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Hello and Welcome

The Nation Networkshows.acast.com
Will Lou, Alex Wong, and producer Jerome Cheng have you covered on all things Raptors, in addition to the NBA and other culturally relevant topics. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

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Episodes

React Pod: Zach Edey dominates in homecoming, Scottie Barnes struggles, Raptors in trade rumors

Host Will Lou breaks down Toronto Raptors' 138-107 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. He breaks down Zach Edey's first homecoming, Scottie Barnes' struggles, and then reacts to the news of the Raptors being involved in a potential mega trade involving Jimmy Butler. Three stars: Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Ochai Agbaji Gerald Henderson award: Zach Edey #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out ou...

Feb 06, 20251 hr

React Pod: Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter lead Bench Mob 2.0, and is KD next to be traded???

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 121-115 loss against the New York Knicks. He breaks down the standout performances from Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter. Then Alex Wong joins the show to discuss more Kevin Durant trade rumors and fan questions. Three stars: Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Ariel Hurkporti #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit...

Feb 05, 202559 min

NBA trade deadline: Spurs land Fox, is KD next to move, how the Raptors can capitalize

Will and Alex check in with some NBA trade deadline news and ask what can the Raptors do? First, they break down the De'Aaron Fox-Zach LaVine three-way deal, then pivot to how the Raptors can capitalize on teams who are capped out, then discuss the latest rumors of Kevin Durant's potential availability. #nbatradedeadline #raptors #deaaronfox #kings #spurs #wembanyama Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Vi...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 12 min

React Pod: Raptors dominate Clippers for impressive win, Canadian fans boo US anthem

Will Lou and Alex Wong react to the Toronto Raptors' 115-108 win over the LA Clippers. They discuss the promising efforts from Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett standing up Kawhi Leonard on defense, and Canadian fans booing the US anthem at Scotiabank Arena. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Ja'Kobe Walter Gerald Henderson award: Nic Batum #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 11 min

ICU Pod: Mavericks shock the world by sending Luka Doncic to Lakers

Will, Alex, and Jerome react to the shocking Luka Dončić trade, breaking down conspiracy theories, alternate deals the Mavs could’ve made, the return of Lakers exceptionalism, winners and losers from the deal, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.ca - Only A...

Feb 02, 202552 min

React Pod: Raptors blown out by Bulls as Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk left on the bench

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 122-106 loss against the Chicago Bulls. He discusses the return of Immanuel Quickley, the defensive breakdowns by Toronto, and the curious absences of Chris Boucher and Kelly Olynyk ahead of the trade deadline. Three stars: Immanuel Quickley, Ja'Kobe Walter, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Jalen Smith #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our mer...

Feb 01, 20251 hr 13 min

React Pod: Raptors dominate Wizards to extend win streak to 5, addressing Raptors trade rumors

Host Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 106-82 win against the Washington Wizards, then talks Raptors trade rumors with Alex Wong. They discuss the Brandon Ingram rumor, and the emerging market for Chris Boucher. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Bruce Brown Gerald Henderson award: Kyle Kuzma's circus shot #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.s...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 20 min

The Best NBA Rivalries w/ Trey Kerby

Will and Alex return to The Classic Factory in Atlanta and are joined by Trey Kerby of No Dunks to draft their all-time favorite NBA rivalries. The discussion includes the iconic 90s Bulls-Knicks rivalry, LeBron vs. DeShawn Stevenson, James Harden vs. Daryl Morey, Draymond’s greatest foes, Michael Jordan vs. baseball, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the m...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 12 min

React Pod: Raptors tank officially stalled as Raptors beat Pelicans for 6th win in 7 games

Host Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 113-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He breaks down the biggest reason behind the Raptors' defensive turnaround, Bruce Brown and Chris Boucher's contributions, and a huge effort from Jakob Poeltl. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Yves Missi #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 9 min

The Raptors 30th Anniversary Draft w/ Tas Melas

Will and Alex head to The Classic Factory in Atlanta to celebrate the Toronto Raptors’ 30th anniversary with Tas Melas of No Dunks. Together, they revisit iconic championship moments, heartbreaking losses, favorite jerseys, and obscure players from Raptors history. Later, Alex and Tas go head-to-head in a special edition of the Basketball Reference game. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelc...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 32 min

React Pod: Raptors go Hawk 2-0 as they sweep their road trip to Atlanta

William Lou comes live from the AirBnB after the Toronto Raptors' 117-94 win over the Atlanta Hawks! Alex and Jerome roam in the background... as Will details their shutdown coverage on Trae Young, RJ Barrett's bounceback game, and Scottie Barnes continuing to play at an All-Star level. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Vit Krejci #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowel...

