The ESPN Aussie Hoops Hour - podcast cover

The ESPN Aussie Hoops Hour

ESPN AU/NZ, Kane Pitman, Olgun Ulucwww.espn.com.au
ESPN's Kane Pitman and Olgun Uluc talk about all of the pressing topics in Australian basketball, featuring in-depth interviews, panel discussions, and everything in between.
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Episodes

Breaking down the Aussies in the 2025 NBA Draft (feat. Jonathan Givony)

ESPN's draft expert Jonathan Givony joins Olgun to break down the Australians in the 2025 NBA Draft. Are Alex Toohey and Tyrese Proctor on the rise? Is Rocco Zikarsky a draft sleeper? What should we make of Lachlan Olbrich's impressive pre-draft performances? Givony provides his expert analysis on it all, including his thoughts on Dash Daniels and the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 24, 202544 min

Illawarra Hawks win second NBL title in epic five-game series

What a series. What a team. The Illawarra Hawks are NBL champions for 2025. Kane and Olgun breakdown game five from the key numbers to key players and missed opportunities. Of course, the MVP debate is had, who should have been MVP, is the system wrong and Kane gives his 3-2-1 in a modified format. Is this the end of an era for Melbourne United? How did Illawarra win despite star players not at their best or injured? What was the immediate fallout on the ground. So much to discuss at the complet...

Mar 25, 202548 min

Melbourne United one win from Championship behind Matthew Dellavedova excellence

In a series of moments, Melbourne United continue to stand up in the fourth quarter. With a 2-1 lead in the series, Melbourne now face an opportunity to close out the series on their home floor in Game 4. Kane and Olgun discuss the tireless Matthew Dellavedova, big game Ian Clark and the mental resolve of Jack White. How have Dean Vickerman and Justin Tatum adjusted during the series? Where is the star level play of Trey Kell and Tyler Harvey? It’s win or go home for the Hawks and the guys discu...

Mar 18, 202552 min

Adam Caporn talks being named Boomers head coach through to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Adam Caporn talks being named head coach of the Australian Boomers, how his time at the AIS prepared him, his plans to guide the program forward, the play-style he'll look to implement, and his thoughts on the stellar form of Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 12, 202513 min

Olgun breaks down Melbourne's insane Game 3 win over Perth, the Hawks' shellacking of the Phoenix + a lookahead to the NBL Championship Series

We just saw two fascinating Game 3s, and Olgun is here to break them down. Melbourne United got the best of the Perth Wildcats in one of the most incredible displays of shot-making you'll ever see (which was also filled with controversy), before the Illawarra Hawks demolished the South East Melbourne Phoenix. That set up what's sure to be an incredible 2025 NBL Championship Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 06, 202532 min

How the NBL25 Semi Finals will be decided

Both Semi Final series are heading for a deciding Game 3. Kane and Olgun discuss the state of each team leading into the win or go home scenario. Jack White and the mental challenge of bouncing back, Keanu Pinder’s struggles finishing in the paint and Justin Tatum leaning on his bench are some of the concerns. On the other side, the guys praise the greatness of Chris Goulding, the SEM pace of play, the power of the Red Army and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Mar 04, 202538 min

In-depth NBL Playoffs preview + Taran Armstrong signs with the Golden State Warriors

The NBL Playoffs are here, and Kane and Olgun are here to break it all down. The Illawarra Hawks have been dominant all season long but could the return of a South East Melbourne Phoenix star make their semifinals series closer than we think? Over in Melbourne, it's a clash of styles as the veteran-laden United take on a red-hot Wildcats team led by the newly-crowned MVP. The boys dive deep into both series, and also discuss the news of rising Australian guard Taran Armstrong signing with the Go...

Feb 25, 202557 min

Adelaide disaster finally over, Kyrie Irving the Boomer and Dash Daniels shows out at All Star Weekend

The Adelaide 36ers season ended in predictable fashion. A collapse against South East Melbourne sends the talented roster to the offseason but what is next for a proud club that has continued to disappoint? Is the recent reputation going to hurt recruiting? Should Mike Wells return? Kane and Olgun break down the situation in Adelaide. Kyrie Irving continues to state his intent to play for Australia but how realistic is it? Dash Daniels was a standout at Basketball Without Borders, continuing a m...

Feb 19, 202556 min

Wildcats advance, Xavier Cooks suspended and reactions from the Gazey awards

The Perth Wildcats advanced to a semi final series against Melbourne United after blowing away the Phoenix in the 4th quarter. Kane and Olgun react minutes after the final buzzer, discussing Keanu Pinder’s signature game, South East Melbourne’s defensive struggles, the frustrating officiating and more. Xavier Cooks suspension is also noted, particularly for what it means ahead of Sydney’s win or go home game against Adelaide. Can the Kings win without Cooks? The guys also react to the Gazey awar...

