Last week, we mentioned to you that Under Armour invited The Hoop Doctors to their exclusive basketball line event where they unveiled some new products and advertisements. In attendance was their hoops roster of Brandon Jennings, Kemba Walker, Grevis Vasquez and Derrick Williams; all of which we had a chance to speak with.

We asked Derrick an array of questions, including if he thought he should’ve been taken first in the draft. Check out his answer, where he eludes to how things may have shaken out differently if Arizona played on the East Coast.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

Brandon Jennings, star point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, is anything but conventional. He took an unconventional route to the NBA, he had an unconventional NBA draft night, his personality is genuine and unapologetic, and to top it off he is even a left-handed point man to keep defenses guessing.

The Hoop Doctors had a chance to catch up with Jennings last week at an Under Armour launch event and we couldn’t help but ask about his beef with Kobe (1:09 of interview), and whether or not Kobe reached out to him. You may be surprised by his response about Kobe…

Over the past year or so, it’s quite possible that no brand has done more to help their basketball image than Under Armour. They have done a masterful job of forcing us all to now associate UA with roundball. A few nights ago in New York, they held an exclusive event for their basketball line and invited The Hoop Doctors.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

If you enjoyed this podcast and can’t wait to listen to the next podcast from Coach Godwin on The Hoop Doctors ‘Skool’ 4 Ballerz, you can subscribe to his podcast feed by clicking here.

Coach Koran Godwin is the founder of JumpStartHoops.com, a basketball instructional website. He is the All-Time Leading Scorer at the University of North Florida and author of the book “Everyone Hates a Ball Hog but they Love a Scorer: The Complete Guide to Scoring Points On and Off the Basketball Court.” The Hoop Doctors are big fans of Coach Godwin, as we consider him to be one of the leading basketball minds when it comes to taking that step from being just an average player, to becoming the leading scorer. Everyone wants to be the big man on campus, well if you follow the directions of Coach Godwin, we are sure you’ll get there.

“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

Seven of the most memorable, heart-felt words ever uttered in sports. Naturally, that was famously delivered by Jim Valvano during the 1993 ESPY’s, pertaining to his battle with cancer. Hard to believe that was 18 years ago. However, Valvano’s spirit and memory both remain as strong as they’ve ever been. That is thanks in large part to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, which is named in Valvano’s honor.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

The Hoop Doctors Kevin Burke recently had a chance to sit down with retired WNBA Superstar Lisa Leslie to talk about the 15th anniversary of the WNBA, and she gives us her picks for the best Starting 5 of all-time:

Untitled from The Hoop Doctors on Vimeo.

Untitled from The Hoop Doctors on Vimeo.

Recently THD interviewed filmmaker Jeff Camarra about his NBA D-League documentary “Up And Down”. The documentary details the travels of Los Angeles Lakers guard Trey Johnson through the D-League.

THD: When can fans expect to see the finished product?

Camarra: The film is done and again the only hurdle now is the lockout. We cannot move forward until there is a new cba, hopefully that will be before the season is suppose to start, but I’m not contractually allowed to speak about this.

THD: What is one thing that surprised you about the Developmental League?

Camarra: I think the biggest surprise to me was the family atmosphere among the team. A lot of the players have wives and children in their hometown;Trey has two children in Mississippi. He explained to me; during the season, your D-League team becomes your family. All of the guys live together in apartments a quarter mile from the arena. They workout together, go to the movies together and even grocery shop together. Given the circumstances they get to know each other beyond a professional level, which I think is unique in comparison to other professional leagues where players aren’t as tight nit.

THD: Are you looking to do any other basketball documentaries in the future?

Camarra: My brother Chris, who was an executive producer on this along with Bryan Kobel, and I have a few ideas for other documentaries, not necessarily focusing on basketball but you never know. I am still very involved with this, but I am open to other projects now.

THD: Did your passion for hoops or film making motivate you more for this project?

Camarra: That’s a tough question, can I say it was a tie? I grew up dreaming of playing in the NBA just like Trey and even though I’m 6’6”, I probably have more of a future in filmmaking; I was a poor free throw shooter. Being able to combine my two loves for this project was a dream come true and I hope to continue to take on projects that I feel as strong a connection to as I do with this.

