Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome to the Canadian Basketball show, your newest go to spot for the latest news, stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ban Osmond. I'm so excited to finally bring this podcast to life. If you know me, if you've seen me, if you talk to me about basketball here in Canada, you know I've been itching, itching to start a podcast that covers the game here in this country. To kick off the launch of this show, I have a special special guest joining me, Washington Wizards forward and Swiss Canadian Keyshawn George. He'll join the podcast, talk about his journey to the NBA and his first season in Washington. Like I said, though, my name is Lee Ban Osmond. I'm a digital producer and basketball writer of the Toronto Star. I cover local basketball and rising talent, whether that's in high school, college, the NBA, the wnba. And as someone that's part of the media, I actually know there's a lot missing in Canadian basketball coverage. And I'll be honest with you, us as media, we only often care about writing stories on young Canadian talent. When we find out they're heading to the NBA or the wnba and then everyone, and I mean everyone, is chasing to do a story on them. And I can say, hands up, I'm a culprit of that big culprit, but I want to change that and build, build a space where we know the names of the rising talent before they're making headlines before, and even have them come on this podcast, share their story, share their journey, and then closely follow their development. With this podcast and the work that I do covering basketball, I want to bring you closer to the players, to the coaches, to the insiders, and provide exclusive interviews and behind the scenes access to basketball in this country. At least once a week, every Tuesday, my hope is you'll hear from current stars, rising prospects and former legends who are and have shaped the game here in Canada. Like I said, we have Keyshawn George joining us for this episode and I'm in the works to get a ton more Canadian NBA players on the podcast as we build this platform. A big thing for me too is I want this podcast to be tapped into the grassroots scene here in Canada and the evolving changes happening in the basketball scene. I always say it starts locally and I want to have people making an impact on the future stars of tomorrow to come on this podcast and talk about the state of basketball here in Canada, what we're doing well, what we're lacking and what we need to improve on legit. The good the bad, the ugly, all of it. But let's be real. We have a long way to go as a basketball country, and nothing's wrong with that. We've already come a long way. Just look at one of the frontrunners for mvp. Who is it? A Canadian from Hamilton, Ontario, Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Just look back. There was a time when people didn't take clean basketball serious. Now it's hard not to find at least one Canadian player getting drafted in the NBA every single year. And look at college basketball. We have one of the best freshman classes in women's college basketball history.
It's truly crazy, and we should be talking about that, celebrating it. And that's what I want to do on this podcast for work. I'll also be traveling a lot soon. I want to hit up as much AAU circus this summer, follow some of the top Canadian players coming up and let you learn more about them. So be on the lookout for that coverage. Like I just mentioned, college basketball season, it's coming to an end. But this offseason, I want to get a bunch of college players on the podcast to discuss their season as we follow their careers. I also think we have a ton of good basketball coaches from Canada in the NBA, in the ncaa, overseas, and right here locally. So I think it'll be cool to get a lot of these individuals that have been coaching for years to come on this podcast and talk about their experience and Canadian basketball. The biggest thing for me, though, is I want this podcast to be an educational place, a place where we open people's minds to how basketball is growing in this country. And you don't have to be a player to be making an impact. Just look, there's a dozen coaches, scouts, NBA agents, executives, and I know for a fact they're making names for themselves, but we never hear about them. I'm looking to change that. I have some really cool guests lined up, and I think a lot of people will be eager to hear from them, and probably for the first time ever. Another big thing for me is I want this podcast to hopefully inspire some people that are looking to get involved with basketball here in Canada. And like I said, you don't have to necessarily be the next Shay Gilgeous Alexander. You can be a trainer, you can work in analytics, you can be a scout in the NBA, an agent with a ton of clients, or maybe even a journalist covering basketball. The opportunities I see it are endless. In the next few weeks, I plan to travel out to the Nike Hoop Summit and the NBA Draft Combine to cover the next wave of talent coming up and give you behind the scenes access. And of course, we'll cover the men's and women's national team in depth. There's a lot of stuff happening this summer around both teams that I'm really excited about. So expect around the clock coverage on that. But I also want you, the listener to to dictate what the conversation is and what type of guests we bring on the Canadian Basketball show. So please, I encourage you, reach out, follow us on social Media, on Twitter, hecbspod on Instagram and TikTok at the Canadian Basketball show over there, you'll get all the latest news on episodes, upcoming guests. I really want to build a community where we have open and fun discussions on basketball here in Canada. You can also send me an email@the canadianbasketballshowmail.com hit me up with potential topics you want discussed here on the show and I'll look to cover. You can also connect with me on all social media platforms. LeeBandStar1 but like I said, I'm excited to bring this podcast that I think is much needed and the goal is to become the go to spot for Canadian basketball news stories and analysis once a week, every Tuesday. So I really encourage you join me on this journey. Let's cover Canadian basketball. After this quick little break, I'll have Swiss Canadian Washington Wizards forward Kean George joining me to talk about his first season in the NBA. You're listening to the Canadian Basketball Show.
Welcome back to the Canadian Basketball show, your newest go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Band. Osmond. I got a special guest, special guest joining me from the Washington Wizards, Swiss Canadian Keyshawn George. Keisha, how you doing, my guy?
[00:06:34] Speaker B: I'm doing good. How are you?
[00:06:35] Speaker A: Good, good, good. I'm excited, really excited to talk about your journey first season in Washington. Just walk me through your first season. How's it going?
[00:06:45] Speaker B: Obviously like as a team, the results are not necessarily where we want them to be, but I think we've seen maybe the progress since the beginning of the season with, you know, developing our young core and just setting the habits of where we want to be in in the near future.
[00:06:59] Speaker A: What's D.C. like? What's the culture like over there?
[00:07:02] Speaker B: It's great. It's very diverse. A lot of people working for the government. So you got a whole bunch of different types of people, very good food. And I think it's a, from my part, from what I see it, it's a cool city, Pretty peaceful. A lot of stuff to see, so I like it.
[00:07:17] Speaker A: Have you done, like, sightseeing, that kind of stuff?
[00:07:19] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, when we got there, they actually took us on a bus tour to see all the monuments and stuff. So that was pretty cool. And yeah, my mom's been going to a whole bunch of museums and just walking around, so it's been cool.
