The Reverse Pivot

In this episode of The Reverse Pivot, Bruce and Steve chat with Steve Carfino about his basketball journey, from playing college basketball under legendary coach Lute Olson at Iowa to building a successful career in Australia’s NBL. Steve reflects on the evolution of the league, influential coaches and mentors, memorable matchups, and the pursuit of championships. He also discusses his transition into sports commentary, his passion for football, and his current role coaching at Waverley College.

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In this episode of the Reverse Pivot, hosts Bruce and Steve delve into the current NBL season, discussing team performances, standout players, and the growth of basketball viewership in Australia. They also touch on the WNBL season, highlight rookie performances, and analyze the challenges faced by teams like the Perth Wildcats and Tasmania.

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The Reverse Pivot welcomes Derek Rucker to the podcast.

Derek Rucker is an NBL legend, former MVP and one of the league’s most recognisable voices. The American-born point guard enjoyed a stellar 15-year NBL career, playing for the Brisbane Bullets, Newcastle Falcons, Townsville Suns and West Sydney Razorbacks. Since retiring, Derek has remained deeply connected to basketball as a commentator and media personality, bringing his experience and insight to the game. On the podcast, he shares his upbringing, his career as a player and insights on the current state of game. 

The Reverse Pivot welcomes John Rillie to the podcast.

John Rillie is the head coach of the Perth Wildcats and a former NBL player who appeared in 481 games across a 15-year career. A prolific shooting guard, he was named NBL Rookie of the Year in 1995, won the 1998 championship with the Adelaide 36ers and represented Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Rillie later spent more than a decade coaching in the US college system before serving as an assistant coach during the Boomers’ historic bronze-medal campaign at the Tokyo Olympics. He took charge of the Wildcats in 2022 and is co...

The Reverse Pivot with Shawn Dennis.

Shawn Dennis has enjoyed a successful coaching career across both Australia and Japan. In Australia, he has held head coaching roles with the Townsville Crocodiles and Townsville Fire, while also serving as an assistant coach with several National Basketball League clubs and contributing to Australia's national team programs. Internationally, Dennis has coached in Japan's B.League, bringing his player development expertise and leadership to one of Asia's premier professional basketball competitions. Listen to an insightful chat about his playing and coaching career.

The Reverse Pivot welcomes the elite Brad Newley to the podcast!

Brad Newley is one of Australia's most accomplished basketball players of the modern era, enjoying a professional career that spanned more than two decades across the NBL and Europe's top leagues. After playing with the Townsville Crocodiles, he was selected 54th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, although he never played in the NBA, instead building an outstanding international career in Greece, Turkey, Lithuania and Spain before returning to the NBL with the Sydney Kings and later Melbourne United. A two-time Olympian (2008 and 2012...

The Reverse Pivot welcomes NBL legend Leroy Loggins to the podcast.

Leroy Loggins is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Australian basketball history. Born in the United States, he arrived in Australia in 1981 and became the cornerstone of the Brisbane Bullets dynasty, helping the club win multiple NBL championships while earning three league MVP awards. Renowned for his scoring, defence, athleticism, and leadership, Loggins became one of the most decorated players in NBL history. After becoming an Australian citizen, he represented the Australian Boomers at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. His remarkable 20-year NBL career...

The Reverse Pivot welcomes very special guest Boti Nagy.

Australian basketball writer Boti Nagy is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the history of Australian basketball. Covering the game for more than four decades, he reported on every National Basketball League (NBL) and Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) franchise from their inception, earning multiple Basketball Writer of the Year awards and building a reputation for fearless commentator and passionate advocate for the sport.

Bruce and Steve dissect some of Boti's work, and get his insight into the upcoming season of the...

The Reverse Pivot welcomes NBL great Darryl McDonald to the podcast.

Darryl McDonald is one of the most iconic point guards in NBL history and prominent in the league's growth in 1990s and 2000s. An American-born player who came to Australia in 1994, “D-Mac” made his mark with teams like the North Melbourne Giants and the Melbourne Tigers and won three championships in his career.