Feb 11, 202554 min

The Kings are hard to trust, the Wildcats' rotations are clearer and United still have questions as the play-in picture takes shape

The Sydney Kings put together another unconvincing week and are staring down the barrel of a concerning play-in matchup, while the Perth Wildcats are trending in the other direction as they slowly unlock Keanu Pinder. Kane and Olgun also discuss whether Melbourne United has the offensive firepower to continue competing at a high level, RAC Arena likely not being available for play-in games, and the Adelaide 36ers falling back into their lifeless ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

Feb 04, 202555 min

Who will be the next Boomers head coach? Are Adelaide the biggest threat to Illawarra and an alarming Sydney stat

The search for the Boomers head coach is down to five names with a decision expected in the next 2-3 weeks. Who is on the list and why were some highly credentialed Aussie coaches overlooked? Kane and Olgun discuss the process to this point. Adelaide have moved into the top 6 after wins over Sydney and New Zealand. What does the data suggest has changed of late, where are there still areas to work on and are they the biggest threat to Illawarra? Also, how have the top six teams fared against eac...

Jan 27, 202545 min

Has John Rillie found Perth Wildcats formula and more impressed with Illawarra or concerned with Melbourne?

The Perth Wildcats have quietly won 7 of their last 8 games to sit second on the ladder. What moves did John Rillie make to turn things around? Are they a legitimate title threat? Plus, South East Melbourne Phoenix pick apart opponents in further evidence that Josh King was an elite hire. How is King maximizing the Phoenix roster? Kane and Olgun discuss Perth and SEM before asking whether we should be more impressed by Illawarra or disappointed in Melbourne? And of course some various notes from...

Jan 21, 202551 min

Phoenix injury blow, Adelaide hurting themselves and Sydney’s lineup roundabout

The show starts with some breaking news on South East Melbourne star, Derrick Walton Jr. That leads to a discussion on the Play-In Tournament race between Tasmania, SEM, Brisbane and Adelaide. The 36ers continue to be one of the more intriguing teams in the league, looking title contenders one minutes, and awful the next. Why do they continue to be inconsistent offensively despite elite talent on that end of the floor? Kane and Olgun continue to be frustrated by the challenge rule, which makes l...

Jan 14, 202552 min

Don’t take Bryce Cotton for granted, Phoenix offence heating up and are alarm bells ringing for Melbourne United

Bryce Cotton is steamrolling his way to another MVP and the question has become whether or not this is the best NBL hoops of his career? Can the Wildcats make yet another championship run? Kane and Olgun discuss the latest play from BC. Elsewhere the South East Melbourne Phoenix offence is starting to heat up….what did the guys like or dislike from a 3-game week for Josh King’s squad? On to the complaints…Kane is baffled by a serious of restrictions with challenge results and decides to vent on ...

Jan 07, 202554 min

Adelaide 36ers hold players meeting, Sydney Kings import decision and South East Melbourne’s dramatic turnaround

The rollercoaster season for the Adelaide 36ers with a loss to Perth and a win in Sydney coming with all kinds of drama in between. Olgun and Kane discuss oa wild weekend for Adelaide and whether or not the road win will be a meaningful catalyst to change the season. On the Sydney front, Brian Goorjian wants a guard, with Olgun reporting a new player will be inked this week. The guys discuss whether sticking with Cam Oliver is the right move heading towards the playoffs. The defensive minded Pho...

Dec 31, 202446 min

NBL Midseason Check-ins - Part 2 (Tasmania, Brisbane, New Zealand, Melbourne)

We're back for Part 2 of our NBL Midseason Check-ins. Olgun chats with Tasmania JackJumpers guard Milton Doyle, Brisbane Bullets head coach Justin Schueller, Melbourne United big-man Marcus Lee, and New Zealand Breakers guard Mitch McCarron to get a gauge on how their respective teams are tracking thus far this season. *Note: The Cairns Taipans endeavored to provide a player but it couldn't be organised in time, so that check-in will happen later in the season! Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Dec 20, 202447 min

NBL Midseason Check-ins - Part 1 (Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, SEM, Illawarra)

We've reached the midway point of the NBL season, so it's time to check in on how each team is tracking - and we have 5 guests to help. Olgun chats with SEM Phoenix big-man Jordan Hunter, Adelaide 36ers guard Dejan Vasiljevic, Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass, Illawarra Hawks forward Mason Peatling, and Perth Wildcats GM Danny Mills to get the lowdown on their respective seasons thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 20241 hr 9 min

Bryce Cotton continues league scoring binge, Melbourne United separate from pack and will Illawarra find consistency?

The outrageous scoring binge in the NBL has continued, with Bryce Cotton dropping 59 points on New Zealand. Kane and Olgun discuss the magnitude of the performance, assess where Perth sit overall and ask whether New Zealand are in trouble all of a sudden. Elsewhere, Melbourne and Sydney played out another classic. Is Chris Goulding in the best form of his career? Is Sydney finding some consistency with the rotation? Is Jack White the most underappreciated star in the league? Tasmania, Adelaide a...