[00:07:29] Speaker A: Nice. I want to go through your journey from Switzerland to France because I feel like it's very unique. Right. And then basketball. Playing college basketball in Miami, now in Washington. But first, like, take me where it all started. When were you first exposed to basketball and how did it all begin for you?
[00:07:45] Speaker B: So my dad was a Canadian basketball player. He's from actually Montreal. Played in the Canadian national team. So he's really the one that actually put me into basketball. So he was playing pro in Switzerland. So as a kid, I was really just around the gyms around basketball all the time. So I can't really remember when I started basketball. Cause I always had the basketball in my hand and. Yeah. So basically started playing in Switzerland until I was 15. And my dad was a coach, so he basically taught me everything I know about basketball.
[00:08:15] Speaker A: I feel like you understated your pop's basketball journey, because I know he played for the national team on the junior circuit. He played with Steve Nash, I believe. Rowan Barrett, RJ's dad. What did he tell you about those days in playing for basketball?
[00:08:29] Speaker B: He was just saying how amazing it was to play for Canada and to play with Steve, Nashworth and Barrett. Just great, talented, good basketball. People around him. So just sharing that experience. And I think he wanted me to experience the same thing. And I have the opportunity now, so it's gonna be cool.
[00:08:47] Speaker A: You have an older brother, right?
[00:08:48] Speaker B: I do.
[00:08:48] Speaker A: Jamal. When I saw you guys, I ain't gonna lie, I was like, this is twin. No, you don't. You don't look like each other.
[00:08:54] Speaker B: We do, but not to the point of, like, confusing.
[00:08:57] Speaker A: Okay. Yeah, well, but when I saw you guys, so I'm like, I see it.
What were you guys like growing up? Competitive. How did he help you in just your journey to the NBA?
[00:09:06] Speaker B: Super competitive.
Obviously, he's only a year older, so, I mean, in practice, was always guarding each other because nobody else wanted to guard us, stuff like that. And it's just. Just wanting to win all the time. Whether it's on the basketball court or, you know, playing cards or chess or whatever it was. Just wanted to win at all times.
[00:09:25] Speaker A: What was growing up in Switzerland Like Monte, that's pronounced, right?
[00:09:30] Speaker B: Monte, yeah, it's pretty good.
[00:09:31] Speaker A: Yeah. Is it cold up there? Like what's get.
[00:09:33] Speaker B: You get all four seasons. All four seasons. Nothing like the winter in Toronto for sure. Definitely warmer than that, but definitely get some snow. Spring, summer? Yeah, four seasons.
[00:09:44] Speaker A: When was the last time you were up there?
[00:09:49] Speaker B: After my Miami season. I was able to go back. Did I actually later than that. I think after, yes, after summer league I was able to go back for like seven days, something like that. Just to say hi to people, my friends, family that's over there. Just go back home.
[00:10:08] Speaker A: You moved to France to play basketball. What age was that again?
[00:10:12] Speaker B: 15.
[00:10:12] Speaker A: 15, yeah. And how did that become an option and what was that like?
[00:10:16] Speaker B: So we always knew like how the French structure has basketball. It's kind of like soccer. So they have like the main team, the club, and then they have the younger like subdivisions. So under 18, under 21. And they always try to make you progress. So you play with the pros.
So always had that option, but I never like went out and you know, pursued it in that sense. Wanted to go there, but didn't necessarily do all the like the paperwork and stuff to get towards them. And one day I got a call from the manager of that center in Chalon, it's called Chalons. And yeah, they recruited me, went there for a couple days and said I wanted to go there. So that's how I turned up.
[00:11:04] Speaker A: Was it like a quick decision that you wanted to go there or was it.
[00:11:06] Speaker B: Yeah, so I think as soon as I knew they had interest in me and they wanted me to come, I was like, yeah, I'm going.
[00:11:12] Speaker A: And in terms of European basketball, NBA, what would you say is the difference now playing in your first season, seeing the different styles?
[00:11:21] Speaker B: For me, the NBA has the best individual players, like by far, like athletically and just the shot making ability, I think it's just amazing. But I would say like European basketball is more driven towards like tactical stuff, if that makes sense. Like you run the play and you're going to get advantage out of the play. Rather an individual player is going to get an advantage for you. That makes sense. Take an example, if you don't send a double team on kdp, he's gonna get, you're gonna get, he's gonna get a bucket. So yeah. Whereas in France or in Europe, you're gonna run the play and you're gonna, the defense is gonna make a mistake or you're gonna get an advantage if they don't help. And then it's just chain reaction.
[00:12:07] Speaker A: What style do you prefer?
Cause you play like your style is like, I feel always looking for the best shot.
[00:12:14] Speaker B: I think you need best of both worlds. Sometimes it tends to get a little bit robotic overseas. And I think that kills the creative creativity of the game. And yeah, here you got to go get a bucket. I mean, that's the game of basketball. Just put the ball in the rim. So definitely the best of both words, both worlds and just yeah, hope.
[00:12:36] Speaker A: And then you end up 15 in France. When did college basketball, the NCAA, pique your interest and tell me the journey to Miami?
[00:12:44] Speaker B: When I was back home in Switzerland, even though I was in France, I was just always watching March Madness and that type of stuff. And I was like in my head as a kid, that was the journey to make it to the NBA. You had to go to high school and then go play NCAA and then make it to the league. So it was always a dream of mine. But also as I was coming to the end of my stay in France, I felt that I needed that extra individual work and opportunity and visibility also to be able to showcase what I can do. And I think that's when it really started to be like a big option.
[00:13:19] Speaker A: Yeah. When you talk about visibility, NCAA is the best place for that. Right.
Take me through your recruiting process. Was there multiple schools or like, how did Miami reach out to you?
[00:13:28] Speaker B: What happened? It was like a weekday, going walking to practice and my dad said, hey, I got a coach that just called me. He wants to talk to you real quick. So I had practice in like 20 minutes. So I'm walking to the gym and I get a coach, a call from US number obviously I answer and it's Coach L from Miami saying, I got a scholarship for you to play at Miami next year. I know you got practice, so I'm gonna leave it to that. We'll stay in touch.
[00:13:56] Speaker A: That was the sell point. Was anything else?
[00:13:57] Speaker B: No, that was it. It was like a two minute call. Kid you not.
[00:14:01] Speaker A: What was your reaction?
[00:14:02] Speaker B: I was like, okay, thank you very much. I got practice right now. I'll get back to you. So after that, obviously got on the phone with my D practice, all that stuff. So set it up to visit. So because I was playing with the professional team as a young guy, I had to be there. I wanted to be there, finish my season correctly. So only time I got to visit was December 31st to New Year's Eve.
[00:14:27] Speaker A: Yeah, crazy.
[00:14:28] Speaker B: And January 1st. So I was there for like 48 hours.
[00:14:32] Speaker A: What was that like super Fun.
[00:14:34] Speaker B: Super fun. I mean, they brought out my whole family, and it was just. Yeah, just great. Just great.
[00:14:41] Speaker A: Was that the whole selling point? You got on campus and you're like, yeah, I'm here.
[00:14:46] Speaker B: Not necessarily. I think it was more about, like, the people that were there. The people that were around surround me every single day. And just being able to meet them in person just really. I really realized how good and how well they would take care of me when I was over there.
And, yeah, it just felt natural for me to just go there and.
[00:15:04] Speaker A: What was your one season? How would you describe your one season? Cause you were. I think people were kind of like, oh, who's this Keyshawn George guy? And then January hits, February hits, and everyone's like, this guy's gonna be the seal of the draft.
[00:15:16] Speaker B: Yeah, it's.
I went there in my head. I'm like, yeah, I'm just gonna put in the work, and if it happens after a year, two years, three years, who cares? I'm gonna just get there. And I think that's how. That's how well to resume it. I mean, I got there. I wasn't playing at first.
Again, I got my chance. I proved that I could play. And then coach trusted me and happened. What happened?
[00:15:42] Speaker A: You also had a crazy growth spurt.
[00:15:44] Speaker B: I did.
[00:15:44] Speaker A: And I think you were still growing in Miami. Are you still growing now?
[00:15:48] Speaker B: Maybe a little bit.
[00:15:49] Speaker A: A little bit, yeah. So how tall. How would you. How tall would you say you're now right now?
[00:15:52] Speaker B: Definitely six, eight, without dreams.
[00:15:53] Speaker A: Okay, okay. And walk me through that entire growth sport, because I remember you were, what.
[00:15:57] Speaker B: Five, six, five, eight when I first got in France. So 15, 16 years old. Yeah, I was around five.
I would say five, eight, around that height. Could barely touch the backboard, stuff like that. So when Covid hit, I think that was my first growth spurt. And it just kept going over, like, the past four or five years.
[00:16:19] Speaker A: And like I mentioned, you're obviously featured on a ton of mock drafts during college, but what was the moment? You're like, I'm going to the NBA. Or was there a moment? Or you're going through the draft process still undecided? Like, what was when it clicked?
[00:16:32] Speaker B: I wasn't really paying attention to all the mock draft stuff because we were trying to compete in our own team, which we know that didn't necessarily end how we wanted to, but really, once the last game was done and we was at the hotel in D.C. it was like, coach asked me. I had a meeting with him. He's like, what are you doing next year? I was like, if I have the chance to go to the league, I'm going to the league.
[00:16:55] Speaker A: And he was happy with that, huh?
[00:16:57] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. And they understood it. And then they really made it easy for me because that they supported me the whole way around.
[00:17:04] Speaker A: Yeah. Amazing. Take me through your draft process because I find the draft process, like, very fascinating. It's probably one of my favorite in terms of just the COVID What did it look like for you picking an agent and then going through the entire process, working out for teams? Take me through the process from April. It begins. Right.
[00:17:21] Speaker B: For people that don't know about that time. Yeah. So the funny thing is with my agent, so with Wasserman, they have. They're basically international. So somebody. Yeah, somebody from Wassem actually met me when I was in France. It's called Valentine. So really had contact with the agency already. Prior, I wasn't necessarily working with them. Right. So then I met with Jelani, which is my agent here, and just had a good feeling about it, so decided to work with him and I was able to. They had this academy, I should say, in la, which I went to to prepare for a pre draft and combine. And I spent basically my whole summer there just getting ready, preparing for the workouts and the combine and yeah, after just everything started rolling.
[00:18:07] Speaker A: When did you start working out for the. For the pre draft?
[00:18:11] Speaker B: I think April.
[00:18:13] Speaker A: April?
Yeah, Around April.
[00:18:16] Speaker B: Around April, I would say. Yeah.
[00:18:17] Speaker A: What would you say your favorite part about the entire pre draft process was?
[00:18:21] Speaker B: Pre draft.
[00:18:23] Speaker A: Is it the traveling? Probably not the traveling. Because you meet a lot of people too, right? You meet probably every team in the league.
[00:18:29] Speaker B: Yeah, I would say the process of working out through something. So like every day you really come. Obviously every day you come to the gym with a purpose. But I feel during those two months it's really like, yeah, it's. It's now or never. Because you literally like put your name in the draft. There's no going back to college. And it's like, yeah, you just gotta go get it and grind it out. And at the same time, you know, being able. I had. I was working out with Steph Castle. It was their Collier. Just being able to work out with the best of the best of your, like class and obviously meeting other people is just amazing.
[00:19:06] Speaker A: Yeah. WASP got a tough class this year.
[00:19:08] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:19:09] Speaker A: What would you say was your least favorite part?
Is it the travel?
[00:19:14] Speaker B: I mean, I just embraced it all because, like, everything is catered for you. Like the only thing you got to Worry about is just like making your shots. When you go to the workout, eating your food with the perdiem they gave you like everything is just like super built in. So you don't got to worry about much if that makes sense. And I have this sense where I knew I worked hard and I trusted whoever was around me to and just my path. I just trusted everything and I just try to enjoy the whole thing. But if I would say it would be like the three minute run.
[00:19:48] Speaker A: Three minute run?
[00:19:48] Speaker B: Yeah. And then work out. It's just three minutes. You're going down and back, down, back and as many down and back.