Now a coach, Darryl reflects on his history as a ball player including his early years playing street basketball in New York City. With this podcast we lobby that Darryl McDonald join...

Bruce and Steve reunite after a few months absence. They talk health, what's going on in Queensland basketball, and a round up of the current NBL season and analysis of what's to come in the next season.

The Reverse Pivot proudly welcomes Phil Smyth to the podcast.

Phil is one of Australia’s most accomplished basketball players and coaches. Renowned for his leadership and defensive prowess, Smyth was a standout point guard who captained the Australian Boomers at multiple Olympic Games, including 1984, 1988, and 1992. Over his distinguished international career, Smyth instrumental in elevating the nation’s basketball profile on the global stage.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Hooper’s Heaven.

The Reverse Pivot is delighted to welcome the enigmatic Cal Bruton to the podcast.

Cal Bruton is instrumental in the origins of the NBL having played in the inaugural season in 1979 through to the early 1990s. Bruton starred as a guard for teams including the Brisbane Bullets, Geelong Supercats and Perth Wildcats, winning an NBL championship as a player with the Bullets in 1985 and later leading the Wildcats to a title as coach in 1990. He also earned multiple All‑NBL First Team honours and was named NBL Coach of the Year in 1982. In 1998 he was inducted into th...

Bruce Palmer visits Pete's Bar Luncheon. Recorded live on the 28th of November 2025. Pete's Bar Luncheon is an annual basketball function, reuniting current and former players, coaches, referees and other personnel involved with Australian Basketball. The event has been running each year since 2010.

This episode contains segments from guest speakers:

Jennie Sager - CEO of the WNBL

Ezi Magbegor - WNBA player and Australian Opal

Darren Smith - Chief Operating Office for the Jack Jumpers

Warrick Giddey - Two time NBL champion

The Reverse Pivot is proudly...

Bruce and Steve reunite after a few weeks to discuss the latest happenings in the NBL. They give a bit of analysis of each team, before dissecting what is currently going on with their home team The Brisbane Bullets.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Endgame.

Bruce and Steve reunite after a few weeks to discuss the latest happenings in the NBL. They give a bit of analysis of each team, before dissecting what is currently going on with their home team The Brisbane Bullets.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Endgame.

The Reverse Pivot returns to talk basketball, specifically the NBL, with special guest Andrew Johnstone.

Andrew Johnstone is a prominent figure in Australian basketball, particularly known for his extensive work in the media, communications and administrative side of the sport. For more than three decades, he has held senior roles including media producer and interviewer for the FIBA World Basketball television program, General Manager of Communications for the National Basketball League (NBL) and commentator on NBL games for ABC Television. Currently he serves as Communications Manager for the Camberwell District Basketball Association, where he designs and delivers...

Bruce and Steve reunite for another episode about all things basketball.

This episode feature analysis on the latest happenings in the NBL, specifically their home team - the Brisbane Bullets. In other news, Bruce and Steve have new basketball-related jobs. They talk about their new roles and the logistics involved, while paying respects to the late Tiana Mangakahia; who was a previous guest and star player at Southern Districts Basketball Association.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Endgame.

Coach Bruce Palmer talks about the latest drills uploaded onto The Reverse Pivot website. 

There are five more offensive drills adapted from coaching talents of Gianmarco Sapio and the late Lute Olson.

View the drills on www.thereversepivot.com/coachescorner

More drills are up on The Reverse Pivot's Coaches Corner, including an insightful article by coach Dave Stricklin about the 9 ways to recognise a good drill. 

www.thereversepivot.com

The Reverse Pivot welcomes guest Andre Moore to the podcast.

Andre Moore is a former American basketball player best known for his impact in the NBL. A key contributor to the Brisbane Bullets in the late 1980s, Andre helped the Bullets to a Grand Final appearance and quickly became a fan favourite for his dynamic playing style and presence on the court. Moore played several strong seasons in the NBL with the Bullets, establishing himself as one of the league’s top imports and a cornerstone of Brisbane’s competitive run during that era. Before his NBL care...

This is a 2-in-1 episode of The Reverse Pivot.

