaker B: What was it like leaving Humber after one year? Was it hard? What was that conversation like with Omar? Be like, yo, honestly, I guess he was probably supportive too. [00:27:37] Speaker A: Yeah, Honestly, Omar is probably one of the most unselfish coaches I ever had. Like, he's the type of guy, like, if he knows you're going somewhere, he won't keep you. Like, I was debating saying, he's like, no, I can't. I'm not. Like, I'm not gonna let you stay. Like, your skill set, you can go do bigger things. Like, I don't want you to stay. You know what I mean? Like, he's the type of guy like, yo, if you have a gift and, like, you can go somewhere in basketball, he's not gonna. He's not gonna hold you back. Like, he's like, yo, Frank, do this. He was sending me letters. He was sending letters to the NCAA for me to. Tried to get me to play my first year. He was talking to Reggie. He was doing, like. He is a supporter through and through. Like, no doubt about it. [00:28:14] Speaker B: Yeah. Obviously, red shirt the first year. [00:28:17] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:28:17] Speaker B: What was that like? Obviously not being able to play right away. [00:28:20] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:28:21] Speaker B: And what was it like dealing that off the court? And I'm guessing you're dying after. Especially after a season like that at Humber, you know, going to. Just like having to sit on a bench and, you know, wait. [00:28:29] Speaker A: Honestly, it was a struggle, but it was the biggest blessing. Yeah, it was a big. I got. I. I damn near had a year of Division 1 without the risk of being, like. Without the risk of, like, getting close or, like, getting. Yeah, Like, I had a year to prepare, change my body. Like, I. I think if I played the year after Humber, I don't think I would. Had a good year. Like, my body wasn't ready. [00:28:51] Speaker B: What was your body? [00:28:53] Speaker A: It was like, from Humber to. [00:28:54] Speaker B: Cuz now you're what, 68270? [00:28:56] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [00:28:57] Speaker B: You need to put me on a workout plan after this. We got to talk about it. [00:29:00] Speaker A: I lost. Since the summer. I probably lost £40. Really? Yeah. And again, I gained muscle. Like. Like, I just did the best shape I've been in. Like, oh, like, so you beat me. [00:29:09] Speaker B: In a race right now. [00:29:10] Speaker A: Pardon me? [00:29:11] Speaker B: You beat me in a race right now. [00:29:12] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, for sure. Guarantee. [00:29:13] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, we're gonna try this out. [00:29:15] Speaker A: No, no, no guarantee I could beat you in a race. [00:29:18] Speaker B: So what was that transformation? What was the diet? What was the eating? What was the gym work? [00:29:22] Speaker A: Yeah, like, veggies and, like, just being disciplined, drinking only water. Like, Coach Reggie, like, he had a regimen for me. Like, I had to bring a bottle of like a 4 liter bottle to practice. And I drink practice. Frank. Like, we'd watch Frank drink, drink. Like, like, it was on it. He was on me 24 7. Like, I had to stop eating at 6. Like, he was on me. Like, frank, where's your bottle? If I don't have my bottle to some type of punishment like that. Just, just, just being on me constantly, constantly. Like, I just can say it, like, from now, I just want to shout it out there. Like, I've been around such great coaches that, like, believed in me and just allowed me to be me. And, like, I think that has a big part of, like, who I am as well. But anyways, I just want to shout that out. But of course, yeah, like, he was on me constantly, like, yo, drink this water. Don't eat this, don't eat that. And if he sees me eating. What are you doing? [00:30:16] Speaker B: What'd you have to give up? [00:30:17] Speaker A: I had to give up sweets. I. [00:30:18] Speaker B: Come on, sweet. [00:30:19] Speaker A: I'm Italian, Jamaican, you know what I mean? Like, I have food in my crib. My best friends, Alessandro, you know, Kanki, Cy, Fran. Like, these guys, my best friends are Italian, St. Lucian and Portuguese. [00:30:32] Speaker B: What are your thoughts on chicken parm? It's great, Great. [00:30:35] Speaker A: I'm a pasta guy, you know what I'm saying? Like, I've been around those guys. These guys are like my dogs and my best friends, and they all like their food. They make their parents. The food and parents make is like, they. For, like, that culture is like, they force you to eat. Yeah. Like, you don't eat. Like, this is like, disrespectful. You know what I mean? So, like, I'm going to Ali's house and mama passed cooking me something, and then I can't. Like, I want to eat it, but I can't. You know what I mean? But I can't say no. France, same way he's Portuguese. Like, you know what I mean? So the guy's around, like, there's food all the time. So I had to cut that out. I had to stop going to Toronto at one point, like, Toronto, like, I just had to really lock in. And then. And what was a blessing? Alessandro. Like I said, he's one of my best friends. Fab. He was a Division 1 player at Canisius. He played soccer there. So I had that guy in my corner, you know what I mean? Like, he was on me as well. Like, yo, don't do this, don't do that. Like, to this day, like, he's still on me. Like, if I'm drinking pop, like, what are you doing? You know what I mean? So those guys helped me, Reggie helped me. And then my diet slowly started working and I started losing weight. And in that year, going into my year of playing, first game was Syracuse, I felt great. And then it started packing, stacking up days, stacking up days. And, you know, I had a great year. Did they would have to do a kes. And then Sally, you know, they let go of my coach and, you know, I seek opportunities, like, somewhere else and made it to Ben Johnson, went to Minnesota, had a year there, and now I'm Bonnie's. [00:31:57] Speaker B: Bonnie's. [00:31:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:31:59] Speaker B: When you got to D1, what were your expectations maybe, versus the reality when you actually got there and you saw what D1 basketball was all about? [00:32:07] Speaker A: Like, I said, like, I was around. Like, this is when I started, like, being around my mentors, like, Bubs, you know, Dylan and these guys were telling me, like, yo, you could do. You could have a double. Like, you could do a double double over there. Like I'm telling you right now, you could do your thing. And, you know, I was really buying into that and I did it and, you know, like, it just. It was just fun, bro. Like, basketball is fun. You know what I mean? I think basketball's fun. Like, like, you perform at the highest level, you know, I mean, like, if you enjoy what you do, you. You gonna enjoy. And that's what happened. Like, I just started enjoying it. I just started enjoying it. Games started happening, I started stacking up days started having crazy numbers. And that's. Yeah, just like I said, it's the people around me. Like, you know what I mean? The people around me. I'm blessed to be having people around me who really want the best for me. Like, I feel like some people, you know, have people around you that are talking nice to you and stabbing you in the back, but I don't have that around me, thank God. [00:32:58] Speaker B: Did you ever feel like obviously jumping From Humber to D1? Did you ever feel like some imposter syndrome? Like, hey, is this the Right decision. [00:33:07] Speaker A: Or like, yeah, yeah, for sure. [00:33:08] Speaker B: But then also, then you go dominate your first year. [00:33:10] Speaker A: Yeah, for sure. [00:33:11] Speaker B: What was that? Like, hey, I can play this level at a very high level. [00:33:15] Speaker A: Honestly, it's the first. I think it's the first year. That first year did a lot for me. Like, I remember my first time we went to. We went to Buffalo, and I'm sitting there. We're watching the game. I'm like, yo, why is this so fast? Like, I'm like, yo, these guys are big, and they're. I'm like, yo, what am I? Like, no, no, no. What am I doing here? Like, I'm watching this. This. You be like, I'm watching. Can you just. I'm like. Like, yo, like, this is not Humber. Like, this is not. Like. Like, I'm not. You know what I mean? Like, Humber. Like, I'm versing guys at, like, 6, 5, 6. Like, these guys are 6, 11, 7 foot. Like, what am I gonna do? And I practice, practice. I started realizing, okay. And then I started playing against, like, you know, the guys that are there before me, and I realized, okay, well, maybe I could do it. And then the year came and had it. Like, I just have extreme confidence in myself, too. So started working on. And then I had the year that I had. Yeah. [00:34:10] Speaker B: What was. Obviously, we go through. Talk about the. The rebounds you average at Kenesha's. Led the Mac Conference. Fourth, I said, in rebounding. Most rebounds in the season in program history since 1951. [00:34:23] Speaker A: 52. [00:34:24] Speaker B: That's, like World War II days. [00:34:25] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:34:26] Speaker B: You know, like, back then, how would you, like, what was maybe, like, your proudest moment at Kenesha's look back at it all? [00:34:34] Speaker A: Honestly, I think my proudest moment. I don't know. I think. I don't know. Everything was proud. Like, I was just happy. You know what I mean? Like, we lost, but I don't. I