[00:19:54] Speaker A: Is that for every team?
[00:19:55] Speaker B: No, only certain teams.
[00:19:57] Speaker A: I know I know some teams I don't want to name names exactly but they're not notorious for that, putting guys through that. Talk to me about teams you worked out for. What was that? How many teams did you work out for the job process?
[00:20:07] Speaker B: I worked out for eight and visited nine. Visited Washington last.
[00:20:13] Speaker A: What was that? Like you're sitting with a lot of decision makers, people with a lot of power in that situation and you're kind of I feel like selling yourself but also they're getting to know you.
[00:20:23] Speaker B: I think it was a great experience.
Learned a lot about how stuff work and how it's built and yeah just I'm really grateful for. I was just be able to. Was able to just go out there and be myself. Like I didn't need to put no act or no like mask on. I just went there and answered the questions how I felt, how I was and yeah it worked out pretty well.
[00:20:48] Speaker A: Did you work out for Washington?
[00:20:49] Speaker B: I visited them yeah, the 24th. I didn't work out for them though.
[00:20:52] Speaker A: What was that vibe like knowing that they obviously end up drafting you.
[00:20:55] Speaker B: So the funny thing is is that I was in Utah prior to that and my flight got delayed like four or five hours so I got in around like 2:30am and then I had to wait for my luggage and the airport is like 45 minute drive from the hotel so I got there like four. I was in my room and next day I ate, I had breakfast with the GM in the hotel.
[00:21:21] Speaker A: So were you half asleep?
[00:21:23] Speaker B: I slept for probably like two hours to be honest because I was on the phone with my parents and everything. So I just went there and knew it was my last day of like the pre draft stuff and I just enjoyed it like got to meet yet another team, see new facilities and just just went with the flow really and I just felt comfortable there as well. So everything Was cool.
[00:21:47] Speaker A: Were you, like, if I land in Washington, this is perfect situation for me.
[00:21:51] Speaker B: At that point, to be honest, I was just happy that it was my last day and I was just getting through it. But obviously, like, the way I saw it, it was like, wherever I get picked, I'm gonna just take the best of my opportunity. Like, I wasn't, like, picky, like, oh, I don't wanna go there, or I really wanna go there. Like, it's. It wasn't in my control and I was just like, I just hope I make it, to be honest.
[00:22:16] Speaker A: Take me through draft night.
Probably a special night still for you. What do you remember about that night and heading to the draft and then sitting there waiting for your name to be called?
[00:22:26] Speaker B: I remember just about everything. To be honest. It was pretty clear. I had my whole family and two of my best friends at the table just enjoying again the night. And it was weird because it's kind of like I was expected to be stressed or maybe I was unconsciously, but it's like it's something I couldn't control. So I felt like I put all the ingredients on my side, put all the work on my side, and then, you know, whatever happens, happens. Like, it's not like I'm blessed that I'm not gonna go and have somewhere to sleep. I have somewhere to sleep at night. I have food on my plate. And just to have this happening to me, I was just super grateful. And to have the people around, it was just an amazing feeling.
[00:23:09] Speaker A: You got invited to the green room, which is like the top. I would say 16, 18 prospects around that. 20, maybe.
[00:23:15] Speaker B: Yeah, I think it was 20 this year.
[00:23:17] Speaker A: 20 around. And they all get to sit and watch.
[00:23:20] Speaker B: Might be even more.
[00:23:21] Speaker A: Might even be more, right?
[00:23:21] Speaker B: 24.
[00:23:22] Speaker A: Yeah, 24 deep, but 24 promising. Select group. What was it like to get that on and be able to have your family sit there with you?
[00:23:31] Speaker B: It's super fun because you see them in combine prior, you see them in the workouts, you work out against them.
So you kind of, like, know everybody. Like some people, you know, more than others. A lot of really see you. The one you're working out during the summer, you know well. And that's how, like, I really, like, started talking to Bub Carrington, like, through combine, through workouts, because we played each other. He was at pit. We played each other and just, you know, building some type of relationship with, you know, the guys that are in the same class as you. And his table was right next to mine, which was pretty fun as well, so, yeah, just being around elite guys just makes you. Okay.
[00:24:09] Speaker A: I was talking to Bob yesterday. You saying you claim you can cook?
[00:24:12] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:24:13] Speaker A: Can you cook?
[00:24:13] Speaker B: Of course.
[00:24:14] Speaker A: What dishes? Let's hear.
[00:24:15] Speaker B: Anything?
[00:24:16] Speaker A: Chicken parm?
[00:24:17] Speaker B: I could. Yeah.
[00:24:18] Speaker A: Chicken parm.
[00:24:19] Speaker B: I could.
[00:24:19] Speaker A: Okay. Have you tried poutine? Canadians love that.
[00:24:22] Speaker B: I have. I have, actually.
[00:24:23] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:24:23] Speaker B: In Montreal. I have.
[00:24:24] Speaker A: Okay, okay, okay. We got to test that out soon. There was a viral clip during the draft.
[00:24:30] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:24:30] Speaker A: That of you. You probably know what I'm talking about, you dribbling the ball. Because people don't realize, like, I was at the draft. And it's like a. It's a long wait. Like, you're waiting. Like, you're waiting, like, two and a half hours, especially. I think it was like around 10, 10:30 when you got drafted. And there's a clip of you just dribbling the basketball, working on your handle.
[00:24:50] Speaker B: It's not even working. I'm just.
[00:24:52] Speaker A: You're bored.
[00:24:53] Speaker B: I was just like, man, like, come on, let's beat it up. Because I understand the whole process, but at the end of the day, it is long. It's a long day. It's a long process. The whole time, from the workouts to flying to New York dinners, photo shoots, meetings.
After, you want to spend time with your family. So maybe, like, you know, you don't sleep as much because it's the only time you could see it was like, after dinner or stuff like that.
And then you hear all dressed up in a room, ready for your name to get called. So part of it might have been stress as well, or just also, like, you know, sitting on a chair for two and a half hours. You don't necessarily do that often unless you're at school or something. So.
[00:25:34] Speaker A: Yeah. When you saw that club go viral, where were you? That were your thoughts?