In the first half, Bruce Palmer and Steve McLeod talk about the upcoming NBL season. Then Ryan Stolberg and Marcus Bellchambers join the podcast to talk about their wins in the 1997 Queensland Basketball League and national championship.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Endgame.

The Coaches Corner latest upload is two horn drills to improve your game. Download the document at: www.thereversepivot.com/coachescorner

The Reverse Pivot sits down with Nigel Purchase.

Nigel Purchase is a former Australian basketball player who went on to become the CEO and Founder of Chase Basketball, an organisation dedicated to developing athletes and promoting the game at the grassroots and elite levels. During his playing career, he competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Melbourne Tigers and later the Hobart Devils, earning respect as a versatile and reliable contributor on the court. Nigel is also the MC at Pete's Bar Luncheon, an annual event in Melbourne that celebrates Australian basketball community.

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The Reverse Pivot invites NBL champion Sam McKinnon to the studio to talk about his winning career in basketball.

Sam was a standout forward who played for teams the South East Melbourne Magic, Brisbane Bullets, and Melbourne Tigers. His career highlights include winning the NBL Championship with the Bullets in 2007, being named the league’s Most Valuable Player that same year, and representing Australia as part of the Boomers at multiple international tournaments, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In 2017, Sam transitioned into coaching, leading teams the Brisbane Bullets, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Taranki Airs.

The Re...

The Reverse Pivot podcast talks basketball with Oliver Reid.

Oliver Reid is a seasoned development coach and educator. He is currently the NBL1 Assistant Coach at the Brisbane Capitals and also the Community & Development Manager at the Brisbane Bullets. In this pod, Oliver talks about his new role at the Bullets and how it fosters game development among young players and also introduces the Brisbane Bullet's Coaches Academy; which offers coaches an immersive learning experience and insight into an NBL program.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big...

Welcome to the coaches corner, a new resource page by The Reverse Pivot designed to improve your basketball coaching and playing. 

Bruce Palmer outlines the first seven drills on our website. These drills are available to download for your practice sessions. Bruce outlines where the drills originate and why they will help you improve your game. 

www.thereversepivot.com/coachescorner

Al Westover a prolific basketball coach with 1500 games under his belt. He is best known for leading the Melbourne Tigers to two NBL championships (2006 and 2008) after succeeding Lindsay Gaze as head coach (where he also won two championships as assistant coach). Westover also had a successful three-year coaching stint in Japan, taking the Shiga Lakestars to their first-ever playoff appearance. Al is currently running the basketball program at Box Hill Senior Secondary, which has a track record of producing NBA players.

Bruce and Steve take a deep dive into his career and ask about the current state...

The Reverse Pivot with special guest: coach Mike Dunlap.

Mike Dunlap is the head coach of Colorado Mesa University men’s basketball team. A veteran coach with success in the NBA, NCAA, and Australia’s NBL, Mike adds an NBA championship with Milwaukee in 2021 to his decorated career.

Mike discusses his career and what makes for good basketball culture in the latest episode.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

David Claxton joins Bruce Palmer and Steve McLeod for another episode of The Reverse Pivot.

For over more than 40 years in the game, Dave has significantly contributed to the development of basketball in Queensland and nationally. His roles included state and national team coach including the Australian Boomers, alongside the Brisbane Bullets, Gold Coast Rollers and Adelaide 36ers. David was instrumental in bringing the NBL back to the Gold Coast as the General Manager of the Gold Coast Blaze. He also was responsible for bringing Leroy Loggins to the Brisbane Bullets. 

The Reverse Pivot is p...

Tom Maher joins The Reverse Pivot to chat about basketball coaching.

Tom Maher is one of the most successful coaches in international women's basketball, having led teams at six Olympic Games and securing a bronze medal with the Australian Opals in 1996. Renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to transform teams, he has also coached national squads in China and New Zealand, leaving a lasting global legacy in the sport.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

Basketball legend Shane Froling joins Bruce and Steve to talk about his career and family in the Australian basketball scene. 

