Elite Team Athletics Podcast

#21 - Pat Miller

We had the pleasure of speaking with Head Coach from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Men’s Basketball team Pat Miller. First, we dive into how he’s holding up during the pandemic. Takeaways from “The Last Dance”, the role of Dennis Rodman. We then go back and talk to Pat about some of his playing days at Whitewater and their 1989 National Championship team. We then make the transition  from his collegiate career, to his first professional opportunity in Denmark. After a short stint due to injury Pat then tells us about his entry into coaching as a varsity head coach, the transition to an assistant at Whitewater until he received his debut to head coach the Warhawks. During the chat about his head coaching career we dive into some of his accolades and the crazy resume he has built while coaching some very successful teams. To close out the show we had some fun Q&A with Pat and had him answer questions from former Warhawks.

#20 - Vincent Grier

All-American, All Big Ten, Gopher Great, and former NBA Player Vincent Grier hopped on the show. Vincent told me about a Charlie Weber event in High School that really put him on the map. At that tournament, Vincent balled out on Amar'e Stoudemire, Jarrett Jack and Carmelo Anthony. After that tournament the High School (Mount Zion Christian Academy) that Amar’e and Jarrett Jack represented instantly recruited Vincent to transfer to the school. This prestigious high school also produced Tracy “TMac” McGrady. After that every School in the country was recruiting Vince minus Duke. He chose to stay close to home so his grandparents wouldn’t miss his first college game at the University of Charlotte. Things didn’t go the way he would have liked and asked for his release, the school wouldn’t grant Vince’s release which forced him to JUCO at Dixie St. and play for Jeff Kidder. After a great year at Dixie St. the offers poured in once again. Vince goes into detailed reasoning as to why he chose Minnesota over Arizona among other schools. His experience with Dan Monson. Why Vincent thinks the Gophers aren’t keeping in state talent and what he thinks they should do to change that. Winning a Gold Medal in Turkey for team USA and how he went from being almost cut to the most important piece of the team. And his NBA playing days with Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, Jason “White Chocolate” Williams, Antoine Walker and Pat Riley. How Gary Payton almost got him beat up by Alonzo Mourning. The pranks Jason Williams would play on rookies. What it was like guarding going head to head with Dwayne Wade everyday. A must listen!!

#19 - Dare Ogunbowale

Wisconsin Legend and Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale hopped on the show. Dare discusses his heritage, his family of athletes, his superb piano skills, and of course football. Dare has had an incredible journey, walked on the Wisconsin Badger football team as a cornerback, sophomore year, 2 games in, injuries happen and he gets moved to running back and flourishes. Goes from walk on to team captain, then the NFL. The NFL was another tough test, went un-drafted had stints with the Texans, Bucs, Redskins, then the Bucs again. 2019 became Dare’s breakout year, was named team captain and secured an important 3rd down back role for a Bruce Arians offense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now, Bucs recently signed Tom Brady, traded for Rob Gronkowski, drafted Minnesota Gophers Antoine Winfield and Tyler Johnson. Dare goes in depth about how a camera man had to sneak into a civilians yard just to sneak pics of their players practice that they had been holding everyday for 2 weeks prior. Dare discusses the media frenzy that has followed the team after these off season acquisitions how his relationship with James White of the Patriots has helped him acclimate with playing with Tom Brady. And how he believes Jameis Winston is going to have an incredible career, and prove all his doubters wrong. A must listen!

#18 - George Floyd Reactions

Some prominent sports figures in the community of Minnesota wanted to gather together to speak out in a positive way about the George Floyd Murder. Telling us what they're seeing in the front lines, how they feel, how they feel about the media's portrayal of the situation. Providing ideas, coping mechanisms, and platforms that people themselves can take action upon to help deal with unprecedented situations in our lifetime. Be a spark for others to open up and have real conversations about the problems in today's climate and continue the momentum of the movements that have taken place this past week.

Billy Turner 0:00-28:39

Armond Battle 28:40-37:50

Trae Waynes 37:51-53:18

Quardell Young 46:18-47:52

Joe Keels 53:19-1:14:14

Dawson Garcia 1:14:15-1:16:23

Trevor Mbakwe 1:16:24-1:27:22

Marcus Alipate 1:27:23-1:34:43

Jordan Taylor 1:34:44-1:49:00

Tevin Pittman 1:49:01-2:08:52

Our Message and Thank You's 2:08:53-2:08:57

#JusticeforGeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #NoJusticeNoPeace #ICantBreathe 

#17 - Darnell Harris

Darnell Harris hopped on the show to talk to us about his journey from his youth to the pros overseas. Darnell discussed his unique experience of playing for two different high schools in Milwaukee and what led him there, and two different prep schools, one in Houston, TX and the other in San Diego, CA. Which forced him to grow up quickly being on his own at such a young age. Initially committing to Cleveland State but how the NCAA cracked down on his prep school's curriculum which forced his status to become ineligible. With Darnell's options being limited he made a tough decision and decided to trust Milwaukee legend, Coach Lou Chapman to go play at UW-Whitewater.  Then, the transition from D3 to cutthroat JUCO, offers from various D1 programs and why he chose Middle Tennessee State. Making one of the biggest upsets in March Madness in knocking off Tom Izzo's #2 seed Michigan State in the first round and facing a tough Syracuse team the following game, and how serious that Syracuse zone defense is. Along with experiences from his professional resume. AND to top it off of course we got to hear this thoughts on…. THE LAST DANCE.

