Juniata Men's Basketball Show

Episode 100 belongs to Coach Keith Black and his wife, Susie. Keith played four years at Juniata, graduated in 1973 and gave the program more than thirty years on the bench: three stints, two retirements and one comeback Sue personally negotiated. Susie taught first grade for 36 years, fed the team lasagna every winter break and texted players long after they graduated. Coach Greg Curley, Nick Hager, Luke Mellott, Dan Sekulski and Brian Scholly share the stories: first horn, the van that hit a deer, the letter every senior got, and one word for the man who was the program's barometer.

Pat "Beaver" Frazier ('63) was the last guy who could shoot for Doc Greene, captained Juniata through the set-play era, coached the program from 1977 to 1981, and launched Juniata women's basketball with a team that sent nine players to medical school. He also happens to be Coach Curley's father-in-law. Wooden backboards, a warehouse gym in Windber, a technical before the opening tip at Scranton, and his all-time Juniata starting five.

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Coach Keith Black and his...

Mark "Rufus" Rucinski didn't start on his high school varsity until his senior year. He walked on at Mercyhurst and didn't make it. Then a phone call out of the blue sent him to Huntingdon, and four years later he owned Juniata's rebounding record. He still does. Three shattered backboards, a season ranked second in the nation behind Hakeem Olajuwon, and pro ball in France off a letter he forgot he wrote.

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The Juniata Men's Basketball Show is hosted by Tom Frank, Drew "...

Roger Galo ('79) is third on Juniata's all-time scoring list, dropped 50 in a game before the three-point line existed, and had the Seattle SuperSonics calling. Then he spent 17 years asking why nobody shoots better than they did 50 years ago. Physicists, anatomists, a boxing glove at LaSalle, and misaligned rims at St. Joe's. Now it's a book. Mix that in with Tom’s WVU adventure, Ty Kozak in Brazil and a team GPA over 3.0, and we got another episode of the best D3 basketball podcast in the country!

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Garrett Bull ('08) and Nathan Markey ('20) kick of Season Five of the show, fresh off being named PIAA 5A Coaching Staff of the Year at West York. Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley dig into two eras of Juniata basketball, an all-time starting five draft, a Brian Cannon story, and a new production partner. Two branches, one coaching tree.

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The Juniata Men's Basketball Show is hosted by Tom Frank, Drew "Biz" Besket and Coach Greg Curley. The Show is produced and distributed by 16803...

A special re-release in memory of Coach Kevin Curley, who we lost this past summer to cancer. Kevin was a great college basketball coach and an even better man — the all-time winningest coach in McDaniel men's basketball history, older brother to our own Coach Greg Curley, and beloved by everyone who knew him.

Originally released April 21, 2024, as our Season 3 kickoff, this episode brought the Curley brothers together on the mic for the first time. Tom, Biz, and Coach Greg welcome Kevin — head coach of the McDaniel Green Terror — for a conversation that's equal parts basketball and brotherly needli...

With the season in the rearview, the real work begins. In Episode 94, Coach Curley pulls back the curtain on how Juniata Basketball is built in the offseason—from recruiting strategy and roster construction to player development and culture-setting. The guys dive into what actually leads to wins, how roles take shape, and why the offseason is where championship teams are made. Plus, a look at the transfer portal, evolving college basketball dynamics, and a few ideas for a certain Juniata cruise that may or may not happen.

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The Juniata offseason is officially here, but the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show is not slowing down. Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley welcome senior manager and four-year football placekicker Alex Mullin to the show for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what really keeps a college program moving.

Alex shares how he found Juniata, balanced football and basketball for four full years, and became an indispensable part of the men’s basketball staff. From postgame meal emergencies and practice prep to minute tracking, replay help, and life on the road, this episode shines a light on the work that rare...

The 2025–26 season is officially in the books… but not before the Eagles close it out the right way: two home wins, a 10-win finish, and a little chaos (the fun kind).

Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley break down a 79–60 win over Lycoming sparked by a defensive flip-the-switch moment (plus big bench minutes), then cap the year with an 85–78 season finale vs. Moravian where Juniata shoots nearly 57% and delivers a very real “playoff game” vibe — including knocking Moravian out of the postseason picture.