don't like losing. That's the one thing I don't. I hate losing. You know what I mean? Like, we lost a lot of games. I wasn't happy about that. But I don't know. I think my favorite maybe memories was, like, just the guys, the commodity, like, we had, like, you know what I mean? I was close to the guys on our team. You know what I mean? Like, I still talk to them to this day. Like, I think that was happy memories. You know what I mean? Like, we used to just do stuff off the court. And Manhattan. I always had games against Manhattan. I don't know why. Like, Manhattan Was like they caught the smoke. Yeah, that was my Dougie. Like those games, like that's my favorite games from Manhattan, you know what I mean? So I think just a year as a whole was just happiness, bro. Like being able to have a relationship with my coach, the coach's staff, you know what I mean? Coach Hawkins, Coach Hawkins was one of the guys that I, I look up to as well. And like it's just like that whole year was just memories, you know what I mean? Even though like those sad memories, like we lose or like guys are leaving, you know what I mean? But it's just a year as a whole. It's great. [00:35:41] Speaker B: We talk about obviously a great year at Kadishius, but then you decide to transfer again, this time to Minnesota. Tell me about the decision behind that. And obviously you had a great year at Cadious, but I'm guessing you probably like I want to play at a higher level too, right? What was the mindset to take me behind that? And I'm guessing you enter your name in a portal. What's the reaction and what's the I'm guessing people reaching out. [00:36:03] Speaker A: Yeah, I put my name in a portal. I had like a lot of schools, like SEC schools, ACC schools, shout em out, you know what I mean? [00:36:10] Speaker B: We don't have to go too detailed. [00:36:12] Speaker A: You know Minnesota, that's the one that stuck out to me, you know what I mean? So I had schools reaching out left, right and center. But Minnesota stuck out to me and I decided to go to Minnesota. Ben Johnson was a great coach and you know what I mean, he, he said the stuff I wanted to hear. And you know Thor, great, great coach as well. He's assistant head assistant over there. And he, he was one of the reasons why I had an upside towards the end of the year, you know, like we worked out and you know that Minnesota as a whole was fun. You know, the city is great. I was in Minneapolis city. Like I was five minutes away from the Tim Wolf's arena and I had some guy like Leonard Miller was there, you know what I mean? Nikhil, like I saw, I had Canadians in my corner, you know what I mean? Like, so Minnesota was fun. I went over there, did my stuff, had some challenges. You know, my beginning of the year, I tore my labrum. First damn year. First game of the year, like exhibition. I dove for the ball, labrum came out, tore my shoulder. And then it was just a mental roller coaster from there. [00:37:16] Speaker B: How'd you deal with that? [00:37:17] Speaker A: I don't know if my, like I said My circle, you know, I had guys in my corner like, yo, just ride a wave. Just ride the wave. You know, it might be high. Just. It's gonna come down eventually. Just. Just stick with it. Just keep doing what you're doing. Like, don't change your regimen. Don't change what you're doing. Just. Just keep stacking up days. And slowly I started getting through the injury, started playing basketball again. And towards the end of the year, I think I went from this. This, you know, I mean, the last three, four games, I finished with a double double. I started doing what I had to do and, like, my identity as Frank was coming back like it was me again. You know what I mean? So now I'm here and ready to kill and ready to do what I have to do. [00:37:55] Speaker B: Did you take some time off with that injury or no? [00:37:57] Speaker A: Yeah, well, yeah, I took two weeks. [00:37:59] Speaker B: Two weeks. But you're still. I'm guessing. [00:38:01] Speaker A: Yeah, I was really supposed to take more, but I took two weeks and I said, you know, like, I'm an eager guy. Like, I want to do stuff. Like, I don't like sitting down, and I don't. Like, I don't. I bought a PS5. I maybe played it four times, you know, I mean, like, I'm a. Like, I rather go do. I'm a social butterfly. Why? To go do stuff. You know what I mean? Whether it's like going to walk or go fishing, go snowboarding, go skiing, go play hockey. Like, I just came back from skating right now. Like, I was playing hockey, like, 15 minutes ago. He. That's what. He came to pick me up. [00:38:27] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:38:27] Speaker A: You know what I mean? So I like to go do stuff like that, you know, I mean, I'm not a guy that just sits in my room, you know? So I was eager to come back. Came back. I Lowkey. Should have waited a little longer, but like I said, everything happens for a reason. And now I'm here and excited to represent Bonnie's and excited to hopefully bring a. A10 championship back to the crib. [00:38:45] Speaker B: Yeah, you talk about being a social butterfly. Before we started this podcast we've been going on, you called your guy, Ryan Nemhardt, obviously. Ryan, obviously. On a podcast back in May at the NBA draft combine, going through that process. [00:38:58] Speaker A: Serious player right there. [00:39:00] Speaker B: What's it been like seeing his. His journey, too, man. [00:39:02] Speaker A: Like I said, Ryan and Andrew, I'm with them a lot in the summer, you know what I mean? We went to la. I was supposed to go with them to all these places. Like, These guys are my brothers, you know what I mean? It's just being able to have guys like that in my corner, it's just a blessing, you know what I mean? I understand and see the work ethic, you know what I mean? Especially Drew, you know what I mean? Andrew is someone who came in the league underrated, and now he's that guy, you know what I mean? Like, his bump. You can't mess with it. His slow step, can't mess with it. [00:39:32] Speaker B: I'm gonna try to steal it. [00:39:33] Speaker A: His defense. I can't. No, I can't. Yeah, like, he's here. [00:39:37] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:39:37] Speaker A: Stop. Like, I don't have that balance, you know what I mean? Like, he's like, Andrew is a guy that, like, does it. You know what I mean? Like, being around that. Being around Ryan. Ryan's in the. Ryan's gonna do the same thing. Like, I know a lot of people were talking. He might be this, he might be that. He showed it already, you know what I mean? Like, no Coop flag. Serious guy right there. First. First game of the summer league, everyone tuned in for who Cooper flag. I don't know who stole the show. You guys are blind. Who saw the show was Ryan. Ryan did his Dougie, and everyone's like, oh, my God, who is this? You know what I mean? So that guy. I'm not. He's gonna do his Dougie. He's gonna. He's gonna do the same thing Andrew did. But being able to have those guys, like, Dylan, too, that's one of my big bros, you know what I mean? That's One of my OGs, you know what I mean? Like, I see that. I am so great. Like I said, I must keep saying, I'm so grateful to have those guys in my corner because I understand the work ethic that it takes. These guys are in the league, you know what I mean? They didn't. But, like, I realized once you're in the league, it's harder to stay in the league than get in the league, you know what I mean? These guys are doing three days. Andrew's doing, like. And, like, amount of times I had talks with Andrew and Ryan and Dylan, like, yo, Frank, you have to prioritize certain things. And I mean, like, you can't prioritize going and have friends and going to do stuff and going to, like, you know what I mean? Go party. Prioritize stuff that's going to get you, like, half sacrifices for better good later on down the road, you know what I mean? Like, the amount of conversations I had With Dylan, like, and Andrew and Ryan, like, yo, like, focus on this, you know? I mean, like, Andrew, show me the ropes. Dylan showed me the ropes and he keeps showing me the ropes. And Ryan is like, I. I feel like I'm kind of doing a journey with him, you know what I mean? Like, Andrew, like, Ryan is like my brother. You know what I mean? Like, he's. [00:41:14] Speaker B: How'd you meet those guys? [00:41:15] Speaker A: I met them maybe like, damn near my first basketball year. Like, and we started clicking and then really two summers ago, we just started doing everything together. And, like, we train together, we do lift together. We go to the same strength coach. And like, these guys just taught me a lot. And I'm so blessed to have those guys in my corner, you know what I mean? Like, just the people in my circle, it's just, just, just. [00:41:38] Speaker B: Same thing with Dylan. I'm guessing through. [00:41:40] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:41:40] Speaker B: To working out. [00:41:41] Speaker A: Yeah. Dylan, yeah. Yeah. [00:41:42] Speaker B: I've seen a photo of you. He was driving the front seat. You're in the back seat, chilling. Look like he was your chauffeur first. [00:41:47] Speaker A: Yeah, never that. [00:41:48] Speaker B: Never that. [00:41:49] Speaker A: Dylan is. Dylan is my, like, my dogs, bro. Like, he's my crime. Like, I look up to him. You know what I mean? Like, I talked to him every day. I don't. There's not a day where I don't talk to him. You know what I mean? Like, he shows me, like, he