If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Tim": Tim has been a long-time friend of mine, we go way back to 2014 and ended up celebrating our 10year anniversary of our friendship in Colombia together, where this podcast was recorded. Tim has had experiences as a coach early on in his life as a 22 year old in Spain in the lower divisions, learned his ways without speaking much Spanish at the time. Tim has since coached at an elite level in Euroleague for Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as New Zealand National Team as an Assistant Coach and New Zealand domestic league as a Head Coach. He also was the G-League assistant at Delaware as well as the Head Coach at OTE before joining the BYU Basketball program this season. Today, Tim told us all about his journey, from finding his way to the GLeague via email application to coaching at the World Cup in Spain in 2014 as an Assistant of the New Zealand National Team. He also shared the lessons he learned working under great Head Coaches such as Giannis Sfairopoulos at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Tim also shared his unique perspective on the rookie adjustment issues in Europe and many more topics that we talked about. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! Topics: New Zealand Culture & Leadership Basketball Philosophy  Lessons From Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach in Spain at 22 Learning to haggle Online Platform Projects Coaching & Keeping it Simple Rookies in Europe  OTE ATOs #TimFanning #BYU #Israel #Spain #OTE #NewZealand #NCAABasketball #MaccabiTelAviv Finding "Tim Fanning": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timfanning510/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELTim  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-fanning-6025b8b/  X: https://x.com/coach_team  Website: www.hoopsenglish.com  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Damjan": Damjan Rudež is a highly accomplished basketball player who played at all possible levels of basketball and has now ventured into the business side of things with the "Sunset Sports Festival". Damjan started his professional career in Belgium before returning to Croatia to play for Split and later various other teams in the Balkans before moving on to Zaragoza, Spain. Damjan was picked up by the Indiana Pacers in 2014 and played three years for three different teams before returning to Europe when signing with Valencia.  Damjan also represented his Croatian flag in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Today, Damjan opened up about his struggles early on in his career in Oostende as well as his sliding door moment in his workout in front of all the Indiana Pacers staff. Damjan also talked about the struggles of retirement, creating his new identity as well as how him and his business partners started the Sunset Sports Festival, which has become a household event during the summer in Zadar, Croatia. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! Topics: Championship Mindset Paris Olympics Saturation & Retirement  Shooting Slumps Frustrations after NBA Post Career Life ProBallers.com Finding your Niche/Role Sunset Sports Festival ATOs #DamjanRudez #Retirement #Shooter #SunsetSportsFestival #Mindset  Finding "Damjan Rudež": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damorudez9/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damjan-rude%C5%BE-b1456b235/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damjanrudez86  X: https://x.com/Damjan_Rudez  Event Website: https://sunsetsportsmedia.com/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Sye": My good friend Simon Cote is not only a long time friend but also used to be a long time colleague in the world of coaching. After serving as an Assistant at SMU & University of Tennessee in the late 90s he decided to start his coaching career in Europe and worked with current World Champion Gordon Herbert in Frankfurt. He was part of the championship team there before becoming a Head Coach himself in Giessen. Simon has also a wealth of experience as an Assistant coach in different countries as well as being a NBA scout for the Denver Nuggets in the early 2000s. Today we talked about the darker side of coaching, the part where you get fired and have to search for new opportunities in the world of basketball coaching. Simon talked about loss of identity and eventually about his transition out of the sport and into a completely new avenue, finance.  Lots of valuable lessons in here for everyone on how to re-define yourself, finding new motivation in a completely new area of life and overcoming challenges that come with that. Leaving behind the sport you love is never easy, today you will hear Simon's story. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! Topics: Simon's Coaching Path Adapting from NCAA to Europe NBA Scout Experience Giessen Job Self-Doubt after getting fired Role of an Assistant Coach New Identity as a Head Coach Sense of Self & Dealing with Pressure Mentorship & Gratification ProBallers.com Leaving Basketball & Transitioning Lessons from Basketball ATOs #SimonCote #HeadCoach #Basketball #GettingFired #NewIdentity Finding Simon Cote: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syeco777/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncote/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "So": Sophia started her basketball journey together with me in Shreveport, Louisiana as an exchange student before she became a superstar at Baylor University. She took the Lady Bears to a National Championship and became the MVP of the Final Four before getting drafted by the San Antonio SilverStars and continuing her journey in the WNBA and later in various countries around Europe as well as in China! Sophia is currently an Assistant Coach with the Lady Bears program and is continuing her mentorship of young ladies in college as well as developing their on-court skills at the same time. Today, "So" and me talked about her journey and the challenges along the way that she encountered while reaching her potential. We talked about the straining journey of a WNBA player and how to juggle playing all year around between WNBA & overseas, which at some point ended up in exhaustion and an ACL tear during her time in China. We also went into depth of her journey of retirement and trying to rediscover herself, building a new identity outside the court and finding new passions that she can pursue, including podcasting with her husband.  Sophia is also a proud mother of two and enjoying life all together in Texas. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (2:25) 1st date with Sophia (5:40) "Relationship & Reason" Podcast (12:00) Foreign Exchange Student Life (15:45) Difference between Confidence & Cockiness (23:10) WNBA & Overseas Workload  (32:00) Dealing with retirement (41:20) Starting the coaching career (45:00) Balancing Stress & Joy (51:20) Unlearning old behaviors (55:05) ATOs #SophiaYoungMalcolm #SophiaYoung #NationalChampion #Baylor #WNBA #WomensBasketball Finding "Sophia": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiayoungmalcolm/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.young.1466  Twitter: https://x.com/sophiayoung33  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ukVy0rgM8P6wAHx3UbbRO?si=632943f0287c459f  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com "Micah": Micah has a wealth of experience on the NCAA level as well as the NBA level with the Boston Celtics where he spent 6 years as an Assistant Coach to Brad Stevens. Prior to that Micah already served as an Assistant at Butler and Purdue before joining the Celtics in 2013. After his NBA stint, Micah decided to go back to Purdue as an Assistant once again before taking the Penn State Head Coaching job in 2021. In 2023, Micah joined he Fighting Irish and is currently going into his second season as their Head Coach! Today, Micah and me kicked off the conversation talking about what it feels like to coach his son and how to maintain a healthy balance between the two roles. We went on to touch on the main differences between coaching NBA vs coaching NCAA players, differences in communication styles, lessons that he learned from being an Assistant Coach that he applies to his current Head Coaching job. We also talked about how he manages the load on his staff, what he expects from his Assistants and what he noticed in attention span of players over the span of his career. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: Coaching Son Coaching difference NCAA vs NBA Lessons as an Assistant vs Head Coach Coaches trusting coaches Communication Styles NBA vs NCAA Filtering out information ProBallers.com Expectations from Assistant Coaches Length of Meetings Attention Span of Players & Scouting Info Recruiting Players & International Players ATOs #MicahShrewsberry #NotreDameMBB #NotreDame #NCAA #NBA #Coach Finding "Micah": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_shrews/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Coach_Shrews  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

#61 Paulius Jankunas (LT) - Ką daro komandos kapitonas? Jeigu norite paremti šį podcastą, tai galite padaryti per nuorodą žemiau. Būsiu labai dėkingas! https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Rėmėjas #1: www.Proballers.com Rėmėjas #2: www.forestdomes.lt 10% Nuolaidos kodas: BENAS10 "Jankis": Šiandienos svečio ilgai pristatinėti nereikia - Pauliaus Jankūno vardas daug kartų nuskambėjo ir vis dar skamba Žalgirio Arenoje. Beveik visą savo profesionalią karjerą praleidęs Žalgiryje ir su juo laimejęs 15 LKL titulų bei 5 kartus tapęs Karaliaus Mindaugo taurės nugaletoju, Paulius šiandien apsilankė mano podcaste.  Šalia visų vietinių, asmeninių pasiekimų ir kitų apdovanojimų Paulius gali pasigirti ir trimis medaliais, iškovotais su Lietuvos krepšinio rinktine. Bet šiandien visgi nekalbėsim apie titulus, o analizuosim kelią tų titulų link ir kokie niuansai nulėmė sėkmę. Su Pauliumi mes aptarsim jo būdus susikoncentruoti ir atsiriboti nuo išblaškančių aplinkybių; apie tai, kokius dalykus apie varžovų stiprybes ir silpnybes išgirsti prieš rungtynes iš skautų ir asistentų žaidėjui būna svarbu; paliesime, kokios tos kapitono pareigos iš tikrųjų yra ir ko tiksliai jos reikalauja. Paulius pasidalins, į ką daugiausiai kreipė dėmesio būdamas kapitonas ir kaip stengėsi padėti naujai atvykusiems komandos žaidėjams, ypatingą dėmesį skirdamas iš užsienio atvykusiems žaidėjams ir jų integracijai Lietuvoje. Kalbėjome ir apie komandos rūbinės privatumą, dabartines Pauliaus pareigas ir į ką jis kreipia dėmesį stebėdamas treniruočių procesą iš šalies. Šis pokalbis taip pat ypatingas, nes aptarėm ir gyvenimo vertybes bei kitas temas, apie kurias rečiau teko girdėti ankstesniuose podcastuose. Jeigu pokalbis jums patiko, prašau juo pasidalinti! O jei mano podcaste norite dažniau matyti svečius ir pokalbius iš viso pasaulio - prenumeruokite ir nepraleiskite naujų epizodų. Topics: Forest Domes Koncentracija Kitas Etapas Pasiruosimas/Skautingas Rungtynem Stiprybes vs Silpnybes Ka daro kapitonas? Komunikacija Konfliktas Komandoje ProBallers.com Issukiai naujuose pareigose Treniruociu analize Komunikacija su treneriu Charakteris vs Talentas ATOs #PauliusJankunas #Jankis #Kapitonas #Zalgiris #Krepsinis #Kaunas Finding "Jankis": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jankunas_paulius/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulius.jankunas.1  LinkedIn (Žalgiris): https://www.linkedin.com/company/bc-zalgiris-kaunas/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 LinkedIn: www.bmatke.com 