THD: What was Trey’s overall attitude about life in the D-League?

Camarra: Trey always stayed positive for the most part, but I think the uncertainty started to wear on him. Everyone thought he would be the first player called up at the Showcase and when that didn’t happen, I think he got a little discouraged. Some of the other players in the D-League were telling him “I thought you’d be gone by now.” I think that just fueled him even more to go out and prove that he belonged in the NBA, and I think he proved that with the Lakers.

THD: What was Trey’s initial reaction when asked to do the project?

Camarra: I think Trey was a little reluctant at first, but understandably so. To get a real feel for the D-League life I wanted to live with Trey throughout the most important week of his life, the D-League Showcase, when he played in front of NBA scouts and GM’s. So when I called him, I basically asked if my crew (Dan Zinn, Nayim Saati and Jonah Quickmire Pettirgrew) and I could sleep on his couch and stick a camera in his face all hours of the day for a week. That would be overwhelming for anybody, but he handled it well. We did everything with the team; watched film, worked out, and traveled on the bus. After the second day or so we felt a part of the team and that was really special.

THD: What was Trey’s reaction to being called up by the (then) defending champion Lakers?

Camarra: We weren’t around for that, but we were able to get some great footage of Trey
playing with the Lakers. I was actually finishing grad school and I was in class when I saw Trey texted me. He simply said; “I’m a Laker,” I couldn’t believe it. I immediately called him back and congratulated
him. Living with Trey for a week, we developed a friendship and have stayed in touch. It’s crazy to think the night I met him we watched the Lakers play the Hornets in a regular season game. A few months later he was playing for the Lakers, against the Hornets, in the NBA Playoffs. We couldn’t have written a better ending.

THD: Can a documentary such as this possibly give the D-League more of a following and/or respect from fans?

Camarra: I think fans will follow D-League more closely, hoping their team can find the next Trey Johnson. With 20% of the NBA coming through the D-League, fans should definitely respect the quality of play. I think more than anything, fans will see firsthand how much is at stake for these players. The players bounce around from team to team, sometimes playing overseas, and rarely get to see their families, while not making a ton of money. The transient lifestyle would be hard for a lot of people to handle; but its all for the dream.

To learn more about the movie “Up and Down” follow their facebook page.

Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.

By and large, Dirk Nowitzki has been the best player in this year’s postseason. Nowitzki has averaged 28 points, eight rebounds and two assists, leading Dallas to the NBA Finals. After Dallas’ Game 5 victory over Miami, led by Nowitzki’s 29 points, the team is one win away from its first championship.

Prior to the Mavericks’ deep playoff run this spring, Nowitzki has been criticized for his past playoff shortcomings, despite being one of the game’s top players. Whether it was the meltdown in the 2006 NBA Finals, or losing to Golden State in the first round in 2007.

Recently, I was able to take part in a media conference call for the American Century Championship Golf Tournament. One of the participants in the conference call was Charles Barkley. I had a chance to talk to Barkley about Dirk Nowitzki’s great postseason performance, and how it could change the perception of his overall legacy.

The Hoop Doctors: If Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks go on to lose the Finals, has Dirk still gone along way with his outstanding postseason in changing the way people look at his career?

Charles Barkley: “Well, it depends. Anybody who didn’t think he was one of the greatest players all time was an idiot. But unfortunately I’ve been very torn for this series, to be honest with you, because Dirk and Jason and LeBron are really the three guys that have something to lose. Because the loser of this series is still going to be on that list that I’m on, and I always feel bad for those guys.”

Barkley also went on to say:

“Listen, Dirk is one of the greatest players. He already was before this year. But unless he wins a championship, he’s going to be on the same list with me. And until LeBron wins, he’s going to be on the list with me. These guys are both–Jason Kidd also–all three of these guys are Hall of Famers; they’re legends. But until you win a championship, you got to stay on the list with me and Karl [Malone] and Patrick Ewing and John Stockton, all those guys. That’s just the way it is.”

If Nowitzki does end his career without a ring, there is no doubt he will be on the list of best players with no championship hardware. With that being said, I still think Nowitzki has gone along way this postseason in silencing his critics. Before his current playoff run, Nowitzki was not only a great player without a ring, but his leadership and toughness were often questioned.

