Elite Team Athletics Podcast

#11 - TJ Dean

Current NFL trainer, Former NFL player and former All-American out of Southwest Minnesota State, TJ Dean hopped on the show to discuss his journey and what he's doing during this pandemic. Jumping around state to state training professional athletes. But his passion for training kids young to help mold them long term. His 7 on 7 team that travels, and how that helps his athletes gain athletic scholarships. How he ended up in Minnesota instead of the original plan of FAU. What it was like prepping for the NFL after college with Mark Ellis. The trials and tribulations of playing in the NFL. And how becoming a father helped pivot his passion of football into training. How TJ and Terrell Sinkfield teamed up to create TNT Academy. Also, discussing some of his pro athletes he’s currently training, Mazzi Wilkins, Irv Smith Jr, Josh Jacobs, Marcus Williams, CJ Smith, Jon Celestin, Mike Hughes, Tyler Johnson, Rashod Bateman, and many more. And how he’s prepping them for the season with this off season being thrown through the ringer with this pandemic.

#10 - Dawson Garcia

Dawson Garcia hopped on the show to discuss how the pandemic ended his senior year of high school prematurely. Missing prom, not being able to play in the McDonald’s All-American game, and how he’s staying in shape for the upcoming season at Marquette. What it was like receiving his first scholarship and what it was like winning a Gold Medal for USA and being the MVP of the tournament. The recruiting process, why he chose Marquette over the Gophers. What an official visit looks like for a recruit. How Nick Carroll (Prep Hoops), and D1 (Al Harris Coach) AAU put him on the map. Playing in top 100 camps. Talking with current NBA players about advice on how to maneuver in the correct ways, so he can make it to the NBA as well. How he handles the pressure of being under a microscope at all times, and how he can’t do things normal kids can do. Dawson’s passionate rivalry with Shakopee. How a game of duck duck grey duck made his parents know he was going to be a fierce competitor. Must listen!

#9 - Jordan Taylor

Professional Basketball Player and former All-American Wisconsin Badger great, Jordan Taylor stopped by to talk about his journey. Talking from high school to AAU. What it was like to be asked to leave his AAU team because he was too short, then catching them in a tournament and beating the “Dog Sh*t” out of them. The recruiting process with Wisconsin, Minnesota Gophers and Notre Dame. His college career, what it was like knocking off No.1 OSU, Battling the stereotype of being perceived as a less athletic for player for going to Wisconsin. What the guy at the Liqour store did for him after that OSU game. The tough decision Jordan had to make after that phenomenal All-American, Junior season, being a top 5 finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, which is given to the nation’s top point guard. Some of his greatest moments came in the NCAA Tournament and some of his worst moments came in that same NCAA tournament what it is like managing that rollercoaster ride. And whether or not to stay another year in college or declare for the NBA draft. How his father and the lockout effected that decision. The injuries that changed the projection of his career. Discussing what it was like playing in the summer league multiple years with Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks. Jordan’s experiences overseas, how he packed all his bags and tried to fly home because he was sick of being there, what his dad said to him to get him to go back to work. How the fear of missing out on experiences back home with his friends bothers him throughout his seasons overseas. Talks about how grueling the overseas season is, especially when you make the playoffs. Winning the German Cup! What Jordan is doing outside of basketball, his VR companies, 3Data and SlingshotVR, and how Mark Cuban is helping with those projects. That he’s secretly a nerd, and an avid reader of the Harry Potter books. And a hilarious Madden game that had him screaming “IT’S MY MONEY AND I WANT IT NOW!”.

#8 - Katie Young

Professional Basketball Player, Katie Young stopped by the studio to talk about her basketball journey! From growing up as a little girl beating all the boys at the local YMCA. What it was like being the only girl on the team with all boys. How the physicality of playing with all boys prepared her for the jump of playing High School Basketball. Katie's thoughts on whether or not women should challenge themselves by playing older competition or males more often. How to maneuver with a coach you don't necessarily see eye to eye with. Reasoning for choosing Marquette over other high major programs that recruited her. Katie's #1 play on Sportscenter's Top 10. How important academics were on top of playing in college. The reason why she left Broadcasting. Katie's WNBA and Overseas career. Katie's advice to young aspiring athletes. And how she transitioned from playing professional hoops to now owning her own car dealership here in Minnesota. 

#7 - Billy Turner

Green Bay Packer Billy Turner stopped by to talked about his new Non Profit Kind Energy Foundation and told us how the organization is giving back to help the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Billy explained how the pandemic has changed offseason workouts for the packers and other teams throughout the league. Discussed his 3 National Championships along with being a 2x consensus All-American. What the draft was like for him, and how he thinks the pandemic will effect this year's crop of rookies. Also, if he thinks he can out chug David Bakhtiari. What it was like practicing with/against guys like Aaron Rodgers, David Bakhtiari, Ndamukong Suh, Jared Odrick, Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey and Laremy Tunsil. Billy's Passion for Art, Fashion and Photography and so much more! You can find Kind Energy Foundation on Instgram @kindenergy__ or online at www.kindenergyfoundation.com #kindness4COVID