[00:25:37] Speaker B: I was. It was just funny to me. It was just funny to me because people.
It's just. It's just fun. It's part of it. You know, it's the media, and you always see that about other people. And it was just funny to see it about me.
[00:25:49] Speaker A: You find out you're going to Washington, but you get drafted by New York in a trade. I think they traded two picks for you.
When you find out you're going to Washington, what's Your reaction? Knowing 4am you get over there and then you have a meeting at 8am with the executives there.
[00:26:05] Speaker B: I was. To be honest, you don't even necessarily think about all that. You just. I was just super concentrated on making my way to the podium clean. Not tripping.
[00:26:15] Speaker A: Not tripping.
[00:26:16] Speaker B: Not messing up the dap up. But Adam, was the dap up good? Yeah, it was nice.
[00:26:20] Speaker A: Silver got a good dapper.
[00:26:21] Speaker B: Yeah, it was good.
And he's pretty tall, so it's not like. It's not awkward in any way. Like, it's pretty simple. And then, yeah, it was just kind of weird when I put, you know, there's New York Knick fans in the room, and I knew I was going to watch them then didn't know yet. So everybody's like, screaming, kids screaming. But Kesha, welcome to New York and all that stuff. And I was like, I'm not doing it. I'm not going to New York. Stuff like that. So it was. It was. It was fun. And then I was just, can't wait to get back to my family. Really. Like, you don't necessarily think about what happened prior or, oh, this is where I'm going. I just knew Bub. It's funny, once I got a little time, I texted Bub. I was like, yo, we want to play on the same team. It's kind of crazy. So, yeah, it's just getting back to the family and the next day, just. Stuff keeps going. It just keeps rolling. It just keeps rolling.
[00:27:06] Speaker A: You talked about fans not knowing that you're not going to New York because I think a lot of shams tweets it out. Obviously, he's notorious for tweeting out ahead of time, but when did you get the call that Washington's the spot? Cause it's before the pick, right?
[00:27:20] Speaker B: Yeah, right before. It was probably like a minute and 30 seconds before Agent told me, yeah, Washington traded up for you. So you're going to Washington at 24.
[00:27:28] Speaker A: What excited you about the opportunity in D.C. obviously, a team that's still rebuilding a lot of young players, but a lot of opportunity, too.
[00:27:37] Speaker B: I think at the end of the day, it's the best situation I could have been. Cause, I mean, not many rookies get to play like 30 plus minutes a game.
[00:27:45] Speaker A: So starting too.
[00:27:46] Speaker B: I just get the opportunity to go out there and hoop and learn as much as I can. And I'm just super grateful that they put us in that type of situation and that they believe in us to really set the tone for this franchise.
[00:28:00] Speaker A: What's been the adjustment? Going Switzerland to France to Miami, now in D.C. like, that's a lot of moving. How have you adjusted to life in D.C. oh, easy.
[00:28:11] Speaker B: I mean, I always focus on what I could control, which is my routine, my habits, and how hard I work and I think if you focus on that, you could go wherever you could go play, I don't know, in Toronto or South Africa or China, whatever it is. If you control what you can control, you could get through anything. I think that's how I approached it. So I think that made it easy. Also. The people that are around me made it easy. Obviously, my mom was me with. With me after the draft. They're still living with me, with my dad as well. So, yeah, it's just leaning on people that want to help you and that want good for you, but also just focusing on what you can control, and the rest is just out of you. Out of your spectrum. So you don't worry about it.
[00:28:56] Speaker A: I was gonna ask you, what's it like having your parents in D.C. kind of home? Right. You go from playing go to home, and then they're also giving you advice, feedback, or whatever it is. What's it like?
[00:29:06] Speaker B: It helps a lot.
Especially with all the administrative stuff I'm not used to doing.
So they're helping me a lot with, like, budgeting and apartments and insurance and all that stuff.
And just also, like, the moral support, you know, Just getting home and having your parents there is just cool.
[00:29:24] Speaker A: What would you say is your favorite thing about dc? I've traveled to vc. It's a lot of.
Everything's kind of, I would say close, but it's like, you know, like all the attractions are nearby and some good food, too. What are your thoughts and favorite thing about dc?
[00:29:40] Speaker B: I think it's just a nice city. Like, there's like open spaces. Like, if I think about the Capitol to the monument, like, it's a nice open space and it's just like. I think it's just a pretty serial world.
[00:29:54] Speaker A: Yeah. And I. I call it the. The cleaner New York.
[00:29:58] Speaker B: I don't know about New York. It's completely different than New York.
[00:30:02] Speaker A: No, but it's like, it's so much quieter, too. It's not like.
[00:30:04] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, I know for sure.
[00:30:05] Speaker A: But also, like, all the monuments.
[00:30:07] Speaker B: Exactly. It makes it look super clean.
[00:30:09] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you mentioned Bub Alexar. What's it like to be on a team coming in with those guys at the same time, I'm guessing you guys probably do a lot of stuff together, but to be able to learn, play, and then make mistakes and grow together, it's great.
[00:30:24] Speaker B: Like I said, like, post draft, like, all the press conferences and all that stuff, I just couldn't imagine it. I mean, I could, but it would be so much less Fun if you were just by yourself, standing on a podium. Like, I have a little thought for Bill, all that had to do with last year, but yeah, just to be up there with two other guys your age that, you know that good people off the court and great basketball players, it just makes it super easy and super, like, convenient. Like, everything just flows naturally. And then to be able to transfer that to a court together is just. It's just great because, yeah, the chemistry is there, and it's just a matter of, like, building and timing.
[00:31:03] Speaker A: It seems like you and bub are close. It seems like he. He jokes around a lot. A lot with you. Yeah.
[00:31:07] Speaker B: We obviously played each other in college.
[00:31:10] Speaker A: So who won that?
[00:31:12] Speaker B: We won, actually.
[00:31:13] Speaker A: Yeah. So you still hold that warhead?
[00:31:14] Speaker B: Of course. Every single day.
[00:31:16] Speaker A: Every single day.
[00:31:17] Speaker B: Of course.
