Kyle Wiltjer talks rejoining Canada basketball and near decade pro career

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:03] 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 Ban Osmond. We got a special Monday episode for you and a really good guest joining us in studio ahead of the Canadian senior men's national team's home game in Toronto for the first window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers. He's an NCAA champion, a former McDonald's All American, played with the Houston Rockets and has built a long standing career overseas playing in China, Spain, Turkey, Greece and now in. I'll be honest, I'm jealous. Venice, Italy. Kyle Wolter, my guy, welcome to the show. [00:00:45] Speaker A: How you doing, man? I'm good, man. Appreciate you having me on, first of all. Yeah, me. You're making me sound good over here. Listing all the teams. It's been a fun journey, man. I've been coming to Toronto for quite some time, so for me it's an honor to sit down, talk some hoops, man. All my people are from the West Coast, Victoria, B.C. so I don't have the Toronto man's lingo down, but. But yeah, no, I appreciate it, man. [00:01:09] Speaker B: We got, we got some west coast listeners. I don't know if Alberta's west coast, but we got a lot of bc, BC listeners. It's crazy. You're playing in this window. Back with Canada basketball, one of the longest tenured. I'm trying to, I'm not trying to age you, you know, you're a vet, though. Long, long time vet. What's it like being back with the program, being back in the city of. [00:01:28] Speaker A: Toronto too, man, it's dope. I took a couple years off, not voluntarily. We can get into that a little later. But no, as soon as that phone call rings and they give you that invite, it's an honor. And I'm playing overseas and it's one of those things where you start to take for granted and then you get the call to the national team and all my European teammates are hugging me, congratulating me. It shows how important it is for them to represent their country. So it's kind of a reminder to me that I can't take it for granted. And at the end of the day, putting on Canada across your chest is an honor because there's a lot of people watching and you're playing for a country. So for me it's an honor and I'm glad to be here. Yeah. [00:02:07] Speaker B: Coming from one game in the Bahamas now a game in Toronto beat the Bahamas. I think it's 111 75, spent some time on the beach. What was Bahamas like? I'll be honest, I'm jealous too, of that. [00:02:18] Speaker A: Yeah, it's a lot worse places. We could have windows. You know, my wife was like, of course, you know, it's Bahamas you want to go. But now for me, you know, that stuff's secondary. We were super locked in. We got a super serious staff. You know, it's obviously we're in a beautiful spot and, you know, we enjoyed our off moments, but what people don't see is, you know, we were in the gym, watching video, doing our lifts, you know, staying locked in. So it's important, you know, for me, especially these later years, later years of my career is just, you know, staying locked in on those off the court stuff, but just, just being, having fun with it and being relaxed. [00:02:53] Speaker B: Yeah, the window is like, it brings a mix of people from overseas, some G League guys, some younger talent that are just starting to play overseas. What's that dynamic like in a short camp window? Getting to know these guys. I'm guessing some of them you probably have played for, played with for years. What's that dynamic like? And adjusting to that and obviously a lot of stakes. World cup, we got, we got to get back there. Like, tell me about that. The shortcam. [00:03:16] Speaker A: Yeah, you know, long story short, we got a new coach at the top of the top of the beast. So it kind of trickles down. You know, we're kind of in a learning process. We're trying to get back to the FIBA style. You know, the last couple of years we've had some heartaches, some tough losses, and, you know, we have all the talent in the world right now. It's just kind of getting everyone together. So it starts at this level, you know, to get to those, those major events like the World cup and Olympics with our dogs like Shay and all those guys, we have to qualify. So these are an important, these are very important games. That's what, you know, probably some of the everyday fan doesn't realize. So for us, we got to come and attack these games because we got to qualify so that we can show our talent and, you know, show up for these big moments. [00:03:57] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm having you on the pod after you drop 22 points, 8 of 14 shootings, 6 rebounds, 20 minutes of play. I didn't have you on after that performance. We were scheduling this beforehand. But, like, how does Nathaniel Mitchell, the Canadian basketball staff, want to use you in these windows in particular? What's been the communication level with that? [00:04:15] Speaker A: Yeah, you Know, Coach Herbert had called me this summer and just asked me if I was interested in joining, rejoining the program. I took a couple years off. We had a different coach who went a different direction. And so for me, I couldn't take it personally. Even though, you know, I'm not gonna lie, I was a little mad at one point, I couldn't come in. But for me, you know, like I said before, it's just like kind of putting your pride aside. And you know, Coach Nate, I've known him for a while, he's been my dog. So he said, hey, listen, I want you to come in, be a killer like you are, try to score, you know, all that. We'll have other people for different roles, but you're going to be one of our main scorers. And you know, we have a system that's catered for a player like me. I can play inside and out and at fiba you can kind of be a mismatch problem. So for me, you know, it sounds cocky to say, but it's really light work. Like I do that, you know, I do that for a living. I get paid to shoot, I get paid to score. So coming to Canada, it's kind of a no brainer for me because it's a good situation. I have fun getting to see my friends and, and you know, being in Toronto, come on, it's like one of the best cities in the world and you know, so for me, getting to do my thing and showing, showing that I still got it at my age is important for me. [00:05:24] Speaker B: You talked about Gordy calling you. What was that call like? And tell me about the relationship prior because you guys probably, he probably knows you for a while now. And tell me about that call. [00:05:34] Speaker A: Yeah, he was on our staff when we did the 29 World, 2019 World cup and that was one of my best showings with Canada, you know, led to some real good contracts overseas. So for me, you know, he said he's obviously taken over and it's important to have a couple guys on the roster that know FIBA style and play that game. And you know, for me, I'm a type player. I don't need any promises, I don't need anything. All I just need is a chance. And, and so that's what he said. You know, you come to these windows, show, you know, show up, show, show us that you're in good shape and you'll have, you'll have at least an opportunity moving forward. So what that looks like is, you know, opportunity to come, come into a training Camp for these big events and, you know, try to make the team for these. These big rosters. And that's World cup and that's Olympics. So I believe I bring something to the table, and that's outside shooting. And so hopefully, you know, moving forward, I can just continue to show them, like, hey, I got a role and I'm here. I. If you guys need me. And, you know, if not, if I'm not on the team, I'm going to be cheering, you know, because I obviously am prideful and want to see the program succeed. [00:06:34] Speaker B: You obviously said a few years away from the program, what was it like watching from afar? Obviously, this wave of talent end up getting to the Olympics for the first time in 24 years. What was it like? I wouldn't say, like, you. [00:06:45] Speaker A: You're a big part. [00:06:46] Speaker B: People don't realize that. [00:06:47] Speaker A: Right. [00:06:47] Speaker B: People like what you've done in terms of getting Canada back to the stage. A lot of you guys, and like, the. The work, playing in these qualifier windows, all that kind of stuff. What was it like for you, watching from afar, knowing that you had a hand, like. And then also just, like, you probably wished you were there, too, right? [00:07:02] Speaker A: Yeah, you know, a little behind the scenes. I'm in Italy playing, and those are when those window calls come. And so I had a teammate, Cavangeli, that's my dog, and he was getting called for the windows. And, you know, that's when it kind of set in a little heartbreak. Cause he was getting the calls, I wasn't. And some of my European teammates are like, oh, you're not going? Like, why is that? You know what I mean? And so for me, it was a moment I could really lock in with my family, spend some time with them and. And be locked into my, you know, overseas team. But just, you know, like I said, I circle back at is. Like, when they did come calling again, instead of just, like, pushing them out, I, you know, I'm. I'm just happy that they called again. So I'm here again and locked in and just trying to, you know, stay locked. [00:07:43] Speaker B: Did you ever think you would never play again? Or, like, did that ever cross your mind? [00:07:46] Speaker A: Yeah, you know, obviously, I'm 33 now. I still got a lot to give the game, but, you know, of course, like, they didn't, you know, I thought that was kind of a silent end of the chapter for me. And so, you know, it was. It was tough to come full circle. But, you know, for me, coming back this summer, it showed that I made the right decision. Because I was able to come in and be in the camp and just show him like, hey, like I'm, I'm still in good shape. I still got a lot, a lot of life to give with hoops and you know, so for me, I'm here back again and just trying to take one step at a time. [00:08:16] Speaker B: Yeah, obviously that call with Gordy, what should people know