#6 - Mike Tice

Background on my relationship with Mike Tice. Why the Kansas City Chiefs told Mike they'd never scrimmage the Vikes again. Why the NFL needs a minor league system. High School Days with George O’Leary. Turning down a visit from Penn State because Joe Paterno wanted to turn him into a really good tight end… And how he regrets not doing that because he probably would’ve made more money in the NFL. Shoulder injury in college. What it was like playing with his brother John Tice at University of Maryland. The little lie he told the Seattle Seahawks, that helped him make the team. How CBD ointment helps him. Juggling NFL career while also working for a moving company in the offseason. What it was like being teammates with Brian “The Boz” Bosworth, and how he was a genius marketer. What he told Joe Gibbs when Joe called him in for final cuts. Passion for Horse Racing. Being the lowest paid Head Coach in the NFL with the lowest paid coaching staff. What it was like beating the Green Bay packers at Lambeau Field in the playoffs. Addressing the difficulties of having off the field issues during his tenure as the Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings. The Kevin Williams draft fiasco and that Kevin Williams is who they wanted all along. The only thing Randy Moss can't do...yet. And be sure to tune into Odds and Ends with Mike Tice on Apple and Youtube!

#5 - Big Ten Talk w/ Anthony Tucker, Jordan Taylor & Trevor Mbakwe

During this Pandemic, Anthony Tucker, Jordan Taylor & Trevor Mbakwe, found the time to hop on a Zoom call with us to discuss their thoughts on Big Ten Basketball. They discuss how they met each other. The changes in recruiting for college programs. How upperclassman staying in college helps the game of college. How the transfer rule was different for them, how players use the transfer portal to shop around in todays college landscape. Why Jordan is hesitant to give players power in the college ranks and why he thinks the NCAA should remain in control. Which player in the Big Ten talked the most trash. Who the dirtiest player in the Big Ten is. Which School is the best school in the Big Ten. What it would have been like if all 3 stayed home and played together for the Minnesota Gophers. Why the Minnesota Gophers can't keep in-state talent. When former Gopher Coach Dan Monson told them they weren't Big Ten talents. Why nobody wants to be the guinea pig with their college career by testing the waters by staying home in Minnesota for the Gophers. Whats wrong with the Gophers Culture. Dan Oturu being a big recruit that stayed. Their thoughts on LaMelo Ball buying his own team in Australia. How this will impact high school kids skipping college before going pro. Who their weirdest teammates were. Tuck's ninja teammate. Teammates that were thieves. If they could only save one teammate if they were trapped in the middle of the ocean who would they save. What it was like playing in the million dollar basketball tournament in Chicago.

#4 - Mike Morris

Former Minnesota Viking, SuperStar Mike Morris stopped by the studio to tell us about his journey to the NFL. What it was like training pro athletes such as MMA star Brock Lesnar, Matt Birk, Randall McDaniel, Robert Smith. Talks on the Vikings current O-line. Riley Reiff's injury battles and that his best football is behind him. Thoughts on Dallas Cowboys having best O-line in football. What it was like having a front seat to the Vikings 1998 season. Randall Cunningham being a freak and throwing the football 85-90 yards. Jeff George being Jay Cutler before there ever was a Jay Cutler. McCombs being the most stingy owner the NFL has ever seen. Wilfs being great owners. Gary Anderson's perfect season but miss in the playoffs. What he said to Randall McDaniel after the miss from Gary. Talking about Denny Green’s decision to kneel and go to OT. Denny's ability to bring talent around him. Randall McDaniel being as fast as Robert Smith but Randy Moss killing them both in a hilarious race. Believes Randy was faster than 4.2. Reggie White’s one handed toss on Larry Allen. Larry Allen best ever tackle and then Tyron Smith being number 2. Larry Allen being the scariest man he's ever seen. Fights Superstar Mike Morris had with teammates because they thought Long Snappers weren't real football players (Roy Barker, Dwayne Clemmons). How his nickname came about for KFAN. Jesse Ventura Beef over SuperStar Moniker. Kenny Patera dunking infront of the Olympics. Bob Sapp claiming he pulled 900lbs and Mike calling Bull$h*t. How he came up with the name The Power Trip. How he gave Meatsauce his nickname. 

#3 - Trevor Mbakwe

Professional Basketball Player Trevor Mbakwe, former Minnesota Golden Gopher, stopped by the studio to tell us his story. Explains the time he found out the hype around Blake Griffin was real. What it was like being on the nike circuit. Being a part of the High School class that features the likes of Michael Beasley, Blake Griffin, OJ Mayo, Eric Gordon and Kevin Love. And what it was like competing against those guys. Talks about the unique competition/friendship he had with Cole Aldrich. Reason for leaving Henry Sibley to go to St. Bernards. And his long journey through college with many ups and downs on his way to playing in the pros. Why he had to turn down an opportunity of a shot at the NBA for guaranteed money overseas. What it's like raising a family overseas.

#2 - Anthony Tucker

Professional basketball player Anthony Tucker of the Formosa Dreamers, formerly of the Macau Black Bears discusses how the COVID-19 ended his professional season this year. Anthony also talks about what his upbringing was like in the sport of basketball, from AAU, High School, College and then to the Pros. The recruiting process with Iowa. The unfortunate experience he had with University of Minnesota. The trials and tribulations he encountered along the way. And what he had to do to become the ABL MVP World Import. As well as his thoughts on the current NBA landscape.