Episode 49 - The Return

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. Like to sponsor the podcast? Visit www.thereversepivot.com to learn more.

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 contracted with the club through the end of the 2027–28 season. Want to collaborate with The Reverse Pivot? Sponsorship opportunities now available. Visit www.thereversepivot.com to learn more.   

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), multiple-time Australian Boomer and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Newley was renowned for his versatility, athleticism and professionalism. He retired in 2024 after more than 300 NBL games.

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 and lasting impact on Australian basketball have cemented his status as a true legend of the sport.

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 NBL.

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 joins the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame. The Reverse Pivot is proudly sponsored by Brian Kerle Basketball Academy, FIT Education and Big Dog Sports.

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.