about him? You've known him for four years as a coach. He, he hasn't like still time before he actually becomes the official head coach and is doing those duties, but he's obviously doing stuff behind the scenes. What should people know about him, his style and like, I don't know from the conversations you had with him about what we should expect in the next few years with Canada basketball? [00:08:36] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean he's, he's been coaching overseas for a couple years now and he has had some great success with Coach Coach in Germany. You know, what I think he brings is just honesty. It doesn't matter if you're a guy like me who plays in Europe or you're an NBA mvp. He's going to coach every player the same. He's going to be a hard ass. And so these NBA guys, you know, they're, they're in a league that a lot of times they're not getting coached that critically. And so I think, you know, with the FIBA level, you have to have that attention to detail if you're going to win medals. So I think there's going to be some, a learning curve, you know, kind of trying to reprogram guys to play the FIBA style. But whether I was a player or not, I think it's an important, you know, thing to teach Canada basketball is like we have to play the FIBA game. We can't play NBA style. So if we're going to meddle in these events, like, you have to take that seriously and kind of change the way your, your mind goes. [00:09:27] Speaker B: Do you feel like it's changed like the approach now with, with Gordy? [00:09:31] Speaker A: Yeah, a little bit. I mean, he, he's still early. Yeah, he's still, you know, still early. Hasn't taken over yet. You know, Coach Nate though. But you know, in a program these guys are talking every day so you can already see the style. I mean, even like we played at the Bahamas last night. It's, it's, it just shows like in the NBA they're not really posting up that much. You know, some of the top guys are, but you can watch our games and a lot of times the four and the Five are creating mismatches. So that's my job in these games, is find which. Where the switches are and find where to exploit. And that's kind of FIBA basketball. You know, it's. It's. It's a little less pick and roll than NBA and it's. It's a different style. Yeah. [00:10:09] Speaker B: You mentioned, obviously, playing overseas. Now we'll get into the people talking a bit, but Venice, Italy, I'm jealous. I'll be honest. I've been trying to get to Italy, but they're taxing like, it's insane just to even, like, spend, like. Yeah, four or five days out there. I mean, you got a spot I could rent out for free. [00:10:24] Speaker A: Yeah. Now you got a plug. So, you know, I'm super plugged out there. You know, I. It's my third year there, so once you start to, you know, I'm a guy that likes to network and likes to meet people, so. The city's been taking good care of me, man. It's. It's a blessing. I got two daughters, four and two. And, you know, they're speaking Italian now, so for me to give them that, you know, obviously me being from the West Coast, I don't have, like, a lot of family that are speaking French. And I always wished I had that, you know, coming to Toronto. A lot of my teammates speak French. I wish I would have had that, you know, so I could teach you. [00:10:57] Speaker B: Yeah, I dabble a bit. [00:10:58] Speaker A: Yeah. Okay. Okay. I need, I need to step it up. But my Italians coming along because I can't have my daughters talking behind my back, you know, So I gotta lock in. [00:11:06] Speaker B: You talk about it. West Coast. Portland, Oregon. Rose Garden, Rose City. That's what. Is that what they call it? [00:11:12] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:11:12] Speaker B: How'd you get into basketball? Just tell me about. [00:11:14] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, it started at, you know, my dad was a player, played. That's why I even started playing Canada basketball. He's like, he's Mr. Canada, played on the Olympic team, played in the Olympics. Super passionate. So he got my passport when I was early. So like when I was 10. And so I didn't realize the significance. But his dream was for me to play for the national team. [00:11:33] Speaker B: He saw the vision. [00:11:34] Speaker A: Yeah, he saw the vision and he executed it. And, you know, so I grew up in Portland, home of Nike. You know, I got all. I got all the connections there. You know, I've been grown up with a lot of people there. So after basketball, that's a job that I hope to get someday is Nike sports marketing. You know, so that's. That's kind of a goal of mine. But basketball wise, just growing up, there was a great spot. I went to a private school. That's where my basketball journey started. We started winning some state championships, and then I started getting recruited, and it kind of just took my career off on another level. [00:12:03] Speaker B: Talk about Portland. I go there every year for the Hoop Summit. What's the most underrated part about Portland? When I go to raining all the time, so I don't even get to see it that well. What do you think is the most underrated part about Portland? [00:12:12] Speaker A: Underrated part is the summers. You know, I was obviously with the Rockets one year in Houston, and those summers, you can't even go outside. But Portland and being overseas player, my summers are free, so I'm only touching down. Like you talked about the rain. I'm only touching down when it's sunny. So I kind of get the best of the city. I live by a lake, so I was lucky to get a boat. So, you know my vibes in the summertime, I work out, make sure my daughters are right, and then I hit the lake, hit the water. So just real chill vibes, and it's a good place to live and raise a family. [00:12:44] Speaker B: What's the best food spot? Cause I need some chicken parm recommendations. That's some. [00:12:48] Speaker A: I go to chicken parm. Yeah. You might have to come out to Italy for some good Italian food, but. [00:12:52] Speaker B: They don't got chicken parmesan. [00:12:54] Speaker A: Yeah, that's true. Yeah, that's true. That's not authentic. I got. It's funny, we actually have a spot right by my house. It's called Ricardo's. It's an Italian spot. Yep. It's a guy that moved from Italy, and he's merged, like, American Italian with real Italian. So I. I wasn't going there for a while, you know, because I live in Italy. So I was like, oh, I don't want to go get some fake Italian, you know? But I went there, so. Shout out to Ricardo's. [00:13:15] Speaker B: I'm gonna go check it out while I'm there for summit this year. Obviously your journey. One of the top forwards in the class of 2011, number 19 on ESPN's class of that class. Was there a moment where you felt like, damn, like, the recognition. Everyone's like, the eyes are on you, and like, okay, now I'm considered, like, a top prospect. [00:13:34] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, it kind of. I started. It's just been like a slow journey. You know, I've always been tall and skilled. You Know, never. I've never been that athletic of a guy, but I've relied on my skill. But in Oregon, you know, we ran off a couple state championships, and then I started playing with the Oakland Soldiers down in California. So, yeah, so we started winning some tournaments, and then that's when all the D1 offers started coming. So when I started matching the AU success with my Oregon, you know, Portland State championships, that's when the. The high school American talk started. And it kind of was surreal when I got into that game, because for me, like, I never really thought that in my first couple years, it just kind of authentically happened. I just stayed in the moment. And then I was, you know, very lucky to have those experiences. [00:14:23] Speaker B: Yeah. Named McDonald's All American, I think. Two other Canadians, Mike Kabongo was also part of that team. Ken Burch, I believe, also. What do you remember about the McDonald's on American game? Outside the game? They give you too, I'm guessing. [00:14:34] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, we. It's funny because me and Mike Kabongo, we played. I think he was on one of the first times I played with Canada. He was my point guard. So we go way back. So last time this summer when I was in Toronto, we grabbed dinner. We were just kind of laughing at all those memories together. You know, it's. It's. It feels like just yesterday, but I am aging myself saying that. That was like a decade ago, you know, so it's been. It's been a fun journey, man. And. And yeah, having Kem and Mike in that game, it was pretty cool. [00:15:01] Speaker B: Yeah. Obviously, tons of college offers. [00:15:04] Speaker A: How. [00:15:04] Speaker B: How much until. Do you remember? [00:15:06] Speaker A: Oh, man, I had. I. All I remember is I just narrowed it down to, like, my top 10. [00:15:11] Speaker B: What was the top 10 or top 5? [00:15:12] Speaker A: Top 5. I could. I could list those. It was Kentucky. I went there. Gonzaga, Stanford. My mom wanted me to go there for academics, of course, Stanford. And then I always dreamed of going to Carolina. And then Mike and them in that Canadian pipeline in Texas. That was. And then UCLA was in there, too. That was a West coast school, but a couple of them were eliminated because guys were signing. And so it's kind of like, oh, there goes that job. There goes that. Because you don't really realize if you wait too long, a lot of those jobs get. Because these guys are recruiting multiple guys throwing offers like five, six, power forward, so you don't take that offer. So that was a huge reason I committed to Kentucky because I just saw a niche there. I wanted to be one of those shooters in that team. And so I signed a little bit early. [00:15:57] Speaker B: How many visits did you go on? Do you remember? [00:16:00] Speaker A: I've probably only went on like two or three. I did the Oregon schools, I saw ucla, I saw North Carolina, but yeah, Kentucky, at that moment of time, they were sending everyone to the NBA. So me and my dad sat down. They're like, even if you're not. We didn't, we