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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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

React Pod: Who is going to take ownership of failing Raptors after another lifeless loss?

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' lifeless 136-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He discusses the complete lack of response from their blowout loss in Memphis, the dangers of losing all standards, and the return of Bruce Brown. FREE TICKETS TO BELL GAMING NIGHT ON JAN 2nd, 2025: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1101158858789/?discount=HELLOANDWELCOME Three stars: Jamal Shead, Bruce Brown, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: De'Andre Hunter Most Important Guy: Bruce Brown #raptors #torontoraptors Reac...

Dec 30, 202456 min

React Pod: Darko Rajakovic CRASHES OUT as Raptors allow franchise-record 155 points to Grizzlies

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 155 (!!!) - 126 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. He discusses Darko Rajakovic's epic meltdown, and questions the overall lack of defensive effort by the Raptors as they allow a franchise-record 155 points. FREE TICKETS TO BELL GAMING NIGHT ON JAN 2nd, 2025: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1101158858789/?discount=HELLOANDWELCOME Three stars: RJ Barrett, Davion Mitchell, Scottie Barnes Gerald Henderson award: Zach Edey Most Important Guy: Darko Rajakovic for crashi...

Dec 27, 202454 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes trades 3's for midrange for bounce back game in Raptors' loss to Knicks

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 139-125 loss against the New York Knicks. He breaks down Scottie Barnes' change in approach in 24 hours, RJ Barrett returning to the lineup, and OG Anunoby's dominance in MSG. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Cam Payne Most Important Guy: Vince Carter on the Sportsnet broadcast #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show C...

Dec 24, 202453 min

NBA Tiers Update + All-Star Saturday Makeover

Will and Alex update their NBA tiers from the start of the season—who’s holding steady, who’s rising, and who’s flopping? The Celtics remain the favorites, but where do the contenders, pretenders, dark horses, and disappointments stack up? Plus, creative fixes for All-Star Saturday, including a must-see 1-on-1 tournament and a surprising poker twist. #raptors #torontoraptors #nba Bell Gaming Night: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1101158858789/?discount=HELLOANDWELCOME Up Close with Stephen Brunt App...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 11 min

React Pod: Ja'Kobe Walter goes for career-high 27, but Scottie Barnes struggles in Rockets loss

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 114-110 loss against the Houston Rockets. He breaks down the positives around Ja'Kobe Walter's career-high 27 points, Jamal Shead and Chris Boucher bringing energy off the bench. Then he touches on Scottie Barnes' uncharacteristically quiet game, and Darko Rajakovic's decisions. Three stars: Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Chris Boucher Gerald Henderson award: Dillon Brooks Most Important Guy: Ochai Agbaji #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by l...

Dec 23, 202448 min

Championship React Pod: Danny Green on Pivotal Game 4 Win vs. Sixers and Kawhi’s Brilliance

Will and Alex sit down with Danny Green to revisit the 2019 championship season. Danny shares stories about being traded to Toronto, Kyle Lowry’s reaction to the DeMar DeRozan trade, Nick Nurse’s first year as head coach, and the intense second-round series against the Sixers—including the pivotal Game 4 road win and Kawhi’s brilliance. He also breaks down the story behind his iconic post-up against JJ Redick and compares the 2019 Raptors to the 2020 Lakers. Three stars: Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gaso...

Dec 20, 20241 hr 26 min

React Pod: Who is the Raptors' closer, and the future of Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter

Will Lou is joined by Samson Folk of Raptors Republic to break down the Toronto Raptors' 101-94 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. They discuss the Raptors' ongoing crunch time issues, the future potential of Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter, and more. Three stars: Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, Jamal Shead Gerald Henderson award: Cam Johnson Most Important Guy: Suns owner Matt Ishbia #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome...

Dec 20, 20241 hr 15 min

Key Trends From The Raptors Season, Trade Deadline Predictions

Will is joined by Savanna Hamilton and Keerthika Uthayakumar to break down key trends from the Raptors’ season so far, including home vs. road splits, strength of schedule, three-point shooting struggles, Jakob Poeltl’s standout performances, and Gradey Dick’s efficiency. Plus, they dive into the upcoming trade deadline and debate which Raptor might be on the move. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visi...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 2 min

React Pod: Raptors make hard comeback push behind Jamal Shead, RJ Barrett, and Gradey Dick

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 122-121 loss to the Chicago Bulls. He breaks down their sloppy mistakes to start the game, RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick's relentless scoring, and also Jamal Shead's heroic performance in the fourth quarter. Three stars: Jamal Shead, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick Gerald Henderson award: Julian Philips Most Important Guy: Chuck Swirsky #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.sho...