showed me how to be a pro. Like, he shows me how to want certain things. He shows me how to make this a necessity and obsess over it. You know what I mean? Like, he. He tells me, like, yo, you have to fantasize and, like, obsess over what you want. Like, this is your why. Like, basketball is my why. This is your why. Like, how are you going to separate yourself and how are you going to make this your why? Like, what are you going to do to, like, really buy into that, to this world of, like, basketball? Like, yo. Even if it's just like, yo, come in the gym, shoot 500 posts. It doesn't have to be fast, but, like, really buy into this gift on what you have. Like, these guys that circle. Like, even Nas Eli, I don't know if you know them. Nas Long. Eli Long. They're brothers. One plays in Greece, the other one plays in. In Italy. Yeah, those. Like, that whole group is like, I look up to, like, Bubs, like, you guys, that's my og. Like, you know what I mean? Just these guys. I've been around, like, Elias, Like, I've been around Some guys. And, like, I really got to learn from these guys, and, like, I'm still learning to this day. [00:43:03] Speaker B: A lot of legends, especially a lot of legends, man. You talked about Dylan Brooks. I feel like on the outside perception, a lot of people, obviously, they see the antics, they see the him going up against LeBron. What's something you feel like people don't know about Dylan? That obviously you're around him a lot. He's real. You're close with him. [00:43:18] Speaker A: He's real. [00:43:19] Speaker B: And I feel like I hear so many stories where he's taking people under his wing, you know, where it's like. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, what's that been like? And seeing, like, you see a completely different version, I feel like, you know, the fans that watch, like, honestly, I think people. [00:43:34] Speaker A: People don't know about him is, like, what he does is not fake. Like, it's not fake. Like, he's not one of those guys that, like, do stuff for the camp. No, it's not. Like, he's not fake. Like, you know what I mean? Like, that's him. Like, he's real. Like, he'll tell you the way it is, whether you like it or not. Especially, like, if you're, like. If you're close to him, he'll tell you, like, what it is. You know what I mean? I see it like, there's a lot of times I'm playing basketball, I'm just like, yo, what do you do? Like, pass. He's like, yo, what are you doing, bro? You know what I mean? Like. Like, he knows what it takes. Like, he tells me every day, like, yo, you have to separate yourself. You have to stop doing this. You have to stop doing that. Like, guys don't know. Like, bro, for example, the LeBron thing, you know how much. Let's talk about this. You know how much guys chirp to LeBron? How much guys trip to LeBron? [00:44:13] Speaker B: Not many. [00:44:13] Speaker A: And how much of those guys that tripped LeBron made an appearance on Instagram? I made it. You can't be a nobody. You can't be a nobody to get praise that, yo, Dylan Brooks was talking crazy LeBron. If it was like, I just came in the league, Frank Mitchell, talk to LeBron. I'm not making no headlines. You know what I mean? Like, you have to be a guy to talk to another. You know what I mean? You have to, like, you have to have some type of status and some type of, like, yo, he's. He's. He's him to get recognition and even. [00:44:40] Speaker B: Get him to react and like, you. [00:44:41] Speaker A: Know what I'm saying? Like, he, like, Dylan is a culture. Like, you know what I mean? What he does is like, that's what organizations, that's what programs look for. Like, winning culture, nose, hard nose, person. Like, blue collar Id. Like, like that's his. Like, that's his motto. Like, he is a blue collar individual. He works at it. He's hard working. Like, even Andrew, like, guys don't know, but Andrew is a dog. [00:45:03] Speaker B: I heard he talks a lot of trash. Is that true? [00:45:05] Speaker A: No, no, no, no. He like how he talks trash. Like, he's the type of guy, like, he'll cook you and look, you laugh like it hurts. You know how much times he dealt with me. And I'm looking and he's like, yo, like, just stop. You know what I mean? Like, he's one of those guys, you know what I mean? Like, even Angie, even Ryan, like, these guys are like dogs. Canada produces dogs. Brochure. I'm with him in the summer. Like, I play with him, talk to him. You know what I mean? Like, these guys are like, these guys are dogs, bro. Like, people don't understand that. Canada produces dogs. Canada produces guys that can do it at that level. Guys that are doing it at level. Shay's the best in the NBA and what is he? Canadian. You know what I'm saying? So, like, that knock on Canada, America, it's over right now. It's over right now. Like, it's. It's done. You know what I'm saying? [00:45:47] Speaker B: What was like, seeing Shay go on that run, I feel like he probably had one of the greatest seasons, bro. [00:45:52] Speaker A: It's unreal. [00:45:52] Speaker B: Single season runs. It was like watching it. And then obviously you talked about meeting him in the summer. [00:45:57] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:45:57] Speaker B: I'm guessing you saw him in some of those workouts at Humber. [00:46:00] Speaker A: I've been like, honestly, I've been around him in the summer since I started basketball. Like, I've been playing with him. I knew for. For a little bit, you know what I mean? Like, I've been like, he's been having runs. Team Canada runs. Like, he been there. You know what I mean? Like, the way he dissects the game is crazy. You know what I mean? Like, he's. He's real. Like, he's like. It's like, I don't even know how to explain. Like, if you're not a basketball player, you don't know. Like, it's the way he handles. Like, he just gets to his spots. Like, he just plays at his Own pace. Like, I haven't seen a guy like that or like in a while who gets to the spot at their speed, you know what I'm saying? Like, he can get to a spot no matter what. [00:46:36] Speaker B: No one fat put. Putting him in. [00:46:37] Speaker A: Yeah, no one speeds you up. Like, yeah, when you, when you don't speed up and you don't, like, like other people force you, you got a game, you know what I mean? Like, you, you understand basketball, you know what I mean? So like he does it. Like he, like, it's crazy. It's crazy. [00:46:51] Speaker B: Okay, well, what's you talked about, obviously, early on when you're playing just like learning sets, learning terminology. Where do you feel like you're at with that now? Especially now. [00:47:03] Speaker A: I learned a lot, you know what I mean? Like, basketball is easier when you know stuff, you know what I mean? Like, I'm still learning, you know what I mean? I'm still learning stuff. Like I said, the guys I'm around, like Andrew and Ryan and Dylan, these guys are still teaching me stuff, like understanding, like off the court too. Like how to prioritize your body. Like sauna, isometric stuff, you know what I'm saying? [00:47:24] Speaker B: Like, they put you in the sauna this year? [00:47:25] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was with, I was with the sauna every other day. We are with the sauna, like almost every other day with Andrew. [00:47:32] Speaker B: Cold tubs. [00:47:33] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, cold tub. You know what I mean? Like even like just how you carry yourself off the court as. You know what I mean? Like, it just. You learn so much from these guys, bro. Like, when I went to, we went to la, I went to la, we went to Dallas. Like, just being around that, like understanding the work ethic, it's just, it's a blessing, but at least see what it comes with it, you know what I mean? How to carry yourself, how to prioritize your body, how to stretch, how to go to bed at a certain time, how not to drink, how not to. You know what I mean? So it just, I learned a lot from those guys and I'm truly blessed that I'm close to them and I have those guys in my circle. [00:48:07] Speaker B: Talking about Davidson, though, what's it been like working with him? And I feel like you talked about one of the best trainers in the city that hear a lot of your stuff. [00:48:13] Speaker A: For sure, man. That guy elevated my game od, you know what I mean? He taught me the technical stuff of basketball, like understanding reads, how to like have a counter to a counter to a counter, you know what I mean? Like, how do you add this? But when they stop that, you have another thing, and you know what I mean? Like, he. I don't think I've been with him. Like, I don't think I had a summer with him where my game hasn't elevated. Like, I don't think I had a summer with him where I hated him but loved him at the same time, you know? I mean, like, he's the type. Like, he's. Like I said, he's like my big bro. Like, he talks to me, like. And he. Like, he doesn't sugarcoat stuff for me. He wants the best for me. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I said, that whole wolf pack circle, those are my family. You know what I mean? Like, those are my dogs. Like, he's like, those guys taught me a lot. DT Is one of the best trainers. And I see it. Like, look at Nicholson. Like, he's. He's unreal. And he trains with DT religiously. I trained with DT religiously. Dylan trains with dt. Like, you're gonna see. Like, Dylan was locked in. Like, this is the craziest summer I've seen Dylan have. The craziest. He's on a mission right now. He's on him. Like, he's. He's. He's darling, you know what I'm saying? Like, he. He has a lot of naysayers, you know what I mean? So he. He. He has a lot of stuff to show this year that he's not just someone who plays defense. Like, he's a. Like, he's. He's a bucket. You know what I mean? Like, and he was with dt. Like, I see it. I see it. Like, I understand what it takes. Like, DT holds me to a standard that sometimes I need to hold myself to as well. Like, he holds me up here because he sees me some days. Like, you know what I mean? Like, some days you get it. You're tired and, like, you might hold your stuff right here. You know what I mean? But like I said, you have that bright people in your. They're holding you up here every time. Like, when you come in and you're. Excuse my language, and you're bullshitting, they're gonna let you know. The people that don't let you know are the guys that don't. I don't. Don't. Don't really care for you for real, you know what I mean? Even just my best friends off the court, you know? I mean, like I said. I said at the beginning, Alessandro, Fran and Cy, like, and Squigs. Those guys keep it real. Keep it real. Like, you know how much times they tell me stuff, I'm like, yo, why are you talking? Like, because they know what it is, like, you know? I mean, so those guys having guys off the court, like, just my circle alone, like, really makes me elevate. And that's why I think I'm going to have a year like I did at Kenesha's. [00:50:28] Speaker B: How big do you think that is, too? Because a lot of people talk about your circle matters big. Especially, like, playing basketball. I'm guessing you've probably seen people in the wrong crowds end up. They could have been on the same path as you potentially, right? Honestly, how big do you think that is, and how have you seen it maybe impact other people and just in. [00:50:45] Speaker A: Terms of their genes? Big. Like I said, I'm a social butterfly. You know what I mean? I, I, I know a lot of people in the city, you know what I mean? Like, but it comes down to, like, knowing who is the people that are going to be there for you when stuff hits the fan, you know what I mean? Like, those guys having, having guys that will tell you no until you. Yes. Like, you don't want a yes man. You don't want a yes person in your life. You don't want that. You don't want someone to yes, yes. Like, you know, they know you're in the wrong, but they're saying yes. You want people to be like, yo, that was stupid. That was wrong. What are you doing? Like, those are the guys that will carry you to the end. You know what I mean? Like I said, Dylan is the type of person to do that. Andrew is the type of person to do that. Bubs, Eli, Nas, Fran, Cy. Like, you know what I'm saying? Ale, like, those guys in my circle are the type of guys to do that. You know what I mean? It's so important to have someone in your circle that really values you as an individual and doesn't care about the perks that you come with. Like, you know, like, the fame. Like, the, the people who know, like, no, like, you are a regular person the same way I am. I bleed the same way as you. You breathe the same way as I. You know what I mean? Like, we can both shoot a ball, but, like, you should it better, though. Yeah, you might shoot it better than me. [00:51:54] Speaker B: We might try this afterwards. [00:51:56] Speaker A: You don't lose. People don't know I'm really Steph Curry. I'm gonna keep it. I'm gonna keep it in the wraps. [00:52:00] Speaker B: No I love it. [00:52:01] Speaker A: But, yeah, the circle comes down to like, yo, like, that can win or break you, you know what I mean? Like, if you don't have the right people telling you the right things in your ear, like, you could. You could. [00:52:12] Speaker B: You could go a certain. [00:52:13] Speaker A: Go a certain way. Like, even my agent, like, Eliza, he tells me the right things, you know I'm saying, like, when I'm wrong, he tells me I'm wrong. You know what I'm saying? That's why, like, he's like, he's my dog. You know what I mean? That's why he's my agent. That's why I work with him and just. He's like, I'm close to him on a personal level. Not even through basket, but some days I call him. I don't even talk about basketball, bro. The people that you can talk with. Like, when I'm with Andrew, when I'm with Dylan, I don't talk about basketball. Like, there's times we talk about, like, yo, Frank, you're doing this. But there's times you're like, yo, we're just talking about, like, laughing, going to get food. You know what I mean? Going to, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's what it really is about. Like, the guys that, like, really care for you as an individual and not as a player, not as a, you know. [00:52:50] Speaker B: Yeah, you talked about the wolf pack. I know Dylan got a tat. Would you get a tat? Wolf pack. Tell me about that circle, too. [00:52:57] Speaker A: Just. Yeah, it's my daughter. [00:52:58] Speaker B: What is wolf pack? I think a lot. I've heard a lot of it. What does it stand for? [00:53:01] Speaker A: Like, that's brotherhood, bro. They're brotherhood. Like, these guys been together, you know, I recently, you know, got all. Glory to God. I recently was able to connect with these guys and learn a lot from those guys, you know, all those guys in that circle are mentors. I look up to them because they all did it. You know what I mean? Like, those guys are like a blessing in my life, you know what I mean? Like, those guys taught me a lot, you know what I mean? Cuz Bobs, you know, dt, Corey, you know, I mean, Coop, all these guys. Cody, Nas, Eli, Dylan, like, pg. Like, these guys taught me a lot, man. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I'm so grateful to be in that circle and learn from. Because those guys are all excellent, bro. These go. Those guys all drive each other to reach at the highest level, bro. There's no, like, we don't want you to be here. We want you to reach here and like, we're push you to get that. And like, you know, I'm blessed and I'm truly honored to be able to be. Have those guys and truly say I love those guys. You know what I mean? Like, it's, it's a blessing. Yeah. [00:53:55] Speaker B: We talk about obviously the portal, that kind of stuff. What's your thoughts on it? Just in general, I want to get your, your, your thoughts. Obviously you've been, been in it, the process. What's it like as a player going through that whole process and also you retro your first year, if that. I think the portal started the year after, I'm guessing, right? [00:54:14] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:54:15] Speaker B: What was that like? Did you wish it started earlier and what was the mindset going through it all? [00:54:20] Speaker A: Like I said, I don't think, I don't wish it started because I said, like I said, I think that year I said I was one of the biggest blessing because I really understood what it takes to be a division athlete. Even if it's low major, high major, like, you know what I mean? I understand like, yo, this is a sacrifice. And it was like a grace period for me. Like I. That was a learning year for me. Transporter right now is crazy. Like, you know, for Canada. Freshmen and gather going into college is hard now. It's harder. You know, I mean guys are not really. Schools are not really looking for freshmen anymore. They're looking for guys that did it. Like college basketball's. Oh, no, I gotta play with a guy named Parker Fox. Great guy. My dogs. Man's 26, you know what I mean? So like the league like college is getting older now, you know what I mean? Like, so guys like schools are looking for to win. That's the end goal. So they're getting guys that have done it. They're getting guys who are experienced. They're getting guys that like, they know what it takes to win. So you're going to bring that to our program. We have a 1, 2 freshman that are project pieces. But we need to win right now and we need to get guys out of the portal. Who knows what it takes to win? You know I'm saying that's the portal now. Like, guys are going for money, guys are going for this. Guys don't really care about. A lot of guys nowadays don't care about when they care about, like, yo, I'm gonna go over there, get my Dougie so I can go get more money somewhere else. You know what I mean? Like, money is good, but like, if you don't win. And you're in a program where you, like, you guys, you can have 40 points and lose every game, you know, and it could be a guy that averages 5, 10 points a game and wins every single game. They're going rock with a guy that average 10 points a game because their team's winning. Then I gotta average 40 and like, okay, like, you guys lost every game. All right. You know what I mean? So the portal is definitely, I think, I hope not, but I think the portal is definitely changing the culture of like, how like players are thinking about it. [00:56:00] Speaker B: Like, it's cool too, because it's empowering players. Right? But then sometimes you hear stories where it's where the first conversation is like. [00:56:06] Speaker A: Yo, what's the money? [00:56:07] Speaker B: What's the money? [00:56:08] Speaker A: And I don't think people work that's hard anymore. I don't think people work as hard anymore because money is evolved. You know what I mean? Like, once you have your money, you're chilling, chilling, you know what I mean? I feel like guys are not really as eager. Like, yo, I'm trying to get