Now, he is just one win away from the ultimate prize.

Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.

Each year, Gatorade recognizes high school student-athletes, for excelling both academically and athletically, in the form of a Player of the Year award. Last week we told you that Lisa Leslie presented the Girls National Basketball Player of the Year award to this year’s winner, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. This week it was time for the Boys National Basketball Player of the Year to be announced and in typical Gatorade fashion, a former recipient surprised this year’s winner. NBA great, Alonzo Mourning who won this very award back in 1988, was in St. Louis this week to present the award to Bradley Beal of Chaminade College Preparatory. Next year, Bradley will take his 6’4″, 205 lb. frame to Gainesville and play shooting guard for Billy Donovan at Florida. Just minutes after the presentation, The Hoop Doctors had the chance to catch up with Zo.

Kevin Burke: Hey Zo, Kevin Burke from The Hoop Doctors here. How are you?

Alonzo Mourning: I’m doing fine, thanks. How about yourself?

Kevin Burke: I’m not doing as well as Bradley Beal. I know that you just surprised him with this years award for Gatorade Boys Player of the Year for basketball. Last week, Lisa Leslie surprised the girls winner and she told me how she went about surprising her. So how exactly did you go about surprising Bradley and was he truly shocked?

Alonzo Mourning: Oh yeah, he was definitely shocked. The way it happened was, I was acting as if was going to be a guest speaker in his Global Issues class. So when his teacher introduced me, I was supposed to talk about how the NBA has transcended globally and how that relates to the lessons being taught in that class. So I did that for a while, then I eventually said that I’m also here to present Bradley with the Gatorade Player of the Year award and everyone went crazy. Bradley was surprised, but also seemed somewhat confident. Almost as if maybe he was expecting it when he first saw me. But it was a great scene.

Kevin Burke: From what you know about him, what type of kid is he?

Alonzo Mourning: Oh, he’s a great kid. Very humble, extremely well-spoken. He’s active in community service, which I admire. He’s also church going and comes from a great family where both of his parents played basketball as well, ironically enough. On top of all of that he’s an outstanding student and a perfect kid to represent Gatorade, which stands for excellence and high quality, and Bradley is a good representation of that. I’m very proud of him.

Kevin Burke: About a year ago, I spoke to you for the very same reason. You were surprising Brandon Knight with this same award. Brandon’s Kentucky team was eliminated in the Final Four last weekend but how would you rate his performance in his freshman season and specifically in the tournament given the fact that he replaced the most talked about player last year, John Wall?

Alonzo Mourning: I think he had an excellent season. As the Point Guard, he was able to stretch it and get other teammates involved. He had a tremendous impact on his team this year. He exemplified leadership and made some big shots for them, and even carried them for a stretch in the tournament. I actually see some similar leadership qualities in Bradley who will be going to Florida next year. I also expect him to step in next year and make an immediate impact for them as well.

Kevin Burke: Do you think Brandon’s game is ready for the NBA or would returning to school help?

Alonzo Mourning: Going back to school would help him. Knight has parents who instill the value  of education so I know they’re most focused on school first and basketball second. That’s very important today. From what I know so far, Bradley parents have similar views too, but it would be nice to see Brandon back at Kentucky next year.

Kevin Burke: Zo, let’s shoot over to the NBA now and talk about the team in which you won a championship with and are most closely associated with: the Miami Heat. With the addition of the players that they acquired, they came under much scrutiny this year. Do you think it was justified?

Alonzo Mourning: (Laughs) I think alot had to do with the media because you guys have a tendency to sensationalize things.

Kevin Burke: (Interjects, laughing) Oh, come on. I never said a bad word about them.

Alonzo Mourning: But, many teams benefited from free agent acquisitions and Miami was just one team that did. Even though they’re one of the best teams in the league, I guess they didn’t live up to expectations of some so that adds to the scrutiny as well. But the best is yet to come. It takes time to truly develop chemistry as a unit but even so, they’ve accomplished alot already because they’re one of the best teams in the league. I think if they can stay together they have the talent to win multiple championships.

Kevin Burke: (Interjects) Do you think they can do it this year?