Dec 17, 202449 min

Can the Raptors Improve Defence? Potential Jimmy Butler Trades

Will and Alex chat about the NBA Cup semi-finals, declining TV ratings, if the Raptors can improve their defense, explore potential trade destinations for Jimmy Butler, debate Chris Paul vs. James Harden’s careers, 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 - O...

Dec 16, 202455 min

Raptors Without Scottie, OKC’s Rise, and Evaluating Adam Silver’s Changes

Will is joined by Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore to break down the impact of Scottie Barnes’ absence, the challenges of evaluating RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley’s role upon his return, and early impressions of Ja’Kobe Walter. Later, they debate whether OKC is the favorite in the West, assess Adam Silver’s league-wide changes, and pitch new ideas to improve the NBA. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out ou...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 17 min

React Pod: Raptors flat-footed in Miami and RJ Barrett struggles in Scottie Barnes's absence

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 114-104 loss to the Miami Heat. He expresses disappointment in the Raptors' no-show, RJ Barrett's struggles, and an overall lack of execution by the team in Miami. Three stars: Davion Mitchell, Jakob Poeltl, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Bam Adebayo Most Important Guy: Raptors team massage therapist for fixing Jakob's back #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelco...

Dec 13, 202451 min

Jack Armstrong on Darko’s Coaching, Scottie’s Growth, and a Life in Broadcasting

Jack Armstrong joins Will and Alex to discuss Darko Rajakovic’s coaching philosophy, Scottie Barnes’ maturity, and Gradey Dick’s development. Later, they dive into Jack’s storied career, reflecting on his upbringing in Flatbush, his journey into coaching, his transition to broadcasting, the stories behind his iconic calls, his favorite karaoke songs, and much more. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visi...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 13 min

React Pod: RJ Barrett scores 30, Scottie Barnes turns ankle, in another close Raptors loss

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 113-108 loss to the New York Knicks. He discusses the frustrating whistle, the habit of mistakes in crunch time, RJ Barrett's 30 piece and Scottie Barnes going down with injury. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Mikal Bridges Most Important Guy: Michael Grange's must-read feature on RJ Barrett https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/longform/how-raptors-wing-rj-barrett-ended-up-exactly-where-he-needs-to-be/ #raptors #torontora...

Dec 10, 202455 min

The Toronto Tempo, RJ’s Snub, and the 2006-07 Raptors

Will and Alex break down the Toronto Tempo’s name and logo reveal, react to RJ Barrett’s exclusion from ESPN’s Top 25 Under 25 list, and debate Scottie Barnes’ place among the 2021 draft class. They also revisit the 2006-07 Raptors through this week’s “Open Gym” episode and share their predictions for the NBA Cup knockout round. 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 ...

Dec 09, 202449 min

React Pod: Raptors comeback falls short against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's brilliance

Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 125-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He discusses Gradey Dick's explosive outing, Kelly Olynyk's season debut, and Scottie Barnes' playmaking. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes Gerald Henderson award: Spencer Dinwiddie Most Important Guy: Barber P from King's Landing #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 hellowelc...

Dec 08, 20241 hr

Championship React Pod: Kyle Lowry Goes Scoreless in G1 loss to Orlando

Will and Alex recap Toronto’s 104-101 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the first round of the 2019 playoffs and discuss Kyle Lowry’s iconic player intro routine, the head coaching search that led to Nick Nurse, the franchise’s all-time record in Game 1s, revisiting the Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol trade, DJ Augustin’s all-time performance against the Raptors, and more. Three stars: Pascal Siakam, Kawhi Leonard, Fred VanVleet DJ Augustin award: DJ Augustin MIG: Mark Strong aka Strizzy #rapt...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 3 min

React Pod: Raptors totally outclassed by Thunder in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's homecoming

Host Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 129-92 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He breaks down the need for the Raptors to improve their offensive toughness, the return of Gradey Dick, and the need to flush this result. Three stars: Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle Gerald Henderson award: Ajay Mitchell Most Important Guy: Jordan Hayles aka Mr. Stixx #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show C...

