Today, we chop it up with one of only TWO Canadian Division 1 head coaches, Stonehill College’s Chris Kraus. Chris has a deep lineage of basketball; his father was a coach at legendary Markham High School, and Chris followed the team around at a young age.

Because of that situation, it seemed like basketball was always going to be, and although Chris was involved in a bunch of sports he couldn’t break the passion for hoops. He excelled at the game and even found himself playing in the historical grassroots program alongside the likes of Denham Brown and Jermaine Anderson.

After a couple of attempts at pro hoops, Chris realized it was time, and he dove right into the coaching world. His story is great, and even took a flyer on how he started out! He now finds himself back at Stonehill, the same place he played and is having success while navigating the move to Division 1. A great episode for all aspiring coaches and hoop heads, tap in!

#Canadabasketball

#ahoopsjourneypodcast

Chris Kraus - Guest

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Kraus_(basketball)

https://x.com/CoachChrisKraus

https://stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/chris-kraus/1324

Aaron Mitchell - Host

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

HELLOOOO!

What a banger we have for you today, as we sit down with Brooklyn native, Division one coach and current broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors (Since 1998), Jack Armstrong!!!

Mitch and Jack have a great conversation, and it covers a ton of ground, from life, to adoption, coaching, the Raptors, pretzels, broadcasting, and so much more!

If you didn’t know, Jack is a former Division one basketball coach. As he reflects on that part of his life, he shares many stories and reflections of who he shared the court with and learned from, it truly is amazing the amount of people he has come across!

We don’t want to say anymore, in fact, the term is “say less” are we right? This one is so great, as usual, make sure to tap in………….and tell a friend!

The return of Eli this episode too! (IYKYK)

#Canadabasketball

#ahoopsjourneypodcast

Jack Armstrong - Guest

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Armstrong_(basketball)

https://www.instagram.com/jackhellooo

Aaron Mitchell - Host

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/

Scarborough, stand up! What a beauty we have for you today with a Canadian National Team rock, a deep thinking, hard-working point guard currently overseas in Spain, Trae Bell-Haynes!

We actually catch Trae a couple of days after a matchup with former guest and Canadian legend himself Melvin Ejim (Trae’s squad got the W If you’re wondering). The episode starts from there, and it makes perfect sense, Melvin the steady veteran for Team Canada and Trae, still a young 30 but a constant on our National Teams who’s slowly becoming that Veteran as well, possibly an “UNC” role too!

Trae had a great four-year career at Vermont, leading his team to an NCAA appearance in 2017, where they lost to Purdue. (Trae had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists).

Since college Trae played professionally in Germany, Finland, the NBA G League, the CEBL, Spain, and Montenegro and contributed everywhere he goes.

The one constant that remains is Trae always stepping up when his number is called for his country, no matter the time or place he represents the maple leaf with pride! Tap into episode 176 with this massive Nas fan and hear more of his journey! Best to Trae going forward!

#Canadabasketball

#ahoopsjourneypodcast

Trae Bell-Haynes - Guest

https://www.instagram.com/trae_ball

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trae_Bell-Haynes

Aaron Mitchell - Host

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/