Martin Kuchalik - Business Communication vs Sports Communication (EP59) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  "Martin": Not many people in the sports business know who Martin Kuchalik is but the people who work with him truly appreciate his knowledge and view on things. Martin is a communication expert and is hired by companies to observe and improve internal communication especially when taking the vertical communication from management down to its employees. The goal is always to create a platform of understanding each other better and cooperating in order to reach common goals...just as in sports. Today, I tried to combine the two worlds and bridge the gap between the business world of communication and my basketball world, especially within the coach's locker-room as well as the dynamic between coaches & players.  We talked a lot about trust-based communication, brutal honesty vs honesty with empathy, how to ask powerful and open ended questions, cultural differences within a company and how to help understand each other better, how to deal with manipulation as well as patronization at the work-place and much more. My favorite episode to say the least, we totally geeked out :) Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: How to help companies? Importance of Vulnerability Emotional Security by Leadership Emotional vs Non-Emotional Responses "Hurt people hurt people" How and when to give feedback? Body language & Finding Truth Cultural Differences How to improve confidence? Criticism within Cultures Overthinking Manipulation & Undermining Relationship aspect ATOs #MartinKuchalik #Communication #BusinessCommunication #SportsCommunication Finding "Martin": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martin_kuchalik/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.kuchalik  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-kuchalik/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  "AntGoods": Anthony is a former professional basketball player who played in a lot of different places around the world. He played four years at Stanford before transitioning to the DLeague at the time, making his way to Italy later on before coming back to the DLeague again. Later, he finally decided to take his talents to Europe as well as South America and played in countries such as Ukraine, France, Israel, Venezuela, Dominican Republic as well as Kosovo where he ended up finishing his career in 2020. Today, Ant shared his experience of playing in Venezuela and how he almost got kidnapped upon arrival, his path throughout Europe and how open he was to new cultures and new experiences before deciding to retire. We also talked about our life as scouts on the road and the life in hotels and the challenge of finding a routine. Anthony also talked about the beginnings of "Swishcultures" and how he goes about living out his creative side of things, while also being productive in everything he does.  A multi-faceted personality with a variety of experiences and lots of fascinating stories to tell. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (2:30) Getting Robbed in Barcelona (10:00) Routine on the road / Workouts (19:30) Balancing Work&Social Life (25:30) Can You Be An Introvert & Be A Scout? (29:30) Dealing with Rejection & Women (35:30) High Demand Personalities (46:45) ProBallers.com (54:30) Venezuela Experience (1:00:50) Cultural Adaptation (1:05:50) Life Post Retirement (1:12:00) "Swishcultures" & Other Passions (1:23:55) Scouting vs Coaching (1:28:15) ATOs #AnthonyGoods #AntGoods #Swishcultures #ExPlayer #Retirement #Stanford  Finding "Ant": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antgoods87/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntGoods  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.goods.54  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-goods-826b2845/  Swishcultures: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swishcultures/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  "Eskedar": Eskedar is a good friend of mine and has been living in Vilnius first as a refugee before finally becoming a Lithuanian citizen. Today she shared her crazy and unique story of how she escaped an oppressive government in Ethiopia 19 years ago, got tangled up in an even more restrictive government in Khartoum (Sudan) until civil war broke out before ending up in jail in Lybia and then taking a boat to Malta to finally enjoy her freedom. She did this final journey while being pregnant and ended up in Lithuania with her boyfriend at that time. Meanwhile, Eskedar enjoys her freedom in Lithuania for 17 years now, is politically active and shares her story as inspiration for all people around Lithuania that anything is possible while also being a business woman in Vilnius.  Eskedar is running several Cafes in Vilnius where she is selling her locally roasted coffee beans from different countries in Africa & inviting people to traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremonies while creating her own community based on her native Ethiopian hospitality traits. If you need an inspirational story as well as a good laugh and a new place to taste some Ethiopian Coffee in Vilnius, check this episode out and share it with friends who love coffee as much as we do! Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: Origins of Bulletproof Coffee Escapes from Ethiopia, Sudan & Lybia  Creating a Community in Lithuania Ethiopian Culture of Trust Exploiting Ethiopian Coffee Plantations Cozy Vilnius Eskedar Cafes Activist for Different Causes #Eskedar #Ethiopia #Ethiopiancoffee #Coffee #Vilnius #CoffeeinVilnius #EthiopianBeans #Lithuania  Finding "Eskedar": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esked_ar/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eskedarcoffeebar/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eskedarcoffee/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eskedarcoffeeterrace/  Website: http://www.eskedarcoffee.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EskedarTila Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eskedarcoffee  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eskedarcoffeebar  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eskedar-tilahun-ma%C5%A1tavi%C4%8Dien%C4%97-41207668/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  "Cuzzo": Francesco Cuzzolin is currently the Head of Performance at EA7 Armani Milano and has a wealth of experience in the field of Strength & Conditioning. He became the first Strength & Conditioning coach in the NBA when he started to work for the Toronto Raptors. Besides clubs he also worked with Italy's & Russia's Basketball National Team and is also serving as a consultant to Technogym as well as the ELPA (Euroleague Player's Association). Cuzzo also serves a role in education when he holds lectures at the University of Murcia as well as Sevilla. Today we covered a variety of topics in my longest podcast yet. We talked from the importance of sharing information amongst peers, finding information from outside your field and applying it to your daily job. I was also curious on what coaches and scouts have to do in order to be pro-active against prolonged sitting and hurting their backs. Weightlifting for players, the recovery process after games and many more topics that are important to athletes, coaches & staff! Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (3:00) Sharing Ideas & Communication (16:30) NBA (Raptors) vs Europe (26:00) Multi-Tasking & Organizing yourself (35:00) Learning New Information (39:00) Physical Health of Coaching Staff (50:40) ProBallers.com (59:40) Data Analysis & Value of Sleep (1:08:10) Weightlifting During Season (1:12:45) Preparation Common Mistakes  (1:19:50) Studies on Music & Frequency (1:25:45) ATOs #Cuzzo #PerformanceCoach #HeadofPerformance #Milano #ArmaniMilano #Euroleague #NBA #NationalTeamBasketball #ItalyBasketball  Finding "Cuzzo": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fracuzzolin/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/fcuzzolin  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francesco.cuzzolin.3  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-cuzzolin-phd-b8485427/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  "Sergio": Sergio Scariolo doesn't need a long introduction, his successes speak for itself especially with Spain's National Team and the countless titles internationally that they have won. 5 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals across Eurobasket, World Cup and Olympic tournaments. He's the winningest National Team coach in the modern era of basketball. Sergio can also consider himself a NBA champion when he won the NBA championship as an Assistant Coach with the Toronto Raptors. Today, we let all of those achievements 'rest in peace' and talked more about the constructive part of the game, especially when it comes to communication with super stars and his take on it as well as lots of stories around the invention of the Spanish Pick & Roll & more.  This episode had lots of constructive advice for young coaches behind the scenes on how to behave in certain situations as well as avoid doing the mistakes that he did himself during his younger years as a coach.  A very genuine and sincere episode with one of the greatest coaches of the modern era of basketball, please enjoy!! Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (3:00) Sergio off the court (7:10) Communication & Self Criticism (22:45) Michelangelo Effect (31:00) ProBallers.com (35:10) Invention of Spanish Pick&Roll (2009) (40:50) Beginning of the Diamond Sets (43:45) Defensive Versatility (52:00) ATOs #SergioScariolo #SpainNationalTeam #SpanishPickandRoll #BaloncestoEspana #Basketball Finding Sergio Scariolo / Spanish Federation: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baloncestoesp/  Twitter Sergio: https://twitter.com/sergioscariolo  Twitter Federation: https://twitter.com/BaloncestoESP  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaloncestoFEB  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/federaci%C3%B3nespa%C3%B1oladebaloncesto/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  "Boris": Boris Diaw is a well known name in the basketball community, not much introduction needed at this point, even after his retirement. He's a winner and a patriot in the most truest sense. Every summer he played for the National Team of France and in 2013 he won the FIBA Eurobasket and followed up in 2014 with a NBA championship playing for the Spurs in a memorable playoff run.  Today, Boris and me talked not only about basketball. We spent quality time together during the podcast and explored our interests of travel, photography, food as well as coffee & wine regions...plenty of delicacies. We also dove into topics such as expectations from Assistant Coaches, emotional balance and his approach to life & basketball in general as well as the summer of 2013. How he went from losing the NBA Finals to winning the Eurobasket with France and winning the NBA Finals in 2014, all within 12 months...what a ride this was, please join us! Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (3:00) Coffee, Wine & Travel (14:15) Impact of Montessori School (26:10) Impact of Coaches  (31:30) Dos & Don'ts for Assistant Coaches (37:40) Embracing Pressure (39:10) Winning Eurobasket of 2013 (46:50) Preparing For Retirement (52:06) Emotional Balance & Attitude to Life (56:30) Playing in French 11th Division (58:50) ProBallers.com (1:05:00) ATOs #BorisDiaw #NBAChampionship #NBA Finals #Eurobasket #Wine #Coffee #Travel #Photography #MontessoriSchool  Finding Boris Diaw: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diawboris/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/theborisdiaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boris.diaw.944 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-diaw-57832ab1/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.ProBallers.com  Website: www.bmatke.com "Tadas": Tadas Bulotas took on the profession of a basketball agent after his father but started his own company together with Arturas Javtokas in 2008 while he was still only 19years old. He eventually sold his business and joined Wassermann agency as one of their representatives in Europe. Besides many international draft prospects Tadas also represents clients in Euroleague as well as Japan and other countries around the world. Today's episode is centered around topics of problem-solving within the business. Different aspects of his job require a variety of different perspectives in order to resolve problems that occur between the different parties involved. We also dove into recruitment & ethics in this business. Unwritten rules and more.... Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms!!! Topics: (0:00) Intro (2:10) Berlin vs Vilnius (6:20) Starting as an Agent (10:00) Impact of Father (13:15) Start of Recruitment (18:50) Contact with Teams (22:50) Communication with Coaches & Teams (26:00) Finding a New Team (31:12) Injury of Players (35:50) Players Leaving Agents (41:00) Daily Routine  (43:00) ProBallers.com (48:15) Ethics of Agents (55:10) Emotional Gratification (1:02:50) Future of Business (1:14:03) "Small Print" #TadasBulotas #TeamWass #BasketballAgent #International #AgentLife  Finding Tadas Bulotas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulotastadas/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tadas.bulotas  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadas-bulotas-7577765b/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/BulotasTadas   Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.proballers.com Topics: 0:00 Intro 2:52 How are you? 5:00 Basketball Beginnings 8:40 Art of Basketball & Standards 12:45 National Team Beginnings 17:00 Mentorship & Big Responsibilities 27:40 Focus & Preparation Process 32:30 New Assistant Coach Responsibilities 37:00 Communication with players 44:00 Expectations from Assistant Coaches 46:00 Under-rated "Actions" on offense 51:30 ProBallers.com 58:05 Protecting mental health 1:04:15 Reflections: Becoming a Head Coach 1:06:50 ATOs NEW SPONSOR: I want to welcome our new and first sponsor of the show, www.proballers.com  Every basketball geek knows them, it's a statistical platform that carries the top 75 leagues around the world, you can easily access all the information on your phone, which it's optimized for and have fun scouting players and leagues around the world! "Lassi": Lassi is a young and up&coming basketball coach from Finland who started to coach in 2005 and became National Team Assistant Coach as soon as 2010 and has been an integral part of the coaching staff under Coach Dettmann until Lassi himself became the Head Coach of Finland's Basketball National Team in 2022! Currently, he also serves as an Assistant Coach to Luca Banchi at Virtus Bologna in the Euroleague. Lassi and me talked about various subjects but most notably and most importantly about the topic of mentorship and how important it was in his development as a young basketball coach. We also talked about the transition from Assistant Coach to Head Coach and back to being an Assistant Coach again while serving as a Head Coach in Finland. Other topics were the importance of balance, decompressing, finding a place to work or unwind outside the hotel, reflections on the past and most under-rated actions on the basketball court. Please enjoy...Share with friends & colleagues, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms! #LassiTuovi #FinlandBasketball #HeadCoach #AssistantCoach #Mentorship #Leadership  Finding Lassi Tuovi: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lassituovi/  Twitter: https://x.com/coachtuovi?s=20  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lassi.tuovi  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lassi-tuovi-a72142164/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.proballers.com Topics: (0:00) Intro (3:30) Memories as a Player (6:15) Knee Rehabilitation & Support System (17:45) Being Hard to Coach (21:35) Overthinking & Analyzing (26:40) Pablo Laso & Real Madrid Culture (37:20) ProBallers.com Search Tool (42:40) Transition to New Career (47:00) Helping Players Adapt (52:52) Scouting Perspective & Details (57:20) Real's Competitive Practices (1:00:20) Expectation from Assistant Coaches (1:04:30) Correcting Jonas (1:05:10) ATOs NEW SPONSOR: I want to welcome our new and first sponsor of the show, www.proballers.com  Every basketball geek knows them, it's a statistical platform that carries the top 75 leagues around the world, you can easily access all the information on your phone, which it's optimized for and have fun scouting players and leagues around the world! "Jonce": Today's guest is Jonas Mačiulis, my long time player at the National Team level who became a good friend after his playing career. Jonas is a high achiever and has countless awards to show for across several countries around Europe. Most notably with Real Madrid in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece. Jonas won countless domestic titles with Panathinaikos & Real Madrid as well as the Euroleague in 2015 with Madrid. He also prides himself with being a long time National Team player and winning four medals, two silver medals (2013 & 2015) & one bronze medal (2007) in European Championships as well as a bronze medal at the world cup in Turkey (2010). We talked about his road to recovery after tearing his ACL and what made the biggest difference in his support group. Later we went on to talk about the competitive practices at Real Madrid as well as his experience with Pablo Laso. We also covered subjects from his current position with Kedainiai Nevežis and all the lessons he took from being a player that he can apply now, especially in regards to dealing with players and building the club from the ground up. Please enjoy...share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms! #JonasMaciulis #RealMadrid #Basketball #Panathinaikos #Lithuania #NationalTeam #Executive  Finding Jonas Maciulis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonasmaciulis8/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonasMaciulis8  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonas.maciulis.56  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-ma%C4%8Diulis-aa3130ab/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsors: www.proballers.com Topics: Coach's Son Exprience Communication (Management & Head Coach) Conflicts & Conversations Building A Culture & Identity Qualities of a Head Coach / Process Youth Integration ProBallers.com Information Diet Daily Habits Family Life Balance ATOs NEW SPONSOR: I want to welcome our new and first sponsor of the show, www.proballers.com  Every basketball geek knows them, it's a statistical platform that carries the top 75 leagues around the world, you can easily access all the information on your phone, which it's optimized for and have fun scouting players and leagues around the world! "Marko": Marko Pesic is more than a household name in the European Basketball community, he's a former ALBA as well as National Team player and current General Manager of FC Bayern Munich Basketball. He has countless domestic titles as well National Team medals under his belt as a player as well Manager of Bayern Munich but may all those achievement rest in peace today. Marko and me had a wide ranging conversation about his life as a coach's son, the struggles of growing up as one and finally finding validation. We obviously touched on communication, which is my favorite subject and that helped us contextualize a lot of details that are 'hidden' in the daily life of a GM. We talked about the communication between him and the Sports Director as well as the Head Coach and how to keep everyone on the same page, which situations matter in regards to communication with players and which situation can't be solved by him. Learning to distinguish of what he can solve and what he can't solve is key to the success of an organization and being aligned with everything that is going on in the club. We also touched on scouting your own team, observing practices and the qualities to look for in a Head Coach, obviously also dove into the integration of youth players and how to make decisions that involved their development. We also briefly analyzed a box score from their last game vs Panathinaikos on www.proballers.com and swiftly moved on to talking about his personal life, the balance between family and work as well as his 'information diet' and what influences his thinking on a daily basis. Please enjoy...share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms! #MarkoPesic #FCBayernMunich #Basketball #GeneralManager #GM #Management #Champion Finding Marko Pesic: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pesic7/  Twitter: https://x.com/pesic7?s=20  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pesic76  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-pesic-3627451b4/  Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Danny": Danny is a long time friend of mine and currently the GM of the Perth Wildcats, representing the NBL proudly.  Danny has a very colorful background across the world, from playing in Australia to Oregon Tech in the US as well as the Irish National Team to being the video coordinator for the Bakersfield Jam and working in Europe as the International Scout of the Philadelphia 76ers after briefly coaching in Italy. Danny later moved to the US to become the Director of Scouting for Philadelphia before transitioning back to his hometown in Perth as the GM of his hometown team, Perth Wildcats. Today we had a wide array of topics that ranged from his experience in the NBA, what he took away from his time at Philadelphia, the lessons he learned and what he can apply not only from his roles but also from other sports to his team in Perth. We also veered off and talked about how he balances family & work and what his philosophy in Perth is all about.  Please enjoy...share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms! If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Berlin Memories Irish National Team Career Transitions NBA Experience & Expectations Path to PerthJob Description of a GM Mentorship & Advice Culture Most Common Challenges Cultural Communication & Honesty Traits of a Coach Observing Practices Routines & Habits Family Life & Balance ATOs #DannyMills #PerthWildcats #GM #Executive #Management #Australia #NBL Finding Perth Wildcats: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perthwildcats/  Twitter: https://x.com/PerthWildcats?s=20  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcats  Finding Danny Mills: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-mills-166a6554?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Sponsors: Waiting for you!!! Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Paulius": Paulius first joined Žalgiris Kaunas in 2007 as their director of communications but quickly climbed the latter and became the GM in 2013. Paulius lead the organization through two crises, celebrated multiple championships within the Lithuanian League and elevated the status of Žalgiris Kaunas back to where it belongs in Europe, being a playoff contender each season. The organization went from nearly being bankrupt in 2013 to being a Final Four participant in 2018??? and hosting the Final Four event itself in 2023.  In today's 50th episode, Paulius and me talked about several topics that surrounded his job at Žalgiris, especially dealing with coaches, building culture within the organization, protecting tradition as well as using sports psychology as a tool to support the organizational growth from within! We continued to talk about his vision for the Euroleague itself, where it is now, tv rights & finances as well as his optimism and naiveness within the business.    Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as all audio platforms! If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: - Memories - Zalgiris Early Beginnings - Favourite Failure - Being Naïve - Upholding Zalgiris Tradition - Communication & Observation - Firing The Head Coach - Qualities To Look For - Undervalued Skills - Sports Psychology - Recruiting Players - Vision for Euroleague & TV rights - Basketball Calendar  - Play-In Tournament - ATOs #PauliusMotiejunas #ZalgirisKaunas #GM #CEO #EuroleagueCEO #Euroleague  Finding Paulius Motiejunas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baubas7/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulius-motiejunas-52832916/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/PauliusMotie  Sponsors: Waiting for you!!! Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Taste Coffee & More": This Specialty Cafe was founded in 2017, downtown Treviso and is one of the most beautiful locations that I've been to. Overlooking a beautiful river with outside and inside seating as well as wifi for those who like to get some work done.  I'm a fan! Fabio and me had a brief conversation about his Cafe, how he started it, what inspired him to do so as well as his favourite coffee region and the challenges of running a "Specialty Cafe" in Italy. This is just a short & sweet episode to raise attention about this Cafe and make sure you find it...if you are ever in town, pay it a visit! Find the location below! Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Cafe Beginning Fabio's Inspiration Challenge of a Specialty Cafe in Italy Favourite Region #TasteCoffeeMore #Treviso #Italy #Coffee #Fabio #SpecialtyCoffee #Chemex #CoffeeShop  Finding "Taste Coffee & More: Instagram Fabio: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tiralongofabio/?hl=en⁠  Instagram Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/tastecoffeemore/?hl=en  Homepage: www.tastecoffee.it  Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3UagqxwNfPqoixyv6  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Pablito": After spending eleven years with the Real Madrid franchise, coach Pablo Laso is a two time Euroleague champion with the club, 2015 & 2018. He also won six Spanish League championships & six Spanish Cups as well as six Spanish Supercup trophies. In 2015 he also added the prestigious FIBA Intercontinental Cup championship and is the winner of countless "Coach of the Year" awards in Spain and Euroleague.  In today's episode Pablo talked to me about his experience as a the head coach of Real Madrid in preparation for the Final Four as well as preparing the team after a not so good results in Final Fours or Cup Finals. You have to find a way to motivate the guys again and in this podcast he gave countless examples of preparation as well as communicating with the players. We also talked about his experience as a player for Zeljko Obradovic and what he learned from him as well as other topics. A very meaningful and thorough podcast about Pablo's past as well as his rich experience at Real Madrid. Please Share, Comment & Like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Handling Big Losses Big Questions To Ask Yourself Preparation For Final Fours Recognizing Who To Trust Sitting Good Players Communicating With Players Thoughts During A Loss Mind-shift from Player to Coach Playing for Zeljko Lessons from Real Madrid Help From Assistant Coaches Conversation Style ATOs #PabloLaso #Euroleague #HeadCoach #EuroleagueChampion #Communication #FinalFour Finding Pablo Laso: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pablolaso  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Himar": Himar Ojeda started his professional career as an Assistant Coach at Gran Canaria in the ACB from 1999-2007 before transitioning to the front office of the same club.  He also worked as a Sports Director at CB Estudiantes before working as an NBA scout for one season with the Atlanta Hawks. Nevertheless, he chose to take on a new challenge and signed with ALBA Berlin in 2016 and has been the team's sports director ever since. Signing with a club that has a rich history as ALBA Berlin was a challenge in itself especially during a rebuild but him and the team still managed to bring home several cup & domestic titles during his period while competing in the Euroleague. Today, Himar and me talked about several topics that encompass the job of a sports director in general. Himar broke down to me what it means to run a club, which parts of the job are relatively unknown, the 'secret sauce' of Aito and the footsteps he left behind, the integration of youth into the pros. Himar used many examples that show how applicable the culture building can be, how closely everyone works in the offices together and brings everyone on the same page.  Listen and share this podcast if you enjoyed it, many lessons to take away here! If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Background Impact of Sports Director Do's & Don'ts Dealing with Winning vs Losing Sports Director Spheres Youth Development Winning vs Developing Changing Opinion on Players ATOs #HimarOjeda #ALBABerlin #ALBA #SportsDirector #Basketball Finding Himar: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Himar_Ojeda  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/himar-ojeda-p%C3%A9rez-4b54ab82/  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