Jan 26, 202554 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes takeover and Jakob Poeltl's clutch free throws save Raptors from collapse

William Lou comes live from the ATL after the Raptors beat the Hawks 122-119 win. He breaks down Scottie Barnes' continued development from the midrange game, Jakob Poeltl's clutch free throws, and behind-the-scenes reporting and *several* post-game reports from Atlanta. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Bogdan Bogdanovic #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show...

Jan 24, 202549 min

Dan Shulman on Cooper Flagg, Covering Team Canada, and Iconic Broadcast Moments

Will is joined by Dan Shulman to chat about Cooper Flagg’s freshman year at Duke, how his hype compares to past prospects like Zion Williamson, and interesting names to consider for the second round of the upcoming NBA draft. They also dive into Dan’s legendary broadcasting career, from covering Team Canada at the Olympics to calling NBA games featuring LeBron and Kobe, working with Hubie Brown, and unforgettable moments like the Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa home run chase and the backstory of the Ky...

Jan 22, 202544 min

React Pod: Raptors turn 21-point deficit into blowout win vs. Magic behind Scottie Barnes

Will Lou and Alex Wong react to the Toronto Raptors' 109-93 win against the Orlando Magic. They discuss the crazy 37-point turnaround from the 32-11 early deficit to a blowout win, Scottie Barnes vs. Paolo Banchero, and react to the latest rumors of the Raptors jumping into the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown Gerald Henderson award: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Most Important Guy: Pat Delany #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a ...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 7 min

In/Out List: Shai’s IG captions, Draymond’s temper, Wemby’s jersey on auction

Will and Alex share their basketball in/out list and chat about: Westbrook & Jokic, Draymond’s temper, the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Tempo merch, Shai’s IG captions, tanking, Wemby’s jersey being on auction, ball screens, Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki joining the NBA on Amazon team, the struggling Sixers, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link....

Jan 20, 20251 hr 9 min

React Pod: A light-hearted banter pod breaks out after Raptors get outclassed in Milwaukee

Will Lou is joined by Alex Wong to break down the Toronto Raptors' 130-112 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. They break down Scottie Barnes' frustrating night, encouraging nights from Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, and then banter about the most average players in the NBA. Three stars: Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Bobby Portis Most Important Guy: Raptors GM Bobby Webster #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or ...

Jan 18, 20251 hr 14 min

Introducing… The NBA All-Average Team (Complimentary)

Will and Alex embark on an hour-long mission to identify the most average players in the NBA. They discuss what it truly means to be average, break down the criteria for being a perfectly average player, and make their case for five players to join the inaugural NBA All-Average Team. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hel...

Jan 17, 202555 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes mastering the midrange, Raptors beat Celtics for best win of the year

Will Lou is joined by Alex Wong to break down the Toronto Raptors' 110-97 win over the Boston Celtics. He discusses Scottie Barnes' emerging go-to move, RJ Barrett's efficient outing, great overall team defense, and indulges in a bit of Celtics slander at the end with Asad Alvi. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Payton Pritchard Most Important Guy: Scottie Barnes #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show...

Jan 16, 202554 min

React Pod: Chris Boucher comes up clutch, Scottie and Jakob own the paint in win over Warriors

Will Lou and Alex Wong recap the Toronto Raptors' 104-101 win over the Golden State Warriors. They break down Chris Boucher's delirious fourth quarter explosion, Steph fans taking over Scotiabank Arena, and Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl's patrolling of the paint. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Li Kaier aka Kyle Anderson Most Important Guy: Chris Boucher #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show o...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 8 min

Mailbag! Scottie’s Next Step, Pascal Trade Revisited, “Easy Schedule” Myth

Will and Alex answer listener questions and discuss what Scottie Barnes needs to improve on to lead a 50-win team, Ochai vs. Gradey in the starting lineup, revisiting the Pascal Siakam trade a year later, debunking the “easy schedule” myth, and more. They also introduce the “NBA All-Average Squad” and dive into how LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” became the year’s first viral hit. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our m...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 17 min

React Pod: Barnes-Barrett-Quickley combination fail to impress in loss to Pistons

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 123-114 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He breaks down the disjointed showing by the Raptors' trio of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, who are in the midst of a trial for the future. Will also discusses the defensive shortcomings of Barrett and Gradey Dick, who both made costly errors in the fourth. Finally, he shows love to Chris Boucher and Jamal Shead who have been great off the bench of late. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Scottie Barnes,...