[00:31:18] Speaker A: Well, what was your mindset going into your rookie season? Kind of trying to figure things out and then earn minutes, play, make mistakes. What was your mindset going in?
[00:31:28] Speaker B: I think same thing. Put in the work and build habits for what's at near future. So I didn't necessarily expect to come in and play 20 minutes or not play at all. I was just. That's. Again, that's out of my control. I just came here to work hard every single day and grab the opportunities I had. And I knew how. The capabilities of playing at that level and that much, and it was just a matter of time for me to show it and be able to adapt to it.
[00:31:58] Speaker A: What would you say is the biggest adjustment from college to the NBA? Is it the travel? Is it the. You're playing 30 games in college, basically, and then now you're playing 82. Like, I don't know how many games you guys play right now.
[00:32:10] Speaker B: We played about like, 50.
[00:32:13] Speaker A: 50 something.
[00:32:14] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:15] Speaker A: Like, do you remember what city you traveled to last week?
[00:32:18] Speaker B: Last week?
[00:32:18] Speaker A: Yeah. Like, is it, like, do you feel like.
[00:32:20] Speaker B: I need to think about it, actually, I really need to think about it. I know we played Utah at home, we played Charlotte, we played Miami. I remember. You definitely have to think about that stuff because it's like a short memory, but you still got to learn from what you do. Like, it goes on so fast. You got to get to the next game, but at the same time, you have to learn from the next game. So it's like, forget about it, but learn from it at the same time. So that that would be the most. The biggest adjustment.
[00:32:48] Speaker A: What part of your game do you think you've maybe most improved on as the season progressed, or.
[00:32:56] Speaker B: Mostly I say defensively just because the more reps you get in, it's just gonna show. If you're willing to, it's just gonna show.
A lot of people said, like, I couldn't necessarily guard before I got in here, and it's just a matter of reps. And I think I'm showing that I'm able to be an elite defender.
[00:33:15] Speaker A: I see it on social media. Social media, everyone's like Yannis stopper.
[00:33:20] Speaker B: See the clip. One play.
[00:33:21] Speaker A: But yeah, yeah, even like he was talking to Brian Keefe, the head coach, he was saying that's kind of surprised him. Would you say that was like an underrated part of your game?
[00:33:31] Speaker B: Yeah, for sure. Even when I got to Miami, like, my rep was like, he can't guard. And by the end of the year, I was guarding the best player and it was still saying I can't guard. But I think it's just, it's better that way for me because it's like, I don't have no pressure. I know what I could do, and I'm just go out there and do it and people are going to realize it with time.
[00:33:52] Speaker A: What's that like when you're getting the.
Sometimes the best matchup on the floor? You're getting the Giannis, you're getting Scotty Barnes yesterday. What's that been like for you?
[00:34:00] Speaker B: It's fun. I mean, I won't say it's boring, but I'd rather by a mile guard the best player than each team because that's how you learn and it's just more competitive and you really have to go at it to be able to learn, because if you just stand there and go 50%, you're not really learning anything. So just being able to guard the best of the best is only going to get you better.
[00:34:26] Speaker A: Who's the toughest player you guarded this season? Maybe surprised you?
[00:34:31] Speaker B: That was Cheryl Harden.
[00:34:33] Speaker A: Harden?
[00:34:34] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:34:34] Speaker A: Why Harden?
[00:34:36] Speaker B: So, first of all, he gave us like 25 in the first quarter.
[00:34:40] Speaker A: First quarter?
[00:34:40] Speaker B: Yeah, when we played in Washington, 23, something like that.
[00:34:43] Speaker A: So you remember that?
[00:34:44] Speaker B: Yeah, of course. And it just seemed that he, he's. He's been guarded every way you could think of.
So no matter what he. You did, he knew what the counter was. So, like, even if you send a blitz, like, it doesn't matter to him. He's just gonna get off it and get it right back, like. And he does it with a stone face the whole time. So it's just like, okay.
[00:35:10] Speaker A: Have you had, like, what's been your welcome to the NBA league moment for You.
[00:35:17] Speaker B: I don't think I had a big one. Obviously got dunked on by what's her name? Hachim. No, it wasn't Hachimura. Precious. Achua.
[00:35:28] Speaker A: Precious.
[00:35:28] Speaker B: True.
[00:35:28] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:35:29] Speaker B: Boomed on. On the break. That was a mistake. On my fault though. I was just in the flow of things. Turned around, jumped. I shouldn't need to jump. Dunked on me hard. But yeah, I haven't really had that. Welcome to mbm.
[00:35:42] Speaker A: You've obviously traveled to most arenas. Is there a particular one? You're like, it's a cool arena.
[00:35:47] Speaker B: Sofi so far. Is it so far into it? Into a dome.
[00:35:50] Speaker A: Oh, the Clippers new arena.
[00:35:52] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:35:52] Speaker A: What do you like about that?
[00:35:53] Speaker B: It's just super like high tech. I just find it cool. It sounds the same. Is amazing.
[00:35:57] Speaker A: That's crazy.
[00:35:58] Speaker B: I didn't like the energy that was in it during the game though.
[00:36:01] Speaker A: That's not in it.
[00:36:02] Speaker B: I didn't. Maybe it was just because they're playing us.
[00:36:04] Speaker A: That's Lakers town.
[00:36:05] Speaker B: Yeah, exactly.
[00:36:07] Speaker A: They don't care about no damn club.
[00:36:08] Speaker B: I'm a very tech guy so I kind of. I kind of like that. It was cool.
[00:36:13] Speaker A: Yeah.
Talk me through your routine as an NBA player. What does that look like? Day to day, Say game, day, waking up, walk me through. Because I think a lot of people would be interested in seeing what's a day to day life for an NBA guy.
[00:36:27] Speaker B: So I wake up, I usually have breakfast at the facility. So now that I'm driving, I drive to the facility, eat there, get some treatment. Usually light stretch hip work.
Usually get a lift in proper lift, shoot and then shower, change, go back home, eat, nap, go to the arena. If have a game at 7, get to the arena around like 3:45 again. Treatment, stretch hip work, slight activation in the weight room, nothing heavy. Warm up on the court and then yeah, get ready for the game.