Dec 03, 202452 min

Montrezl Harrell suspended, young Boomers to watch and Dyson Daniels breakout NBA start

After a week of waiting, Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis have been handed suspensions by the single person tribunal. Kane and Olgun discuss the verdict and the long process to get to this position. The FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers delivered two massive wins for the Boomers. Chris Goulding’s hot shooting and some future Boomers names to watch are on the agenda, before an NBA wrap one month into the season. Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey and Josh Green are all on the docket after finding new homes in t...

Nov 26, 202451 min

Fallout from Melbourne-Adelaide incident, Batemon burns Perth and why would New Zealand move on from Freddie Gillespie?

Another weekend, another round of complete chaos. Kane and Olgun work their way through all the incidents. What will the NBL do about the Adelaide-Melbourne incidents? Why is New Zealand moving on from Freddie Gillespie? How did James Batemon persevere early season preseason to burn the Perth Wildcats to the tune of 51 points? Also, the guys discuss Josh King’s postgame comments regarding the foul count in Western Australia and dive into an entertaining Sydney-Illawarra game. Learn more about yo...

Nov 19, 202446 min

How did Chris Goulding shake loose, are the JackJumpers turning the corner and Adelaide league’s box office team

Kane and Olgun are back to wrap round 8 of NBL25. Chris Goulding’s historic explosion was the highlight of the round, but how did he do it, how did Perth allow it to happen and what does it mean for Melbourne’s threat as a title contender? Tasmania have had a rough season to date, but did they find some clues on the weekend for how they can turn things around. Kane points to some lineups that stood out in the JackJumpers’ win over New Zealand. Is Montrezl Harrell the toughest player to guard in ...

Nov 12, 202442 min

New Zealand Breakers make statement, Josh the King of South East Melbourne and do Melbourne United have enough offence?

The New Zealand Breakers have travelled across the world to start NBL25 but they ended round 7 as the talking point of the league. After dominant wins over Adelaide and Melbourne, what stands out about the Breakers 6-2 start and are they a genuine contender? Elsewhere, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have found some positivity of late, collecting two wins for new head coach Josh King. What did King bring to the table? What were the immediate changes? Kane and Olgun break down the big storylines...

Nov 05, 202444 min

Tatum vs. Goulding, Montrezl Harrell dominates and what is wrong with the Sydney Kings?

It was a drama filled round of NBL, starting with Melbourne’s win over Illawarra. Who is the real villain? Chris Goulding, Justin Tatum or the officials? Did Tatum deserve a fine? Has CG been unfairly treated around the league? Is there a flopping problem in the NBL? Elsewhere, the Sydney Kings lost two games, so what is happening to the preseason title favourites? Kane and Olgun discuss the injury to Jaylen Adams, the lack of minutes for Cam Oliver and the interesting lineup combinations in key...

Oct 29, 202450 min

Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Josh Green face big NBA opportunity and will Ben Simmons have bounce back season?

Your 2024/25 NBA Season preview. Is Josh Giddey the future of the Chicago Bulls? Can Josh Green expand his game with the Charlotte Hornets? Will Dyson Daniels land himself on an All-Defensive team by season’s end? Is Ben Simmons capable of playing 60+ games? Which players are the most likely to find themselves in trade discussions? Kane and Olgun work their way through the long list of Aussies in the league this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 202449 min

Who is the new South East Melbourne head coach, how long will Perth miss Bryce Cotton and are Tasmania set for roster change

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have a new head coach, but who exactly is he and how did the team hire him in a matter of a few days? Are Tasmania on the brink of making a roster move? How long with Perth be without superstar Bryce Cotton? Kane and Olgun dive into all the leading topics out of round 5 of the NBL. New Zealand, Melbourne United and the overall standard of play are also on the rundown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 202438 min

Montrezl Harrell set to stay in the NBL, Kings offensive misfunction and will a head coach change help Phoenix

The Adelaide 36ers are set to receive a huge boost with Montrezl Harrell close to signing a full season deal with the club according to Olgun. The Phoenix moved on from head coach Mike Kelly after just five games, but will the decision actually change their fortunes? Melbourne United continue to rack up wins with little fanfare, the Sydney Kings offence needs some work and Kane declares his early season title fancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 202447 min

Adelaide 36ers respond, Taran Armstrong arrives and is Keanu Pinder an NBL star?

After an 0-2 start to the season, the Adelaide 36ers responded with back-to-back wins. Isaac Humphries found form and Kendric Davis appears to have found a level of comfort, with Olgun and Kane reacting to the possible turnaround. Where the Cairns Taipans the biggest winners of the weekend and is Taran Armstrong ready to lead a team to the playoffs? The guys discuss a bunch of other teams and focus in on the Perth Wildcats and the importance of Keanu Pinder being a consistent star to their seaso...

Oct 08, 202444 min
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