to this level, so I'm gonna do what I have to do, you know what I mean? Like, but like, I'm gonna give it a. I'm gonna give a huge shout out to our team. Like, our team, we don't have none of that on our team. Like, all our team is blue collar individuals. Like, I, like, we have no one on our team that cares about agenda. We have no one that cares that, that I need to get. These guys are. We're all close. And everyone comes down to our captain, Tay Desante. He's going to be a serious pro, like a serious problem this year, you know what I mean? X, Daniel, Joe, Even down to the freshman, Akila Ilya, Andrew, John, like, these guys, like, everyone around us, there's so much great commodity. Like, everyone just loves each other. Like, and that's why I'm so happy that I'm here. This culture that coach created here. I don't really see the portal, like affecting us, you know what I mean? Like, it's none of that, no agenda here, just all love for the game of basketball and like trying to win. [00:57:09] Speaker B: Yeah. Season obviously ends Minnesota. You enter the Portal, go to St. Bonnie's what was the first conversations like? I'm guessing they were on you for, for a minute now. [00:57:17] Speaker A: Yeah, they're on me for a minute. [00:57:19] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:57:19] Speaker A: And if you want me to be honest with you, I fell in love with Bonaventure's atmosphere and like, environment. When I played at Kenesha's, like, we played here. We played here. The year. Would it be Oklahoma? Like, these guys were nice. And I remember I came here the first two games. The first two minutes of the game or something. I had to. I picked up two files. Reggie said, all right. Sitting on the bench for the whole half. Sat on the bench. And I came out the second half, and I did my Dougie, and we ended up winning. And this is a hard place. This is a hard place to win. Like, you see that? The. Every seat in this arena is packed. [00:57:54] Speaker B: It feels like you're sitting on the. Like, we're here. It feels like you're right on the court. [00:57:58] Speaker A: This is all. People are all sitting here. Over on the other side, the bleachers come out. Like, that's the student section. That side, student section. Like, the whole gym is packed, and these guys get packed. Like, I remember. I'll never forget this. I'm driving in from Kenesha's, and students are walking to the writing center, and the students are, like, flicking us off. We're driving in the bus, and these guys are like. I'm like, yo, these guys, they're ready Bonnie's. And then that's what really gave me the decision. Like, I'm coming here, like, close to home. And this culture here, like, everyone knows Bonaventure as basketball. Like, if I talk to anyone in Toronto, do you know about adventure? Yeah. You know what I mean? And Brown carries, like, I think the community of Bonaventures carry, like, a power four school, you know? I mean, like, if you're wearing this color of Bonnie's and you have the Bonnie's logos, people are gonna see you in the airport and be like, yo, you went to Bonnie's? Oh, yeah, I went to Bonnie's as well. Like, my cousin's cousins went to Bonaventure. Like, he owns this. You know what I mean? The culture of Bonaventure, like, the lum is just, like. It's just unreal. And, like, I fell in love with the atmosphere. I fell in love with the culture. And I said, you know what? Like, why not? [00:59:07] Speaker B: We talked about Andrew Nicholson. Obviously, he played here, went to the NBA. Did you reach out to him? Did you have a conversation with him? But, hey, I'm looking at this program. And what was that first initial conversation? [00:59:18] Speaker A: Like, I talked about everything. Like, every decision I had. You know what I mean? Like, and, like, me and Andrew don't really Nicholson. We don't really talk a lot. Like, on Phone calls or, like, a lot of our conversations are in person, you know what I mean? So you really understand that. You really get to see the emotional. Like, you know, when someone, like, he doesn't. He doesn't really lie or, like, he doesn't keep. He keeps it 100, like, real. You know what I mean? So, like, having, like, face to face conversations, you understand what that person really, what this program means to a person. Like, when he describes Bonaventure, you understand what Bonaventure did for him and what he wanted to do for Bonaventure. You know what I mean? You felt it. You understood. Like, yo, he really loves his program. You know what I mean? Like, and there has to be something that makes players like, every player that came here, I had no, like, I haven't heard, like, Lethal Shooter. Like, I was in LA with Dylan. I mean, I was in LA with Ryan and Andrew and Nemar, the Neymar bros. They had a camp, the Mama camp. And I was there just chilling and leave the street is like, yo, I went to Bonnie's, like, bro, like, you know, Bonnie's for life, bro. Like, I'm so excited you commit there. I'm excited to watch you play, you know what I'm saying? Like, you. You realize how much people in the industry understand the culture that Bonaventure has, and, like, it opened my eyes and I'm so, so grateful to be here. You know what I mean? Like, I'm so happy and I'm excited for the season and, like, excited to just. Just kill it. [01:00:37] Speaker B: Yeah, Lethal Shooter, I understand it. That's. That's the guy, right? Yeah, he's a very funny guy. Also, like, great trainer, too. Talk about Wo. What was the first initial conversation with him? Because I'm guessing he's watched your game for a minute now. [01:00:52] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [01:00:53] Speaker B: What was that first conversation like with him? And like I mentioned at the top, he considered you the number one priority program. [01:01:00] Speaker A: First encounter with Walsh was when I paired a Kenesha's. I remember it was his. I think he had a. He got a jersey or some type, and he was sitting courtside. I didn't really know who was. Like, I didn't really know who Woj was until after the game, but I remember he was there. I'm like, yo, Woj was there. Like, you know, like, I started understanding and then he reached out this year and I talked to him. I said, you know, like, I'm really considering here. And he goes, you know what, Frank? The culture we have here, like, you Know, power fighters may have a huge facility, may have this like. But the culture we have here, I promise you, you will love it here, you know what I mean? Like, he understood, like, he really makes you feel like, yo, you are a priority. Like I said in the beginning, like, he breeds through and through Bonaventure. Like, he left like a high paid ESPN job to come here, you know what I'm saying? Like, it just says it like, you know what I mean? He was known, like, he's known like at a high level in the basketball community. At the highest level, NBA. He left the espn, like, ESPN is one of the, is the top. He left that to come here, just show like, that alone shows like what this culture and what Bonaventure means to an individual, you know what I mean, who really bought into the system. So he told me, like, yo, Frank, we gonna make sure that we give you the best. And as long as you give us your best, you know what I'm saying? Like, so we, I understand. Like, the culture here is like, if you want to be here, you're going to be here. If you don't want to be here, it's not for you. If you don't like, basketball is not for you. And that's another reason, main reason why I came here is because like I said, I had other schools, Power 5 and you know, I could have went, stayed a Big ten, I could have went somewhere else, like, but I understood, like, yo, so like I said, it comes down to talking to my circle. Like, coming here, there's not a lot of stuff to do here. Like, you drove her, there's no mall, there's. You know what I mean, like through and through. [01:02:52] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:02:52] Speaker A: What I'm saying. So I decided to come here because basketball is the culture, Basketball is the identity. And if I can sacrifice a year, two years of basketball for the better good of myself, five, six later, five, six years later, down the road, I'm going be like, you know what? I'm truly happy I did that. You know what I mean? I'm truly happy. I didn't buy into the outside noise of partying and clothes and fashion, you know what I mean? I really bought into basketball because at the end of the day, it's you and you. If you don't put in what you want, nothing. Like, you know what I'm saying? It's like, I can't put in an hour every two weeks on free throws. And I go to the line and I shoot free throw and I miss and I'm like, why am I missing? Because I didn't put in the time, so I can't party, party, party. And then I realize down the road, like, yo, why am I not at a higher level? Like, why am I not here? Because why? Because I didn't put in the time, so that's why I came here. Like, I just knew there's a basketball's identity here, and, like, I knew I had to sacrifice something somehow, and I did it. And like I said, since I've been here, best shape I've been in my life, my free throws feel amazing. I struggle at the line. But now I'm. I'm. I'm. I'm gonna prove some haters. [01:03:54] Speaker B: What was the percentage last year? [01:03:55] Speaker A: I'm talking about. [01:03:56] Speaker B: It's gonna talk about that. [01:03:58] Speaker A: You know what I'm saying? [01:03:59] Speaker B: It's gonna be