didn't pick it to be a one and done. It was more so like, we picked that school was like, yo, if you go here, you're either going to make it or not, because you're going to be playing every day against NBA guys. And that's going to push you on a level that if you choose a smaller school, it's just not going to push you like that. So, yeah, I went to Kentucky and it was a, you know, to this day, one of the best, best choices I've made because the amount of connections I made there and I've always had that stamp. Now it's funny because it's like, I'll still. I went to Gonzaga, had most my basketball success there, but still, people would be like, ex Kentucky player. It kind of has like a little aura to it, you know, for real. So for me, it was. It was dope that I, I kind of got the boast of Beth Best of both worlds going. Two years and two years. [00:16:56] Speaker B: Yeah. You play with Anthony Davis. [00:16:58] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:16:58] Speaker B: How good was he at that time when like obviously number one pick and just like rise obviously seeing what he's accomplished in the NBA now. But, like, how good was Anthony Davis? Because you saw the early, early start. [00:17:09] Speaker A: Well, you know what's crazy is that's my dog. And when he, when we went in there, you know, he wasn't. He didn't have the confidence that he has today. You know what I mean? Like, he came in there the best player on that team. When we got it, there was Terrence Jones. He was a monster. And so like every day in practice, he was having to go against this guy and that guy was. And you know, he's. He sees Anthony Davis coming in, so it just, it just raised both players up. So, you know, I got to see AD in the gym every night and he put in that work. He didn't. He didn't cut steps. You know, obviously measuring his arms and touching, you know, vert test. He's touching the top of the glass. You know, those things you can't teach. But the skill and stuff, that came naturally. Even in the national championship. He wasn't he wasn't an offensive player. He was at the rim blocking shots. And so for him, it was a process. And, you know, I got to see kind of that evolution. And then once he got to league, he took off offensively. [00:18:01] Speaker B: Yeah, obviously you mentioned it ended up winning national title. How, like, what was your favorite memory from that run? And like, what do you remember just from just, like, experiencing it all? Because, like, not a lot of people could. You might be the. The only NCAA championship. [00:18:15] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. [00:18:16] Speaker B: Might be the only few. I don't mean Canadians are. NCW title. Like, they've won a title. [00:18:22] Speaker A: Yeah, no, no, it's. It's a. It's an elite crew to be in. You know, that it was a special thing because, you know, we thought we were nice, but, you know, in an NCAA tournament, you got to be on guard because everyone's getting upset. So, you know, we rolled in there, like, you know, we had the swag and the confidence, but it was like we didn't know we were going to win. But I think when it changed from Elite Eight to Final Four, you go from playing in a basketball arena to where they just throw the floor down on a NFL arena. So we didn't really know. We didn't. No one really gave us that because I think for the shooter and we didn't get to see it. We just kind of shot when there was a curtain around. So when you run out there, oh, man. For the Final Four and you just see all these people, like, it was like a surreal moment, you know, just seeing that many people at a basketball game, you know, so. So for me, that was the dopest experience. Just running out Final Four, seeing all the flashes, and, you know, it was just unbelievable. [00:19:14] Speaker B: I'm looking back at that Hoop Summit that you played, and also 2011, Anthony Davis is on the opposite team. What do you remember about Hoop Summit? Because I. I go talk about I. I go out to every year and it's like one of my favorite events, watching, like, the next wave of talent coming up in Canada. And do you remember, like, much of your teammates, like, who played on that team? I know Pango was on that team. Anybody else? Bismack. Bamboo was on it. I already had a crazy game. [00:19:35] Speaker A: Bismack went to the NBA off that game. Yeah, yeah. We seen this guy, like, every day he was in practice. We're like, yo, this guy is a beast. But, like, until you do it in the game, like, that's different. And, like, he's going against these guys like you're mentioning. And so you Know, for me, being from Portland and being a kid, like, growing up, we. We'd always. Me and my dad would always go to that game. So to get in that game alone was like a dope moment for me. You know, playing in the Rose Garden, you know, growing up, you always dream of playing in the NBA arena, so that was dope. But, yeah, Biz Biz was a monster that game. He had triple double off, like, blocks, rebounds, points. We had. Evan Fournier was on the team, I think me, a bunch of guys that went on and had great overseas success. And then obviously the US Team had a bunch of NBA players. Brad Beal, probably Anthony Davis, Michael Kid. Go Chris. Yeah, a bunch of. Bunch of. Bunch of dogs. Yeah. [00:20:28] Speaker B: Tell me about, obviously two years at Kentucky and then decision to transfer. What led to that? And obviously you go to. You go from like Kentucky to Gonzaga. Amazing programs. Yeah, but you talk about you loved your time at Kentucky, but I'm guessing you wanted something more too, right? [00:20:42] Speaker A: Yeah, I was actually on a trip with. With Kevin Pangos. [00:20:45] Speaker B: Oh, he recruited you? [00:20:46] Speaker A: No. What is the real story is there was like an article that came. This is before social media, so really it was just Twitter. There was an article saying that I was considering transferring. And so when. No, I wasn't. Okay, so. So Pangos is the one who was like, yo, are you transferring? Like, you should. You should put Gonzaga on there. And I. I was like, oh, man, no, I'm good. Like, whatever. And then I, like, went to sleep that night and then it was like talking to my dad and it was like, dang, maybe I. I could transfer. Like, you know, like, because Kentucky is one of those things where for me, I was the sixth man my second year, so I was trending up. But the next wave of guys is coming in and that's. There's no problem with that. It's just your. Your ceiling is only going to be so high as a role player. So for me, when I chose to go to Gonzaga, obviously I enjoyed playing with Pango. So then he gave me his recruiting pitch because he. He's one of those pass first guys. He's like, yo, I'll. I'll let you eat. Like, you know, so. Yeah, exactly. So I was like, you know, so it matched with that. I already knew. I almost went there the first time, so they were already in my list. And then just I wanted to go to a team like Kentucky. If you have an off night, it's next, man up. Gonzaga, you have an off night, you're losing, you know, so I wanted to go somewhere that had that responsibility. And so for me, that helped me grow probably as an overseas player because I was forced to just go from just being a shooter to like, hey, you got to go to Gonzaga, not just shoot. You got to go post up, you got to rebound, play defense. So it helped me become a better player. And I know for me, it was great just having both those experiences. [00:22:17] Speaker B: You mentioned Pangos, how good was he in high school? I think people don't remember. [00:22:20] Speaker A: Yeah, he was. He was a killer. You know, he. He obviously looked up to Steve Nash, who. He was a great passer. He could shoot crazy. You know, he actually went overseas killing it, still killing. You know, he was on like, a lower level team and he made it up to one of the top teams, AC Milan. And so with like, he. He's really had an amazing career and he's, you know, he's still going at it. He's had some tough injuries, but. But, man, back in high school, he was a dog and one of my favorite players to play with. [00:22:49] Speaker B: I think he's from, what, new market? [00:22:50] Speaker A: I think so, yeah. [00:22:51] Speaker B: New market, man. Coming out of town, I've never seen a talent from new market shout out to Pangos, talk about, obviously you get, get to Gonzaga. Kelly Lunck was just there too. Did you have any talks with him about, like, hey, what's the program like? And he wrapped up and then he ends up like, I think the 13th pick in the draft that year. [00:23:09] Speaker A: Yeah, he was another one of those factors of why I went there. He did the red shirt year. So if I, at the, at the time, back then, if you transfer, you had to sit out a full year. [00:23:18] Speaker B: No one knows what's going on. [00:23:19] Speaker A: Yeah, no one. These kids is going to four different schools. [00:23:22] Speaker B: Like, what are your thoughts on that? [00:23:23] Speaker A: Oh, man, I think it's great. Kids are getting paid, but they gotta, like, make some rules around it. Cause, like, kids four or five schools in five years is nuts. Like, you're just chasing the bag at that moment. And I think it's cool to chase the bag. I understand it because even on pro side, I've chased the bag sometimes, but that ultimately doesn't lead to, like, longer success. You know, you got to go to a good situation. But yeah, Kelly, Big Kells, man, he's a legend because he was doing nothing, red shirted and then came back killing. So for me, I asked him, hey, if I sit out, like, what's that program look like? That strength coach is good. Like, you know, and he said, he was the best and he transformed his game. And that's when I went there. I had. It is a humbling experience, you know, the team's travel and I had to stay back and I'm just doing school, lifting weights. I'm going to watch the games, you know, at the bar or whatever. Trying to, like, be social with people. People. People are coming up to me. Yo, you like, you like Gonzaga basketball? Like, yeah, man, I'm on the team. Like, they're like, no, United. The game's going on right now. You know