[00:37:10] Speaker A: That's a lot like what's that like on a day to day basis for you? Is it like, is it tiring or.
[00:37:15] Speaker B: Is it like for me it's nice become a routine. So it's like I love what I do and if I don't do it, I'm just laying in my couch doing nothing. So it's. And yet I still have time to do that. So it's. Yeah, I just love what I do and that's. That's what I like doing. That's. I like how my day is constructing.
[00:37:38] Speaker A: Yeah. Most players, I feel like the top tier guys always say they have a strict routine, right. What they eat, they work out too. I was going to ask you too, any favorite players you had growing up or you enjoyed watching?
[00:37:48] Speaker B: We had Those highlight clips, CDs. It was Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, I would say, with their two biggest guys on those, I really admired as a kid. But yeah, it's just I really enjoy watching every single guy do what they do best.
[00:38:06] Speaker A: Yeah. What was it about? Vc, Dark dunks out the roof, out.
[00:38:13] Speaker B: There, jumping out the roof. That's all it was. And he could shoot too, and create off the bounds. Tracy McGrady, obviously, just like a whole bunch of guys, really. I was just amazed how, like, you can be that good at the sporty basketball.
[00:38:27] Speaker A: I was gonna ask you too, going back to your pre draft. I know NBA teams usually try to. Some teams try to catch guys or just throw them off by asking weird questions. Did you get any of that? Like a team asking you something that.
[00:38:38] Speaker B: You'Re like, I have nothing weird.
[00:38:42] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:38:43] Speaker B: But it was like a whole story. Yeah, I'm not gonna. Cause they actually asked me not to say anything about it, but it was actually like a whole story about characters, like some type of characters. So, like, there's a story about, like, there was like five different characters in the story. And he told me the story, and after it was like, rank the characters from 1 to 5 according to you and your, like, morals or how you think they did in the story. And it basically was assessing part of me. It was at a dinner off of that. So it was kind of fun to see how. What teams do, how they interact, because some things are super chill. Like, they really just had to just have a normal quote, unquote interaction with you. And some teams really try to, like, dig in more.
[00:39:33] Speaker A: Yeah, they want to get serious. They want to know, like, this guy's thought process.
[00:39:38] Speaker B: Exactly.
[00:39:38] Speaker A: Yeah. There was also a clip, Draymond Green, that went pretty viral also, him retelling the story, you talking trash to him. And he was like, I love it. He was like, I enjoyed it. Tell me the story behind that. How did that all start?
[00:39:52] Speaker B: So for me, what happened? He made a three. And he told me, man, you got to do a better job closing out doing that. That's how it started. And I was like, man, you know what? You can't shoot.
And then he started talking about rings. And I was like, that has nothing to do with the fact that you still can't shoot, so I don't care. So that's. That's what went on. And it was just fun to be able to compete against those guys. And yeah, I just made it a close game.
[00:40:20] Speaker A: Are you like a trash talk or is it like someone has to get you going?
[00:40:23] Speaker B: I'm not trash talking to anybody unless they talk first.
[00:40:28] Speaker A: Who would you say the best track is? Draymond up there or is it. No. Didn't move you?
[00:40:32] Speaker B: I don't. I don't say he's a good. He just talks a whole lot, man. He just talks a whole lot.
I have a really. Had a big trash talking, like, interaction, I would say.
[00:40:47] Speaker A: Yeah. Jordan Poole's also giving you a lot of praise. Told me he's kind of taking you under his wing, kind of sees himself in you. What's it been like, your relationship with him? He called you, like, the ultimate professional maturity. And what was it like? What's relationship like him?
[00:41:03] Speaker B: It's just. It's kind of weird because it's like he's kind of in between that vet and still young phase. So. We joke around a whole lot. We joke around a whole lot, but when it's time to be serious, we're serious. And I think he just. He's able to keep my head on my shoulders at all times. Like, obviously he went through that shooting slump at the beginning of the season and even, like, through rough times or bad plays, he just makes sure that I'm good, I'm straight, and that I just keep going, whatever happens. Because he shared a lot about his story and he didn't necessarily come into the league and did what he did from the start. He had to stick with it and keep working. So I just try to stick to that and just learn from what he's been able to accomplish and listen to what he had to say. But I think our relationship is just super, like, natural. Like, there's no hard thinking about it. It's just natural.
[00:41:55] Speaker A: How's his French? He was telling me he was solid.
[00:41:58] Speaker B: He's learning.
[00:41:58] Speaker A: He's learning.
[00:41:59] Speaker B: He got a couple words.
[00:42:00] Speaker A: I have some French in me. I took. I took extended French. Rate this right here. Command. Sava. Sava. Bien. Esc.
What you rate that?
[00:42:11] Speaker B: That was actually all right.
[00:42:12] Speaker A: That's all right.
[00:42:13] Speaker B: Yeah, I understood it perfectly. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:42:16] Speaker A: Okay. That's all.
[00:42:17] Speaker B: I know some people you have to ask like, a couple times to try to understand it. Words. That was fine.
[00:42:21] Speaker A: I got a little Quebec in me. Got a little Quebec in me. I saw the Wizards, they started calling you the Key. I don't know if that's a nickname. What are your thoughts on that nickname? I know you got a Key on your. On the Instagram.
[00:42:32] Speaker B: Bio.
[00:42:33] Speaker A: Have you had other nicknames? What are your thoughts on that?
[00:42:35] Speaker B: I've never really had nicknames because, like.
[00:42:38] Speaker A: The Key's solid, though.
[00:42:39] Speaker B: Yeah, I like it. The key is the key. I think I like it. It's just like. And just people call me Key in practice because it's shorter than Keyshawn and it makes it easy, and I think the key just makes sense. Sounds good. And I like it.
[00:42:52] Speaker A: We're stepping it. We're stapping it, for sure. Key to Key. All right. I thought it was also cool that you played. Wouldn't call it your first NBA game, but preseason game in your hometown, your pop's hometown of Montreal against the Raptors. What did that mom moment mean to your family, especially your dad?
[00:43:09] Speaker B: I mean, it was their first time seeing me play in real life. My grandma was there. Cousins, uncles, whatever. They were all at the game.