Sergėjaus Maslobojevo daug pristatinėti nereikia, tai žmogus, kurio vardą tautiečiai jau asocijuoja su čempiono vardu. Praeitais metais sportininkas iškovojo kikbokso "Glory Light Heavyweight" pasaulio čempiono diržą, 2017m. tapo "WAKO Pro World K-1 Light Heavyweight" čempionu bei nugalėtoju taip pat tapo 2015m. "KOK Light Heavyweight" turnyre. Su Sergėjumi diskutavome apie iššūkius su kuriais susiduria profesionalūs kovotojai tiek ringe, tiek už ringo ribų. Sportininkas šiame epizode dalinosi kaip atrodo jo varžybų dienos rutina, kaip įmanoma vos su keletų žvilgsnių paveikti priešininką bei koks tolimesnis procesas vyksta po varžybų. Gero žiūrėjimo! Nuoširdžiai ačiū remiantiems mano kuriamą turinį bei iš anksto dėkoju žadantiems prisidėti! https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Temos: Trumpas pristatymas Karjeros pradžia / motyvacija Pasiruošimas kovai Kova yra menas Pasiruošimo eiga Rungtynių dienos rutina Lūkeščiai treneriams Svetima kapa Manipuliacija ringe Atsistatymas po “knock-down” Regeneracijos metodai Pagarba sporte Greiti ‘roundai' Sergej galite rasti: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergej_maslobojev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seriozakuvalda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKuvalda/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SergejMaslobojevKuvalda/featured  #SergejMaslobojev #Kuvalda #Kickboxing #Mindset #Mentalitetas #Čempionas Remėjai: Kolkas nėra:) “The Benas Podcast” dar galite rasti:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJN... Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-ben... …arba apsilankius svetainėje www.bmatke.com, galima rasti išsamesnės informacijos.  Komentaruose galėsite susisiekti čia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Sir John Kirwan": Sir John Kirwan is a former Rugby legend in New Zealand, played for the All Blacks for ten years (1984-1994) before becoming a coach himself. He had the honors of coaching Italy & Japan national teams and learned a lot throughout that period. John struggled with depression as a player but didn't talk about it much before almost deciding to jump out of a window in Argentina. That's where his healing journey started and until this day he became the biggest advocate for mental health in New Zealand. He's the author of two books (All Blacks Don't Cry & Stand By Me) and helped establish a foundation named "Mitey" that helps young children to understand and deal with Mental Health. He also is the co-founder of 'Groov', which is a mental wellbeing platform to help deal with stress and anxiety at the workplace. "JK" had an open discussion today about his journey and his advocacy for this illness. He shared his thoughts on a 'daily mental health plan' and the six pillars of mental health, broke down some parts of it as well as what it means to create a 'to done list'! Apart from that, we also talked about mental health in athletes and coaches, how he approached his players when he saw them struggle and how his experience in Japan helped him understand a different way of doing and explaining things to his players. Please share and 'like' if you enjoyed this episode, lots of useful nuggets around a very important topic. If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Background & Suicide Thoughts "Daily Mental Health Plan" "To Done List" Perfectionism & Failure "Worry Map" Coach's Mental Health / "5 Bs" Team Culture / Captain Japanese Culture Keeping The Gym Clean "Espressos" aka ATOs #SirJohnKirwan #JohnKirwan #Rugby #MentalHealth #NewZealandRugby #AllBlacks Finding Sir John Kirwan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkirwan14/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnKirwan_14  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-john-kirwan/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groovnow/  Website: https://www.groovnow.com/about/sir-john-kirwan  Foundation: https://www.mitey.org.nz/  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Hanno": Hanno Möttöla is a Finnish basketball legend with experiences on all levels of the game as a player. After playing for the Utah Utes in the NCAA and getting drafted in the 2nd Round (40th by the Hawks) to play in the NBA, he continued his career in the Euroleague for TAU Ceramica (now Baskonia) before getting injured. He later played in Italy, Lithuania & other countries before retiring in 2008. After a short stint of away from the game, he decided to give it another go around and played for four more seasons in Finland before stepping away from the game in 2014 for good! Today, Hanno told me about his experiences in college playing for the legendary Rick Majerus in Utah and his short career in the NBA as well as the traumatizing experienced returning to Europe and playing through a tough ankle injury in TAU Ceramica. Hanno shared his experiences and lessons he learned from his playing career and gave very valuable retirement advice. The main discussion point was the Finnish basketball system in regards to the HBA Marsky basketball school in Helsinki and its selection process. A very insightful conversation about the nuances of scouting and recruiting in Finland! Please share and 'like' if you enjoyed this episode, plenty of nuggets in this one for everyone to share and 'have a bite' :) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Topics: Rick Majerus & Utah TAU Ceramica Injury Losing the Love & Retirement HBA & System in Finland Style of Play / Philosophy Coaching Approach ATOs #HannoMottola #Hanno #FinlandBasketball #HBA #Marsky #UtahUtes  Finding Hanno: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannomottola/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanno.mottola Twitter: https://twitter.com/HannoMottola LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanno-m%C3%B6tt%C3%B6l%C3%A4-aa336077/ HBA Website: https://www.hba.fi/  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Donatas": Donatas is a well-known journalist and Senior Staff Writer at BasketNews.com and has been around the game of basketball for a long time. He has been reporting on Lithuanian media outlets since 2011 and has experience of reporting from FIBA European Championships in 2011, 2015, 2017 as well as World Cup in 2014 and Rio Olympics in 2016. He also won Lithuanian Sports Journalist of the year in 2016. Donatas also was one of the first people to start a sports podcast in Lithania, "UrBonus" while he was still working for 15min.lt  Today we talked about several topics when it comes to his line of work. We had a pleasant exchange about 'click-bait' articles and how to avoid them but keep the article spicy enough to draw interest but staying ethical at the same time. We talked about the interpretation aspect across languages as well as earning the trust of coaches, sports directors and other personnel in this business. Lots more topics that you can find below.  Please share and 'like' if you enjoyed this episode. If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Topics: Podcast Background Sports Journalism & Scoops Checking Sources / Breaking News Trusting Media / Click-Bait Protecting Sources / Interpretation Cultural Differences / Discussions Relationship With Competition Levels to Journalism / Learning Curve Career Goals  Balancing Work & Family ATOs #DonatasUrbonas #BasketNews #Basketball #SportsJournalism #Lithuania Finding Donatas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbodo/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donatas.urbonas.5  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Urbodo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donatas-urbonas-b72586141/  Website: https://basketnews.com/  Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Mantas": Mantas Kalnietis - visiems labai gerai žinomas krepšininkas, kaip buvęs Lietuvos krepšinio rinktinės įžaidėjas ir kapitonas. Susumavus Mantas net devynerius metus praleido Kauno Žalgirio komandoje, bet pergalės, individualūs ir komandiniai pasiekimai žaidėjo karjeroje buvo švęsti ne tik namuose, bet ir užsienyje. Visgi ryškiausi pasiekimai Manto karjeroje įvyko žaidžiant Lietuvos vyrų krepšinio rinktinėje: 2010 m. Pasaulio vyrų krepšinio čempionatas - 3 vieta, 2013 m., 2015 m. Europos vyrų krepšinio čempionatas - 2 vieta. Šiame epizode su Mantu diskutavome įvairiomis temomis, susitelkdami ne į pasiekimus, o į kelią link jų. Kalbėjome apie krepšininko karjeros pradžią, jo kaip žaidėjo brandą, augimą bei kas padėjo įgauti pasitikėjimo savimi. Taip pat, Mantas pasidalino savo patirtimi būnant kapitono pareigose, įžvalgomis apie medikų štabo svarbą komandoje ir šeimos auką karjeros labui.  Gero žiūrėjimo! Temos: Individualus Darbas / Spaudimas Tobulejimo Etapai Komunikacija su Treneriais Kazlausko Pamokos Asistentu darbas Informacijos Atsirinkimas / Taktika Kapitono Pareigos / Atmosfera Medicinis Kambarys / Med. Štabas Vidines Informacijos Sauguojimas Traumos Gydimas / Ateitis Sporto Psichologija Šeimos Auka Pasiruošimas Karjeros Pabaigaj Naujos Pareigos ir Tikslai Futbole "Minuteles Deriniai" #MantasKalnietis #Kalnas #Kapitonas #ZalgirisKaunas #Zalgiris #LietuvosRinktine #Rinktine  Jeigu noretumet paremti mano podkasta (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke  Sponsoriai: Dar be :) Surasit “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3  Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …arba svetaineje www.bmatke.com galesite rasti daugiau info. Komentaruose galesite susisiekti čia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com 

"Il Poz": Today's guest Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco is currently the Head Coach of Italy's senior men's national team. "Il Poz" started his professional player career in 1991 and went on to have a successful career on multiple levels playing for teams like Varese, Fortitudo Bologna, Zaragoza and others, winning 2 Italian Leagues and 2 Italian Supercups while also earning himself an Olympic silver medal in 2004 with Italy's fabulous run that summer. In this episode, Gianmarco told me about his early beginnings as a player, dabbling between soccer and basketball before ultimately deciding to play basketball late and how hard it was to control him as a player from a coach's perspective. Gianmarco also told me about his lessons as an Assistant Coach and what he could take away for his next jobs as a Head Coach, as well as some lessons that players taught him while he was a young Head Coach.  Lots of good stories in this one, enjoy! Topics: Background Unfortunate Preparation for Olympic Final 2004 Connecting with players Expectation from Assistant Coaches Style of Work Importance of the Captain Lessons as an Assistant Coach Helping Players on a Personal level ATOs Finding "Poz": Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalpoz/  #GianmarcoPozzecco #IlPoz #BasketballCoach #ItalyNationalTeam #NationalTeam To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast

"Olegs": Olegs Latisevs is a professional basketball referee who is officiating in the EuroLeague, the top-tier European professional basketball league. Latisevs has been a EuroLeague referee since the 2007-2008 season and has officiated numerous high-profile games in the competition, overall having been a professional referee for over 20 years. He has also officiated in other European basketball competitions such as the EuroCup and the FIBA Champions League. In addition to his EuroLeague duties, Latisevs has also officiated in international basketball competitions such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games in London and Rio in the past. In this episode Oļegs and me talked about the officiating job and the different challenges that it comes with. It's the most scrutinized profession in this basketball world and we picked apart all the different topics that matter. Besides talking about pre-game & post-game analysis, we talked a lot about the in-game dynamics, how the communication process between the referees and the coaches as well as the players works. Manipulation, Controlling Emotions, Meetings & Disagreements amongst colleagues and much more! Oļegs also brought interesting statistics about the education and background level of all the referees participating in the Euroleague, shedding light on their personal life a bit. Timestamps for topics: Background Euroleague Referee Education Early Struggles as an Official Physical Preparation Pre-Game Analysis Meetings & Disagreements Beginning of Games Communication During Games Emotions & Manipulations Controlling Emotions Anticipating The Actions Post Game Analysis & Control ATOs Finding Oļegs: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/olatisevs/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/olegs.latisevs LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olegslatisevs/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/OlegsLatisevs #OlegsLatisevs #Euroleague #Officiating #Referee #ToughJob To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Coach Thorpe": David Thorpe is a highly respected basketball coach, known for his ability to develop and improve the skills of players at all levels. He has over 30 years of coaching experience, and has worked with some of the top players and teams in the game. As a coach, David has a proven track record of success. He has helped numerous NBA players reach their full potential and achieve their goals, both on and off the court. He is a master at identifying and correcting the technical and tactical aspects of a player's game, and is known for his ability to help players improve their shooting, ball handling, overall offensive skills as well as life-skills. In addition to his coaching and training work, David is also a highly sought-after speaker and author. He has written several books on the game of basketball, "Basketball Is Jazz" being one of them. In this episode, we will be diving deep into the topic of player & person development and the mindset of athletes. Coach Thorpe will be sharing his insights and experiences on how to inspire players to believe in themselves, how to earn a player's trust and how to see the game from different angles. He will be providing valuable tips and advice on how to develop a winning mindset and how to help players reach their full potential in basketball as well as in life. Main Topics: Importance of Mentorship Lessons from Players What to Tolerate? Information Overload Relationship with Players Mental Collapses Work on Weakness vs Strength Constant Improvement Switch Shooting Hand Pro Training Center Recruiting Finding Coach Thorpe: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachdavidthorpe/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coachthorpe LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-b-thorpe-049bab10b/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/coachthorpe?s=20&t=4lp-iw9X9lJcN96DcJbGcg Homepage - https://coachdavidthorpe.com/ Podcast - https://www.truehoop.com/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #DavidThorpe #PlayerDevelopment #BasketballCoach #Coaching #Mentorship Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Liam": Liam is a full time teacher in the UK and a part time commentator in Euroleague as well as past FIBA events. He's also a full time fan of the game and you can hear it in his voice, the love and passion for the game is definitely to be felt. In today's episode we talked all things commentating the game of basketball. Liam had lots of good stories to tell of how he first got into it and where his passion derives from...hint: "Celtics"...but also talked about the technical parts of being a commentator. Main topics included: The preparation process, importance of learning how to pronounce the player's names correctly, expressions in their languages, regrets of past games, importance of watching practices and preparing tactically as well as politics behind the scenes. Timestamps for topics: Pronouncing Names Background Preparation Process Relationships With Coaches Politics Using Foreign Languages / Notes Working As A Duo Importance of Research Most Memorable Event Live vs Studio Watching Euroleague Teams ATOs Finding Liam: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/liam.canny.1 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-canny-4225075/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/LiamCanny?s=20&t=ggS8uoTG3w6Rx6nMkK6Atw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lrcanny/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #LiamCanny #Euroleague #Commentating #Commentator Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Trimby": Andrew is a retired Irish Rugby Union player who spent 13 of his pro years playing for the same team at "Ulster" as well twelve years for the Irish National Team. He was part of the "Celtic League" championship team in 2006 as well as winning the "Triple Crown" in 2006 & 2007 and "Six Nations" tournament in 2014 with the Irish National Team next to countless individual awards. Andrew has a wealth of experience in this field as well as a unique and very sobering perspective on the sport. Today, Andrew and me talked about the vast differences between Rugby Union & Rugby League as well as stumbling over several topics in regards to the mindset and ethos within the Rugby team's locker-room. Andrew also talked about his experience in regards to how Rugby players respect the referees and have a certain way of carrying themselves on the field. We also touched on the coaching philosophy of Rugby coaches and how the relationship with their leaders. At the end we talked about retirement as well as his entrepreneurship and founding "KAIROS", a communication platform that can be used by teams, leagues as well as academies to internally be on the same page. A different kind of episode with a 'Rugby-Twist', which aids in the understanding of this sport. Topics: Rugby Union vs Rugby League Background Mental Health & CTE Rugby Ethos & Refereeing Locker-room & Leadership Coaching & Conflicts Lessons Learned Approaching Retirement KAIROS Platform Potholes & Penguins Podcast ATOs Finding Andrew: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewtrimble14/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/trimbythepothole Twitter - https://twitter.com/andrew_trimble?s=20&t=f7mpnH9TaiCqMFWxL4Ih-g LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-trimble-03590737/ Website - https://kairostech.io/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AndrewTrimble #RugbyUnion #Rugby #RugbyEthos #Ireland Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Highlights": This is a special episode that highlights 5 different episodes with examples of the variety of topics that we go through on this podcast! It starts with problem-solving within an executive group in the NBA Player's Association team and how they approach problems that players have to deal with throughout the season. This was episode #23 with Matteo Zuretti that was recorded in New York at the NBPA headquarters. The next highlight is a clip from my conversation with Coach Andrej Lemanis and his wide ranging experiences with culture-building. He talked about his authentic style of coaching and how he tries to get his message across to the players by giving them ownership and staying humble. One of my biggest highlights was from a very special episode with David Blatt, which was EP#35. In this short clip he talked about his view on the importance of 'Cultural Competency' when coaching in different environments and getting to know the nuances of each culture in order to connect better. Furthermore, I've added a highlight from a very recent conversation with one of the most successful Executives, Maurizio Gherardini. This clip is from EP#36 where he talked about the importance of constant communication with the Head Coach in order to find the right path together. The final highlight-clip is from my biggest and most important episode (EP#20) thus far this past year with Šarūnas Jasikevičius where he talked about the roles of his Assistant Coaches as well as all the nuances of being a Head Coach in the decision-making process. Line Up: - Matteo Zuretti - Andrej Lemanis - David Blatt - Maurizio Gherardini - Šarūnas Jasikevičius To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #MatteoZuretti #AndrejLemanis #basketball #DavidBlatt #MaurizioGherardini #SarunasJasikevicius #Saras #FCBarcelona #fenerbahçe Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Erdem": Erdem has a unique journey that started as an Assistant Coach in Ankara and later becoming Head Coach in Olin Edirne as a 30year old. After losing his job he transitioned to becoming a long time Assistant at Fenerbahce Ulker, first under Simone Pianigiani before he earned the trust of Zeljko Obradovic and stayed with him the rest of Zeljko's tenure. Amongst many domestic championships they managed to win the Euroleague together in 2017. Erdem also spent a year at the Utah Jazz as an Assistant under Quin Snyder before returning to Europe and now being a successful Head Coach at Turk Telekom Ankara. Today's topics included a variety of different subjects that ended up being a tree with lots of different branches. We went from talking about Erdem earning the trust of Zeljko early on, the duties he saw while being an Assistant and what lessons carried over to his current role as a Head Coach. We also touched on his time in Utah while being an Assistant to Quin Snyder and Erdem transitioning to finally becoming a Head Coach with a big bag of experience to come with it. A very insightful conversation about his journey and the lessons he took from it to apply now. Timestamps for topics: Background as Coach Lessons from Zeljko Obradovic Earning Trust From Head Coach Importance of Play-Calls & Tactics Lessons from Quin Snyder Becoming A Head Coach Work/Life Balance Respecting Your Staff Connecting with Players ATOs Finding Erdem: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erdemcan4/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erdem.can.7186 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erdem-can-94b0b71ab/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #ErdemCan #TurkTelekomAnkara #TurkeyBasketball #HeadCoach #AnkaraBasketball #Eurocup Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Maurizio": My guest for this episode was non other than the long time Fenerbahce Istanbul GM, Maurizio Gherardini. Maurizio has a long and very successful career as a basketball executive from which he has countless titles to show for. The most recent international title he celebrated was the Euroleague title with Fenerbahce Istanbul in 2017. His front office career began in the early 1980s in his hometown club of Forli, Italy. The success he had there carried him to Benetton Treviso and plenty of domestic titles to come with that role. At Fenerbahce, he had the pleasure of working with Zeljko Obradovic and enjoyed plenty of domestic and international success. Today we talked about plenty of different topics but mostly about the longevity of his success and the reasons for it. We also touched on the topics of scouting coaches and recognizing talent, working together with Zeljko as well as other coaches and what the secret to success is in the process. We also talked about the difference from his rookie eyes to his experienced eyes when observing players these days, approaching Final Fours as well as the strange times afterwards as well as much more. Please take a moment and SUBSCRIBE while enjoying this episode! Today's Topics: Career Longevity Importance of Curiosity Scouting A Coach Communicating With The Coach Rookie Eyes vs Experienced Eyes Intel / Questions On Players Evaluations / Decisions Pre & Post Final Four Moods ATOs To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #MaurizioGherardini #FenerbahceIstanbul #FenerbahceBasketball #TurkeyBasketball #Istanbul #Executive #FrontOffice #Scouting #General Manager Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"David": Today's guest does not need much introduction, David Blatt is one of the most accomplished coaches to ever coach in Europe. One of few coaches to win at every possible level, most notably a Euroleague championship in 2014, Eurocup in 2018, Eurochallenge in 2005, Adriatic League in 2012, European champion at the National Team level in 2007 as well as Bronze in 2011 & Bronze in the London Olympics in 2012. Obviously, he also has countless domestic league and cup titles to accompany those accomplishments. Also, David Blatt had the honor to represent the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Head Coach in the NBA Finals in 2015. Today's episode was a unique & rare one. We kicked the conversation off by raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and continued talking about his current new roles with Maccabi TelAviv as well as Canadian National Team. David went on to share his limitless knowledge on countless topics that ranged from sliding door moments in his career, over the process of hiring his assistant coaches and staff in general, what he looks for and what he values the most. We went on to discuss some Xs&Os situations to satisfy the ears of all nerds listening. David talked about the need of 'Cultural Competency' when coaching in different countries and cultures. Off course the Maccabi championship team from 2014 was also a topic as well as some philosophical topics that included the art of being self critical and questions to ask yourself after games.  Many more interesting topics that deserve a closer listen, ENJOY! Topics: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Maccabi Tel Aviv & Team Canada Career Sliding Doors / Iliad "Favourite Failure" Cultural Competency / Languages "System Coach" vs "Personnel Coach" Hiring Staff / Coach Kemzura Game Preparation Game Day Routine Maccabi Tel Aviv 2014 Team End of Game Line-Ups Changing Practice Philosophy Resolving Conflict On The Team Implementing Knowledge as a young Coach Top Question To Ask Yourself ATOs To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #DavidBlatt #MaccabiTelAviv #Israel #MaccabiBasketball #CanadaNationalTeam #Basketball #Champion #Euroleague #NBA #Olympics #Medals #Medalcollector #HeadCoach Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Theo": Theo had an illustrious 18year long career in Europe and is well-regarded as one of the best guards of all time in Euroleague. Theo won two Euroleague titles with CSKA ('06 & '08) and has plenty of individual awards to show for, most notably Euroleague MVP in 2007, Final Four MVP in 2006 and many more.  Theo also enjoyed a very successful National Team career with the Greek National Team when he lead his nation to becoming Eurobasket champions in 2005 as well as runner-up in the World Cup of 2006. Today's conversation turned philosophical very quickly and circulated mostly around what it takes to raise good basketball minds and not necessarily basketball players. Lots of reflections on what he saw throughout his career, what lessons he drew from it that help him run his Eurohoops Academy and empowering kids to not be afraid to make mistakes. We also touched on how he watches games and what he looks for the most. Retirement was also a topic, what helped him take the next steps in his life and moving on to 'the next thing'. Topics: Messina's Teams Background Changes Over Time Importance of Making Mistakes Observing Talent / Basketball Educating Youth / Losing How to watch a game? Pick n Roll / Create Advantages Post Game Role of Assistant Coaches Approaching Retirement Vision for Academy ATOs Finding Theo: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/papaloukastheodoros/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #TheoPapaloukas #GreekBasketball #PointGuard #ExPlayer #Retirement Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Roberto": Roberto Iezzi currently is a strength & conditioning coach at Brescia Basket that plays in the Italian league as well as the Eurocup. He also spent three years of his career in Jerusalem working for Hapoel where he trained Amare Stoudamire amongst others. This past summer Roberto also worked with the Italian u20 National Team. He also has two podcasts that he hosts, one is a solely Italian podcast where him and his co-host Andrea interview specialist from their field in Italy and "Sport Vitamins" is an English-speaking podcast where he invites sports professionals from all over the world to "talk-shop" about sports. Today's episode is a look at the process behind the scenes with the work of a strength & conditioning and every aspect that comes with it. We talked about the problem solving during a season, specifically the dynamics with him and the head coach as well as the doctors & players. Lots of coordination as well as communication especially during the rehab process of a player. We talked about the details that matter when 're-conditioning' a player as well as what metrics to use in order to convince the head coach about practice intensity & volume. Lots of other topics that surfaced that we 'double-clicked' on while having our conversation. This one is all-things-training...Enjoy! Topics: Background Dynamics with Head Coach Pre-Season vs In-Season Metrics & Data Dynamics with Team Doctors Signs of Overload Dynamics with Players Lifting on Game-Day Sleep Deprivation National Team vs Club Monitoring in Off-Season Podcasting Quick Lifts (ATOs) Finding Ryan: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roberto_iezzi34/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/iezzi34 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-iezzi/ Homepage - https://www.robperformance.com/ Favorite Book: "The Score Takes Care Of Itself" - https://www.amazon.com.au/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Walsh/dp/1591843472 To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #RobertoIezzi #Brescia #Strength&Conditioning #TeamDynamics Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"The Team Mechanic": Trent Hotton is a former AFL player who founded his own company "Team Effect" after he spent two years in the UK where he also opened a business in 'training and leadership' to help him advance in that field. Overall, he spent 4 years in the AFL and after two rather disappointing seasons with Collingwood he managed to return 4 years later and played two more season with Carlton before finishing his career in the Australian Football League. In today's episode Trent and me spent most of the time talking about various topics around building a team culture and developing a value system in a team. We talked about the importance of communication amongst the players as well as staff, what it means to give the players ownership and giving them the opportunity to have more input in what's going on. We talked about leadership, trust, reputation, fear of failure as well as other practical parts of his profession. Topics: - Background - AFL vs Basketball Mindset - Boomers National Team - Leadership/Ownership/Education - Team Value System / Ethos - Communication Dynamics - Building A Roster / Sacrifice - Captaincy & Relationships - Trust & Transparency - Reputation & Learning Styles - Fear of Failure / Expectations - "Coffee Meetings" / Conflicts - Presence Around The Team - Timeframe For Impact - ATOs Finding Trent (it's not easy): Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hottontrent/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-hotton-705b832b/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #TrentHotton #TeamEffect #Australia #Boomers #MelbourneUnited #Basketball #TeamCulture #Communication Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Ryan": Ryan Pannone is currently the Head Coach of the GLeague team Birmingham Squadron and already has almost 20 years of coaching experience when he started as a young coach in High School. Shortly after he started to work as an Assistant for David Thorpe as a Player Development coach and quickly realized his passion. Throughout his career he had plenty of responsibilities as a young and aspiring Assistant Coach in Foshan, China which lead him to becoming an Assistant in Hanau, Germany later. He also was a player development coach and coaching staff member at Hapoel Jerusalem as well as a Head Coach in Prievidza, Slovakia.   In today's episode Ryan and me talked about many different parts of his career but mostly about the art of how to build a career by being persistent and focusing on opportunities instead of paychecks. Ryan walked me through the different situations he faced in his career and how he never put money over gaining new knowledge! Ryan went through plenty of different coaching stations that prepared him for his jobs going forward and made him a better coach and person in the long-run.  We also touched on the importance of having great mentorship, which in his case it was definitely the case with David Thorpe who guided him early on and gave him ownership as well as credibility as a reliable player development coach.   This conversation is eye-opening in many regards but mostly for young and aspiring coaches who are looking for guidance in their pursuit of a career. Enjoy! Timestamps for topics: Common Friends Background David Thorpe's Mentorship  Alternate Path Coaching in China Career Decision Process Assistant Coach Perspectives US vs European Coaching Player Development Relationships Building Social Circle (Spouse) ATOs Finding Ryan: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ryanpannone/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/RyanPannone LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-pannone-bb91a456/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #RyanPannone #GLeague #HeadCoach #AssistantCoach #PlayerDevelopment #Mentorship Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Avi": Avi's career at Maccabi started in 2006 when he became Junior Head Coach and Sports Director while coaching the u16 Israeli National Team. In the 2007 he finally was promoted to the Assistant Coach position at Maccabi Tel Aviv! After working as an Assistant for 5 years, the ownership of Maccabi appointed him to lead the front office and scouting department in order to enhance the organization under Coach Blatt as the Head Coach. Not long after the Euroleague Championship was a in Maccabi's cabinet when the team captured the title at the Final Four in Milano in 2014. Avi lived through many ups and downs with the club, most notably last season during the 2021/22 season when he was asked to take over Maccabi Tel Aviv as the temporary Head Coach. Avi's role is unique because up until when he took over the club, he not only was serving as an Executive at Maccabi but also as a player development & skills coach with the pros. He honed his skills as a coach while also running the scouting department...a very unique experience all around just to say the least. In today's episode Avi and me talked about the variety of his experiences as an Executive as well as the Head Coach, as well how those roles intersected. We also talked about relationship building, motivation, handling conflict, team chemistry, the scouting process, gathering good intel, communication internally vs externally and many more topics that are interesting to listen to and compare with some other coaches. Topics: Background Growth & Transition Periods Coach vs Executive Eyes? Motivation, Winning & Develop Player Development Role Relationships / Respect Approaching Players Team-building / Chemistry Scouting Process Gathering Intel Internal & External Communication Head Coach Experience / Emotions ATOs Finding Avi: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/avieven13/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/13Avieven LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avi-even-peled-229310204/ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AviEven #MaccabiTelAviv #Maccabi #IsraelBasketball #HeadCoach #FrontOffice #Roles Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Anton": Anton Gavel is a former Slovakian basketball player who became a German National Team player as well as Bundesliga legend. Besides having short stints in the ACB with Murcia as well as in the Greek League with Aris, he spent most of his time winning titles with Brose Bamberg as well as FC Bayern Munich, where he finished his career winning 'The Double' (Cup & League) while being the Team-Captain. Anton is a five-time German League Champion, three-time German Cup winner as well as countless All-Star and MVP honors. On today's episode with Anton the main topics included highlights from his career as a player, his advice for young players on how to adapt to new cultures, what he expected from Assistant Coaches as a player & coach, the importance of a cohesive coaching staff, fighting with Stefan Weissenboeck during the early stages of their work together and finding a common path, Retirement, Preparing to be a rookie Head Coach, handling family & work and much more. Topics: Being a St Pauli Fan Slovakian Background Young Prospect Cultural Advice Lessons from Coach Fleming Roles of Assistant Coach / Fights Reflecting on Playing Career Dealing with Failure Retirement / Being A Captain Being A Junior Coach / No Ego Lessons from Jaka Lakovic / New Job Balancing Family & Basketball Vision, Philosophy & Asst Coach Scouting Self vs Opponents ATOs To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AntonGavel #Gavel #HeadCoach #Slovakia #RatiopharmUlm #Ulm #Deutschland #RookieHeadCoach Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