good. [01:04:00] Speaker A: Passes the past. It's gonna be good. It's gonna be good. [01:04:02] Speaker B: You talked about, obviously, this kind of secluded, Right? If you want basketball, you got to be here. [01:04:08] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:04:09] Speaker B: What is there to do near St. Bonneville? You talk about playing hockey. [01:04:12] Speaker A: Yeah, I found a hockey rink. Yeah. You know, all I need. I fish. I go fishing a lot. Coach's house. [01:04:18] Speaker B: Nice. [01:04:18] Speaker A: Go fishing, you know, watch sports games, watch football. You know what I mean? Watch the Blue Jays. Go, Blue Jays. [01:04:24] Speaker B: We're going to. Yeah. [01:04:26] Speaker A: You know what I mean? We're going to win. Have to win. [01:04:28] Speaker B: This podcast coming out on Tuesday. Hopefully have to win. Hopefully they won. [01:04:31] Speaker A: Get what I'm saying? Have to win by then. Yeah, yeah, but. Yeah, but I understand. Like, it's just the culture here, bro. Like, the coaching staff, even just down to the coaching staff, like, these guys are, like, legit. Like, these guys understand what it means to be, like, bought into basketball. So, like, coming here and being bought into basketball, like, it's great. [01:04:52] Speaker B: Yeah. What are you talked about? Obviously? First conversation. Obviously, he's well connected. Everyone knows him. What do you think are some of the advantages just, like, in terms of having someone like that in your corner who's connected on all levels? [01:05:05] Speaker A: Man, Woj is Woj. It's like, I don't think my. My speech or my. Me saying something's gonna amplify him who he is. People know his. His level. It's. Watch. Like, let's not. Let's think about it. Like, who doesn't know. Who doesn't know Watch, like, who is in the basketball community that doesn't know watch, like, it's. It's Woj bomb. Like, Woj that. Woj. That name alone. Rings bells anywhere you go in the basketball community. Yo, I know Woj. You know Woj. What? Yoj? Woj? [01:05:38] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:05:39] Speaker A: Yo, Frank, you just got a Woj bomb. Woj. [01:05:43] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:05:43] Speaker A: You know what I'm saying? Like, people know who Woj is. Like, Woj is like having that person, like having him in your corner just, it's like having every GM in your pocket. You know what I'm saying? Like, and Woj, like I said it just to its characteristic, like, Woj is the most honest, caring individual that that's in the game. You know what I mean? Like, you would think, like he has all this connect. Like, bro, he told me, I remember I was talking to him, he's like, yo, Frank, when it comes down to, you know, finance, like, you have to manage it, you know, we're just talking about life stuff, you know, I mean. And like, he told me, like, yo, what you wear, how you dress doesn't determine who you are. You know? I'm saying like, like, look at me, I did this. Like I, I made my money. You see me, I'm wearing regular clothes. I'm wearing Bonaventure gear all the time. Like, I don't need to buy a fifty thousand dollar Rolex and let people know that I'm old. I'm old. You know what I mean? Names ring bells, you know what I mean? [01:06:36] Speaker B: You gotta give me some Bond Adventure gear after this. [01:06:37] Speaker A: I got you, I got you. So he told me, he's just like, yo, just really. If you just be a good person and just be true to yourself and true to people around you, like, people are gonna remember you for. You people are not gonna remember for the Rolex you had on your wrist. [01:06:52] Speaker B: Or I don't got a Rolex, guys, but you know, you know, Apple watch in the pocket. Yeah. [01:06:56] Speaker A: You understand the concept. [01:06:57] Speaker B: Keep the main thing. The main thing. [01:06:58] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [01:06:58] Speaker B: So, yeah, Pro Day recently. Yeah, what was that like? [01:07:02] Speaker A: It was great. [01:07:02] Speaker B: Takeaways. I seen a dozen NBA scouts there. Tom Thibodeau. [01:07:06] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:07:06] Speaker B: Most recent head coach at with the New York Knicks. What was, man, Pro Day like? Take me through that day. [01:07:11] Speaker A: It was great, man. Being around NBA guys, understanding how serious it is. Like talking to GMs, talking to guys that played at the highest level. Like, you know, it was great, like seeing like how important and how serious that level is. It's not a joke thing. You know, we came in there, we played and like, I had a great day and I learned a lot and you know, it just, it was just amazing. Like, it was the first mid major to ever do that. And why? Because of what? Because of what? You know I'm saying, like that just screams at how connected Roach is and how much he cares about. He didn't have to do that for like he didn't have to do that. But he loves the program so much. He wants to give everyone on this team an opportunity to be great and be something outside of basketball, you know what I mean? Outside of bond adventure. Like what he wants you to do something after bounce adventure days are done. You know what I mean? So it was just an amazing experience. You know, we got treated like pros and we did our thing. Like we had fun. Like you know we're in the Big Apple. I did my little Dougie. Like it was fun, bro. [01:08:10] Speaker B: What feedback did you receive? [01:08:12] Speaker A: Enough. You just, just keep doing what I do, you know what I mean? Like keep passing the ball and like just being new. Just don't change your identity. That's what it comes down to. [01:08:20] Speaker B: It's like you're underrated passer too. [01:08:21] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I think I showed a. You're going to see that this year, you know what I mean? I'm going to have the ball in my hands a lot and I'm going to be able to show that. But just understanding what it takes to be in the league, like just do the right place. Like hard work works. Like people are getting to lead because they're hard workers, you know, I mean the motor guys are winning now. It's not about the 40 point mortar guys are winning right now, you know what I'm saying? Like so just do stuff to help team wins and NBA scouts and NBA teams, pro teams are going to look at you, you know what I mean? So that's just the biggest takeaway I took it of it is just keep working hard. Just work hard every time you're on the court. Just try to elevate yourself and be the most active and like most ongoing player on the court. Like I'm going to out motor you. I'm going to outwork you every single time. [01:09:06] Speaker B: Yeah. How does the coaching staff kind of want to use you season? How have they talked about. [01:09:10] Speaker A: Yeah, just, just you know, I hear that that's another reason why the five man runs the offense here, you know what I mean? Like being able to have a five man that can come out, you know, ball screen, get the ball, make reads, pass, you know what I mean? Like, you know, it's just been great, bro. Like I. How they're going to use me. They're going to use me at whichever way to. To win, you know what I mean? These guys have extreme confidence in me, and it's. It helps me play, you know what I mean? Like, knowing that you have your coaches behind you and the guys that are in the program that are behind you, it makes you. It makes you reach levels that you never knew you could reach. And, I mean, it makes you want to work hard and do good because you respect your coach so much, you know what I mean? Like, you have so much respect for the program. It's just like you won't let yourself slip. You won't let yourself go out there and, you know, play Laxadiesel because you don't care. Like, you care so much because of what the program's giving you, you know what I mean? So that's what I think my duty is, is I'm gonna be able to do what I have to do. And because I care so much, and the community and the coaching staff is giving me the opportunity. [01:10:07] Speaker B: What was it like? Obviously, St. Bonnie's did a whole trip back to Humber College. A reunion for you. What was that like, going there? I was in attendance. Packed crowd, A lot of young kids, too, being able to watch. I feel like we haven't really seen an NCAA team come and practice in Toronto, get to watch how a D1 program does its thing at a high level, Watch you guys practice, go through your sets, your plays, watch you guys scrimmage, watch you guys sign autographs afterwards. Kind of inspire the next generation. What was that like going back to Humber and what was the talks about making it happen and how excited were you? Just to go back? [01:10:43] Speaker A: Yeah, honestly, like, towards the middle of summer, I knew we were doing that, like, he told me, and I was like, bro, like, it was happy. I was happy, you know what I mean? Being able to go back home, it was coming. Like, it was kind of like a homecoming, you know what I mean? I never had a homecoming, so, like, being able to go home and experience that was amazing, man. Like, having my family come, having guys that, like, I haven't seen in a while be able to watch me play basketball is great, you know what I mean? Especially on a floor where we won, a floor where I started my basketball journey, a floor where I understood what it takes to be a basketball player, a floor where I learned my identity. It was great, man. And being able to bring