Alonzo Mourning: I think this year’s certainly a possibility. With those three guys (Wade, Bosh and James) fully healthy, you can’t count them out or eliminate them from the conversation.

Kevin Burke: If the playoffs began today, the Heat and Knicks would play in the first round, which of course makes me think of the old Knicks-Heat rivalries from back in the mid-90′s. Why were those battles so intense?

Alonzo Mourning: (Laughs) Pat Riley. Plain and simple, Pat Riley. He created the mentality for both teams. He was the architect for both. He instilled the defensive mentality in both teams and we were cut from the same mold. We knew each others plays and tendencies all because of Pat Riley. He created the culture for both teams that mirrored one another so much that we clashed as a result of that. But those were certainly fun times to relive as a player.

Kevin Burke: (Laughs) The most memorable moment to me  from those days was Jeff Van Gundy clinging to your leg during that altercation with Larry Johnson. Do you see Jeff often and if so do you guys talk about that?

Alonzo Mourning: (Laughs) Every time, man. Every time we see one another we laugh about that and Jeff has been a good sport about the whole thing. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Kevin Burke: What went through your mind when he was on your leg?

Alonzo Mourning: (Laughs) At first I didn’t even realize he was there. Then, when I looked down and saw him, I was just trying to get him off of me because I had no idea what was going on.

Kevin Burke:  Zo, the playoffs begin in less than two weeks. Who’s going to be the NBA Champion?

Alzono Mourning: Well, I’m kind of biased so I’m going to have to go with us (the Heat). Again, those 3 players together is something special, and great players always elevate their play in the postseason and that’s what I expect to happen.

Kevin Burke: Good enough. Zo, it was a pleasure as always. This now makes two years in a row chatting with you about the Gatorade Player of the Year. Hopefully we’ll catch up again same time next year. Thanks for your time. Have a good one.

Alonzo Mourning: Sounds good. Take care.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

A few days ago, former Georgetown head coach, John Thompson, returned to familiar surroundings – the sidelines, for the first time since he retired 12 years ago. Wearing his signature white towel draped over his shoulder, the legendary coach was back to teach dozens of high school basketball players the fundamentals of the game and life as part of a “POWERADE game science clinic.”

Coach Thompson kicked it off by talking to the group about the importance of training and hydration, the science behind the game, work ethic, education and character. Then Thompson and his staff led the group through some drills as well. Prior to all of this, The Hoop Doctors had the privilege of chatting with the Hall of Famer about a bunch of basketball related topics.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

Every year, Gatorade honors high school student-athletes for excelling both scholastically and athletically. A few days ago, it was time to recognize the 2010 – 2011 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The recipient was Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. Kaleena was the first player from California to earn this trophy since Lisa Leslie did so 21 years ago when she took home the award in 1989 – 1990. Therefore, the best way to tell Kaleena that she was this year’s winner was to have Lisa Leslie surprise her with the news. The Hoop Doctors spoke to Lisa right after she told Kaleena the good news:

Kevin Burke: Hi Lisa. Kevin Burke from The Hoop Doctors here. How are you?

Lisa Leslie: I’m doing excellent Kevin. I’m doing better now that I finally told Kaleena the good news.

Kevin Burke: How did she take it? Was she surprised?

Lisa Leslie: She was totally surprised. It was tough because we had to keep it a secret from her and so many people knew about it except for her. It’s hard to keep anything a secret nowadays but we were able to do it. The team was out on the court and I had to hide in the locker room until they came in. When they came in and saw me, they thought I was there to give them some kind of pep speech or something. So I started asking questions about the team in general and how everyone was going. Then I started asking specific questions about the team. I said, “Who’s the best defensive player on the team?” Everyone said, “Kaleena.” Then I asked, “Who’s the best offensive player?” They said, “Kaleena.” Then I asked, “Who’s the best 3-point shooter?” They said, “Kaleena” again. So then I asked Kaleena to show me her shooting form. Then I couldn’t keep it in any longer. I told her I wasn’t there to see her shooting form. I was there to tell her that she was the 2010 – 2011 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year. They all started screaming. It was a great moment and she’s a very nice girl. Very deserving of the award based on what she’s done both academically and athletically.