what I mean? So it's like. So I'm having to like, tell them, no, I'm a player, like. And I look, I look like I was. I was lying. But it was humbling experience because I just had to get lost in the work. Whole year just grinding and luckily it showed, you know, once I, once I returned. [00:24:40] Speaker B: It's crazy because, like, the red shirting year. I don't know if red shirting is like, frowned upon now, but, like, what are your thoughts on. What was it like in that time? Like, okay, I'm going to take a year to just transfer, work on my body, work on my game. Like, Kelly was success, right? But I don't know about like today's day and age. I wonder if it's like something like, hey, if you're red shirting people, look at players, look at, like, I can't redshirt. Like, what are your thoughts on that shift in mindset? [00:25:05] Speaker A: Yeah, it's, it's. I mean, obviously the nil coming into play. People don't want to sit out a full year. You know, they feel like they're missing out on the bread. You know, I think every case is different. You know, there's probably a lot of players who don't need it. They're already gifted athletically, but, you know, just. It took a. Took a great deal of maturity for me to actually execute that decision because I love Kentucky. I loved off off the court. I loved on the court. You know, for me, you know, it was the right choice. I needed that work, you know, so some of these guys, they probably need it too, you know, so. But they're not willing to put in that work. A lot of people just want the. Want the glory, you know, and the money. [00:25:42] Speaker B: What are your thoughts? We talked about transfer rules. Would you, like, how do you think you would approach it nowadays? Say you had an option to program, you wanted to transfer. Are you, like, what's your mindset now looking at how much people are getting paid? I'm hearing like, bench players are getting paid 500k. [00:25:59] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:26:00] Speaker B: Like, what are your thoughts on that? And I know you could have a lot of money, man. [00:26:04] Speaker A: Coming from Kentucky, I might have just said, hey, highest bidder. [00:26:08] Speaker B: No, for real. [00:26:09] Speaker A: No. But yeah, I mean, like, probably at that. Now that I'm more mature, I probably would have still went with that same approach. A good fit. Because I wanted to be an NBA player. That was my goal as NBA. That was the end decision, you know, so. But yeah, no, it's. It's really hard for these kids not to chase. Chase the bag because I, I even talked to some of the coaches and some of the Nike people was like, some of these kids, like, they'll have a decent year, not even that great of a year, and then they'll go to their head coach and be like, hey, I need an extra hundred. [00:26:40] Speaker B: Damn. [00:26:40] Speaker A: And then the coach would be like, nah, you're tripping. And then they'll go, and then they'll just leave and then go get 200 more. And so there's a lot of money being thrown around. And I think it's awesome, you know, for these kids. I. I'm sad I missed out on it, but, yeah, it's all good. [00:26:56] Speaker B: Do you think there's, like, a fix to that? To where it's like, you talk? Because it's kind of crazy going up to, yeah, yo, give me 100K or I'm out. Like, do you think there's a fix to that type of thing or is it just like today's day and age? [00:27:07] Speaker A: There's got it. There's got to be. There's got to be rules put in place. Like, it's. It's just not fair for some teams to compete against teams that have the bigger budgets. So there's got to be some. At least in your. Your division or conference has got to be like, from a team to team cap rule, kind of like, you know, NBA, you know, you got to have a level playing field. But they're. They're probably working on it every day. I mean, guys, cap analysts, they're hiring tons of jobs, you know, and that's why I've even been dabbed into talking to some of my Nike people. Because now that recruiting process, even for Nike, from a brand perspective, it's starting younger. And so when I was growing up, like, you don't have to touch a guy until he's either killing in college, like an Anthony Davis situation, or, you know, now they're having to even get them before grade eight. Yeah. [00:27:54] Speaker B: Kids that are like, not even like. [00:27:56] Speaker A: And it's tough. You got an agent and it's tough to evaluate talent on that perspective. So a lot of jobs being filled and, you know, I still got a lot left to give to the game, but it's something that I'm probably going to try to dabble in when I'm done. Yeah. [00:28:08] Speaker B: Is that something that you just. In terms of like, whether it's talent ID that you enjoy or like being able to obviously like being you. You know, what it, what it was like growing up being a highly recruited player. Like, tell me about the expertise that you have that you're like, I, I know like what this is like. And I can contribute in a way. [00:28:26] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, I've, I've been on two of the best clubs in, in college, so I have that, that perspective. I've played on six, seven different countries overseas. I played in the NBA, you know, and then my, obviously my phone book. I have a lot of, you know, resources and contacts. So for me, yeah, like, I love the game. I love being around people. So, you know, for me, just evaluating talent and I understand. I, you know, I got, I'm a master in business administration, so I feel like I'll. When I'm done playing, I'm definitely going to do something in terms of sports marketing or NBA front office work. You know, I want to build a bill. I. Basketball is not a job to me, you know, so for me it's, it's, it's something I'm going to pursue. But yeah, I think I'm going to be great at that. Just because I won't look at as like a task I'll look at as fun. [00:29:12] Speaker B: You know, I'm excited to see that obviously gets a Gonzaga. What's your first impressions year you're playing? Let's talk about that. What was your first impression? Like, I'm back on the court feeling stronger. Like, did you gain a lot of weight that, that year and what did your body transformation look like? And I'm guessing you get on the court and was like, who's this guy? [00:29:31] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. No, it was a huge improvement for me. You know, I was just moving more fluidly. That was the biggest thing. I didn't really necessarily put on a bunch of weight. I just kind of leaned out a little bit and I still, you know, I wasn't the strongest guy, most athletic, but I was playing with no pain. You know, I sometimes had discomfort like the first couple years on my knees and stuff like that. So I kind of Eliminated all that and I was able to play my game without thinking, you know, so. But yeah, like, everything was quicker. And then it was a system that was more suited for me. You know, Kentucky was dribble drive, just kind of creating your own shot or shots off other people. Where Gonzaga, you're playing through the bigs, you're playing a lot of high low basketball. And at the end of the day, it was just like, go get a bucket. And that's what I do best. [00:30:15] Speaker B: Yeah, obviously, end off at Gonzaga, go through the pre draft process. What was that like? I always find it fascinating, just the pre draft process. Did you work out for many teams? [00:30:25] Speaker A: Yeah, I worked out for 12 teams. [00:30:29] Speaker B: And any crazy workouts, any stories? [00:30:31] Speaker A: Yeah, I have a ton of crazy stories. But no, it was a crazy situation because, you know, some of those workouts, to me, in my opinion, they're not doing the right things. Some of those workouts, you're just playing three on three. [00:30:44] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:30:45] Speaker A: And like, again, it sounds cocky, but like, no one can guard me in three on three. Like, seriously, like, I'm killing all these workouts. Like, obviously, you know, before they start, you're doing vertical tests and you're doing your measurements and stuff. And I'm not going to test through, through the charts on those things. When it comes to the court, you know, I was killing every single workout. But for me, you know, the craziest story is one of the last workouts I added was the Houston Rockets. And they had just hired a, you know, new coach, Mike d'. Antoni. So my agent was like, yo, you should go there. Cause they're looking for a couple shooters off the bench. So I was tired. I was like, I don't know if I want to do it. It was like my 12th workout ended up going, killing that workout. And then you fast forward to the draft and I was projected late second round or undrafted. So I'm sitting at the end of the draft with my phone like, you know, it's your dream to get your name called. So my agent called me. Someone wants to draft you a 57. And I'm like, great. This is great. He's like, but I recommend we tell them absolutely not, because it's undrafted. Unguaranteed contract. They just want to bring you into camp. I said, okay, I trust you. He's like, houston will guarantee you 50%, but if you go undrafted and sign with them immediately. So I listened to my agent and it was the best decision because then I got to go to training camp with the Rockets and They literally needed what I did. Yeah, and just space the court, stand in the corner, and if James Harden throws you the ball, you shoot it. You know what? It is a simple job and for me that was easy. And I ended up making the team and it was one of my greatest accomplishments in life. You know, every kid wants to make the NBA. So even though I wasn't able to say, yo, I got drafted, I still worked out. And that was the craziest part. Cause who knows what would have happened if I didn't go to that workout, you know? [00:32:25] Speaker B: Yeah, I think about it too with like Ryan Emhard who just went to the pre jam process just now for what I heard like he had a lot of options, like late second round, like teams wanted him, but look at Dallas situation. Kyrie's out and now he can go. Rock just had a great game against the Lakers. Like, you know, it's like perfect situation where like the behind the scenes stuff you don't know of, like why this player doesn't get drafted or not, you could have easily gotten drafted. But it's like, okay, this fit is better long term wise. And you've seen it like Fred Van Vl, right? Bets on himself, throws balls out in Toronto. That year in Houston, how good was Harden? Tell me about. I feel like that's the year he should have won MVP. Yeah, I think it was the 2016. Yeah, I think he should want MVP that year. But how good was he? [00:33:04] Speaker A: Oh, just this. One of the most amazing things to see in person because he, the game was just coming so easy to him. Obviously people saw the crazy points, whatever, but his ability to run an off, he literally are, I don't know what that line he said was like, he's like, he is the system. He literally was the system. Like, like without him we weren't doing anything. But no, I mean there's a, there's crazy stories that year, but I mean if he's sick or had a crazy night out, you're looking at the game and you're thinking, oh, you know, he's struggling tonight, tonight's not his night. And then the first quarter sheet comes around and you're looking at he's got 12, 7 and 8. If I average 12, 7 and 8, I'm getting paid. You know, this guy is. And then he finished the game with a 40 point triple double. It just, it was nuts, man. And, and to see that in, in person was, was, was a crazy experience. [00:33:52] Speaker B: Is Houston what people think it's like, you know, I'm talking About, like, the. The nightlife, the. [00:33:58] Speaker A: Houston. Houston's like that. [00:33:59] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm trying to get out of Houston now. [00:34:01] Speaker A: Houston's like that. If you need some recommendations, you know, holler. But now Houston. Houston's a dope city, very diverse. And it was a hell of a place, you know, obviously, to play my rookie year and then obviously develop because I got to play like, 20 that year. I played 20 G League games. And that, honestly, is a great system for guys, like young guys who don't play. Great system because you could just go down and hoop and, like, you still get to play, like, your main team. So anytime I did get called up and actually played, like, a couple games in the NBA that year, I was ready to go because I had good rhythm and that. So that was. It was a dope experience. [00:34:36] Speaker B: Yeah. And then obviously end up overseas. [00:34:39] Speaker A: What. [00:34:39] Speaker B: What was like, the biggest shock or like. Or was it like, oh, damn, this is what overseas basketball is like that when you. When you get there, it's like you. You won't know until you're there. [00:34:47] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, I'm coming from the NBA, obviously, a confident, confident guy. I was ready to play, ready to have an experience. And I get to my club, and it was called Olympiacos, one of the best Euroleague teams in Europe. And another humbling experience is you get there. In my first three games, I just had DMPs. I'm like, why would they pay me all this money? Bring me over here. I'm here now, and they're not playing me, you know, and then. And then. So you're kind of. You just have to stay ready. And then the fourth game, I'm starting against one of the best teams with NBA scouts in the. In the. In the crowd. So you have to stay ready because also now you're seeing guys go to Europe, sign back in the NBA and vice versa. So it used to be you go to Europe and you're just stuck, you know? And so I've. I've been very lucky to get to Europe and have a long career over there. But some guys, once they get over there, they can stay ready and make it back. [00:35:38] Speaker B: Yeah. What do you think is like, the toughest part for people when they come to overseas basketball? Like, adjusting wise just the style of. [00:35:45] Speaker A: Game, you know, it's. It's just so hard to score because it's just a. And that. That kind of goes back to Canada. Basketball is fiba. Style is different. You know, the. It's. It's. It's less space to operate and less space to Score. So you know, being in Europe is, is a different game. And, and so guys who go over there just think it's going to be sweet, but there's dogs over there, you know, you got to come ready to play and, and be locked in. [00:36:08] Speaker B: We talked about it like I just recently did like a sort of like a draft, like dream Olympic roster. I'll be honest, it wasn't like a lot of NBA guys, you know, like of course people would have that. [00:36:18] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [00:36:19] Speaker B: But you talked about it like guys adjusting to feeble style is kind of difficult at times for NBA guys. Right? The style play, like tell me what that process is like. And then also like, I think Canada basketball, like with Gordy, like his team's like Germany. He's had a lot of FIBA guys on that team. Right. I'm guessing you're going to be in that mix too. But like, tell me the importance of that and like what, what you see in that. And obviously like NBA guys, like people love having like 12, 13, like guys from there, but it's not realistic, I would say, especially if you want to be successful. Like, tell me just about like the nuances to that. [00:36:56] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, you know, one of the things is, you know, we have, if you look at the, at Canada basketball, best player in the world, Shay. You know, you have him and you want him to be Shay, but you got to give him space to, to work and eat, you know. So the, the biggest thing off the rip, if I was even not a non player is you need floor spacers. So you got to have a couple shooters on the court who are, you know, even, even like a space 5 like Olynek, he's an important figure. You can't have two guys non shooting bigs. And in Europe you always got to have a stretch four, stretch five personnel because if you don't, there's not enough space for guys to operate because there's no like defensive three second rule like the NBA. So that's kind of the first thing. Obviously I'm advocating for myself to be a part of the mix, but you're. [00:37:44] Speaker B: In the mix though, let's be real. [00:37:45] Speaker A: Like. But a guy like me is critical. Even like Gordy coached Germany and if I'm trying to be successful at Canada, you should watch Gordy's German team run through the World cup and kind of study what he did. Because his roster in Germany, they didn't have the absolute most talented guys, but they had the right pieces and that's important. And so we have a huge pool of Canadian players. And it really is important which ones you choose. You can't just choose the best 12 athletes, the best 12, you know, guards, whatever. So it's just finding the right pieces, and it's going to be some experimentation. And that's why, you know, I wouldn't want to be Rowan. I wouldn't want to be these guys who have to do it. But, you know, from my perspective, playing it, the shooting is a critical piece. So finding these guys who are willing to be role players, because a lot of our talent right now wants the ball in their hands. And that's usually, you know, not how to be successful in Europe, because in Europe, it's more about the team. I've had games where I dropped 30, and then the coach is telling the team outright, hey, good game, Kyle. But next game, we're gonna be a little more well rounded. I'm thinking, like, or you can just let me keep eating, like, you know what I mean? So it's just a different style. It's really hard to even give an answer because even Rowan and these guys, like, they're open to suggestions from us. And as players, I'm trying to give what I know, but sometimes it's not like a perfect science, you know? [00:39:09] Speaker B: Yeah. How important do you think continuity is? Because I think that's. That's a big thing they've discussed over the years. And like, guys that have. Are in the gym that are always showing up, that will be there like a Traybo Haynes, to be honest. He's been. He's been with Canada for how many years? You know, always shows up whenever the call comes. And, like, how important do you think continuity is? Just for like, the culture. Obviously there's core guys. Right. But then it's also like, there's guys that are. Bring something different to the mix but will always show up and they understand what the. The message is and the. [00:39:41] Speaker A: They're not. [00:39:41] Speaker B: Like you talk about it sometimes. Like, I think the Olympics, the issue from my opinion was, like, you got a lot of the talent was so great, but like, it's so hard to mix that all. You have so many stars and that kind of stuff. [00:39:52] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:39:53] Speaker B: Tell me about continuity. [00:39:54] Speaker A: No, it's important. And I think, you know, we've. We've got that down. I think it's. It's extremely important. But I mean, even this summer, I have a quick story. It's just like I. I showed up first time back with the program. You know, we got practice at 10. I'm thinking, you know, I'm Gonna lock in. I'm gonna go over like seven or eight and just. I'm. If I'm gonna lock in, let me really lock in. So I show up at like 7:30 or 8 to do something. And who's in the gym? Shay's already an hour into his workout, fully drenched in sweat at an. He's not even in the camp. You know, he's not playing him. But he showed up because we have a new coach. And I think that's Speaks volumes to why OKC is having success. Is a guy, your main guy's locked in, and it's. It trickles down. The second day I went, now it's Shay, Lou in the gym working out. So I'm like, damn, what time do I got to be here to be first? You know, so it's like. And then third day, now it's Dylan, Lou and Shay, you know, so it. It. It's a. It's a culture thing. And we were joking before the. The pod started is like, is okc, you know, going to have an even better record than Golden State? And I think yes, because their culture is. Is on point. And that's even like that Germany team that I was talking about earlier, they had. They had that. And so I think we're on the right track. And we. It starts with Shay, and I think he's. He's ready to. To lead us. I really believe it. [00:41:10] Speaker B: What's that meeting like? You don't think it too much details, but what was said and all that kind of stuff. But having those guys in the gym, right? Like a. Like a Lou, like a. Like a Shay, like a Dylan, all those guys and kind of like being like, we're committed to this. And what was like the takeaways from there? [00:41:25] Speaker A: It was important. I mean, it was the first meeting this summer when Gordy took over and every guy in the program was there. They all flew in. Some flew in just for a day, just to be at the meeting. So I think it just starts with that, the presence and showing that everyone's locked in and everyone wants the same thing. Everyone wants to medal. Everyone wants to make Canada proud. So, you know, that meeting is important because it's obviously like a start of another grind. You know, these programs we go through, every program goes through different coaches and stuff. But now we got a coach who's had success in Europe and we have all the talent. And so now everyone's locked in. I think now it's just a matter of. It's kind of like a puzzle, you know, Just trying to figure out which. Which 12 make the most sense. [00:42:04] Speaker B: When was the first time you played for Canada, do you remember? [00:42:07] Speaker A: I think the first tournament was like in San Antonio. I was like, yeah, U18 or U17? I think Mike was on that team. Ken Burch. So back, back, way back. [00:42:18] Speaker B: Yeah. You also played Pan Am games. [00:42:20] Speaker A: Pan Am, yeah. I, I don't. Yeah, that one's is like really not. [00:42:23] Speaker B: Fiba, but it's like Jamal Murray was in that. [00:42:25] Speaker A: No. Yeah, yeah, I can't really remember that. [00:42:27] Speaker B: People say that was his coming out party. [00:42:29] Speaker A: Oh, Pan Am games. Yeah, he went crazy. [00:42:31] Speaker B: What do you remember about that? [00:42:32] Speaker A: I just remember we were playing, I think the US and we were down like 15. He ran off like 20 straight or something crazy. I wonder if you could find footage of that. I looked it up one day, I couldn't find it. It was, it was going stupid. Yeah, man. They're like, yeah, this guy's nice. [00:42:47] Speaker B: I think that's when people realize this guy's going to be a NBA level talent. We talked about it, like led Canada scoring the Fever World cup in 2019 when and played America. What was that experience like getting in that mix? You have two NBA guys that they're kind of like bringing along. Keyshawn George, Leonard Miller. What was it like getting to know those guys and then playing in that tournament again? [00:43:09] Speaker A: Oh, for me, I mean, going back to the World cup, you know, you're playing every night, you're playing these teams, Australia Dogs, NBA players. You're playing. We played Lithuania. All these countries who have been together for many, many years. And you know, it just, for me, just, you know, just showing that I can play against those guys because obviously my career's in Europe. So for me that's important on an individual level. But then, yeah, just being part of the, the Canadian programs, you know, at those type events is an honor, you know, so I don't take that for granted. But yeah, you get to see guys too. Like, even like young boy was Andrew Nemhardt. And we got to see firsthand, like, yo, this kid's got the talent and he's gonna get there. And then, then obviously he got there, you know, so. But you know, it's, it's, it's a testament to him putting in the work. But you kind of get to see those guys when they're super young and see the town, even like Jamal at those Pan Am games, you just, you see the talent and it's fun to, to watch their success because, you know, that's the one Thing about all these guys, they're all just great guys and they're all pretty humble and, and they show love to Canada. [00:44:14] Speaker B: Anything you despise about FEBA basketball, like if I could get people talk about the officiating. [00:44:19] Speaker A: I'm not trying to get fined by these refs. [00:44:22] Speaker B: I don't think any officials are listening to this. [00:44:24] Speaker A: But like, no, it can cost you games. No feeba FIBA game is. Is interesting because there's so many factors out of your control. You know, you, you sometimes play in gyms that are slippery. It's hot. These refs, you know, they, they don't ref the same from country to country. So you know, you really got to be, you know, tough minded because there's a lot of factors against you sometimes. [00:44:46] Speaker B: Yeah. How would you compare to the NBA from that? Is it completely different? Like you can't even like compare the two? [00:44:53] Speaker A: No. Yeah, it's uncomparable. There's just no. In the FIBA game, there's no space, it's harder to score, it's more physical. But the moment you get too physical, you're going to. You got to be careful with your fouls because they're very quick to call fouls. Where the NBA, you're, you're. You're allowed to put your hands on a guy and kind of like guide him in the post. And in FIBA you can't really do that. There's all these nuances that are tough, but the main thing is just that no defensive. In the NBA you're getting tons of room to operate in the pick and roll. Where in FIBA there's all sorts of different countries. NBA is kind of a copycat game. You have a team has success and you're kind of copying the style where fiba, you're playing a different style of defense, different offense every night, you know. [00:45:38] Speaker B: So yeah, in terms of your career, obviously we talk about it. It's been what, a decade long now. Any enjoyable moments that you look back on and be like, wow, this was highlight bucket list moment or anything like that you look at? [00:45:53] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean I've been lucky to have a bunch of them. I won one like we won a European competition when I was playing in Spain. 2022, I think it was 2022 with Tenerife, it was a Spanish team and just playing in that league, the acb, that's like super high level. And so to win that year for me was. It's just dope anytime you win a championship. So I think that was one of the highs. And then that Year I'm living on an island, you know my. So I have my first daughter living on an island and we won a championship. There's like nothing better. You know, we're just vibing out there and it's a great spot to play. [00:46:26] Speaker B: Jealous. I'm living in Toronto and co op housing. So yeah, I can't carry. You know, try to get like you but talk about it too. Just like we talk about how crazy the official any like atmosphere that you've been in. Like wow. Because I see the games in Serbia and I'm like this is not the same in Canada or like even just like the States. [00:46:44] Speaker A: NBA, sometimes it's a different game. It's NBA is for entertainment and fiba that's. Yeah, they die for it. Every possess. If, if I turn the ball over in Feba, it's like for the overseas coaches like end of the world. Like it's like, yo, I'm coming out. I might not play in the first half, you know, but yeah, no, I played when I was playing in Greece. Playing at Panatha Nikos is the, the top club. You could just YouTube their arena. It's insane. 20,000 people, they're yelling at you. If for the rivalry game, they're throwing stink. If you're, if you're winning the game in the fourth, they're throwing stink bombs on the court. What next game they're putting up a net, try to protect the players. I look over, there's a dude cutting the net with scissors, throwing it on the court again. You know what I mean? So it's like they really die for basketball and that's what makes it fun, you know. And, and NBA is trying to implement different things. But yeah, it's, it's a cultural thing. It's going to be interesting because they're doing the NBA Europe. [00:47:39] Speaker B: What are your thoughts on that? I'm trying to explore expansion some. I don't know what exactly it is. [00:47:43] Speaker A: But expansion, Europe, I don't know exactly what it's going to look like, but I do know that they wouldn't from a business side of things, they're not going to do something that they don't see tremendous money into. So it's a wave I'm trying to catch. You know, I put putting out feelers like, hey listen, I've been in Europe for 10 years. Y' all need me for an advisor so y' all can clip that at NBA, I'm actively speaking with them that I want a job, you know, in the next five, six years or hey, I'm playing, I can advise. I really believe that I have insight that some of the guys who are going to have these positions don't have. And I think that it's going to be fun, you know, because some of the cities, for example Manchester U. Football is a. Is a life that even people over here don't understand. These guys had an arena that's 50,000 and it wasn't big enough and they just moved into Arena 100,000 and the first games are sold out. So now they're going to make a basketball team. That's Manu. So for me, I just did a master's in business. I'm actively trying to learn about the business side of things. I see the value and I see the excitement and for. To answer your question, it is going to be an exciting new chapter and it's going to piss off a lot of these historic clubs. But these historic clubs, they are making money, they are doing it. I don't, sometimes I. I don't even understand how they can pay us the way they pay, because I'm going to some of these arenas and they aren't crazy, you know, so it's going to be fun to watch and I don't know what it's going to look like, but it's something that I think it's going to be successful. [00:49:21] Speaker B: What's the most underrated, like, environment you've played in? Like, what do you think, like, city wise? Like, this is like, if people have. [00:49:28] Speaker A: Seen this, it'd be like holy Athens. That experience. Home and away. I played on Olympiacos and it was just some of the most lit games I've ever seen. 20,000 people with fire in the crowd and