Along the way: Coach talks about the first emotion when the clock hits 0:00 (spoiler: relie...

With the season winding down and just two home games left, Tom Frank, Biz, and Head Coach Greg Curley get real about where the Eagles are — and what still matters when the postseason isn’t on the table.

The crew tackles a listener question from Missy T.: with 80 minutes left in the year, do you experiment for next season… or stay locked in on winning? Coach Curley doesn’t mince words: games are games, and the priority is still prepare, compete, execute — and learn how to win. The conversation turns to consistency, accountability, and why improvement can get “ugly”...

We’re live from The Nest (yes… it’s officially called that now 👀) for Alumni Weekend at Juniata—starting with our Wilkes pregame show, a parade of alumni guests, and the long-awaited recap of the 2026 Ed Mansberger Alumni Game.

Team Blue and Team Gold went to war in a defensive slugfest that somehow still felt like a track meet emotionally. We break down the chirping, the “fraternizing” scandal in the Catholic student section, and the moment the score finally becomes official.

Plus, alumni guests stop by with life updates (new jobs, new towns, weddings, babies, firefighting, n...

It’s a big one for Juniata hoops: Catholic on Wednesday, Alumni Weekend vs. Wilkes on Saturday, and zero room for coasting.

The crew opens with a great listener question on what alumni should feel when they come back—Coach Curley’s answer says it all: play hard, play with heart, play for each other. From there, it’s a look back at last week’s results, highlighted by a 62–43 defensive rock fight win over Susquehanna and a tough road loss at Scranton that sharpens the focus heading into a brutal stretch.

Biz hands out the game bal...

The Eagles are heating up at the right time—and the guys can barely believe what they’re saying out loud: two big wins, a road win streak, and four wins in the last five as Juniata improves to 7–10 overall and 4–6 in the Landmark.

Before the hoops breakdown, the show takes a wildly entertaining detour when a listener asks about a Netflix free-solo skyscraper climb in Taiwan. Tom admits he couldn’t sleep afterward, compares it to a doorless-helicopter shoot over Manhattan, and the crew debates risk-taking, anxiety, and whether any of this makes someone qualified to scale Foun...

It’s been a full-blown Juniata hoops roller coaster—complete with birthday banter, casino misfortune, winter travel chaos, and a broadcast that somehow forgot it had sound. Tom Frank, Biz, and head coach Greg Curley open the show celebrating Biz’s birthday before diving into a great listener mailbag question:

If the Palestra were closed next season, and the show had full control, where should the Landmark Conference host a weekend showcase—any venue, anywhere?

From there, it’s all basketball. The crew relives the electric Palestra win, breaks down a statement upset over Elizabethtown at the Nes...

We are back for Part 2 of our LIVE event from Philadelphia—quarter-mile from the Cathedral of College Basketball—and things escalated quickly. From pregame pints and cheesesteaks at the New Deck Tavern to press-row seats at the Palestra, this episode captures an all-time Juniata hoops day.

The ball tips and Juniata delivers a wire-to-wire statement at the Palestra. Postgame reactions, press conference audio, Player of the Game honors, and reflections on what it means to win the right way in one of the most historic gyms in basketball.

This one’s part road trip, part roundt...

We went LIVE from Philadelphia—quarter-mile from the Cathedral of College Basketball—and things escalated quickly. From pregame pints and cheesesteaks at the New Deck Tavern to press-row seats at the Palestra, this episode captures an all-time Juniata hoops day.

In Part 1, you’ll hear alumni, parents, former players, first-time guests, and one very official executive producer weigh in as the Eagles chase a momentum-shifting conference win. We talk drums (still no drum), Eagles chants (the Philly kind and the Juniata kind), Landmark rivalries, leadership, belief, and why this game felt different from the jump.

This o...

The Juniata Basketball Show welcomes “Landmark royalty” as Katie Boldvich, Landmark Conference Commissioner, hops on with Tom Frank, Biz, and Head Coach Greg Curley—just in time for the annual Palestra showcase.