“Dre”: Andrej Lemanis, one of the top coaches from Australia joined my podcast today. The Australian coach with Latvian heritage has a rich history of coaching after he stopped playing at a young age. His most notable stop was with the New Zealand Breakers from 2005-2013 where he turned the program around and won 3 NBL championships in a row and took the helm of the Boomers. “Dre” also coached the Brisbane Bullets and currently is coaching Altiri Chiba in Japan. On today’s episode the “Top Topics” included culture building with a full-time ‘Culture Guy’ during his time with the Boomers, Boomer Battles with Lithuania, “Ego-Less” coaching, Accountability, “Cultural Communication & Coaching”, Expectation from Assistants, Self-Improvement, Reflections and More. We….Had….A….Blast! Dre’s Book suggestion: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Topics: Memories of Lithuania Latvian Heritage Background & Career Coaching Life “Ego-Less Coaching” & Trust Building A System & Culture Cultural Communication Coaching Staff Discussions Growth As A Coach ATOs Finding “Dre”: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrej-lemanis-0a19aa3/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alemanis To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AndrejLemanis #Dre #HeadCoach #Australia #Boomers #NewZealand #Japan #TeamCulture Sponsors: Not yet :)  Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

"Will": Will Weaver is a long-time Basketball coach who's journey has taken him from the Texas Longhorns program through Sam Houston State all the way to the NBA. Along the road he has coached as a Head Coach in the GLeague and as well as in the Australian NBL leading the the Sydney Kings. Our common path has crossed several times during our "summer jobs", him being with Australia's National Team and me being with Lithuania's National Team. Today, we talked about our battles with our respective National Teams in various competitions but Will also opened up about his transition periods from taking on different roles with different teams and always looking to grow within that new role. He also addressed the importance of 'setting your north-star' as an organization in order to align each other's vision as well how to balance personal life with professional life...and much more! Will's Book suggestion: Dean Smith Book: "Multiple Offense & Defense" Timestamps for topics: Celtics Run Australia vs Lithuania Lessons from Coach Lemanis Will's Background Differences in Coaching Levels Combing Development & Success Communication with Players Tools for Retention of Information Learning While Coaching Being Honest as a Coach Lessons from Podcast Guests Pressure as a Head Coach Work-Life Balance ATOs Finding Will: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachwcw/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/coachwcw?s=20&t=fvsvvXKi6e0geyNyNYQjFw To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #WillWeaver #Coaching #AssistantCoach #CoachingTransitions Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

DONATE TO UKRAINE: Lithuania: https://www.panrs.lt/krasto-apsaugos-ministerijos-rekomendacijos-del-paramos-ukrainai/ Germany: https://helferschwein.de International: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en/ "Boki": Boštjan is an accomplished player on various levels, from Europe to NBA, he has seen it all. After starting off as a prospect in Italy and being drafted #15 by the Houston Rockets he spent 6 years in the NBA. The next stages of his career were centered around playing in Europe, going on to play in Russia, Turkey, Germany & Spain while winning various domestic Championships and Cups in all of those countries. Boki retired in 2017 after spending two final seasons in Sevilla and moved on to "winning championships" with his family. Today, Boki and me talked about a variety of topics, starting off about his experience as a podcaster, through his experience as a player in the NBA as well as Europe, adaptations and communication with coaches. We dove a bit deeper in the communication with Assistant coaches and the responsibilities that they have as well as US vs European coaching styles. Boki also talked about his duties with ELPA, being the Managing Director, he talked about the goals as well as achievements so far and the vision for young players going forward. Boki's Book suggestion: https://www.amazon.com/Cap-Larry-Fleisher-David-Modern/dp/1496218787 Topics: Podcasting Pre-Draft Process NBA Rookie Struggles Being Traded Re-Adaptation to Europe NBA vs Europe Coaching Styles Assistant Coach / Communication Retirement Preparation / Identity ELPA Mentorship ELPA Duties ATOs Finding Boki: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bokinachbar/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bostjan-nachbar-94b73a209/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/BokiNachbar To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #BostjanNachbar #Boki #Slovenia #ELPA #NBA #Communication Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

DONATE TO UKRAINE: Lithuania: https://www.panrs.lt/krasto-apsaugos-ministerijos-rekomendacijos-del-paramos-ukrainai/ Germany: https://helferschwein.de/ International: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en/ #25 Martyna: Martyna Motum is the wife of Brock Motum but certainly she has her own identity and is building her own career in the background. Martyna has finished her High School studies in Denmark, University studies in London and later obtaining a Master's Degree at the Euroleague program later on. After working for Zalgiris Kaunas and creating social media content, she eventually met Brock while he was playing in Kaunas and decided to build a future together abroad. Today, Martyna and me talked about the challenges that coming with the "road-life" while moving to new countries with her husband and what it's like to build a social circle when living abroad. We also talked about the importance of having and continuing to build your own identity while being at home, looking for ways to build a career as well as the lifestyle behind the scenes. Life certainly changed when their son Maverick came into the world, which also presents its own challenges in a way. Meanwhile, Martyna is also building a new career of her own at BasketNews.com while traveling around Europe with her son and creating video content for the most popular european basketball platform. Topics: Martyna's Background Beginning of Relationship Life in Istanbul Social Circle & New Contracts Discovering Identity & New Purpose Spending Time Together Life With A Baby New Career / BasketNews / AndOne Relationship ATOs Finding Martyna: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/martynamotum/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyna-motum-4a7b0159/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/martyna.marmaite Twitter - https://twitter.com/MrsMotum Homepage - https://www.martynamotum.com/ YouTube (BasketNews) 'And One' Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/c/BasketNews_com/playlists To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #MartynaMotum #PlayerWife #Basketball #Career #MomLife #BasketNews Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

DONATE TO UKRAINE: Lithuania: https://www.panrs.lt/krasto-apsaugos-ministerijos-rekomendacijos-del-paramos-ukrainai/ Germany: https://helferschwein.de/ International: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en/ #24 Simon: Simon Iden is of German heritage but currently resides in the US and has experience of working with a variety of athletes, from Tennis stars like Angelique Kerber whom Simon won the Australian Open with as well as various German soccer and basketball stars, one of them being Daniel Theis from the Boston Celtics. Simon also has experience playing basketball himself and considers winning the u18 European Championships as one of his most memorable achievements of his playing career. After injuries plagued his career he decided to go into the health field and making sure that other athletes don't have to go through the same things as he did. Today, Simon and me talked about a variety of topics, also about me, because this will be a Dual-Podcast, which will be published on both of our podcast platforms. Main topics today that Simon and me touched on were the profession and history of Osteopathy, what this field entails, how important fascias are as well as the importance of strong feet as a base for the rest of your body. If you're a health-freak like me, you will enjoy this episode, please listen carefully and widen your horizon in another field, which also is essential in pro sports. Topics: Background Osteopathy Benas' Background Bio-Mechanics / Injury Prone Weak Feet Tennis Australian Open Benas' Career Highlight Compensation & Fascia Taping Feet / Cupping Scar Tissue Osteopathy vs Traditional Placebo Effect Benas in Vladivostok Scouting / Draft Goals & Philosophy ATOs Finding Simon: Website - https://iden-physio.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/idenphysio/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-iden-a8027a17a/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/simon.iden.9 To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #SimonIden #Osteopathy #Health #Physio #Treatment #Therapist #Fascia Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com

Matteo and me first met during his time as an agent while working for the “ProTalent” Agency under the helm of Maurizio Balducci, who served as a mentor for Matteo. Before he was an agent, he took his first steps at the Stellazzurra Basketball Academy in Rome. Meanwhile, Matteo is serving as the Chief of International Relations and Marketing at the NBPA office in New York, working to provide a better perspective and pathways for international players within the NBA. Matteo has a rich experience of dealing with different cultures around the world and managing all the different challenged that arise during a season, helping International players to find their own ways and mentoring them throughout the whole process after being drafted. Today, Matteo and me met at the NBPA office in NYC and enjoyed a great live-conversation in the Playstation room, where all the players usually come to relax during their training days. We sat down and talked about his work, about culture in general and the main differences between US & Europe. Off course, Identity is a huge part and we used this episode to discuss the challenges players deal with as they start their career, with all the noise and attention around them. This was a special episode not only because it was filmed live with both of us in the same space but also because we talked about “Identity”, which is also a huge topic for me and my journey. Timestamps for topics: Matteo’s Journey Impact & Vision of Balducci Being an Agent / Mentorship Impact Cultures & Identity Challenges Players Career Phases Player Environments Under-Promise & Over-Deliver Global Business US & Europe Sports Cultures International Calendar ATOs Finding Matteo: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matteozuretti/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/matteozuretti?s=20&t=v3H050DBjPXh9ILj7DhNuQ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteozuretti/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/matteo.zuretti NBPA Twittter - https://twitter.com/TheNBPA?s=20&t=v3H050DBjPXh9ILj7DhNuQ To support my Podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #MatteoZuretti #NBPA #ChiefofInternationalRelations #International #NBA #NYC Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