guys on my team that I've been so close to, back to my city is. It was a blessing. I had fun. A Great turnout. Thank you to Humber for having us. And, you know, like, once a Hawk, always a Hawk. I'll forever be a Hawk. And it was just fun, man. It's just a lot of. A lot of emotions when I walked in there with my, you know, wearing another jersey, and it was just. It was almost like, wholesome. Like, I really got to come back to, like, something that made me, you know what I mean? Something that had a huge impact on who I am today. [01:11:47] Speaker B: Yeah. What did your teammates think about Toronto? [01:11:51] Speaker A: We didn't get to do nothing. You know what I mean? Like, it was just for the business trip. That's why I like it. Like, it hit, too. Everything we do is a business trip, you know what I mean? Like, I, I, I, hopefully we could, you know, make a trip. I can take these guys, show them. Why? Because I, I vouch. Toronto, heavy. Like, I told him, like, yo, Toronto is the spot. [01:12:10] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:12:11] Speaker A: Like, you know, la Toronto. [01:12:12] Speaker B: What's your favorite food spot in the city? [01:12:14] Speaker A: Like I said, I don't really. I'm gonna be honest with you. I don't really, you know, like that. Yeah. Like, I have food in the crib. Like, I like to cook, you know, I mean, so I'd be doing my own stuff too, like, you know, but maybe, like, I don't know. No. [01:12:28] Speaker B: I'll put you on some spots. [01:12:31] Speaker A: What is that, sugar? [01:12:33] Speaker B: That's a good pasta. [01:12:38] Speaker A: Good. [01:12:39] Speaker B: I'm a big chicken parm guy. [01:12:41] Speaker A: What's that? [01:12:41] Speaker B: What you know about bellissimos? [01:12:42] Speaker A: I don't know, but you'll put you downtown. [01:12:44] Speaker B: We'll get you in the Esplanade area. That's where I'm from, downtown. [01:12:46] Speaker A: Yeah. I went to the spot a few times. Italian spot in Yorkville. [01:12:50] Speaker B: Yorkville. I might have been there yesterday. [01:12:52] Speaker A: It's actually D. Demi. Demi. [01:12:55] Speaker B: I was there yesterday. [01:12:56] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:12:56] Speaker B: Dimmy, who was there with me yesterday. Yeah, yeah, homie, in the back. We were there yesterday. They pulled me out for the first time. [01:13:00] Speaker A: Serious. The serious. [01:13:02] Speaker B: Top tier man. [01:13:03] Speaker A: Top tier. [01:13:04] Speaker B: Yeah. Demi, man, shout out to. Great service. The lamb was a bit expensive. [01:13:08] Speaker A: $60. [01:13:09] Speaker B: And I asked him, can I get another one for, like, a little. It says $60. I was like, not happening. But, Dimmy, top tier service. [01:13:15] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:13:16] Speaker B: Amazing food. [01:13:18] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:13:18] Speaker B: We got a feel like Toronto food is the greatest. [01:13:21] Speaker A: Yeah. Great restaurants are Toronto. So what? Multicultural. [01:13:24] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:13:24] Speaker A: We have every of every walks of life coming from, you know, like, I have people coming from Italy straight off the. Straight. Straight off the plane. [01:13:31] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:13:31] Speaker A: Just showing you culture and why? Because Canada Allows you to do that. That's why I love Canada so much. Toronto and Canada give. You give everyone who is a different culture an avenue and a platform to express themselves. And like, yo, you're. This is your culture. Go. Go show the world your culture. You know what I mean? That's why Toronto is so diverse, and that's why I love Toronto, you know? I mean that Carabana, you know what I mean? All that, you know, vibes in the city is, sadly, I can't go to that. [01:13:54] Speaker B: We already know Fever for Life Caravan is too crazy. [01:13:59] Speaker A: You know what I'm saying? [01:14:00] Speaker B: I love it. I love it. What's your goals for yourself this season? Obviously, you talk about team mindset. Bonnie's just looking for yourself too. [01:14:08] Speaker A: I want to go back to, like. Like I said, I finished a year in Minnesota, back to my identity. I want to keep doing that. You know what I mean? I feel like I could be. I'm a double, double machine, you know what I mean? I have to just. But like I said, buy into the right things, and basketball guard will reward me. And if I just worry about winning, I'm gonna do that double double. I'm gonna get my stats, I'm gonna do what I have to do. But just my priority is just understanding how to be a leader and let's focus on the right things. Let's be a winner and let's win games and let's be able to be coached, be like a voice to other people on the team. Like, you know, learn from my guys that been at this program and also be able to teach the youngins that are coming up, you know what I mean? That's my goal this year. Just being leader and being more vocal. And I know the basketball. I've known basketball, basketball guys will reward me for sure. [01:14:50] Speaker B: What do you think kind of separates you from, like, other players who have taken a more traditional route? Obviously your route, I don't know anybody has taken. Have you. Have you heard of anybody that's gone from where you come from to get to here? [01:15:04] Speaker A: Not really for real. [01:15:05] Speaker B: So what do you think? What do you think separates you from a lot of D1 guys? [01:15:09] Speaker A: Just. Just want. And a needle, you know what I mean? Like, I want to do it. Like, I want to be successful in this basketball. Like, I want to make a living off of basketball. You know what I mean? Like, which God has blessed me to, you know, be a part of that so far. And, you know, like, money is how basketball is helping me make money, and I want to be able to, like, live life comfortable because of basketball, you know what I mean? I want to be successful. I want to be able to, like, reach goals through basketball that I set for myself since I started, you know what I mean? Like, basketball is an avenue that. Allow me. Allows you to be who you are and be creative and just. Just do what you do, you know what I mean? So that's my. That's. That's really my outlook on basketball. You know, a lot of people don't do it, but I hope I kind of made a pay to way, paved a way for guys that are in the same situation or are we in the same situation as me? And now they looked at. Yo, Frank did it. Why can't I do it? [01:15:57] Speaker B: Yeah. No, for real. How would you sum up your entire journey? [01:16:00] Speaker A: Blessing. [01:16:01] Speaker B: Like, did you imagine you'd ever. [01:16:02] Speaker A: No. [01:16:02] Speaker B: From Humber to here, how would you sum up? Just, like, I think, trials and tribulations. [01:16:07] Speaker A: I think I summed it up. I would sum it up as, like, a blessing, like, you know what I mean? Like, all glory goes to God, you know what I'm saying? Like, he. He paved the way for me, and I followed it, you know what I mean? Like, he gave me a light, and I. I just said, you know what? Let's buckle down and do it. You know what I mean? Like, what I want, what. What I've transpired in my life so far through this basketball stuff is a blessing. And, like, it opened so much doors for me, opened the light for me, open. Made me a better person, maybe value life more, you know what I mean? Made me cherish moments that, like, I wouldn't cherish before, you know what I mean? Like, made me understand, like, yo, this is. This is an opportunity. And not a lot of people have that, you know? I mean, like, you're in a place where some guys worked their whole life and didn't get there, you know what I mean? So being able to do that and do stuff for people that. Who. Who couldn't do it, like, it's just. It's great, man. [01:16:53] Speaker B: What's your message to someone that maybe plays out of college? [01:16:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:16:59] Speaker B: And then they see you, because I feel like your story could inspire a lot of people seeing where you come from. What's your message to someone that's, like, they're not getting the D1 offers? [01:17:08] Speaker A: Hard works, bro. Yeah, hard work works. You know what I mean? Like, don't transpire. I don't change who you are. I mean, don't let outside noise deter your confidence or, like, Derail your train, you know? I mean, like, stick to who you are. Like, if you believe in yourself, that's the best thing you could do, you know? I'm saying, like, you won't have time to be sad. You have time to, like, you know, you're gonna question stuff, but, like, as long as you come back to who you were telling you, bro, you're gonna. You're gonna be successful, you know? I mean, like, if you set. I want myself to be a successful individual. And you just keep, like, keep nailing. She's. Just keep nailing the nail, you know? I mean, just keep going at it. Just keep going at it. You gonna realize, yo. Okay. A year later, oh, yo, I'm closer. Because why? Because I believed in myself. Hardware works if you work hard. It works, like, simple. There's no shortcut if I'm working hard. [01:18:00] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:18:01] Speaker A: Just believe in yourself and work hard. Yeah. [01:18:02] Speaker B: Last few questions before I let you go. I want to have a fun little question for you. If you could build