they're yelling the whole game. You know, you got to. I said, you got the overseas plug right here. Just hit my line. [00:49:47] Speaker B: Is there something that you do, though? Like, obviously we've talked about, you played in Greece, played in China, Spain, Italy. When you get to a new city, is there something that you do, like, approach wise, like settling in, like, how do you adjust to that, you know. [00:50:00] Speaker A: Now I mean, it's, it's looked different every year. You know, first couple of years I'm, you know, have my wife and we don't have kids, so it's much easier to adjust. So now, you know, sometimes my wife would stay back and I would go and prep the city, kind of figure out, hey, where are we going to live? Because that's other thing is sometimes the teams don't give you the best apartments. And so I started A business, when I got over there is instead of renting, the team gives you a thousand or two thousand a month. Instead of just wasting that 20k for the year, it's like, I'm gonna acquire a house. So what I did ended up doing is going to the banks, which you are a basketball player. These guys are willing to work with you. It's not like Canada, not like in the States, where you got to go through this long, drawn out application. They're like, oh, you play basketball? Oh, great. Yeah, here's some money, you know, so. So I took that to my advantage and I bought. I bought a couple rental properties, lived in them, was able to make them comfortable for me. And then when I left, I rent them to the teams and rent them to the future Americans so that they're comfortable. So I've done that with two of the cities I played in, and it's been super successful. And for me, selfishly, it's been dope because I've had really nice houses to live in while I'm there. [00:51:09] Speaker B: The NBA should be calling you. I was saying, like, this is like. [00:51:12] Speaker A: To my one and the most lucky part is one of the cities I chose, they built five minutes from my house. I was there on vacation and there's this big thing. I'm like, well, what's this? What are they building? Oh, they're building an MBPA facility. [00:51:24] Speaker B: Wow. [00:51:25] Speaker A: So one of the cities, like, they actually have asked me to use my house. Like when players come in town, like, hey, Jason Tatum's in town for this workout. You can type it in. It's called the Embassy. And they could stay at my house because it's like five minutes from there. [00:51:37] Speaker B: Wow. [00:51:38] Speaker A: Most lucky investment I've made, you know, Sounded like smart. That, that was lucky though. I was like, happens to be an MBA facility, you know, so. But no, it's been a passion of mine is in real estate. And it's been fun, obviously, because basketball opens a lot of doors. And so to my advantage, I've taken advantage of it. [00:51:55] Speaker B: No, that's really cool, man. Just seeing that. And yeah, I feel like the mba, if the everybody's not calling you, I'm call you for a rental spot. I don't know if I could afford it, but, you know, like, hey, you. [00:52:03] Speaker A: Get out there, I'll let you stay, man. [00:52:05] Speaker B: Let's talk about Feeba, Maricop, Keyshawn and George. I heard you guys have built a close relationship. What was it like playing with him and seeing him blossom? He's killing it now. And sophomore season in the NBA, just watched him play against. [00:52:18] Speaker A: With the. [00:52:18] Speaker B: Against the Raptors. And every stat across the board is just. What were your first impressions when you saw him in training camp and then seeing him in the tournament kind of do his thing. [00:52:27] Speaker A: Yeah, you just never know when you meet a young kid who just reached the NBA, you know. So for me is like, I just, you know, keep a surface level at start and just to get his vibes. And, you know, he's one of those guys that. He loves the game. Like, you know, he's locked in. He's not trying to, hey, you know, we're on an event. I'm trying to go out. I'm trying to do this. No, he's getting his lifts in. He brought his guy from the Wizards with him to make sure he's doing lifts every morning. And, you know, to see that at a young age is dope, because it's like some of these kids, they get excited, they're getting some money in their pockets, they're living lavish. You know what I mean? Which is cool. You got to enjoy your life. But to see Keyshawn, you know, he's a. He's just a mature dude, and I obviously respect him as a player, but it's been. It's been cool to kind of just get to know him at the Mare cup and then just see his successes this year is dope. [00:53:15] Speaker B: Yeah, he's killing. I'm still pissed the Raptors didn't pick him at 19th, but we move on from that fourth place finish. Obviously. I think a lot of people expected you because you guys had like, before that lost to it. Was Argentina killing it in the group stage? I think. I don't know what the point differential was, but you guys were killing it. Tell me. Just like, obviously people look at it and be like, ah, they lost. Like. But how would you describe. Because USA didn't end up winning either. So, like, how would you describe that. That tournament? What went right. What went wrong for your plan? [00:53:43] Speaker A: It's a growing. It's a growing phase at that point. You know, we dominated 80% of those games just based off of being more athletic and more talented and playing really hard. But that's the thing that I even was. Is. Or we're trying to learn is like, when you play a team. We played Argentina, and they are the most FIBA style you can possibly get. And. And so you. You're having two contrasting styles. We. We just weren't there yet. We were playing too much like the NBA. That's what Another thing is like in the NBA a lot of times you're aggressive, first side try to get a bucket and when that's taken away, you look, you just don't look like a team where in FIBA you never attack the first side. It's always second or third or fourth. That's what Argentina did. It didn't matter how athletic we were, didn't matter. In those tournaments sometimes are a one game tournament. So from a fan perspective, oh, it's a huge disappointment. No, it's like NCAA tournament. You have one bad game and your tournament's cooked. And that's just what happened. We played a team that's been together for, played like this for 20 years and every time we play Argentina, I've played them before, they just play like a team and they out teamed us. [00:54:51] Speaker B: That game and I think they pinned like, I think like I don't know how many exhibition games before that. Like they were locked, they were like, yeah, they were treating this like this was the, the Olympics. [00:55:00] Speaker A: It is. Yeah. And if you watched how they celebrated when they're winning, it really is everything to them, these guys. FIBA is like literally like an ingrained culture and that's what we're trying to teach. Even Canada and probably U.S. is trying to get to it too because they're seeing the world's catching up. There's a lot of talent out there and these guys play together, man, it's crazy. [00:55:21] Speaker B: I want to ask you what do you have against the Bahamas? Because like I'm looking at the stat that I seen someone drop a stat. The last time you played against the bahamas too had 20 something to. What is it about the Bahamas that gets you going another 20 point? I mean, hopefully when we drop this podcast on Monday, you know, it's another 20 piece. [00:55:39] Speaker A: You know, to be honest, it's just when I put Canada on my chest, I just start going crazy. You can look at the stats. I average like 20 with the club every time I've shown up. But for me it's just about consistency and in this game it never stops, you know, like I've been playing all these years. It's like you really can't just show up unfocused. So for me I just try to stay locked in and, and my role is going to change, you know, if I, if I am able to make a World cup team. I'm not playing like I am now. I'm playing a specialist role and that's where I'm okay with it right now. I'm trying to generate offense, that's being asked of me. And so as long as that's, that's my job, I'm going to keep trying to be aggressive and try, try to score, but you know, I'm just try to play the right way and you know, and luckily when I play with this program, it's, it's catered to like a player like me inside and out. [00:56:27] Speaker B: Yeah, what's that like to just. You're talking about how adaptable you are. Where'd you learn that? Is it just like being able to like playing overseas, going from country to country and then like where do you, what do you attribute that to? [00:56:39] Speaker A: It's, it's Europe. I mean I've. Before getting to Italy, I've been on every team like one year contracts. So you're having to use, you have to play for a new coach who, you have to gain his trust. You know, you have to play in a new city, a new environment every year. So it just kind of, you gotta, you kind of just makes you tough skin, you know, just trying to adapt to any situation and, and at the end of the day like now I got a family to feed, so it's like kind of have no choice, you know. But yeah, in Europe you're, you're just, your coaches are very, very specific and meticulous of what they ask of you. So you really do have to get with their system because if you don't, I see it all the time. Guys are getting cut, getting waved and that's where it messes up your bread. And at the end of the day like, this is my job, you know, it's obviously fun, but it's my job, you know. And so you kind of have to do what your boss says. And at the end of the day he's your coach. [00:57:31] Speaker B: You mentioned Kevin Galley. You guys are teammates. I think he's going to be so crucial for like this next. Whether it's like obviously not playing the windows because he's playing in Dubai Euro. So it's not, it's not allowed right now. But what's he like? I haven't really heard much from him media wise. But like he seems like you won't. [00:57:49] Speaker A: You won't be hearing him on the pod. Really? What's he like? He's a ghost, man. He, he's a great