The ESPN Aussie Hoops Hour

Alex Toohey joins the show to talk through his schedule ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, his upcoming workouts and interviews with NBA teams, his Sydney Kings season, working out with Zach LaVine and Klay Thompson, and a whole lot more.

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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 completion of an amazing season on NBL.<...

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 discuss the pros...

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.

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Melbourne United are two wins away from the NBL25 Championship. Did the Illawarra Hawks commit a self-inflicted loss? Will the game mentally impact them heading on the road for Game 2? Kane and Olgun discuss the moments from the series opener and assess the panic scale for the one seed.

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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.

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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.

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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 Golden State Warriors.

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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 massive year for the family but where does he sit in draft calculations for 2026? The NBL coaching...

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 awards and all the winners and losers.

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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.

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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 each other in NBL25...

 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 around the league…some serious, some not….

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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 less sense with every week that goes by. Also, another check in on the Sydney...

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 the system. Did an unfortunate injury open up the po...

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 Phoenix and JackJumpers are also on the agenda on today’s...

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!

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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.

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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 and the up and down Illawarra Hawks are also on the agenda.

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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 the offseason.

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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.

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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 the league? Olgun discusses the di...

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 with additional lines on the Melbourne offence, Perth defence and Sydney Kings rotation.

 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 moments. Montrezll Harrell and Keanu Pinder also gather big praise for monster per...

 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 season’s hopes. Tasmania and South East Melbourne are also on the do...

The Illawarra Hawks are sitting atop the NBL ladder after a seriously impressive week, while the South East Melbourne Phoenix are 0-3 and there are calls for some changes to be made. The Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets are also winless and feeling the pressure. Over in New Zealand, the Breakers are undefeated and may be more open to Tacko Fall than first thought. Olgun Uluc and Peter Hooley break it all down.

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HoopsFest was a huge success in Perth as NBL25 tipped off across the weekend. Did Adelaide prove they could be in the mix for playoffs? What are the big questions for the Sydney Kings and Brian Goorjian? Is Scott Roth becoming a villain? Are the Brisbane Bullets already showing signs of cracking? Kane Pitman and Olgun Uluc discuss all the key storylines from the weekend while also delivering some breaking news at the back of the show.

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Welcome from the NBL Blitz! As all teams converge onto Queensland's Gold Coast, ESPN's Olgun Uluc and Pete Hooley take you inside the NBL Blitz 2024 and explain how it feels to be in the hub of NBL!

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The Opals are back on the Olympic podium! In a game that was fitting of the Opals resilient campaign, the team lost the lead early in the fourth quarter before recovering to close out Belgium. Ezi Magbegor was dominant with 30 points, while the key veterans that stood up all tournament came up clutch. Kane and Olgun breakdown the wildly entertaining game and praise a tough group of Opals who worked through adversity to ensure Australia were once again medalists at an Olympic games.

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Outside of a short period to end the first quarter, the Opals were comprehensively beaten by Team USA in the Olympic semi final. Kane and Olgun discuss the loss and the challenges now facing the team with a quick turnaround to Sunday’s bronze medal game. Will the loss be difficult to mentally overcome? How does this compare to the semi final loss at the World Cup? Could Australia overcome the potential loss of Steph Talbot? The Lauren Jackson factor? Rotation things to watch? All this and more as the Opals need to respond to collect their first Olympic meda...

What a difference nine days can make. After starting their campaign with a bad loss to Nigeria, the Opals are now ensured of a place in a medal game at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Australia dominated Serbia from start to finish, behind the dynamic duo of Jade Melbourne and Alanna Smith. Kane and Olgun break down the result, praise the resilience of Melbourne, the physicality of Smith and the squad’s ability to withstand the pressure defence of Serbia. Lauren Jackson, Cayla George and plenty of the key Opals are also talking points on a great day for the program.

Leading by 24 points in the first half, the Boomers were unable to sustain the level, falling to Serbia in overtime. Patty Mills and Josh Giddey combined for 51 points on the night, but it wasn’t enough as turnovers and defensive lapses cost the team a place in the semi finals. Kane and Olgun discuss what went wrong after the first 15 minutes, and bounce around a variety of topics on what the result means. Is Patty done? How can Australia find a way to compete against superstar talent? What direction does the program go with a new coach? How should we...

Tough. Gritty. Courageous. The Opals sent 27,000 French fans home quiet in an iconic Olympic win to punch their place in the Quarter Finals. Kane and Olgun react to the performance, praise Tess Madgen’s leadership, discuss the mental challenges the Opals overcame, Ezi Magbegor steadily improving and plenty more. Australia will now face Serbia on the men’s and women’s side with a win ensuring they will play in a medal game in Paris. How will the Boomers attack Nikola Jokic? Will Matthew Dellavedova play key minutes? Who guards Bogdan Bogdanovic? All that on more on today’s show.

The first half was described as “diabolical” by head coach Brian Goorjian, but a push to reduce the deficit proved pivotal as the Boomers advance to the Quarterfinals after a loss to Greece. Kane and Olgun discuss the rollercoaster game, breakdown a poor first half and identify what changed in the third. How did the Boomers defend Giannis? Why was the offence struggling to function? What is going on with Josh Green? Is Matthew Dellavedova going to be a key rotation player now? Also, what are some of the likes and dislikes of the group stage. Plenty to work thro...

The Opals needed a response desperately and while it wasn’t perfect, they registered their first win at the Olympics. The 70-65 win over Canada keeps their Paris dreams alive and sets up a matchup with host nation France on Monday morning. Kane and Olgun react to the win and particularly the performances of the veteran core. Sami Whitcomb, Cayla Geroge, Marianna Tolo and Steph Talbot all had a big impact on the game, with plenty to discuss when it comes to the rotation. How have the youngsters played so far? How important is Talbot? Also, how will the Bo...

The Boomers fell short against Canada 93-83, with a costly turnover count hurting the green and gold in the second half. Kane and Olgun bring instant reaction, discussing the offensive struggles after the half. Other story lines to surface from the game included Patty Mills being put in the Dorture Chamber, Dante Exum making a positive return, the Dyson Daniels-SGA matchup and rotation patterns from Brian Goorjian. What adjustments could Australia have made? Is there reason for panic ahead of a critical game against Greece? All that and more on the ESPN Aussie Hoops Hour.

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It could hardly have gone any worse. The Opals drop their opener to Nigeria 75-62, committing 26 turnovers and missing 10 free throws in the process. Kane and Olgun try to make sense of the performance, find any positives, and discuss how the team can turn it around and keep their medal hopes alive. Also, the Boomers prepare for Canada as Dante Exum is slated to return in what would be a key boost for the team. How will Exum slot into the rotation? should there be a starting lineup change? How do they slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.