a starting five of Canadian college players right now, you can't pick your teammate. [01:18:14] Speaker A: I know. [01:18:14] Speaker B: Braden Jackson. Shout out to him, Canadian 5 of college players. What would be your starting lineup? Like, like any same St. Barney's, but Canadian college basketball players, ncaa right now. Right now. [01:18:27] Speaker A: Like, not. Like, not past. [01:18:29] Speaker B: Ryan not included. [01:18:31] Speaker A: Okay, okay. [01:18:32] Speaker B: So who's your point? [01:18:33] Speaker A: Point? [01:18:36] Speaker B: Some good points I got you thinking, huh? [01:18:41] Speaker A: Xavier. [01:18:41] Speaker B: Xavier Lee. [01:18:42] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:18:42] Speaker B: Shout out to Xavier Lee. Yeah. [01:18:44] Speaker A: Florida from Princeton. Yeah. [01:18:45] Speaker B: Crazy journey. Who's the shooting guard? [01:18:48] Speaker A: Shooting guard. [01:18:49] Speaker B: You go positionless, too. [01:18:51] Speaker A: You don't have to. Shooting guard. I think I'll put Elijah Mahi. [01:18:54] Speaker B: Elijah Mahi. Santa Clara. I think he's gonna have a good year. [01:18:58] Speaker A: Female. I'd put Nana. [01:19:00] Speaker B: Nana. Yes. [01:19:01] Speaker A: Brown. [01:19:01] Speaker B: Yes. [01:19:01] Speaker A: I mean, not around, you know. You know what I'm talking. [01:19:06] Speaker B: Yeah, he's is a gcu. [01:19:09] Speaker A: Yeah, he's a GC right now. He was just. He was just at Browns. That's my dogs. [01:19:17] Speaker B: That's three right there. That's Xavier and that's Mahi. You at the five? [01:19:22] Speaker A: Nah, me at a four. [01:19:23] Speaker B: At the four. [01:19:24] Speaker A: I really should put myself at a point guard, but I'm gonna give myself a four. Yeah, you go like Xavier Rock four and then big. Let's see. Big, big, big. [01:19:32] Speaker B: Who's the big. I don't know. I feel like college basketball Canadian trying to think of Chris. [01:19:39] Speaker A: Christopher. [01:19:40] Speaker B: Christopher. [01:19:41] Speaker A: He's at. He's at. [01:19:44] Speaker B: Talk about Washington. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay, okay. [01:19:49] Speaker A: I'll put him in. Yeah. [01:19:50] Speaker B: Because he could shoot. [01:19:51] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:19:51] Speaker B: You know, because I don't really know. [01:19:53] Speaker A: What other bigs are in it. I'm trying to think. [01:19:54] Speaker B: That's a good question. He played Romania. [01:19:56] Speaker A: Yeah. Who else is in there? [01:19:58] Speaker B: That's a good question. That's a good question. I don't know if there's many bigs from Canada, so that's the thing we got to work on. But you in the mix, man. I feel like Canada. The toughness, the grit. [01:20:08] Speaker A: Definitely Nana, for sure. Nana has to be in it. [01:20:09] Speaker B: Has to be in it. [01:20:10] Speaker A: That's my dog. [01:20:11] Speaker B: What's underrated about him because I feel like he was out this entire year. [01:20:13] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. He's a bucket. I was with him a lot. I'm with him a lot during the summer, too. Nana's my dogs from Burlington. Serious guy. Like, he could shoot the ball, put the ball. That's why I put him on a three. I don't want guys playing him in the four. He's a three man. He's a three man. Puts it on the floor. He gets a little. His mid range is od. [01:20:28] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:20:29] Speaker A: Like, he's a mid. Like, mid demon for sure. Yeah. And I would actually. And just off the bench, six, man. I'll put Mikel Richmond. He's like, Richmond right now. [01:20:37] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay. That's tough. That's tough. I was hearing two. [01:20:42] Speaker A: You're a. [01:20:43] Speaker B: You can play the saxophone. [01:20:44] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:20:44] Speaker B: Harmonica, some piano, some drums. [01:20:47] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:20:48] Speaker B: What's your favorite artist right now? Favorite artist and why is it Roddy Rich? What you know about Roddy Rico? [01:20:55] Speaker A: What? What? [01:20:55] Speaker B: Roddy Ricch. [01:20:56] Speaker A: That's my artist. [01:20:56] Speaker B: That's my favorite artist. [01:20:57] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. I like his old music, like, every season and stuff. The new season. [01:21:01] Speaker B: What about the new stuff? He's coming out soon. Come on. [01:21:04] Speaker A: I don't know. Like, my favorite artist. Like, I don't like. For me, to be honest to you. Like, I like. I like every genre of music. I'm not gonna lie to you. Like, give me someone I don't like. I don't have a few. Like, I like every genre. Like, everything. I like country. I like country. I like R B. Like, I think. [01:21:19] Speaker B: I don't think you'd be country. [01:21:20] Speaker A: I was just like. I mean, like, I think music is. [01:21:23] Speaker B: Just, like, the subject. [01:21:25] Speaker A: Like. Yeah. It depends on the person. Like, I'm outgoing. I'm vibrant. [01:21:29] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:21:29] Speaker A: Funny. And I like to enjoy life. So, like, that's every type of genre right there, you know? I mean, there's some days where I'm awesome. Like. Like, you know, I'm trying to listen to young boy, you know, I mean, like Nevada, Nevada. Some days, like, you know, like, I just talk to my mom. I'm like, you know, I'm in my field, you know. You know, put a little Adele on, you know what I mean? There's some days where, like, you know, loving, you know, some R and B, like some little crisp read, you know what I'm saying? You have to have different tracks with different moods, you know what I mean? [01:21:55] Speaker B: So diverse. Yeah, I love it. I love it. [01:21:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:21:59] Speaker B: Before I let you go, what can we expect from the Bonnies this season? [01:22:02] Speaker A: People watching. [01:22:03] Speaker B: I feel like people should be watching. Obviously, you this season. Braden Jackson, also another Canadian on the roster. What can we expect from Bonnie's? [01:22:12] Speaker A: We can expect a program that's ready to win, you know what I mean? Like, this program is going to do some stuff this year. Like, we're going to do some stuff this year, I promise you. You know what I mean? We're going to be expecting a hard nose, great executed, great coach, team that wants to win and does anything in their power to win, whether it's diving in the crowd, diving on the ball, picking up 94ft. We're going to do everything, you know what I mean? So we have a great people, great people in our corner, especially like, you know, Coach Schmidt and like the coaching staff. So we won't do our. Dougie, trust me, you're going to expect a serious team. We can get this rowdy center packed up again. [01:22:44] Speaker B: Let me know what game to come out to. I need to come out to a game. St. Bonnie, what's the most. This crowd we're looking at the seats. The Kinesis. Oh, that'll be a good one. When was that coming out? When's that game? [01:22:54] Speaker A: That's all right. Second game on the year. [01:22:56] Speaker B: Second game? [01:22:57] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:22:57] Speaker B: Okay, I want to see. Schedule's free. [01:22:59] Speaker A: I think it's the 8th or 7th. November, 8th or 7. [01:23:01] Speaker B: I need some tickets. [01:23:01] Speaker A: Yo, tell me to work. [01:23:02] Speaker B: I'll come up with some body gear. [01:23:03] Speaker A: And everything like that. [01:23:04] Speaker B: My guy, Frank. I can't thank you enough for coming. [01:23:06] Speaker A: Appreciate you coming, man. It means a lot, bro. Thank you. [01:23:09] Speaker B: It's been fun. I want to do more of this stuff, obviously with the college talent. I feel like you're a name people should know about. Should be watching, potentially play for Canada basketball in the future. [01:23:17] Speaker A: Yeah, for sure. [01:23:18] Speaker B: Keep an eye on that. I'm gonna talk to Meeks about that. I know you close to Meeks, but. Yeah, if you guys enjoy podcasts like this. Us going out talking to some of the top college basketball players from Canada. We're at St. Bonnie's in New York, man. Tap in, give us a, like, give us a rating review. Five stars. Frank. Where can people find you? [01:23:36] Speaker A: Frank Mitchell, underscore000. That's my Instagram. You know, I mean that's probably like the most biggest platform I'm on. And yeah, just come over there. Like if you any basketball, any young basketball players need advice, hit me a dm. I'm not too Hollywood. I'll message you guys. And you know, I want Canada to be on top. [01:23:54] Speaker B: Yeah, Definitely reached out to Frank. His story, I feel like is. It's insane. It's crazy. It's something I feel like could be in a movie one day. Just like the journey, you know, I might get. [01:24:05] Speaker A: You just have to keep doing what I'm doing. [01:24:07] Speaker B: Yeah, man. Excited just to follow your career, Frank. I can't think you enough. [01:24:10] Speaker A: Again, appreciate you, brother. [01:24:11] Speaker B: Yeah. This has been the Canadian basketball show your go to spot for the latest news, stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I've been your host Ben Osman with Frank from St. Bonnie's on location. We out Appreciate.