dude. Great dude. And he's a monster. He's one of those guys that has a tick that you can't teach. He's going to the offensive glass every time. It doesn't matter if it's Shaq in front of you, he's going to go like, you know, he's just got that motor you can't teach. And another guy, that's going to be important because he has success at the feeble level and he knows how to play. And just physically he's gifted. He can defend and rebound. And I think with those top teams, you know, size is important, but his mobility is what puts him over the top, you know, and so he can guard one through five and that's important at the feeble level. Yeah. [00:58:27] Speaker B: I get nightmares still of Yabu from the Olympics, what France did to us. And I'm like thinking about Capelly was there, man, I don't know if you allow that. [00:58:35] Speaker A: No, I know. And that's. Yeah. And that's the unfortunate growing pains that we have to live with. And you know, I watched that game. [00:58:41] Speaker B: As well and what were your thoughts? Just like, overall, like watching the Olympics and seeing, seeing it. [00:58:46] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean it's just, it's just one of those things where France has been together for so many years and that particular game we were just a little undersized. You know, we're playing. I don't know who we're playing. I think we're playing Lou at the four or Lou at the five, you know, and that is going to win you a lot of games. Every game has to be a different story. And I think that's what Gordy will know. Fee, for example, if he was in that game, and that's just a weird example, but that game he might play 25 minutes then if you advance Fee might not play the next game. That's how FIBA is. I have games where I think I'm the truth and then the next game I play five minutes because they played, they played a small ball four at the four and it's just not a good matchup for me. So every game's different at the feeble level. And that's, that's kind of what these tournaments, like I said, is like it's a one game tournament. So every game is going to look, look, have a different story and different picture. [00:59:45] Speaker B: Yeah. You understand that you're not taking it personal because, you know, it's like I experienced this overseas. Like I know what this is. Like, what type of style should we expect from a just like can and these winter windows going forward and kind of like what, what Nate's installing and what Gordy wants to see and. Yeah. What can we expect? [01:00:01] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean Nate brings kind of that mindset is like Like I said, is like 70% of those games, like if you play hard, you get in guys and you play super hard because we do have a big talent pool. So from these windows, you're going to see us trying to play extreme effort. And then that next piece will be the execution and learning how to operate against when you're not playing. And I'm not putting any shade to the Bahamas, but like the first game, we're kind of getting what we want. But when a team like an Argentina takes away those first options, second option is like, what are you going to get to? So for us it's just kind of. I think it's going to be a learning process, but I think seeing continuity is another thing I think is important for the Windows. I think fans should expect to see some of the same faces over and over now as opposed to like a new group every time. [01:00:49] Speaker B: Was the last time you played in Toronto? [01:00:51] Speaker A: I mean, for America, we were here. [01:00:54] Speaker B: Like a game like Windows or anything. [01:00:56] Speaker A: Like last time in Toronto. Geez, I don't even remember not trying to age you. Probably for that. Probably for the. I think we had exhibition game against Nigeria. Okay, okay. 2019 World Cup. [01:01:07] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, Yeah. I was there for that. Yeah, you play on Monday and then when do you fly back to. I'm jealous, man. When you fly back to Venice, Italy? [01:01:15] Speaker A: I'm actually flying Tuesday after the game. I'm flying actually straight to Belgrade, Serbia. Okay. And we have a game the next day. How do you juggle that? How to what? [01:01:25] Speaker B: Juggle that. [01:01:26] Speaker A: You just find a way. I mean, it's just one of those things where my team and I'm fortunate to be on a team that they are depending on me and my coach made because he made it known like, I need you for this game. So I try to rest as much as I can, get my fluids, like do all the stuff that's like cliche, but just rest as much I can and then just, you know, when the game starts. Luckily I am in Europe. It's very team oriented, so I just got to give a strong effort and then I'll live with the result. [01:01:53] Speaker B: Is it tough getting like permission to go and play for Canada? Sometimes. Do some coaches like love it, hate it? [01:01:59] Speaker A: Legally, Legally they have no right to say no, but they always give fight back for. And that's the, the annoying part about playing for Canada is they don't give any fight back to guys who, hey, you got a game in Italy? Because we have players playing for Italy, Great Britain, Serbia, we have guys. But Those flights are 1 hours, 2 hours. Where they have the problem is me having to jump. Six, seven hour time zone. Go play in Bahamas, go play in Toronto. They think it's taken more out of me, which it is. But that's the unfair. Is our qualifying windows are in America is not in Europe. [01:02:34] Speaker B: Yeah, it's an interesting question because, like, obviously the Euro, your guys are not playing, but yeah, I just wonder because I'm like, what's that? Because you guys are sacrificing a lot too, right? Come in and play. And it's important, like, people don't realize, like the people that help, help Canada qualify for these World Cups. I'm trying to get out to Qatar. Have you been to Qatar? [01:02:54] Speaker A: I've not, no. [01:02:55] Speaker B: Hey, maybe 20, 27, both of us will be there. [01:02:58] Speaker A: Hey, we should put that in, put that in the universe. [01:03:00] Speaker B: Yeah, we'll get some, I'll show you some culture food. [01:03:03] Speaker A: I'll bring you some Italian wines or something. [01:03:05] Speaker B: Okay, okay, okay. I don't drink, but okay, what we can do is we'll go, I'll show you some. [01:03:11] Speaker A: Cool. [01:03:12] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, I'm Muslim, so I understand the culture over there. [01:03:14] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [01:03:14] Speaker B: I'm gonna show you some spots over there. Talked about what's next. Nike. We talked about that. What's that? When did that pop up in your mind? And then obviously just like, it's taken off, just like the, the scene, the grassroots scene, all that kind of stuff. But what kind of stuff do you imagine yourself like, doing? And then, yeah, Nike's, Nike's Giants Portland headquarters. You've seen the rise, you've seen the journey, you've watched it close. So tell me about that. [01:03:44] Speaker A: No, I, I, I used to be very secretive, you know, behind the scenes of just doing stuff that prepare me. But as I get closer to the end of my playing career, you know, I still, I could probably play the way I play, probably five, seven more years. But I think where the conversation started is seeing a lot of my peers in Portland raise, you know, in NBA front offices. And because I got basically a Portland crew, runs the Houston Rockets right now, all my Portland friends are now raising at Nike. So that's where it started, is thinking like, okay, I'm probably more hireable younger at Nike than I am older. So I started making phone calls, asking for advice from people. And their thing is, hey, you've built a strong enough network hoop till you can't hoop anymore, but keep staying busy and active and keeping these relationships strong. So for Nike, you know, now I'm openly saying it out loud because for the right job at Nike or NBA front office, you know, I could leave a couple years off the end of my career. Right now I'm making a good money where it doesn't make sense, but I am actively putting it out there in the universe. Hey, this is what I'm doing because now I have a more plan of attack and it's either going to be NBA front office, NBA Europe or Nike. So you can, you can put it out there. [01:05:04] Speaker B: You know who was a Nike executive before they became a front office guy? [01:05:08] Speaker A: Who? [01:05:08] Speaker B: Nico Harrison. [01:05:09] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. [01:05:10] Speaker B: So he's a guy that. [01:05:12] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:05:12] Speaker B: Sally. [01:05:14] Speaker A: No, that's, and that's, that's a funny one because social media is crazy. But that, that in in fact is my guy. Yeah. Who's responsible for a lot of my friends raising at Nike. [01:05:24] Speaker B: And so if you talk to a lot of guys, I talked to Draymond Green and they credit him like no. For a lot of stuff like behind the scenes. [01:05:31] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:05:31] Speaker B: Obviously the front office stuff is like people made jokes about it but like he's been like one of like the leading like every shoe deal you think about like he's, he's that guy. [01:05:40] Speaker A: He's one of those guys, the real ones know he's that guy. And so you know, I stay true. I say I stay loyal to my people. Yeah. [01:05:48] Speaker B: You know, so no, but I can't thank you enough for coming on the show again and yeah, watch Canada Basketball playing Monday. This podcast is dropping Monday special episode. We're not dropping anything Tuesday so so don't look out for that But Monday episode with Kyle Wilter, a future guy that will I'm excited to see back in the mix with Canada basketball. Hopefully see you in the next few years. And, and yeah, if you enjoy episodes like this leave us a five star rating review. And yeah, this has been the Canadian basketball show your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. My guy, Cal Wilter, we out.