DONATE TO UKRAINE: Lithuania: https://www.panrs.lt/krasto-apsaugos-ministerijos-rekomendacijos-del-paramos-ukrainai/ Germany: https://helferschwein.de/ International: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en/ #22 Thorsten: Thorsten Leibenath is currently the Sports Director at Ratiopharm Ulm, which is currently a German BBL as well as Eurocup team. Before he became a Sports Director in 2019 he was the Head Coach at Ulm since 2011 where he was successful and earned “Coach of the Year” honors in 2012 & 2017. His team also holds the longest winning-streak in the BBL, which amounts to 27 wins in a row during the 2016/17 season. Thorsten started his Head Coach career with the Scottish Rocks in 2006 before returning to Germany the following season and continued his career in Giessen, Artland, Osnabrueck before heading to Ulm. Today, he talked to me about the challenges of a young Head Coach, dealing with veterans, finding common grounds, earning respect and having an identity as a coach. We had a great conversation that included topics such as ‘winning streaks’, handling conflicts with players, biggest lessons learned from being a Sports Director, seeing things from a different angle and much more. Topics: Memories of Lithuania Career & Background Head Coach at 31 Scotland Dealing with Veterans & Owners Consulting & Empowering Players Artland & Concepts Conflicts & Winning Streaks Identity as a Coach Sports Director Job Implementing a Culture Prospect Environment ATOs Finding Thorsten: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thorsten.leibenath Twitter: https://twitter.com/thal7475?s=11 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorsten-leibenath-985515222 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #ThorstenLeibenath #SportsDirector #HeadCoach #RatiopharmUlm #BBL #Eurocup Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#21 Freddie: Fredrick Kleemichen grew up in Bremerhaven as the son of an American father and German mother, signed his first pro-contract in 2002 with Frankfurt (Opel) Skyliners at the age of 15 and moved to a new city with new hope and big dreams. “Freddie” as we all call him, is not a household name in the world of basketball right now but he definitely used to be! He had a roller-coaster journey from being one of the highly touted prospects in Germany to moving down the latter and playing in lower divisions on Frankfurt’s farm teams while the frustration was growing. He eventually cut ties with Frankfurt at an early stage of his career and despite having offers to play for other BBL clubs he decided to move to Germany’s newly formed ProA (2nd division) league and this is where our paths met. After having several successful seasons with the Cuxhaven BasCats he eventually decided to leave professional basketball behind and start his studies in business in order to prepare himself for life after basketball. He is now a successful COO (Chief Operating Officer) of the agency “Belle Etage Event”. He was once hailed as ‘The Next Dirk Nowitzki’ and today he told his story on my podcast. Everything he had to live through and what the thinks young prospects need in their life as a ‘next big thing’. Listen to us talk about the importance of good mentorship early on, guidance and a helping-hand during tough times. The role that Holger Geschwindner played in his career and the genuine help he provided by implementing strong values in Freddie’s life. Freddie also talked about the ‘After-Life’, when it didn’t work out the way he hoped for, as well as the steps taken towards his new path. Enjoy this different episode and share with PROSPECTS, YOUTH COACHES as well as CLUBS to have an idea what young prospects go through in terms of attention and lack of mentorship in place! Topics: Background Career & Recruitment 1st Transition / Becoming a Pro “Next Dirk” Tag Scouting Personality? Environment / Mental Coaching Attitude Change / Farm Team (Good Clip) Holger Geschwindner / Values 2nd Transition / Moving On Character Building Love for Basketball Finding Freddie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-kleemichen-4626301a8/ To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #Freddie #FredrickKleemichen #NextDirkNowitzki #MentalHealth #Mentorship Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#20 Šaras: Šarunas Jasikevičius is a successful Head Coach at Barcelona and his career is basically just getting started now but he already brought home domestic titles in Lithuania as well as Spain. As a player he has a rich experience between a variety of cultures, starting from the time when he left Lithuania at the age of 17 to live in the US, going from High School to later on joining the University of Maryland. When he returned to Europe as a player, his success just took off exponentially. He played in 7 different countries, in-between he also spent some time in the NBA as he played at Indiana and Golden State. Šaras won a long list of championships across Europe and is most certainly a future Hall of Famer. All the domestic titles and awards are too long to list, most notably would be that he is a four time Euroleague champion and was the FIBA Eurobasket MVP in 2003 when he became European Champion with Lithuania. In today's episode Šaras and me talked some about his playing days but we spent most of the time discussing different coaching aspects, especially the transition from being an assistant coach to becoming a head coach and the challenges he dealt with early on. I was curious about how he prepares for the first speech in front of the team, first practices and what he looks for the most, what expects from his assistants before and during games as well as how much information is really valuable to him. He also spent time talking about the best environment for a prospect to succeed, what he thinks is absolutely necessary. I also sprinkled in some philosophical questions that helped shape the podcast in a different way, especially him talking about percentages that help the team succeed in the end as well as the importance of admitting to mistakes. Golf was also a subject, you can feel his obsession with the sport just by listening to him. Topics: Injury Causing Mindshift U.S. Cultural Experience Peak as a Player Looking Ahead to Coaching Learning Experiences & Sleeping Pills Difference in Generations Best Environment for Prospects Speech Preparation First Practices / Preparation Questions you ask yourself Role of Assistants Scouting Coaches Speech vs Xs&Os Control Struggles as Coach Becoming a Head Coach Emotions Winning Games / Percentages Admitting to Mistakes / Trust Pressure Golf Balance Life & Basketball ATOs Finding Šaras: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sarunas.jasikevicius.3 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saras_jasikevicius/ To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #Šaras #ŠarunasJasikevičius #Coaching #FCBarcelona #Basketball #Challenges #Life #Golf #BreathingMethods Sponsors: Not yet :) Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info.

#19 Claudio:    Claudio Coldebella is a former Italian basketball player, GM of the Italian 2nd Division and currently a successful Sports Director at Unics Kazan. Claudio started his playing career in Mestre in 1986 before moving to Desio and Virtus Bologna later on. Claudio also has the experience of playing abroad, he spent 6 years of his career in Greece playing for AEK and PAOK before returning to Italy and finishing his career in Milano in 2006. Claudio also spent many summers with the Italian National Team and was also a big part of the Silver medal in the EuroBasket of 1997. He finished his successful career with plenty of titles, winning the Saporta Cup in 1990, 3 Italian league championships, the Italian cup as well as the Greek Cup in 1999. After working for Treviso as an Executive as well as being the GM of the Italian 2nd Division afterwards, he currently successfully manages Unics Kazan and is making a run for the Playoffs this season (2021/22).   Today, Claudio and me had a conversation about a lot of interesting topics around the job of a Sports Director. We talked about the importance of cultural adjustments for players and how his experience helped him help others today, the importance of watching practices, communicating with the Head Coach as well as players and the subtle art of building a culture within an organization.    Topics:   Background  Youth Academies  Cultural Adjustments  Retiring as a Player  GM of Italian 2nd Division  Practice / Culture  Organizing / Tools  How to Build a Team?  Sustainability in Sports  Communication with Head Coach  Communication with Players  ATOs   Finding Claudio:   Twitter - https://twitter.com/ClaudioColde   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/claudio.coldebella   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudio-coldebella-99127221/    To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!):
  https://www.patreon.com/bmatke    #ClaudioColdebella #UnicsKazan #SportsDirector #Euroleague #Executive #Communication   Sponsors: Not yet :)   Find “The Benas Podcast”:  Apple:
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3   Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast   …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info.   Find Me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#18 Noel: Noel Mikaelian is an Armenian-German Cruiserweight Division Boxer who is currently on his quest to becoming World Champion and is without a doubt the #1 contender. He held the WBO youth world & WBO International cruiserweight title in 2014 & 2016. After being born in Yerevan, Armenia he moved to Germany at a young age and started to box early on by watching his step-father Khoren Gevor, who was a world-class boxer in his own right. Noel is currently 24-2 with 10 wins coming by KO. His next fight is coming in the February, where he will continue his quest. Today Noel and me talked about our common past as well as his early stages of boxing. He he shared his stories of sparring against his brother coming up, observing and learning from Khoren’s career as well the importance of proper preparation and what he does to wind down after big fights. Expect also to hear what goes through his mind on fight-night, how he deals with video-analysis, what he cares about in terms of nutrition, supplementation and monitoring sleep. Oura Ring was a huge subject on this segment. Also, the importance of the inner circle when you build your career. Enjoy this episode with my first non-basketball guest and share it with like-minded people who are curious about the world of boxing. Topics: Common History Armenian Heritage / German Background Miami Base Training in the U.S. Culture Building a Boxing Career Trusting Inner Circle Floyd Mayweather Example Sparring vs younger brother Preparation for Fights Nutrition / Supplementation Philosophy on Sparring Oura Ring / Importance of Sleep  Approach on Fight Night / Focus Video Analysis Dealing with Adversity Mental Recovery / Hobbies Breathing Methods 3 Quick Hits Below the Belt Finding Noel: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/noelmikaelian/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NoelMikaelian To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #Noel Mikaelian #Boxing #Champion #Armenia #Germany #Mentality #Mindset #Sparring #Training #Adversity #MentalRecovery #Nutritionofaboxer #OuraRing Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#17 Daniele Daniele Baiesi is currently a successful Sports Director at FC Bayern Munich. After leading Brose Bamberg to multiple domestic titles in Germany he continued his successful run at FC Bayern Munich in 2017 and has lead the team to multiple titles since his arrival as well. Daniele started his basketball career at Pallacanestro Biella in 2003 in the Italian league where he spent 6 years. The Detroit Pistons were his next stage where he worked as their international scout and had the pleasure to work alongside Joe Dumars before going to Bamberg and the rest is history. Daniele and me had a very in-depth conversation about what the Sports Director job really is. We talked about his times at Biella and at the Detroit Pistons and what lessons he took away from working with Joe Dumars. Daniele went into depth about handling information within the club and went into depth about the Paul Zipser situation last season. Handling information internally vs externally, especially when building a roster and recruiting certain players, as well as the essence of crisis management and how he goes about it when he sees a crisis on the horizon. Lots of great stories and metaphors with plenty of movie-quotes to go with. Enjoy this conversation and leave a review. SUBSCRIBE if you are not a subscriber yet and leave a comment if you have something to say. Topics: Background / Biella Job Biggest Lessons Early On Detroit Pistons Sports Director Job / Growth Handling Information / Zipser Building Roster / Recruiting / Chemistry Crisis Management Players’ Mental Collapse/Growth (Clip: 1:11:09 - 1:15:34) ATOs To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #DanieleBaiesi #FCBayernMunich #Basketball #SportsDirector #Euroleague #NBA #Italy #HowToBuildARoster #Crisis Management #HandlingInformation Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Stefan Weissenboeck is a player development coach at Brose Bamberg since 2010/11 season and has worked under the coaches Chris Fleming & Andrea Trinchieri most notably with whom he won multiple domestic titles during this period. He picked up basketball through his father and was committed early on as a player in Austria as well as one year at Hawaii-Pacific. After injuries derailed his playing career he turned to being an Assistant Coach before discovering the niche role of a Player Development coach. After playing for Arkadia Traiskirchen in Austria, a short stint in Lissabon and finishing his career at Nuernberg, he turned to being an Assistant there. Chris Fleming brought him to Bamberg and the rest is history. Players such as PJ Tucker, Brad Wanamaker, Kyle Hines, Brian Roberts, Daniel Theis, Marcus Slaughter went through his school of thought. He also worked with Jakob Poeltl from Austria as well Tomas Satoransky because of his Czech Republic connection. Stefan also shared stories about his experience with the Brooklyn Nets and told a ‘nail-story’ in regards to Caris LeVert & Joe Harris. Jarrett Allen & Nic Claxton have also had the experience of working with Stefan. Today we he had a phenomenal conversation together, my good friend from Bamberg. I’m intrigued by the “Player Development” position, especially in regards to shooting and Stefan was very kind to open up about different experiences with players. He shared stories from various players from the NBA as well as Europe and how he worked with them on different things. We explored the communication aspect between him and the player, as well as the dynamic when a 2nd coach is involved. Nail-length of a player in regards to shooting, how to get out of a ’shooting slump’ as well as what he looks for during the video analysis with players. We talked about confidence and where his confidence comes from and still manages to stay humble and prefers to stay in the background…’consciously invisible’. Enjoy the variety of knowledge he shared with us today, lots of goodies in here for all future PD coaches. Topics: Intro Austria Background Hawaii Year & Sliding Doors Player Development Career Consciously Invisible Approaching the player Getting out of a ‘Slump’ Common problems / Emotions Nail length Training Methods Players’ attention span Video Analysis Working for Brooklyn Confidence via knowledge NBA vs Euro players ATOs Finding Stefan: Homepage - https://www.stefan-weissenboeck.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stefan.weissenboeck/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stefan.weissenboeck.3 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #StefanWeissenboeck #BroseBamberg #BrooklynNets #NBA #PlayerDevelopment #Champion #Shooting #ShotDoctor #Nails Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info.

#15 Giannis: Giannis Sfairopoulos has been a successful Head Coach since taking over Kolossos Rhodos in 2008 after being a top Assistant for 11years in Greece. After a brief stint as the Assistant Coach at CSKA Moscow under Jonas Kazlauskas during the 2011-12 season, he turned Head Coach once again and continued his upward journey until now, becoming the Head Coach of Olympiacos in 2014 and in Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2018. Giannis has captured two Greek League titles in Greece with Olympiacos and coached them twice in the Euroleague Final Game. Currently, during his time in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv he already managed to win 3 Israeli League titles as well as the country’s cup competition. We both are good friends away from the game and you can hear it during this light-hearted but also professional conversation. We talked about the questions he asks himself before taking over a team mid-season, which happened three times for him already (Panionios, Olympiacos & Maccabi), also about him being an Assistant and the obligations and responsibilities he felt towards the Head Coach. We also touched on the importance of sharing information with coaches but protecting valuable inside scouting information and why! Lots of valuable information about mindset and how to avoid negative self-talks as a coach. Topics: CSKA / Sliding Doors Coaching Beginnings Open Mind / Learning Organizing / Military Trigger Points Kazlauskas Connection Role of Ast. Coach Shifting Roles Becoming a Head Coach Taking over teams mid-season Sharing Information Avoid Negative Self-Talk Time Management Meetings “Quick Hitters” To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #GiannisSfairopoulos #MaccabiTelAviv #Israel #HeadCoach #Basketball #Winner #Champion Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Find Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#14 Andrea: Firstly, I apologize for the slight delay in our conversation. The audio and video was not synced perfectly but is still very much useful…the wifi was playing jokes on us, we’ll make sure to tell the ‘Internet Gods’ to take care of that next time! Andrea Trinchieri is as good as they come and today he took me for a ride around his world. I got to see a glimpse of his past and mindset as well as his rich history with a variety of cultures in his background. Andrea is international as it gets by having Croatian, Montenegran, American as well as Panamanian roots and today he explained on how that came about and how these influences help him in his job today. Coach Trinchieri is a successful Head Coach at FC Bayern Munich and is currently in his 17th season as a Head Coach overall. He started his Head Coaching career in 2004 when he left Milano and became a Head Coach in 3rd division at Tripoldi Cremona. Meanwhile, he has elevated his ‘game’ all the way to the Euroleague after going through all possible levels of coaching you can imagine. Andrea has countless titles in Germany that include 3 German Leagues as well as 2 German Cups, 2 Serbian Cups, Russian Cup & Italian 2nd Division Cup and many more domestic accomplishments. He’s a treasure and still has lots of coaching left in him. Andrea and me talked about a variety of topics today but started our journey with my favourite topic of them all, “Communication”. We went into depth on how much his rich cultural background helps him to put himself in the other person’s shoes and be able to get his point across quicker and better. Andrea told why he’s not afraid of confrontations, how he cultivates a culture of accountability on his teams as well as defining leadership. He explained why his coaching style changes every year and what he expects from his Assistant Coaches day in - day out. We obviously also went into the coaching profession and talked about certain basketball situations such as ‘spacing’ and ‘cutting’. In the end I hit him with my ‘ATO questions’, which he answered precisely. Enjoy this peace of art created by the master himself, Andrea Trinchieri. Topics: - Boston Memories - Background / History - Cultural Communication - Becoming a Head Coach - Confrontations / Conversations - Recruitment / Management - Leadership / Preparation - Relationship with Players - Leaders / Accountability - Changing Coaching Style - Expectation from Ast. Coaches - Floor Spacing - Cutting / Communication - Advice to younger self - Best personal investment - Overcoming Failure - Teaching a class in Basketball - Favourite Dinner Company - Alex Ferguson quote - What DRIVES you? Finding Andrea: Twitter - https://twitter.com/andreatrinkieri Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/andrea.trinchieri To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AndreaTrinchieri #FCBayernBasketball #Munich #Communication #Coaching #HeadCoach #Leadership #Accountability #CoachingStyle #CultureCocktail Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 Homepage: https://www.bmatke.com 

Nicola is a dedicated Sports Director at SIG Strasbourg and to me the most underrated at his profession. Nicola worked predominantly in Italy before leaving the country and joining Strasbourg in 2020. He is a native of Forli, Italy just as Maurizio Gherardini is and went from picking up valuable lessons from his mentor, to later becoming a General Manager and Sports Director himself. After taking a detour to the hotel business and becoming a hotel manager for almost a decade, he returned back to the sport and to become a basketball manager most recently worked as a GM at Avellino (2016-2020 & Roma (2012-2016) before joining Strasbourg. In today's episode we tried to answer the question of what a Sports Director actually does. We also talked about how he came into the business as well as what he tells young scouts on how to break through in this business. Because every path is unique, it’s almost a impossible to have a clear road-map. Nicola also briefly shared his detour to the hotel business before touching on various other topics such as the importance of network, the daily challenges he faces within the team, how he manages the dynamics of a team and much more. A big topic that Nicola also touched on is the firing of a coach. He talked me through the process of it and what goes through his mind as he’s anticipating pulling the trigger. Lots of touchy subjects where we found some common ground across our professions, expect to find some gems in this one and share with people who would enjoy this. Topics: - Scouting Story - Background - How to you break through? - Lessons from Gherardini - Italian Scouting Culture - Importance of Network & Information - Lessons learned from different seasons - Hard Conversations / Firing a Coach - Job of a Sports Director / Picking a Coach - Building a Roster - Communication with Players - Daily routine / Family Balance - Faithful to Victory - Philosophy - Biggest Fear - Reading Books - Home - Top 3 Tools to organize yourself Finding Nicola: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nalberani/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/albero75 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicola.alberani To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #NicolaAlberani #SportsDirector #Manager #SIG #Strasbourg #France #ValueSystem #Integrity #Forli #Italy Sponsors: Not yet :) Finding Me: www.bmatke.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

#12 “Bogues”: Andrew Bogut doesn’t need much introduction for all sports fans. He grew up in Melbourne, went on to play for the AIS before signing a letter of intent for the University of Utah and becoming the #1 pick in 2005’s NBA Draft after his sophomore year. Andrew had a phenomenal career not only in the NBA where he became a NBA champ in 2015 with the Golden State Warriors but also with the Boomers when competing for the Australian National Team in the Olympics in 2004, 2008 & 2016 as well as plenty of other international competitions. A success story of its own kind that he shared with me on this episode. Andrew also has his own podcast called “Rogue Bogues” where you can hear not only his life’s journey in the ‘My Journey’ category but also various other topics. On this episode we talked about his upbringing in Australia by two immigrant parents, the struggles he faced as a young kid and how that prepared him for his career. We touched on his value system, the importance of mentorship throughout his career, the social media use today as well as various other topics. Listen to the end to hear his Rick Majerus stories as well as other impromptu chit-chat. Topics: Shoutouts Rogue Bogues / Background Different Eras / Hard Work Values & Principles Respecting Work Evolution as a Player Dealing with Social Media Mentorship during Career Scouting / Key Information Coaching Now vs Then Boomers Thoughts on Retirement Final 8 Finding Bogues: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewbogut/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/andrewbogut LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bogut-707973115 Homepage - www.andrewbogut.com “Rogue Bogues” Podcast: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rogue-bogues-by-andrew-bogut/id1541789772 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/492V44AwNkzKwTvSxWPssB?si=3d3721e3a959479e YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvy0Lw9TcvSAQnTzj62aOUA To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AndrewBogut #RogueBoguesPodcast #NBA #Boomers #Australia #Melbourne #Life #Retirement Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Nikos finished his glorious career this summer after playing 21 years professionally. He started off at AEK as a young, up & coming prospect playing for “Duda” Ivkovic before moving abroad early on. Nikos played in 5 different countries outside of Greece…First one being Italy before moving to Russia to play for CSKA, his university as he called it. He also played for the top clubs like Siena, Bilbao, Unics, Fenerbahce, Bamberg & Joventut before returning to AEK to finish where he started it all. During his career he managed to win the Euroleague with CSKA (2008), countless domestic titles in Greece, Italy, Russia & Germany as well as numerous National Team achievements while playing for his home-country. He grew up with one of the best generations that came out of Greece with whom he managed to become European Champion in 2005, Runner-Up in the World Cup 2006 and Bronze Medal winner in the Euros of 2009. Today we talked mostly about his professional journey, how he built his career abroad rather than staying at AEK. Nikos opened up about HOW & WHY it happened. He also opened up about what “Duda” Ivkovic meant to him as a young player, how important he actually was as a mentor and coach for young players. Nikos left to play in Treviso, Italy at a young age and told me about the cultural adjustments he had to make, the homesickness as well as the importance of learning the language. He later talked about the role adjustment he had to go through when he joined CSKA and what it means to play for a big team in the Euroleague…the pressures that come with it and how not to lose the joy along the way. We touched on his game-day routine as well as how he decompresses afterwards. I also asked Nikos about scouting reports and what he thinks is necessary these days. Enjoy this episode with “A Pro’s Pro”! Topics: - A day without Social Media - Mentoring Young Players - Maturity/AEK/Coach Duda - Building Career Abroad - Cultural Experiences - New Role / “CSKA University” - Complex Team Dynamics - Game-Day Routines - Dealing with Highs & Lows - Pressure of Playing for Top Teams - Scouting Reports - Retirement + Being ordinary - No Identity Shift - Quick Hitters - Honesty Finding Nikos: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikos.zisis6/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/nik683 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #NikosZisis #AEK #CSKA #BenettonTreviso #Siena #Bilbao #Bamberg #Fenerbahce #Unics #Joventut #Retirement #Identity Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Martynas Pocius - Life After Retirement (NBA Front Office) Martynas Pocius, one of the most electric and fun players to watch in Lithuanian basketball history, joined my "Pod" today. His story is a ‘one of one’, after smashing two fingers and losing one completely in an accident in school he managed not only to recover but elevate his game and mentality as well as work ethic to the next level. After spending 4 years at Duke University he played for Zalgiris Kaunas in three different stints throughout his career as well as for Real Madrid from 2011-2013 and Galatasaray for one season in 2014-2015 before finishing his career at Murcia in 2017 while being only 31 years old! After winning the Lithuanian championship 3 times, the Spanish ACB cup as well as league and many other domestic titles, you can call it a successful career at the highest level. In today’s episode Martynas told me about his struggles and pains throughout his career, physical as well as mental. Being on anti-inflammatories for 10+ years is no joke and today he opened up about the pain & pleasure of playing during that time. He also gave us his synopsis of “Coach K” & Coach Pablo Laso, how similar they are in many ways. Marty also opened up about his most painful season in 2016/17 and wanting to move away to play in Australia. Lots of interesting stories, a great vibe and genuinely open conversation. Thank you Marty! Topics: Languages & IG hobby Background / Studies Adapting to the US as a kid Career sparked by a finger injury “Work Smarter, Not Harder” Anticipating Retirement Finding a New Identity Coach K Coach Laso Expectations from Ast. Coaches ATO 1: Finding Meaning ATO 2: Retirement Advice ATO 3: Home Finding “Marty”: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mpocius/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/MartyPocius Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marty.pocius To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #MartynasPocius #DukeBasketball #Zalgiris #RealMadridBB #Galatasaray #Murcia #Nuggets #Retirement #Identity Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Antanas’ story is a unique one, grindin’ his way up from a small team in Lithuania, through Barton County Community College in the US, finding his way to Texas A&M and coming back to Europe to eventually start his professional career. Antanas started his career in 2007 in Greece before he went on his way to play in Italy, Latvia & Spain. Finally he found his way back to play in Lithuania, having the unique experience to have played for Lietuvos Rytas (now Rytas Vilnius) as well as for Zalgiris Kaunas, where he ended up retiring in 2019. Antanas won 2 Latvian Championships and 1 Latvian Cup title. In addition, 3 Lithuanian Cup as well as League titles. He can pride himself to have had a successful career as a player and now has moved on to become the Director of Player Development at Wake Forest University. Antanas and me talked today about his journey from Lithuania to the US, how he didn’t know any English and was forced to learn quickly with the help of certain teammates. Antanas also shared his perception of the rivalry between Rytas and Zalgiris and how he personally felt during that transition. We talked about the fear of public speaking and where it originates from. The core of our conversation revolved around retirement, how he went about making the decision. Whether or not he regrets any of it and how he currently feels about his new life and job in the US. Topics: Intro - Background: Lithuania to US - Fear of Public Speaking / Culture - Family / College / Personality - Transition from Rytas to Zalgiris - Missing the Locker-room - Process of Retirement Decision - Road After Basketball - Gratification of Coaching - New Job at Wake Forest - Lithuanians at Wake Forest - Retirement Advice for Players Finding Antanas: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antanas44/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Antanas44 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/antanas.kavaliauskas.944 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AntanasKavaliauskas #WakeForestBasketball #Zalgiris #Basketball #Retirement Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Sammy Mejia, my good friend whom I met during our time in Moscow and happened to stay in touch throughout the last decade has had a unique career that started at DePaul University and took him to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League at the time). He decided early to take on a new career in Europe and signed a contract in Italy his first year. After he finished the 2008 season in Italy, he signed a one year deal in Greece the following year and learned his ways around Europe. The following two seasons, 2009-2011, were the most defining of Sammy’s career because he earned MVP honors and climbed the ladder to the top level organisation in Europe, CSKA Moscow. After a season in Russia he turned to play in Turkey and spend the rest of his career (8 years) on two different teams. On this episode, Sammy told me about his humble beginnings in New York as well as the DLeague life and how he came about to make the decision to leave midway through the season to join Capo d’Orlando in Italy. He told me about the defining times in France and how and why his career started to take off after that. We talked briefly about our time together in Moscow as well as his time in Turkey. The crucial decision to go into 2nd division of Turkey and the faith he showed in the Coach. The bulk of our discussion was obviously centred around retirement and facing new challenges in his life. How he went about deciding to retire during the pandemic and how difficult the decision was. The biggest challenge of redefining yourself without looking back too much. We also touched on the current challenge of proving himself again and basically starting over with a new role within the same business. Being Humble and embracing a new role! Topics: Background Decision to Leave the DLeague (2008) Ability to Reflect Reality hits in Europe Success in France Importance of Chemistry Dealing with Challenge at CSKA Moving to Turkey Decision Process/Moving to 2nd Division Approaching Retirement Redefining Yourself Researching Retirement Purpose / Group Dynamics Next Step / New Identity Humble / Realistic Approach Finding Sammy Mejia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammymejia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smejia83 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #SammyMejia #Tofas #TeamWass #Basketball #Retirement #LifeAfterRetirement Sponsors: Not yet :) Find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 Homepage: www.bmatke.com

JR Holden - Life After Retirement (Part 1) JR’s career is unique, not only because of how it all ended but mostly because of how it all started. From a ‘try out application’ to go and play in Latvia to winning multiple Euroleague Championships with CSKA Moscow (2006 & 2008) as well as becoming European Champion with the Russian National Team in 2007. On top of all that, JR became an Olympian in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. During this conversation it sounded like he cherished the Greek League Championship in 2002 with AEK the most because of the unlikely championship run. In the end of the day, he became a champion in every country he played in; Latvia, Belgium, Greece & Russia. Point-blank Winner. On this episode, JR and me started off talking a bit about his background and how it all started with a tryout in Latvia. We shortly touched on his time in Belgium, Greece as well as CSKA Moscow and mainly talked about the biggest lessons he picked up from the coaches he ended up playing for. He took away valuable lessons from each coach that he shared with us one by one. The bulk of our discussion focused around retiring and filling a void, talked about the common mistakes that retired players do in terms of money-spending that he was trying to avoid. JR also shared his special relationship with Coach Ettore Messina and how it grew over time through a specific conversation they had. Also, he shared the biggest regret of his career, which seemingly was not easy to share (thanks again). Meanwhile, JR is working as a front office Executive for the Brooklyn Nets and is striving to win the next championship of his career, this time at the highest possible level. It’s an inspiring story with plenty of valuable lessons along the way for the next generation. Please enjoy this episode and share with your loved ones, lots of ‘nuggets’ in there for everyone. PS: I clearly used the phrase “Paradigm Shift” way too much :) Topics: Our Friendship Tryouts in Latvia Cultural Adjustments Now vs Then First Career Shift Lessons from Euro Coaches Relationship with Messina Contemplating Retirement Finding New Purpose Trying Different Avenues DRIVE & TRIBE Bucket List Biggest Regret of Career Lesson Learned in Europe JR Holden Now vs Past Finding J.R.: I will be the filter :) To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #JRHolden #CSKA #Moscow #Basketball #Retirement #NBA #Life Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 Homepage: www.bmatke.com

Ales Pospisil - “European Coffee Trip” Everybody who knows me, knows that I’m a dedicated coffee lover. This is the first of many “Coffee Savant” episodes and it’s only fitting to do it with the person who ignited my passion for ‘The Bean’, Ales Pospisil and the coffee platform: European Coffee Trip. My name gets often auto-corrected to ‘Beans’ anyway, so I suppose it’s my destiny anyways :) In this category of podcast episodes I will talk to a variety of coffee-enthusiasts and cafe owners as well as baristas. It’s a niche that not everyone appreciates until they have a tasty cup of coffee and with this category of special episodes I will do my best to get you closer to ‘The Bean’ with a ‘tasty episode’ who hopefully will prompt you to explore this space. Ales is the co-founder of the biggest cafe-finder platform (in my humble opinion) in Europe and helped me to find the best cafes on my journeys around Europe. Together with Radek Nozicka, they make an extra effort to map out as many ‘Specialty Cafes’ or ‘Third Wave’ coffee-spots in Europe and thus far have gotten a lot of attention by travellers who are visiting Europe. Ales talked about the early beginnings of the platform and off course where it’s currently going, together with the YouTube channel that has experienced a lot of growth in the midst of the pandemic. We didn’t mention the App they are currently working on but that should also be mentioned at least here to help ‘coffee explorers’ find the best spots. Ales talked openly about his tastes and the openness to new experiences in the coffee world and the coffee world outside of Europe. Overall, a very exciting episode for me personally and probably for all the Coffee Geeks out there as well. We did ‘Geek Out’ over a lot of special topics and probably could have gone for hours more. Please enjoy this episode and leave a comment or review on this episode below. Subscribe to this channel and let’s Geek out together! Today's Main Topics: - Who is Ales Pospisil? - Personal journey to the coffee world and the beginnings of "European Coffee Trip" - Platform Info and Cafes that are featured - Personal Favourite Cafes - Advice for "Rookies" on where to start their coffee discovery - Countries with Biggest 'upside' and 'under-rated' in terms of coffee culture - Opinion and experience with "Coffee fads" such as Bulletproof coffee & Mushroom Coffee - Coffee Places outside of Europe worth discovering - "Barista Automation" - 5 "Espresso-Questions" Finding Ales & European Coffee Trip: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alespospisil/ Website - https://europeancoffeetrip.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/europeancoffeetrip/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/EuroCoffeeTrip Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=european%20coffee%20trip LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/europeancoffeetrip/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/EuropeanCoffeeTrip/featured To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AlesPospisil #EuropeanCoffeeTrip #CoffeeSavant #SpecialtyCoffee #Espresso #FlatWhite #CoffeeGeeks #CoffeeLovers Sponsors: Not yet :)