Dec 06, 202446 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes dominates, sets new career-high in thrilling win over Pacers

Host William Lou comes to you live after the conclusion of the Toronto Raptors' 122-11 win over the Indiana Pacers. He discusses Scottie Barnes' emergence as a leader, RJ Barrett looking strong as the No. 2, and Darko Rajakovic hitting the right decisions in the clutch. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Obi Toppin Most Important Guy: Scottie Barnes' reading glasses #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.sh...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 6 min

The First Quarter NBA Awards

Will and Alex recap the first quarter of the regular season and discuss the many positive takeaways from the 6-15 Raptors, whether the idea of tanking is dead, before handing out awards for the team’s most valuable player, most surprising and concerning stats, favorite team-bonding moment, and most entertaining loss. Later, they go around the NBA and hand out first quarter awards for MVP, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, and more. 00:42 CCYAA Boba Raptor is back! 02:27 Raptors first qua...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 16 min

React Pod: RJ Barrett scores 37 in win over Heat, rookie Ja'Kobe Walter continues to impress

Will Lou comes to you live from the second part of the home and home with the Toronto Raptors' 119-116 win over the Miami Heat. He breaks down RJ Barrett's impressive game, Scottie Barnes' contributions in the fourth quarter, and rookie Ja'Kobe Walter showing impressive flashes. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Tyler Herro Most Important Guy: Ja'Kobe Walter #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or e...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 2 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes records triple-double, and how can RJ Barrett improve on defense?

Will Lou is joined by Samson Folk to break down the Toronto Raptors' 121-111 loss to the Miami Heat. They discuss Scottie Barnes' playmaking, how RJ Barrett can improve on defense, and how Ja'Kobe Walter is faring as a rookie. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson award: Terry Rozier Most Important Guy: Kevin Love's longevity/Alex Wong flu shot game #raptors #torontoraptors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@h...

Nov 30, 20241 hr 14 min

React Pod: Ja'Kobe Walter shines in first start, Agbaji and Battle catch fire in blowout win

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 119-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He breaks down Ja'Kobe Walter's first career start, Ochai Agbaji responds to Darko Rajakovic's call-out, and Jamison Battle catches fire from 3. Three stars: Jamison Battle, Ochai Agbaji, Ja'Kobe Walter Gerald Henderson award: Yves Missi Most Important Guy: Jack Armstrong #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...

Nov 28, 202456 min

The November Banter Pod

Will, Alex, and Jerome recap their 80-46 loss at the TMU Sport vs. Media charity game, discuss their recent trip to Los Angeles, and provide a behind the scenes look at Jerome’s surprise 40th birthday evening. Later, they answer listener questions about best all-time game worn Raptors jerseys, favorite sports movies, sad Christmas memories, Taylor Swift concert tickets, Twitter vs. Bluesky, and Gen Alpha slang. Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys i...

Nov 27, 20242 hr 37 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes goes for 31-14-7 but Raptors lose on Jaden Ivey's buzzer-beater

Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 102-100 loss against the Detroit Pistons. He breaks down Scottie Barnes' two-way effort, the strength of Toronto's bench, and also the weaknesses in RJ Barrett's game. Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead Gerald Henderson award: Jaden Ivey Most Important Guy: Whoever fixed the broken scoreboard 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...

Nov 26, 202456 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes locks in second half but Raptors lose rematch against Cavaliers

Will Lou comes live after the Toronto Raptors' 122-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and then is joined by Alex Wong for questions. #raptors #torontoraptors Three stars: Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes (second half) Gerald Henderson award: Ty Jerome Most Important Guy: Anthony and Lucy (congrats!) 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. Origi...

Nov 25, 20241 hr 14 min

L.A. Ride-Along: Ice Breaker Questions and the Greatest Raptors of Many Categories

Will, Alex, and Jerome get stuck in traffic in Los Angeles and use icebreaker questions to get to know each other better. Later, they discuss the greatest Raptors of all-time in several categories including: most underrated, best role player, greatest three-point shooter, and more. And big shout outs to Turo for providing the rental! https://turo.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 202423 min

React Pod: Scottie Barnes comes up clutch in his return, and RJ Barrett stays red hot

Will Lou comes live after Scottie Barnes' return to the line up in the Toronto Raptors' 110-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He discusses Barnes' performance, Darko Rajakovic's defensive adjustments, and RJ Barrett's continued success. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, Davion Mitchell Gerald Henderson award: Jaden McDaniels Most Important Guy (presented by Greta Bar YYZ): Scottie Barnes Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowe...

Nov 22, 202455 min

Are The Cavs For Real? Milwaukee’s Bleak Future, and new All-Star Format

Will and Alex go around the NBA and discuss whether the Cavs are legit contenders, bring out the worry meter for the Knicks, Bucks, and Sixers, before heading to the West to chat about the Warriors’ rebound season and if Phoenix could be a trade destination for Jakob Poeltl. 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 We...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 4 min

React Pod: RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl combine for 69 points as Raptors snap losing streak

Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors' 130-119 win over the Indiana Pacers. He discusses RJ Barrett's season-high 39 points, Darko Rajakovic's timeouts to snap runs, and Jakob Poeltl's underrated importance to the Raptors. Three stars: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Garrett Temple Gerald Henderson award: Quenton Jackson Most Important Guy: Garrett Temple Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.show Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcom...

Nov 19, 202452 min
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