[00:43:18] Speaker A: Young people.
[00:43:19] Speaker B: A lot.
[00:43:19] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:43:20] Speaker B: Almost a whole section, to be honest, man.
[00:43:22] Speaker A: Damn.
[00:43:23] Speaker B: Yeah. Yeah. They had all their T shirts on, so it was just. It was amazing to be able to play there my first game in front of them and.
Yeah. I mean, blessed. That's all I can think of.
[00:43:34] Speaker A: And you spend a lot of your summers in Montreal?
[00:43:35] Speaker B: Yeah, so every summer. Used to go back in a month and a half, two months, live at my grandmother's place and just spend time with the family.
[00:43:44] Speaker A: Enjoy any food spots you recommend in Montreal. Montreal.
[00:43:48] Speaker B: My grandma's place.
[00:43:49] Speaker A: Grandma's place.
[00:43:50] Speaker B: That's all you need to go.
[00:43:51] Speaker A: What's she cooking?
[00:43:52] Speaker B: Everything, man. Oxtail, acknowledging, salt, fish.
[00:43:56] Speaker A: Okay. Okay.
[00:43:57] Speaker B: Fish, salmon, ribs, Mac and cheese, salad.
[00:44:02] Speaker A: I might have to tap in.
[00:44:05] Speaker B: You need a special invite for that.
[00:44:09] Speaker A: Canada just qualified for the fibamera Cup. There's been a lot of talk about some young Canadian NBA guys suiting up this summer. I want to talk about you about that. What's your interest level?
[00:44:20] Speaker B: I want to join the Canadian national team.
Obviously, I don't know exactly how my summer's gonna look like right now.
I know I'm gonna spend a lot of time in Washington as well.
So I'm just. Like I said, it's not in my control right now. I want to play for the Canadian national team, and we'll see.
[00:44:41] Speaker A: And anything in particular that needs to happen this summer for it to fall in line, obviously you have to play. I'm guessing you want to go through summer league, all that kind of stuff, too, right?
[00:44:49] Speaker B: I'm just. I don't necessarily.
I want to work on my game and get better over the summer, whether that is in Summer league in Washington, Team Canada in Switzerland, wherever it is. I just want to get better, to be able to get the best version of myself for next year. That's all I want to do.
[00:45:05] Speaker A: What were your thoughts on the Olympic run? Canada had a lot of.
[00:45:09] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, it was nice. It was nice. I was happy to see that Canada's, you know, getting the attention they deserve.
Obviously wanted them to get a little, you know, beat France, but happens there's always a winner and a loser and I was just super proud that they would be able to do what they did.
[00:45:26] Speaker A: Have you connected with any Canadian guys in the NBA since joining?
[00:45:32] Speaker B: I mean, obviously playing against them and not necessarily connecting on a personal level.
[00:45:35] Speaker A: Yeah. Rj, I'm guessing you kind of know fondly Omax too, right? Olivia Max suppressor.
[00:45:40] Speaker B: Omax. Yeah. Omax. Omax. We actually went to see Dallas play in.
It was the Clippers. They played last year in the playoffs and we was able to go watch them play and we met with them there first. So yeah, it was cool.
[00:45:55] Speaker A: Knock on wood. It happens. But say it does, right? How do you see yourself fitting in with that team? Because I see your playstyle kind of mesh well with a lot of those guys.
[00:46:05] Speaker B: I just think like I'm a super versatile guy. I could shoot. I create for myself and my teammates and I think is just adding more versatility to the team that they already have. Like they have guys that could do whatever on the court and our guard as well and I think it just matches with what they have right now.
[00:46:25] Speaker A: We need six, eight guys in Canada. I'm just going to put down the record if you have people listening. Six, eight, six. We need some seven footers too.
What I was going to ask you two goals for yourself upcoming year, maybe even just this last stretch of the season. Anything you're trying to hone in on right now?
[00:46:42] Speaker B: It's just for this year, being consistent. Like I've shown that I have the capabilities of doing certain stuff. I have spurts, but I try to be as consistent as possible.
That's what a lot of this.
[00:46:55] Speaker A: Yeah, I saw you get honest for rookie of the month of February, like being considered for that. I thought you should have been in that rookie sophomore game potentially. Any goals like that in terms of maybe being considered a top tier defender in the league or anything?
[00:47:11] Speaker B: Exactly, yes, of course. But I won't say like I don't chase recognition of people. It's about myself and I know I'm capable of getting stuff like that and I know if I achieve My personal standards, I'll get to the recognition of other people, but I don't necessarily, like, oh, like, my goal is to.
Obviously it is, but it's not. Like, that's not what gets me going. What gets me going is, like, how hard I work personally and how well I could do stuff that I know I can do.
[00:47:45] Speaker A: You let the work do the talking.
[00:47:47] Speaker B: Exactly.
[00:47:47] Speaker A: Yeah.
Last question I have for you. Just kind of. There's a lot of guys coming up in the basketball scene here in Canada.
I feel like a lot of them are kind of under the radar. Under recruited. Right. You were a three star. You know, I look at you. All right, Any advice you have for guys coming up maybe that aren't getting the recognition. Under the radar.
[00:48:08] Speaker B: Like I said, control. Control.
If you keep working and you stay true to yourself, the results are going to show on their own. Like, came from Switzerland, played in France, wasn't playing my freshman year at Miami and ended up getting drafted 24. And like, nobody, when I'm telling you, nobody knew my name when I got to Miami. Like, it's not a joke. Like, that was no one. And just, yeah, stick to your work and control what you can control, I think is the biggest thing, because you might not play, but if you work hard and you grab the opportunity when it's there, because it's going to come, everything's going to fall into line.
[00:48:50] Speaker A: Really appreciate you, Keeshan, for jumping on the podcast. Really excited to watch the rest of your season. Follow your career closely. Any. Any last words?
[00:48:58] Speaker B: Just thank you for having me here and you'll have a great day.
[00:49:01] Speaker A: This has been the Canadian Basketball show. Your news go to spot for the latest news, stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osmond. Follow us on all platforms, leave a like rating and review and we'll see y'all next time.