Firstly, I have to apologise for my audio, which gives up on my 20mins or so into the podcast, my quality goes down but Coach Itoudis’ works well and that’s the person you need to listen to the most anyway, so please enjoy! Head Coach Dimitris Itoudis’ path to coaching is an unusual one. After leaving his junior soccer team because his long hair was not in line with the coach’s rules he decided to switch to basketball at a young age and the rest is history. In 1990, he chose the path of studying abroad, outside of Greece and ‘abroad’ meant Zagreb at that time. While studying in Zagreb University and learning the language, he also started to coach in the youth divisions and started to leave his first marks as a coach. After expanding his network in the Balkan region he eventually made his path back to Greece and became the Assistant Coach at PAOK in 1995. After becoming a Head Coach at PAOK in 1996 and making his first appearance in the Cup of Cup Finals he worked his way through Panionios and MENT to eventually become Zeljko Obradovic’s Assistant Coach at PAO, where his biggest successes as an Assistant came (8 Final Four appearances & 5 EL titles). From there it was clear that his time as a Head Coach has come and he arrived to Banvit in 2013, which ended up becoming an unintended short stop-over before taking over CSKA Moscow in 2014, where he still is paving his way to new records. Currently has 6 Euroleague Final Four appearances with 2 titles amongst them. Dimitris and me had variety of topics today. Beside his background and inspiring story from working as an Ice-Cream company sales representative to becoming a head coach, we talked about what it means to trust your team, when to let go and when to reflect & remind the team of tough losses in order to avoid history repeating itself. What role gut & intuition plays in his decision-making, the relationship he has with his captains, off course we also talked about the expectation from his staff, things he changed his mind on over time as well as what it means to stay persistent when you are working a job and want to be impactful. Lots of GREAT advice for upcoming coaches as well as regular people on what it means to follow your values and principles in life. Listen in to hear all the goodies! Topics: - Intro - Knife Story - Counting Final 4s - Path to Basketball - Sliding Door Moment 1st Quarter (Coaching): - “Trusting the Orchestra” - Reflecting on adversity - Trusting Gut & Team - Defining ‘Playing Well’ 2nd Quarter (Communication): - Relationship with Captain - Coaching Staff Expectations - Length of Video Analysis 3rd Quarter (Reflections): - Change in Practice Philosophy - Commitment to Your Job 4th Quarter (Philosophy): - Value System - Books Finding Dimitris: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dimitris_itoudis/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ItoudisD Affiliate Links to Dimitris' favourite books: “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek - https://amzn.to/3wryTBB “Pep” by Pep Guardiola - https://amzn.to/3fbotA7 Support my Podcast on Patreon here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #DimitrisItoudis #cskamoscow #euroleague #champion #headcoach #values #principles #GreekBasketball  For More info just visit: www.bmatke.com 

Andreas Pistiolis is the long time Ast. Coach at CSKA Moscow under the guidance of Coach Dimitris Itoudis. Andreas realized early (age 14) how much he loved coaching & teaching players and found his way into the youth program of Panathinaikos. Soon enough he received an invite by the senior team to join the coaching staff and help Coach Dimitris Itoudis to prepare scouting reports and break down film to help Zeljko Obradovic form a winning dynasty at Panathinaikos. He established himself as the ‘right hand’ of Dimitris Itoudis and followed Coach Itoudis to Banvit in 2013 to become his 1st Assistant there. After just one successful year in Turkey, Andreas joined Coach Itoudis in Russia and off course continued to win titles together. After establishing a winning mentality in Greece & in Turkey he continued his success as the top Assistant in the Russian powerhouse. Since the arrival in Moscow in 2014, Andreas celebrated two Euroleague titles (2016 & 2019) and won 5 VTB championships as well. Andreas gave me the impression of being a very humbled and down to earth personality who knows what he wants in life. On this episode, Andreas and me went on a deep-dive of what it means to be an Assistant Coach at the top level and the duties and expectations that come with it during games and off the court. He opened up about his path to coaching and gave great insights on what the position of an Assistant Coach really means. We had an interesting discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of sharing scouting information with other colleagues, relationship with players, Coaching Staff dynamics and the communication and handling of information in regards to players and coaching staff. Enjoy this very niche episode. Intro TOPICS: Background & History Panathinaikos Career Early Challenges/Paradigm Shift Politics / Exchanging Information Communicating w/Players Coaching Staff Dynamics Scouting/Video Process Managing Time/Work Biggest Duties of Ast. Coach Common In-Game questions Reflecting After the Game Post Game Video Areas of Self Improvement Dreams/Goals Path outside Basketball Teaching 1st Lesson Sliding Door Moment Advice to Ast. Coach Finding Andreas: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/apistiolis/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/APistiolis To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #AndreasPistiolis #cskamoscow #euroleague #champion #assistantcoach #duties #GreekBasketball #coaching Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com for more info. Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/

Kostas Chatzichristos has been the Strengths&Conditioning Coach of CSKA Moscow's basketball team the last 7years and was part of the two Euroleague title runs in 2016 & 2019. Kostas studied at the University of Texas before interning at EXOS and going on to take his first job at the University of Georgia. He later returned to Greece to continue his career at Olympiacos B.C. and later at Panionios as the Head of Performance before taking his talents to CSKA in 2014. He's also the co-founder of "Performance22", which is a training and rehab facility for athletes in Athens, Greece. Kostas has a rich history of training high level players such as Sofoklis Schortsanitis & Theodoros Papaloukas. On this episode I talked to my good friend Kostas about his journey from his early beginnings in Greece to how he achieved his dream of studying in the US and what sparked this journey to become a Strength & Conditioning Coach. He also opened up about the passing of his father at an early age and what impact that had on his life. He talked about the mentors he had throughout his journey and their impact on his career, the nuances of how to navigate certain information within the staff, f.e. players injuries, as well as the path to gaining the trust of players by putting your ego down. He also gave great examples of "make or break" moments that defined him throughout his career. We covered lots of topics and finished our conversation with a list of books that helped Kostas throughout his journey to become who he is today. Topics: Pro&Personal Background Mentors during Career Path Sharing Information&Inspiring others Dealing with Athletes Make or Break moments Communication & Putting Ego Down PowerPoint for Athletes Navigating information within staff ELSCA (Euroleague Strength&Conditioning Coaches Association) Time Management / Work&Family Books & Life Hacks Philosophical Exchange Finding Kostas: Website - https://kostaschatzichristos.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/kostas-chatzichristos-a85ab53 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kostas_chatzichristos/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/kostaschatz Affiliate Links to Kostas' favourite books: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst: https://amzn.to/3f4SNeD Meditations - Marcus Aurelius: https://amzn.to/3hcYzgQ The Better Angels of Our Nature: https://amzn.to/3b95bJm The Gene: An Intimate History: https://amzn.to/3trgLpr The Little Prince: https://amzn.to/3bfCkmS Jonathan Livingston Seagull: https://amzn.to/3hdFg71 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #kostas #chatzichristos #cskamoscow #euroleague #champion #strength&conditioning #mentorship #NoEgo Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: www.bmatke.com

Dr Rainer Meisterjahn - Mental Performance Coach for Athletes & Coaches Rainer Meisterjahn comes from a small town in central Germany by the name of Arpe, where he grew up and picked up the game of basketball. During that time he went to the US for an exchange year and got a taste of the US culture early on. After going back to Germany he knew he eventually had to “scratch the itch” again and applied to a NAIA school in Maine to play basketball and study Sports Psychology. After earning his Bachelors and going back home once again, he eventually decided to stop pursuing his professional player dream and migrated to the US for good in order to get his Master’s and later Ph.D in Sports Science. Rainer later founded Courtex Performance, is based in the U.S. and currently works with NBA athletes like Tobias Harris, WNBA and NCAA players and coaches, as well as European based sports athletes & coaches. Today we talked about his journey from the early beginnings as a player all the way to helping top notch professionals perfecting their “mental game”. We went through the process of getting your first clients as a mental performance coach, the techniques he uses for “Pre-Game”, “In-Game” & “Post-Game” analysis as well as the basis of his philosophy. Rainer shared his view on the struggles that players and coaches usually go through and what cues he looks for during the games to understand them better. All in all a very insightful conversation about the ‘hidden game’ behind the visible game. Below you can find all the topics discussed in order: Background / Profession Beginning / Building Relationships Dealing with Social Media Most Common Issues Pre-Game Process In-Game Tasks/Challanges Challenges for Coaches Post-Game Analysis Measuring Mental Performance Flow State vs Slump NBA Draft Interviews Personal Regrets US vs Europe Routines / Habits / Books Finding Rainer and Courtex Performance here: Website - https://www.courtexperformance.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtexperformance/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/courtexperformance/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/courtexperform Affiliate Links to Rainer’s favourite books on mental performance: The Inner Game of Tennis - https://amzn.to/3na9oBw Mind Gym - https://amzn.to/3vcnTHN Heads up Baseball 2.0 - https://amzn.to/2QGRslF The Mindful Athlete - https://amzn.to/3ehx4Qh To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke #rainer #meisterjahn #courtexperformance #mentalperformance #mentalgame #sportspsychology Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

Kyles Hines - The Definition of a Champion! Kyle’s journey from a small town named Sicklerville, New Jersey all the way to the top of the mountain of European basketball is a treat for any basketball savant to listen to and get inspired by. Kyle has been a high achiever ever since he came to Europe, winning 4 Euroleague crowns and countless domestic titles across Europe (Germany, Greece, Russia, Italy). After going undrafted, Kyle went on to join Veroli in Italy’s 2nd division in 2008. Two seasons and two 2nd Division Cup titles later he moved on to join German-powerhouse in Bamberg. After winning three domestic titles in Germany, he decided to join Olympiacos and went on to win his first two Euroleague titles (2012&2013) with the Greek team. Afterwards, he spent the core of his career (7 seasons) in Moscow, where he also went on to win 2 Euroleague titles and several domestic titles. Currently, he’s on a quest to do the same in Milano and bring the titles to the Italian powerhouse. I believe this episode is especially useful for young Americans coming over to Europe or elsewhere and starting their career. Kyle shared some insightful stories about his upbringing and adaptation process in Europe. Kyle talked about the importance of mentorship in his career in Europe, how Jerome Allen showed him “the ropes” early on. We went on to talk about Ego vs Pride, how important and difficult it can be sometimes to learn & accept a new role, Captain duties and the nuances of building a culture, how to handle social media as a pro, the relationship and expectations from Assistant Coaches, ELPA, Personal Projects and some quick hitters. Find the time stamps below: Topics: - 2012 Olympiacos-CSKA Euroleague Final - Background / Humble beginnings - Ego vs Pride Discussion - Adapting to Veroli, Italy - Accepting new role in Bamberg - Captain duties / Team building - Social Media / Motivation - Expectation & Relationship with Asst Coaches - ELPA (Euroleague Player’s Association) - “Final 4” quick hitters - Favorite Book / Personal Projects Finding Kyle: Follow Kyle on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sirhines42/ Check out Kyle’s Projects and other sites: https://linktr.ee/sirhines42 ELPA: https://www.elplayers.com Affiliate Link to Kyle’s favorite book: “Chop Wood Carry Water” - https://amzn.to/3mxR6d3 To support my podcast on Patreon click here (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: Not yet :) Find “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or just visit my website www.bmatke.com Get in touch in the comments below or find me on the links below: IG: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3

One of the most accomplished coaches in European history agreed to visit with me on my podcast and talk “all things basketball & life”. Coach Messina is in the FIBA Hall of Fame class of 2021, a 4 time Euroleague Champion, 2 time Euroleague Coach of the Year and won countless domestic titles across Europe. After spending a year as a consultant for the Lakers (2011/12), Ettore came back to CSKA for a second stint and this is where our paths crossed. After the two season together Ettore went on to work as an Assistant Coach to Gregg Popovich in San Antonio (2014/2019) before returning to Italy as the Head Coach of AX Armani Milano. He was also the National Team coach of Italy 1993-1997, which ended with a Silver Medal at the 1997 Eurobasket in Spain. I broke this episode down to 4 quarters….because, well…that’s what I do for a living…:-) 1. History, 2. Communication, 3. Philosophical, 4. Basketball Topics. Summary of topics discussed: Q1: Coaching Early Adjustment Challenges during his coaching career Paradigm Shifts “Favourite Failure” Q2: Communication Having Hard Conversations: Preparation for NBA Head Coaching job interviews: Communication change/challenges over the years: Q3: Philosophical Purpose: Basketball & Life / Developing trust / Patience Overthinking and decision-making process: Gut & Intuition Q4: Basketball specific Expectations out of his staff / Obvious vs Non-obvious discussions Topics discussed around the game these days Finding balance / Routine on Game-Day Listening to me reading a book….a classic way to end. Follow Ettore: IG: https://www.instagram.com/et.messina/ Affiliate Link: Buy Alex Ferguson’s Autobiography here:  https://amzn.to/31vAicY I would be grateful if you choose to support my podcast (Ačiu!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Find me on: www.bmatke.com #ettoremessina #coach #milano #euroleaguechamp #basketball #legend Sponsors: Not yet :)

What's up everyone, this is just a short intro to the podcast, nothing glorious this time but I hope it's some sort of a ....cliff-hanger...Please subscribe and learn more about the guests.  You can also visit www.bmatke.com if you want to learn more about me...you don't have to though, just if you like...:-)