Jan 12, 202538 min

Championship React Pod: Kawhi’s Four-Bounce Buzzer-Beater Sends Raptors to the ECF

Will and Alex break down Toronto’s gritty Game 7 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, and spotlight Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka’s performances in a franchise-altering win. They dive into the Raptors’ defensive brilliance, discuss where Kawhi Leonard’s legendary buzzer-beater ranks among the greatest NBA and Toronto sports moments, and much more. Three stars: Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka DJ Augustin Award: JJ Redick MIG: Kevin Harlan and Kishan Mistry Reach out to the show by leaving a v...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 15 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes vs. Evan Mobley, and Chris Boucher's re-emergence with Samson Folk

Will Lou is joined by Samson Folk to break down the Toronto Raptors' 132-126 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They debate Scottie Barnes vs. Evan Mobley, Darko Rajakovic's game management, and show love to Chris Boucher's re-emergence. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead Gerald Henderson award: Caris LeVert Most Important Guy: Darius Garland #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Chec...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 12 min

React Pod: Raptors show signs of life in first half, but end up with another blowout to Knicks

Will Lou and Alex Wong react to the Toronto Raptors' 112-98 loss to the New York Knicks game. Will gives his three things for the game: Raptors showing fight defensively in first half, Immanuel Quickley's bounce back, and the bench struggling. Then, Alex joins the program to take fan questions on whether Darko Rajakovic is still getting a response from the team, Darko's poor record of challenges, Jakob Poeltl trade proposals, and more. Three stars: Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Davion Mitch...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 1 min

React Pod: Raptors finally get healthy, but suffer another blowout despite Scottie's best efforts

Will Lou is joined by Alex Wong as they break down the Toronto Raptors 128-104 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. They discuss the adjustments made by the fully healthy lineup, the overall lack of defense, and wrap up with a surprise segment on basketball books. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Ja'Kobe Walter Gerald Henderson award: Gary Trent Jr. Most Important Guy: Lindsay Dunn #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys i...

Jan 07, 20251 hr 19 min

State of the Raptors Rebuild + Jimmy Butler’s Next Move

Will and Alex discuss the Raptors’ first year of rebuilding so far, Scottie Barnes’ growth, Darko Rajakovic’s impact, and the team’s path moving forward. Can a top-five draft pick reignite their playoff hopes? Plus, what are fans excited about for the rest of the season? Later, they dive into Jimmy Butler’s breakup with the Heat, explore his fit with potential Western Conference contenders, and rank the most memorable “quitting on your team” moments in recent history. Reach out to the show by le...

Jan 06, 20251 hr 4 min

React Pod: Raptors run out of excuses in lifeless loss to shorthanded Magic

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 106-97 loss to the Orlando Magic. Will discusses the difference in defense between the two teams and how the Magic have established a strong culture even in the midst of a rebuild. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji Gerald Henderson award: Tristan da Silva Most Important Guy: Cory Joseph #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our me...

Jan 04, 202544 min

React Pod: Immanuel Quickely thrives in return, and Scottie Barnes dominates in win vs. Nets

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 130-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Will shows love to Immauel Quickley in his return from injury, Scottie Barnes dominating in his natural position at forward, and finally snapping the 11-game losing streak. Three stars: Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: D'Angelo Russell Most Important Guy: Immanuel Quickley #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys i...

Jan 02, 202554 min

React Pod: Raptors suffer franchise-record 54-point loss, and worst moments of 2024 recap

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 125-71 loss to the Boston Celtics. Will breaks down Scottie Barnes' inability to lift the team at the moment, before turning to fan questions and bringing in Alex Wong to recaps the worst moments of 2024. FREE TICKETS TO BELL GAMING NIGHT ON JAN 2nd, 2025: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1101158858789/?discount=HELLOANDWELCOME Three stars: Alex Wong, H&W fans, Matt and Alvin Gerald Henderson award: Payton Pritchard Most Important Guy: Darko Rajakovic #raptors #t...

Dec 31, 20241 hr 12 min

The December Banter Pod

Will, Alex, and Jerome share their year-end in/out lists and discuss: baggy clothes, sweet and sour pork, Tokyo, the Sopranos, tact, Chinese people going to therapy, and more. Later, they answer listener questions and Alex tries to sing Beatles songs. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome is presented by Be...

Dec 31, 20242 hr 28 min
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