The crew kicks off 2026 with a deep listener question (thanks, Donny D), then breaks down a wild week of hoops: Juniata’s 119-point eruption (second-highest scoring game in program history), the Franciscan showdown featuring a casual 49-point heater from Sawyer Butler (tip of the cap… from a safe distance), and the OT gut-punch at Messiah.

Katie also pulls back the curtain on Landmark expansion...

It’s the official Christmas episode of the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show, and it delivers a little bit of everything. Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley bring the holiday vibes early before Biz steals the show with a now-legendary Juniata-themed Christmas poem.

The conversation shifts to a listener questions about a 44-year-old NFL quarterback comeback, and whether Coach Curley could suit up one more time if Juniata ever needed him. The guys then break down a tough loss to Bethany, focusing on late-game execution, rebounding, free throws, and the hard lessons a young team must learn to fini...

The crew opens this week’s show with a detour into the wild world of Division I college football—predicting the playoff field, reacting to championship weekend surprises, and giving their early verdict on Penn State’s new head coach. Then it’s back to Juniata hoops, where Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley unpack a demanding stretch against Catholic and Scranton.

Coach breaks down the recurring second-half lapses, the defensive inconsistencies, and the bright spots emerging from young players stepping into bigger roles. The guys talk about the importance of the upcoming three-game home stand, the return they hop...

This week on The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show, Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley serve up a Thanksgiving-sized spread of hoops talk, holiday hot takes, and a whole lot of stuffing slander. Listener Graham B. kicks things off with a very on-brand Thanksgiving question that sends the guys down a cranberry-sauce-fueled rabbit hole, complete with culinary confessions, sandwich hacks, and Biz’s pitch for the first great Thanksgiving movie.

Then it’s on to the hardwood: a heartbreaker at Susquehanna, a first-half battle with undefeated Drew, and a deep dive from Coach on toughness, pressure, leadership, and the fi...

This week on The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show, Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley break down a rollercoaster week: a frustrating road night at Westminster followed by an offensive fireworks display against Alfred State where the Eagles piled up 97 points, shot 52% from deep, and had the bench mob partying like it was March.

Coach talks about what clicked, what still needs tuning (hint: free throws), and why this group’s response in practice might be the best sign of all.

Then it’s time to stare down the start of Landmark Conference play:
Susquehanna and th...

The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show tips off the season with a win! Tom Frank, Biz, and Coach Greg Curley break down the Eagles’ 80–63 victory over Mount Aloysius — from balanced scoring and big minutes off the bench to… less-than-stellar free throws. Coach Curley talks relief vs. belief, what the win says about this year’s group, and what to expect heading into a tough week on the road at Westminster and back home Saturday vs. Alfred State. Plus: why “bad time to be a Bronco” was the line of the week, how to properly pronounce Kocak, and a shout-out to the women’s v...

The wait is over — Juniata Basketball is back! Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley preview Friday night’s home opener against Mount Aloysius, break down preseason scrimmages, and share some wild stories from the offseason — including a freshman golfer who hit a hole-in-one with his coach’s clubs. Tom goes on a rant about streaming apps (Flow Sports, we’re looking at you), Biz makes his bold playoff prediction, and Coach sets the tone for a season built on intensity and earning every win.

Plus: plans for a “Whiteout” at Memorial Gym, the debut of the “Game Ball” segment, and an op...

Basketball is in the air. Practice is rolling, the roster is deep, and the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show is officially back. In this season-opening episode, Tom Frank, Biz, and Head Coach Greg Curley break down the full 2024–25 schedule and lay out the storylines already taking shape.

Coach Curley gives an inside look at preseason progress and why this young squad already feels ahead of last year’s curve. The crew digs into:

This week, Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley welcome Dr. Brandon Martinazzi (’19) — 1,302-point scorer, top-15 in points/assists/steals/threes, and now an orthopaedic surgery resident at Rothman. Brandon takes us from Cresson to College to the OR: the Bishop Carroll days with Marcus Lee (including the almost-same-night 1,000-point milestone), first impressions of Coach Curley and the tough-love meeting that kept him from quitting the day before his first practice, and the senior season where he wore a walking boot all day, took it off to play, then put it back on — and still led the Eagles.

We hit th...

This week on the Juniata Men’s Basketball Podcast, Tom Frank, Biz, and Coach Curley sit down with one of the program’s most decorated alumni — 2018 grad, four-year starter, and the only Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year in school history, Seth Brewer.

From helping the Eagles earn their first-ever national ranking and a regular-season title, to setting the school record for wins in a season, Seth shares the stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments that made his class “The Standard.” The guys talk about leadership, accountability, and why buying in 100% is the only way to turn a season a...

School’s out, but Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley refuse to coast into summer. Instead, they welcome 6-foot-7 bruiser-turned-firefighter Andrew “Bith” Bithell (’21) for a conversation that crackles hotter than a three-alarm blaze. Bith rewinds the tape on his roller-coaster college career—three shoulder surgeries, two concussions, and a nine-game senior season shortened by COVID—then fast-forwards to life in full turnout gear with the Altoona Fire Department, where he moonlights as a record-setting strongman (yes, he once cuddled a 415-lb atlas stone).

Along the way, the crew trades stories about rehab-forged grit, weight-room epiphanies, and that Winston Churchill ma...

The comeback starts now. After a well-earned break, Tom Frank, Biz, and Head Coach Greg Curley are back behind the mic to officially tip off Season 4 of the Juniata Men's Basketball Show. In this jam-packed episode, the crew recaps spring training, breaks down the incoming recruiting class (hello, 6'8"), and issues a very real bench press challenge to the entire team. Coach Curley shares offseason insights—from Chick-fil-A-fueled wiffle ball battles to the surprising benefits of a scoreboard-free spring—and sets the tone for a pivotal summer of growth. Plus, there’s boat drama, basketball trivia, and a healthy dose o...

As the Juniata Men's Basketball season draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection, growth, and a renewed sense of ambition. In this week's episode, we recount the highs and lows our team faced, exploring the true essence of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. Head Coach Greg Curley shares valuable insights on leadership, showcasing how the exceptional senior trio of Mason, Tyler, and Nico exemplified the spirit that pushed the team through adversity, regardless of the scoreboard.

We delve into heartfelt moments, including a beautifully written poem by Tom that honors the journey taken this year. Co...

As the season winds down, the spotlight shifts to the upcoming Senior Day We pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of senior players Mason Hardy, Tyler Lapetina, and Neco Campbell, whose leadership and spirit have left an indelible mark on the team. Coach Curley shares his thoughts on the next generation stepping into leadership roles, offering heartfelt insights on mentorship and the enduring legacy left by these outstanding seniors.

Competition in the Landmark Conference is heating up, and we dive into a spirited analysis of top contenders like Drew and Catholic. From standout players to game-winning strategies...

Join us for part 2 of our heartfelt journey through the legacy of Juniata basketball irecorded during a vibrant alumni weekend. Delve into the deep-rooted bonds of our Juniata family, including Nate DaCanal, Cameron Keck, John Kelly, Chase Husted, Jeremy Hayes, Evan Eisenhart, Dino Brown, Kohl Bernarding, and Gabe Guidinger as they share their personal experiences on the court and beyond. From light-hearted banter recalling past games to honest reflections on individual and team performances, we explore the significance of alumni connections and traditions. 

Hear firsthand insights from alumni and coaches about the challenges facing the current team a...

Relive the unforgettable moments of Juniata Men's Basketball Alumni Weekend—a celebration of legacy, laughter, and lifelong connections. From thrilling down-to-the-wire games to heartfelt tributes, this weekend was a testament to the deep-rooted camaraderie that defines Juniata basketball.

Special guests include Coach Nick Hager, Jeff Berkey, Brent Ferko, Zach Engle, Seth Brewer, and Damon Rickens, who share personal stories, reflecting on the bonds forged through competition, mentorship, and shared history. We also honor the lasting impact of figures like the late Mr. Ed Mansberger  and shine a well-deserved spotlight on Jeremy Hayes, whose Hall of Fame induction was...

Get ready for an exciting weekend as the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show dives into the much-anticipated annual Alumni Game! Hosts Tom Frank and Drew "Biz" Besket are joined by Assistant Coach Nick Hager, Team Gold’s #1 draft pick Chase Husted, and Team Blue’s top selection John Kelly to break down the draft and share what’s in store for this year’s showdown.

Hear behind-the-scenes stories, draft strategies, and insights from the players and coaches as they gear up for a day full of camaraderie, competition, and tradition. Whether you're Team Gold or Team Blue, this is an...

Join hosts Tom Frank, Drew "Biz" Beskett, and head coach Greg Curley for a festive episode of the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show. The crew reflects on holiday traditions, shares favorite Christmas movies (spoiler: Die Hard is in!), and dives deep into the upcoming Doc Green Tournament. Hear insights on the competition, including matchups against Immaculata, Hood College, and New Jersey City University. Plus, a special guest appearance from “The Glum” adds a touch of mystery and excitement to the holiday vibes. Will Juniata secure its first win and ride the momentum to victory? Tune in to catch all the ac...

We’re diving into some hot debates and cool strategies this week! Coach Greg Curley shares his take on sportsmanship—should teams always play to the buzzer, or is there a point where respect for your opponent comes first? And what about Penn State? Should their focus be on the Big Ten Championship or locking in a home game? We’ve got opinions, and we’re not holding back.

Coming off a tough loss against Mercy, it’s time for some soul-searching. The game wasn’t our best, but Sho Watson showed serious potential, and we’re looking at the...

In this week’s episode of The Juniata Men's Basketball Show, Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley dive into Thanksgiving week. The trio kicks off by sharing their love (and occasional gripes) about Thanksgiving traditions, from turkey and stuffing to acceptable napping.

On the basketball front, the team reflects on two hard-fought losses: a nail-biting overtime thriller against Lycoming and a defensive grind against Scranton. Coach Curley provides insight into the team’s growing pains, emphasizing the progress made by a young roster learning to compete at the college level. The discussion highlights the team's resilience, defensive strides, and...

In this week’s episode of The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show, Tom, Biz, and Coach Curley break down the first three games of the season. While the Eagles are off to an 0-3 start, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. With a roster stacked with talented freshmen and returning players adjusting to new roles, the team is navigating the challenges of growth and chemistry. Coach Curley highlights moments of progress, from defensive strides to flashes of offensive potential, and shares his vision for long-term success.

The crew also previews the upcoming matchups against Lycoming and...

Ready for an exhilarating start to the Juniata Men's Basketball season?  Join us as Coach Curley provides crucial insights into the team's preseason scrimmages against McDaniel and Dickinson, sharing the invaluable lessons learned.  Plus we'll meet three critical players to this season's success – Neco Campbell, Mason Hardy and Tyler Lapetina. We hear about their off seasons, how they first met and the leadership roles they need to take with such a young team. We'll break down the upcoming home opener against the Golden Wolves of Alvernia, you'll hear bold predictions, and even the possibility of incorporating a live eagle into...

O' boy do we have an entertaining and insightful episode of the Juniata Men's Basketball show for fans of all ages. We kick things off with a lively chat about our favorite sports teams beyond the court, revealing our die-hard allegiances. From the Steelers to the Commanders, Celtics, and Auburn sports, our lineup of hosts and guest, share what makes their sports hearts beat faster.

Assistant Coach, Nick Hager joins the fun to offers a sneak peek into the meticulously crafted schedule that promises a season of competitive excitement. The crew breaks down, in great detail, the...

How do you build a winning basketball program from the ground up? This week on the Juniata Men’s Basketball Show, we spotlight Regis Head Coach Nate Hager, tracing his path from player to assistant at Juniata and now leading the charge at Regis College. Nate shares how his time at Juniata shaped his coaching philosophy, and we explore the lasting bond between him and Coach Curley.

Alongside these personal stories, we break down Coach Curley’s approach to scheduling—balancing tough non-conference games with regional rivals and an increased number of conference games. Coach Hager’s own expe...