Kevin Burke: I met you last year in L.A. for the Gatorade Athlete of the Year presentation where you presented the award to Chiney Ogwumike who’s at Stanford now. Do these two young ladies have any similarities?

Lisa Leslie: Definitely, they are both very humble and very sweet girls. I had the chance to cover a few of Chiney’s games this year at Stanford and she did very well. Kaleena will be headed to UConn where she’ll be coached by Geno (Auriemma) and you know he doesn’t play, so she’ll have a strong career there.

Kevin Burke: Speaking of UConn and Stanford, earlier in the year Stanford ended UConn’s record breaking winning streak at 91 games. Do you think a winning streak and dominance like that is good or bad for women’s college basketball?

Lisa Leslie: I think it’s great. It showed how hard those girls worked and really highlighted how prepared they were for every game. You knew it wouldn’t go on forever but it was great to watch while it was happening. And it got people talking about the women’s game which is always a good thing. It was great for women’s college basketball. And ironically enough, I presented the Athlete of the Year award to Maya Moore (from UConn) a few years ago too. Another very sweet girl as well.

Kevin Burke: Maya is the consensus best player on the country, as you know. How good can she be on the next level in the WNBA?

Lisa Leslie: Oh, Maya will be phenomenal. She’ll have to be aggressive because it’s a different game, but that won’t be a problem for her because she never quits. Geno won’t let her. She’ll have no problem adjusting on the next level. She’s extremely talented. Minnesota has the first pick and I’d assume they would select her which would give her the opportunity to play alongside Candice Wiggins and Renee Montgomery, so that should be a good fit for her.

Kevin Burke: It should be, considering Renee is her former teammate at UConn. So in this year’s NCAA tournament UConn, Tennessee, Stanford and Baylor are the #1 seeds. Do you think the national champion will be one of those schools?

Lisa Leslie: Oh yeah, I think it will definitely come from a #1 seed. I think those are clearly the four best teams in the country and they’re all extremely well coached.

Kevin Burke: What’s your prediction? Who’s your favorite to win it all?

Lisa Leslie: It’s tough to choose. I don’t really have a favorite because they’re all so good. But I’m a west coast girl so it would be nice to see Stanford cut down the nets. But that’s just me being more hopeful than anything.

Kevin Burke: So you’ve been retired from the game for some time now. What are you doing to keep yourself busy?

Lisa Leslie: (Laughs) That’s easy. I have a 3 year old and an 11 month old. That’s all the exercise I need. I’m always running back and forth between tennis, swimming and dance with my 3 year old so there’s never a dull moment.

Kevin Burke: I didn’t hear basketball. No pressure on them to play basketball?

Lisa Leslie: (Laughs) Oh yeah. There’s plenty of time to squeeze basketball in there eventually. They’ll definitely be playing basketball too before long but as of right now, I’m playing tennis with them 3 times a week.

Kevin Burke: You’re one of the best players in history and I know you’re retired. But if you had to lace them up this summer in a WNBA game, what would your stat line be?

Lisa Leslie: Wow, that’s a good one. I’d say 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block and probably 4 assists. Points and rebounds have always come easy to me so I’d like to think I could get 10 of each. But then again I haven’t picked up a ball at all since I retired so who knows.

Kevin Burke: Finally, Candace Parker today versus you in your prime. Who wins 1-on-1?

Lisa Leslie: Oh, that’s easy. Me (Laughs). That’s me all day. But seriously, Candace is an outstanding player but how am I not going to say myself?

Kevin Burke: Tough to argue with that.

Kevin Burke: Thanks for your time Lisa and best of luck to you in the future.

Lisa Leslie: Thank you, Kevin. Take care.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

THD's Kevin Burke with Jalen Rose

Jalen Rose Interview from The Hoop Doctors on Vimeo.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

On Monday, college basketball analyst Greg Anthony was in New York to help fans complete their NCAA brackets by lending some of his unrivaled expertise. But before the former UNLV Rebel took off, The Hoop Doctors had the chance to talk with him for a few minutes about all things 2011 NCAA tournament related. Greg told us who he thinks will cut down the nets in Houston, who he thinks should win Player of the Year honors, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook