Will Lou talks to draft expert Sam Vecenie about the loaded 2025 NBA draft class, which includes blue chippers Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey. They also discuss other potential top-5 picks and hand out early grades on Toronto Raptors rookies. 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:...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Will Lou and Samson Folk recaps the Toronto Raptors' 126-123 OT loss to the Boston Celtics. They discuss RJ Barrett's stellar passing performance, Jakob Poeltl's career-high of 35 points, and how Gradey Dick can counter aggressive defenses. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Sam Hauser Most Important Guy: Whoever designed the Raptors VC city edition jersey RR feedback survey: https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/contests/speak-up-and-score/ Sport vs. Media ...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors'99-85 loss against the Detroit Pistons. He breaks down Jakob Poeltl's two-way performance, RJ Barrett's improved offense, and how the Raptors blew another fourth quarter lead. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Malik Beasley Most Important Guy: Alvin Williams RR feedback survey: https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/contests/speak-up-and-score/ Sport vs. Media 2024 charity game: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/sport-vs-media...
Nov 16, 2024•58 min
Will and Alex are joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to discuss how the NBA can improve the present-day product and chat about: the attention span of fans, the lack of rivalries, how the sport is discussed in mainstream media, the volume of three-point shooting, the marketability of today’s stars, 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....
Nov 15, 2024•59 min
Host William Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 99-85 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks from Greta Bar YYZ after the sold-out Hello and Welcome watch party. He breaks down Gradey Dick's 32-point effort, RJ Barrett's struggles, and a general outlook on the team. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Bruno Fernando dunking on Giannis, crowd favorite Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Brook Lopez Most Important Guy: All 150 people who attended the watch party Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail a...
Nov 13, 2024•36 min
Will and Alex are joined by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer to chat about Joel Embiid’s suspension, Nick Nurse and Kyle Lowry’s role on the Sixers, and the direction of the franchise. Later, Keith provides behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Colangelo, Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons, James Harden, and the craziest moments from covering the Sixers over the past decade. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our...
Nov 12, 2024•48 min
Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 123-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He discusses how RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are performing post-injuries, Chris Boucher's importance, and sets the record on how he stands with Darko Rajakovic. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Austin Reaves Most Important Guy: Laker fan who helped LeBron get a triple-double Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hello...
Nov 11, 2024•42 min
Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 105-103 loss to the LA Clippers. He discusses Darko Rajakovic's strange play call at the end, Immanuel Quickley's return, and gives a review of the Clippers' newly opened Inuit Dome. Three stars: Ochai Agbaji, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Norman Powell Most Important Guy: Jerome Cheng and Alex Wong Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hel...
Nov 10, 2024•34 min
Will and Alex are live from Los Angeles and joined by The Ringer senior staff writer Mirin Fader to chat about her new book “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon,” and specifically: the impact Olajuwon left on the Muslim community in Toronto after 9/11, inspiring Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa, how he was covered by the American media during his playing career, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check ou...
Nov 08, 2024•41 min
Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' rematch against the Sacramento Kings. He breaks down Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett seeing new defensive coverages, Davion Mitchell's promising effort, and how this team can close out fourth quarters. Three stars: Davion Mitchell, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Keegan Murray Most Important Guy: Camera man who spotted Vivek Ranadive's corny shirt Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcom...
Nov 07, 2024•49 min
Will Lou comes live after the Raptors visit the Nikola Jokic in the Mile High City. He breaks down why RJ Barrett struggled, Gradey Dick's continued excellence, and Darko Rajakovic's late-game management. Three stars: Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Russell Westbrook Most Important Gal: Kianna (H&W hat seen on broadcast) Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hell...
Nov 05, 2024•48 min
Will and Alex discuss takeaways from the first two weeks of the season including Gradey Dick’s year two leap, RJ Barrett as the number one option, defensive struggles, the lack of three-point shooting, and big picture questions about the Raptors this season. Later, they chat about the annual team Halloween party and whether the Milwaukee Bucks are in serious trouble. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Vi...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 131-128 OT win over the Sacramento Kings, and then is joined by co-host Alex Wong to discuss Vince Carter's emotional jersey retirement and complicated legacy. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Ochai Agbaji, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Malik Monk Most Important Guy: Vincent Lamar Carter (bonus: Jordan Hayles and Michael Grange) Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch!...
Nov 03, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Will Lou is joined by Samson Folk to react to the Raptors' 131-125 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. They discuss Gradey Dick's third career-high in four games, RJ Barrett thriving in a lead role, and take questions from listeners. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: D'Angelo Russell Most Important Guy: Masai Ujiri 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...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 19 min
We’re live from the Red Bull Canada Studios! Will and Alex sit down with Olympic gold medalist Phil Wizard for a behind-the-scenes look at his run at the men’s breaking competition, the music selection at the event, his impressions of the athlete village, what the win means to him personally and professionally, how he’s dealing with the post-Olympic blues, 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! Vis...