Shane Froling is a former NBL player who competed with teams including the Eastside Spectres, Hobart Devils, Brisbane Bullets and Townsville Suns throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. A versatile forward and respected figure in Australian basketball, he went on to coach at various levels, including with the Townsville Heat and Crocodiles. Shane is married to former WNBL star Jenny Froling , and together they’ve raised a remarkable basketball family—daughters Alicia and Keely have both played profe...

Basketball legend Shane Froling joins Bruce and Steve to talk about his career and family in the Australian basketball scene. 

Shane Froling is a former NBL player who competed with teams including the Eastside Spectres, Hobart Devils, Brisbane Bullets and Townsville Suns throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. A versatile forward and respected figure in Australian basketball, he went on to coach at various levels, including with the Townsville Heat and Crocodiles. Shane is married to former WNBL star Jenny Froling , and together they’ve raised a remarkable basketball family—daughters Alicia and Keely have both played profe...

Rising basketball star Max Mackinnon joins the podcast to talk about the early stages of his career.

Max is the son of NBL player and current coach Sam Mackinnon. Bruce and Steve dive into his work ethic and his time playing at Louisiana State University.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

Brian Goorjian is an Australian Basketball Hall of Fame recipient with six NBL championships to his name (including three in a row). Brian is set to join the coaching staff for the New York Knicks summer league, which builds upon decades of coaching at an elite level in both Australia and China; including leading the Boomers in the Olympics in 2004, 2008, 2020 and 2024. Brian Goorjian is currently the head coach of the Sydney Kings.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

Mick Downer joins Bruce Palmer and Steve McLeod for the latest episode of The Reverse Pivot. 

Mick is an internationally experienced and FIBA accredited coach with over 20 years of professional coaching and management roles in high performance organisations, amateur and professional sports clubs. In the NBL he has coached the Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans and Perth Wildcats. He has also been an Assistant Coach for the Boomers in the 2016 Olympics, and lead teams in Japan. Mick talks about his career and what he looks for in Basketball players.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly s...

The Reverse Pivot welcomes established basketball coach, journalist and producer Brayden Heslehurst to the podcast.

Brayden has had an accomplished career in basketball and is very enthusiastic about the game. He is the winner of the inaugural NBL1 championship in 2021, a two time medal winner representing QLD and head coach of the QLD Women. He is also an athlete mentor and basketball shooting coach at Assist Athletic Services and the head of editorial content for basketball.com.au. Braydney sits down with Bruce and Steve to talk QLD basketball, his career and give input on the latest...

Brisbane basketball player Tiana Mangakahia joins The Reverse Pivot to talk about her career.

Tiana is a player for the Southern Districts Spartans of the NBL1 North. She began her career with two seasons in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) before playing college basketball in the United States for Syracuse University between 2017 and 2021. After a season in Russia, Mangakahia returned to the WNBL in 2022 but then retired in 2023 due to breast cancer. She was back on the court within a year after treatment but has since undergone more treatment while playing. Tiana talks about her health...

In this episode, Malcolm Watts shares his story about how he came to be the CEO of the Brisbane Bullets. Malcolm was previously the General Manager of commercial operations for Queensland Reds [rugby union], which built upon years in hospitality. Malcolm talks about the appointment of new head coach Stu Lash, revenue streams for the organisation and building the membership and attendance numbers in the years ahead.

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

In this episode of The Reverse Pivot, Bruce and Steve talk to Rebecca Stephens.

As a player, Rebecca wont 10 state league championships for Southern Districts Spartans and one national ABA championship. Rebecca discusses the women who taught her how to play the game properly, her coaching career, and what it takes to be an administrator and General Manager for Southern Districts Basketball Association. 

The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education, Big Dog Sports & Bubble Boardz.

Bruce Palmer and Steve McLeod welcome coach Tommy Lloyd to the podcast.

Tommy Lloyd spent his formative years in Brisbane coaching at St. Laurence's College before migrating to Germany where he became and assistant coach and recruiter.

Tommy is the current head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team. He was appointed as head coach on April 15, 2021, after serving as an assistant coach at Gonzaga for 22 seasons. In his four seasons at the helm, Lloyd has led the Wildcats to a 112-33 record. In this deep chat, the boys talk about Tommy's career, team...