Hoop Tales Podcast

Bryant Dunston grew up in Queens, New York and was a standout at Fordham University. He began his professional career in Korea in 2009, and left his mark by becoming a 2x defensive player of the year. Following his stint there he began his career in Europe and has played in Israel, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Bryant is a Greek League Champion, Turkish League champion, and a 2x EuroLeague defensive player of the year. He also holds the record for most blocks in EuroLeague history!

Corey grew up in New York City and didn't have a traditional route to basketball success. He was a late bloomer who went to Junior College and received a scholarship to play his last two years at Alabama State. His dream was to go pro but he didn't have the college resume to warrant a shot, so he took matters into his own hands. Corey went back to New York City and became a streetball legend. His success in the parks led to NBA opportunities and a successful career in multiple countries all over the world during his 15 year career. He is now a sideline analyst and TV host for the NBL in Australia!

Shawn's family immigrated from Guyana to Brooklyn in 1991 when he was eight years old along with his seven siblings. He fell in love with the game watching the Knicks and Bulls battle, but he never played organized basketball until he went to prep school. He went on to receive a college scholarship to Northeastern and transferred to Duquesne to finish his career. From there he began an illustrious overseas career and became a EuroLeague champion and 3x Israeli League champ with Maccabi Tel Aviv!

Dontaye Draper grew up in the projects in West Baltimore and didn't have any hoop dreams or aspirations to play in the NBA. As he got older he began to excel and knew he could potentially earn a living playing basketball. After finishing his career at the College of Charleston, Dontaye began his pro career in Sydney, Australia. From there he played in Italy, France, Belgium, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain. Dontaye is a former EuroCup MVP, 2x Spanish League Champion, Turkish Cup Winner, and Croatian Cup Winner! Tune in to hear his journey and what he's up to now in retirement!   

Jeremy Pargo grew up on the South Side of Chicago idolizing his older brother Jannero. He went on to excel at Gonzaga University before starting his pro career. He's played in multiple countries around the world including China, Israel, Italy, Russia, and US with stints in the NBA and G League. Jeremy is a 4x Israeli League Champion, Russian League Champion, and also won a TBT Championship. Tune in to hear his journey!

James Gist played college ball at the University of Maryland and was selected 57th overall by the Spurs in the 2008 NBA draft. After a few injuries early in his career he began his overseas journey. He played in five different countries in five seasons until he found his home in Athens, Greece with historic Greek club, Panathinakos. James went on to spend the next seven years with the club and won five Greek League titles along the way!

Ricky Hickman is a Winston Salem native and a UNCG alum. He was working the third shift at a FedEx warehouse until he got a call from a team in Romania giving him his first pro opportunity. Ricky has gone on to play in 6 different countries during his 13 year career, and won the EuroLeague Championship in 2014 as a member of Maccabi Tel Aviv! 

Jason & Ryan are brothers from south Jersey who both graduated from Rider University. Jason was selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2008 draft and spent 8 years in the NBA before transitioning to Europe. Ryan had NBA dreams but struggled with injury early in his career with the Utah Jazz. However he has played in 6 different countries in 9 seasons overseas, winning championships along the way! Tune in as they take us through their journey.

John Dibartolomeo is a former Division III standout who is off to an amazing start to his career. He is a 2x Israeli League Champion, Regular Season MVP, Final 4 MVP, Israeli Cup MVP, and 2x All Israeli League First Team member! John takes us through his journey from growing up in Westport, CT, to excelling at the University of Rochester, and ultimately becoming the Captain of Israeli powerhouse, Maccabi Tel Aviv!

J.R. Holden is one of the most decorated guards in European basketball history. He’s a 2x EuroLeague Champion, 4x Russian Cup winner, 9x Russian League Champion, and a member of EuroLeague’s 2000-2010 All Decade Team. He now serves as the Director of Player Personnel for the Brooklyn Nets!