Nov 01, 2024•32 min
Will hosts the Reaction Podcast after the Toronto Raptors' 138-133 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He discusses Gradey Dick's new career-high of 30 points, RJ Barrett looking sharper, and defensive adjustments that need to be made. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Cody Martin Most Important Guy: Jeff Regular (owner of PAI restaurant) Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Hello and Welcome ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Will and Alex sit down with TSN analyst Jevohn Shepherd to chat about Scottie’s adjustment to becoming the face of the franchise, early-season progress from Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, encouraging signs from the incoming rookie season, his relationship with RJ Barrett, 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 ...
Oct 30, 2024•47 min
Will recaps the Toronto Raptors' 127-125 OT loss to the Denver Nuggets. He discusses Scottie Barnes' eye injury, RJ Barrett's rusty return, and Darko Rajakovic's strange decision not to call timeout down the stretch. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Christian Braun Most Important Guy: Matt Devlin ----- 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...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Will Lou and Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 112-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and discuss Gradey Dick’s shotmaking, the team’s lack of three-point shooting, an Ochai Agbaji-Norman Powell comparison, Darko’s rotation decisions and Scottie’s underwhelming performance. Later, the two take listener questions. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Julius Randle MIG aka Most Important Guy: Chris Boucher Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Will recaps Toronto’s 115-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' bounce back game, breakout performances from Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle, and the bigger picture importance for this draft class. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson: Kelly Oubre MIG aka Most Important Guy: Assistant GM Dan Tolzman Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! ...
Oct 26, 2024•1 hr
Will, Alex, and Jerome get together for this month’s banter pod. They open with a recap of their team bonding trip during Raptors training camp in Montreal, Will taking his dad to watch Lionel Messi in Toronto, Joe Cash’s wedding, and a behind-the-scenes look at Alex’s surprise 40th birthday party. Later, they answer listener questions about whether any players have taken issue with their podcasts, where they see themselves in five years, worst vacations, which Raptor they would want to sit next...
Oct 25, 2024•2 hr 59 min
Will recaps Toronto’s 136-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their home opener. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' struggles, Darko Rajakovic's struggling rotations, and Jamal Shead's promising debut. Three stars: Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead, Immanuel Quickley Gerald Henderson: Ty Jerome MIG aka Most Important Guy: TJ Ford (guest of honor) 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 clic...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Will and Alex are joined by James Herbert of CBS Sports to discuss Jayson Tatum’s case for MVP, Reed Sheppard as a Rookie of the Year contender, how many awards Victor Wembanyama might win, the Executive of the Year race, why Thanasis Antetokounmpo dessrves the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, and more. Later, it’s the first “Who He Play For?” segment of the season as Alex has to figure out who Taj Gibson and Patty Mills plays for now. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelc...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Will shares his main takeaways from preseason with Alex including: the team’s defensive emphasis, encouraging signs from Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, Jamal Shead becoming a guy, injuries to monitor heading into the season, and the watchability of the Raptors. 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 presen...
Oct 21, 2024•49 min
Will and guest Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 116-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets in their final game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' physical dominance, Gradey Dick's improved confidence and Ochai Agbaji's quiet growth. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Jamal Shead MIG aka Most Important Guy: Jamal Shead 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 ...
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to draft the most important guys for the 2024-25 NBA season. They chat about Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby’s impact on the Knicks this season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP odds, Paul George’s new role in Philadelphia, what’s next for Jamal Murray and Dame Lillard, a potential Jimmy Butler revenge season, and also discussions about the Clippers’ medical staff, Jacky Cui, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelc...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 33 min
Will and Alex review the over/under win total for every team in the Western Conference and discuss: whether the Thunder are going to be the best team in the league, if the Wolves took a step back after the KAT trade, the preseason hype around the Grizzlies, if the Clippers are going to take a massive step back this season, what to make of Victor Wembanyama’s second season, and more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check o...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr
Will recaps Toronto’s 119-118 win over the Boston Celtics in their fourth game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes dominance, Gradey Dick's exploding for 27 points, and who the Raptors should keep for 15th roster spot. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: JD Davidson MIG aka Most Important Guy: Branden Carlson Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hell...
Oct 16, 2024•38 min
Will and Alex review the over/under win totals for every team in the Eastern Conference and discuss: whether they believe in the Knicks as a contender, if the Pacers are being overlooked, whether Heat Culture is still a thing, if the Raptors will try to win every single game this season, 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 DIV...
Oct 15, 2024•51 min
Will recaps Toronto’s 115-111 loss to the Boston Celtics in their third game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' quiet night, Gradey Dick's defensive weaknesses and Jonathan Mogbo's unique game. Three stars: Jonathan Mogbo, Gradey Dick, Jamal Shead MIG aka Most Important Guy: Ochai Agbaji 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 DI...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min