#16 - Reid Ouse

NBA Trainer Reid Ouse hopped on the show to talk about his new Training App(Catalyst Basketball App) and how he has been able to make the most of this pandemic. His podcast the drawing board that he uses as a tool to help coaches at all levels. Some behind the scene stories of his illustrious, and coveted open gym runs, that consist of players such at Tyus Jones, Royce White, Cole Aldrich, Anthony Tucker, Jordan Taylor, Jake Layman, Dan Oturu, Chet Holmgren, etc. A great insight on how Chet Holmgren says you have to attack a player like Royce White. And what it’s like telling D1 players they aren’t good enough to play in these runs. How much Reid enjoys fine tuning players, sharpening their skill set or even showing them moves they didn't know they already had in their arsenal. The pride he takes knowing he's helped countless athletes make it to the college and pro ranks. The grind Coach Ouse went through to get to where he is at today. And why he hates watching college/pro games. How watching his Mom over the years constantly help others in need, then instilled in him the value of giving back. Coach Ouse continues to carry out Karen's legacy! A must listen!

#15 - Nick Carroll

Co-Founder and CGO of Prep Network, Nick Carroll hopped on the show to discuss his journey. Starting as an athlete, then becoming a coach, which then turned into him developing a data platform that gives exposure to athletes of all Divisions (D1,D2,D3). How his passion for basketball turned into this crazy successful business that now amasses over 34 states, multiple sports, as well as genders. Prep Network is responsible for organizing over 60 basketball tournaments around the country, as well as 100 showcases. Nick walks us through the steps of Prep Networks launch of the new recruiting sector which helps high school players market themselves better to colleges. Also, Nick discusses the hilarious, yet crazy hate emails he gets from parents about their kids rankings. Nick is also currently the Head Basketball Coach at Totino-Grace. A must listen for all our entrepreneur listeners as well as athletes trying to make it to the next level!

#14 - Greg Stiemsma

Greg Stiemsma hopped on the show to discuss his basketball journey. From the major success in high school, to the lows through college. To the grind overseas and summer leagues, before his big break in the NBA. Greg talks about what it was like playing on the same team as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce & Ray Allen. To how Rajon Rondo was so good, that he would purposely make the game harder on himself because he was bored. To losing to LeBron James & the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. That time Doc Rivers/Danny Ainge told him not to comeback to the Celtics, so he can go get paid. How stoked he was about getting his nike sponsorship so he can finally get hooked up with some gear. Discussing his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and how he was happy to be back close to home, and meeting his wife! And of course his time with the Pelicans & the Raptors. Greg also discussed how NBA players face a lot of stress and pressure. And how he is very vocal to the public about bringing awareness to Depression and to seek help. And what it was like speaking up about this issue when it was not being talked about around the league. A must listen!

#13 - Andre Hollins

Andre Hollins hopped on the show to discuss his passion for “Be The Match”, to help people in need for blood diseases such as Leukemia and Sickle Cell. Blaming a double rim on his H-O-R-S-E loss to Rachel Banham. Discussing his Memphis Roots. How academics played a significant role in his college decision. The transition from Tubby Smith to Rick Pitino Jr. That he doesn’t regret not entering the NBA draft after his Sophomore season. And how nagging injuries and a new system affected parts of his final two years at the U of M. How he mentally dealt with the media labeling his Gopher teams as underachieving, yet remaining a model student, citizen and student-athlete. How big games tend to relax him. His favorite moments at the NIT/NCAA runs. What it’s like working out for NBA teams. How a basketball has allowed him to do his passion of traveling the world. And that if you want to get waxed in ping pong, hit him up!

#12 - Bria Hartley

WNBA All-Rookie Team, 2xNCAA Champ, Big East Rookie of the Year, McDonald’s All American, New York Miss Basketball, 7th overall pick, 3 time gold Medalist, 2 time Gatorade player of the year, Bria Hartley hopped on the show to discuss her career and all of her accomplishments.  What it was like winning 2 National Championships and be a part of the UCONN dynasty. How she feels about the new WNBA pay scale as well as maternity leave for women in the sport. What practices were like at UCONN with Geno Auriemma. Bria gives us an inside look at playing with and against some of the greatest players to ever play the game. And how excited she is to play with Diana Tuarasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins. Whether she prefers the WNBA season or Overseas season more than the other. A must listen!