KJ Live

In this exclusive episode, KJ chops it up with 2026 Lynwood High-School PG Jason Crowe Jr., arguably the nation's top freshman basketball player. Crowe Jr. talks about how his parents keep him locked in, his newfound fame, the best players he's faced so far this season, and the type of work he puts in on his game everyday. KJ finds out if Jason can beat his dad in 1 on 1, how Crowe Jr. is able to play thru contact against physically mature players, and what his short term and long term goals are, on and off the court. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, KJ chops it up with Long Beach Poly guard Jovani Ruff, ESPN's #14 ranked 2025 High-School basketball prospect in the country. Jovani opens up about his recruitment, what he looks for in a university and what he needs to work on to become a complete player. Great conversation with one of the nation's top ballers. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of KJ Live, Milwaukee Bucks fan Mike Shane says he didn't threaten Warriors forward Draymond Green or his life. #allball #fsrweekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of KJ Live, King-Drew Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Lloyd Webster stops by and chops it up with KJ about growing up in South Central Los Angeles, his coaching journey that took him from East LA to the South Bay, how the legendary coach Dave Yanai  helped shape his career path, and how he overcomes the challenges of coaching high academic student-athletes at a medical magnet high-school. Coach Webster and KJ also break down how competing in the LA City Section during the 1990's helped shape and mold a generation of coaches, the infamous "Royal Rumble" with Crenshaw while he was Head Coach at Locke High-School, and why being a gym rat is the most important attribute a basketball player can possess. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, KJ chops it up with Houston Rockets color analyst Ryan Hollins about the development of the Rockets young core under Head Coach Stephen Silas and what' transpired so far this NBA season. KJ and Ryan also chop it up about Kevin Porter Jr's leadership qualities, Jalen Green's superstar potential and the evolution of KJ Martin and Alperen Sengun. Ryan gives us some insight into his mental and physical approach that allowed him to play 10 seasons in the NBA, the biggest difference in coaching on the NBA level and why culture and "knowing who you are" are the two most important factors for a successful NBA franchise. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of KJ Live, Crenshaw High-School Boys Basketball Head Coach Ed Waters stops by and chops it up about growing up in South Central LA, how he fell in love with the game, and his basketball journey. Coach Waters shares some thoughts about his time playing college basketball at Eastern Washington, trying out for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the moment he realized that coaching was his calling. KJ and Coach Waters also reminisce about winning championships together at Crenshaw High-School, what he learned coaching with the legendary Coach Willie West and how the basketball culture in Los Angeles has evolved over time. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of KJ Live, longtime college basketball assistant and current Centennial High School (Arizona) Head Coach David Grace joins the show. Coach Grace and KJ chop it up about his upbringing in Maryland, how sports helped shape his path, and what led him to the coaching profession. Coach Grace also discusses his time in the United States Air Force, working with Barack Obama’s brother-in-law at Oregon State, and an amazing story about how he got hired at UCLA. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, KJ had a chance to speak with 4-star University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Men's Basketball commit Dennis Evans about his college decision, what he needs to improve upon and his mindset headed into his senior season at Hillcrest High-School in the Inland Empire. #allball #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode KJ speaks to Boise State University Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Roberto Bergersen about his basketball journey, the genesis of contemporary hoop culture in Tacoma/Seattle area of the state Washington, and competing against each other in high-school, college and professional ranks. Roberto talked to KJ about his passion for the game, how he got into coaching on the college level, and relived some special memories from a special era of college basketball. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA Champion and All The Smoke Podcast Co-Host Matt Barnes is in the building and chops it up with KJ about the Lakers early season woes, Celtics drama, and whether he thinks today’s league is soft. KJ and Matt also do a deep dive into how Matt balances parenting and coaching his twin boys, and how he carved his niche in the sports media space. #allball #fsrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's guest on KJ Live is Pepperdine University Men's Basketball Head Coach Lorenzo Romar. KJ and Coach Romar chop it up about the 2022-2023 Waves, their offseason preparation which included a trip to Costa Rica, and what it will take to compete for a conference title. KJ and Coach Romar also reflect on their time together at UCLA, winning the 1995 Championship, and how the Bruins coaching staff convinced Head Coach Jim Harrick to give KJ a scholarship. KJ also picks Coach Romar's brain about why the state of Washington has produced so many high-level basketball talents in recent years, his amazing run at the University of Washington (11 First Round NBA Draft picks), and how good former NBA player Brandon Roy could've been. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode KJ and Milwaukee Bucks play-by-play announcer Lisa Byington discuss her journey as a two-sport athlete at Northwestern University, to becoming the first full time female play-by-play announcer in NBA history. Lisa gives her thoughts on the Bucks chances this season, the greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and sound advice for aspiring sports media professionals. Fantastic conversation with one of the best in the business. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, KJ chops it up with Lynwood High-School Boys Basketball Head Coach Jason Crowe Sr. KJ and Jason discuss his philosophies on developing an athlete, team building and trust, and how he gets his young team to buy into his program. Jason also gives us some insight into what he's looking for in a college basketball program for his son, Lynwood HS 2026 PG Jason Crowe Jr. #fsrweekends #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, University of Missouri-Kansas City Men's Basketball Recruiting Coordinator, Luther Waters joins the show and chops it up about his journey through the coaching ranks, the people and places that helped him along the way, and how his experience as an educator prepared him to be a coach. Luther shares some memories about playing for legendary Crenshaw High-School Boys Basketball coach, Willie West, and working with current G-League Ignite Head Coach, Jason Hart. Luther also shares some insight into the development of his son, USC Trojans Men's Basketball guard, Reese Dixon-Waters. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode KJ sits down with former professional basketball player DeAnthony Langston and chops it up about his work in the community, the REAL RUN, his career path after the ball stop bouncing and his role in feeding thousands of underserved residents in the Watts area of Los Angeles during the pandemic. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode KJ chops it up with actor J.Marques Johnson, who makes his television debut as "Rayshon" in the second season of BET+'s Tyler Perry drama series, All The Queen's Men. KJ and J.Marques also discuss his famous family, battling leukemia as a child, playing college basketball and finding his groove as a model/actor. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, KJ chops it up with Jared Effron and Griffin Taylor co-founders of The Program NYC, a basketball initiative that will bring top-tier coaching and basketball expertise to the city's youth. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former pro baller and newly named Morningside High-School Boys Basketball Head Coach Donminic Ellison joins the show and chops it up with KJ about growing up in Inglewood California, making it out earning a scholarship to Washington State University, and his journey around the globe playing professional basketball. KJ and Donminic also discuss current Houston Cougars Head Coach Kelvin Sampson, how playing in Israel changed Donminic's life, why he retired from the game at 27 years old, and how working for an accounting firm completely changed his life.  Great conversation with one of my favorite competitors. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special bonus episode, Warriors GM Bob Myers and KJ had a conversation last summer after a disappointing season, and you'll see why it's no surprise they were able to turn things around and be crowned champions this season. They chopped it up about: Winning the 1995 NCAA Championship at UCLA. How working for Arn Tellum  prepared him to be an NBA GM. Will the Warriors win another NBA Championship in the next 5 years? Managing egos and personalities on the Warriors championship squads. Relationships and why they matter.  Why “winning” is an attitude. Ed O’Bannon in all his chair slinging glory. Warriors organization commitment to social change.  Is Steph Curry the greatest PG to ever play? #allball #douggottliebshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP and Boston Celtics radio analyst Cedric Maxwell joins the show to discuss his book "If These Walls Could Talk", where he opens up about his life and career, and shares some incredible insight into the Celtics Dynasty in the 80's. Cedric also shares stories about his time spent with the LA Clippers as a teammate of my dad, why he sacrificed his numbers to stay in Boston, and what led to his departure after helping led the team to a championship. I asked Cedric about his recent Draymond Green beef and if the game is better or worse off with league's emphasis on less physical play and shooting more 3-pointers. Great conversation with a one-of-a-kind NBA legend. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We caught up with UCLA Basketball alum and 2005 NBA Draft pick (54th) Dijon Thompson about his unconventional basketball journey, growing up the son of a single mom, and how his life changed when his stepdad entered the picture. Dijon opens up about his early influences, his high-school recruitment, and why he chose UCLA over UConn, Syracuse and Arizona (a nice tidbit in the pod about his visit to Zona). Dijon also shares why he is at peace with where he was drafted, why his game didn't mesh in Mike D'Antoni's "seven seconds or less" system, playing for Lakers legend Michael Cooper in the G-League, his career overseas, and transitioning back into the "real world." #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of KJ Live, Windward School Girls Basketball Head Coach Jerica Williams joins the show to discuss her basketball journey which has earned her opportunities to coach Division 1 and on elite levels of high-school basketball. The 2021 Detroit Free Press Coach of the Year and 2021 Associated Press Coach of the Year (2nd Team), Jerica shares some of the secrets to her success, her personal and professional inspirations, and her coaching/teaching philosophy. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pro basketball player Curtis Hollis is our guest this week and chops it up with KJ about his basketball journey, from Dinos Trigonis' Pangos All-American Camp to LaVar Ball's Junior Basketball Association, and how those experiences have helped shape and mold his career. Curtis shares insight into LaVar Ball's coaching and mentor style, his JBA experience, and competing with and against NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of KJ Live, University of Minnesota Men's Basketball Head Coach Ben Johnson joins the show to discuss his coaching journey, what he learned from his stops as an assistant coach, rebuilding his roster through the transfer portal and his thoughts on the NIL. We also discuss the challenges of his first head job in a P5 conference, his 2022 recruiting class, transfers expected to contribute right away and returning wing Jamison Battle. Great pod with one of the top young college basketball minds in the game. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode KJ talks to sports medicine pioneer Dr. Courtney Watson about her incredible career caring for some of the world's top athletes. The first African-American female medical trainer in the sport of boxing, Dr. Watson shares what it's like working with Floyd Mayweather and the TMT camp for the past 15 years. Dr. Watson also shares details about her experience in the 2020 Olympics bubble in Tokyo, the WNBA bubble in Orlando and winning the 2016 WNBA Championship as the Head Athletic Trainer for the LA Sparks. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, producer and social media savant King Josiah Johnson is in the building and chops it up about the league, securing bags and his meteoric rise to fame in the entertainment industry. Joe breaks down what it's like behind the scenes on the set of NBA on TNT, who he likes for NBA MVP and why LeBron James is the GOAT. Joe, a writer/producer on Netflix's "Colin In Black & White" also discusses HBO's "Winning Time" and the creative license used by the writers to sensationalize the characters on the show. #allball #fsrweekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and basketball scout Dain Ervin have a discussion about how scouting on the amateur, college and professional level has evolved over the decades and the ever increasing social media and the transfer portal in college recruiting. We trade thoughts on what we'd like to see changed about the USA Basketball youth development process and grassroots basketball. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA agent/marketer Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) joins the show to chop it up about the business of the NBA, why the media's role as a league partner is so essential, and which stars are primed to be the face of the league for years to come. We also discussed the Lakers season, LeBron, and which teams Nate loves to make a deep playoffs run. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and basketball player development guru Dorian Lee discuss Dorian's journey from ballplayer to mentor, the foundation for this training philosophy and how the game has changed and evolved on all levels. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA skills trainer & mentor Olin Simplis is in the building to discuss his journey to become one of the most respected player development experts in the world. Olin also gives us some insight into specific methods he uses, including work with UCLA Men's Basketball's Jules Bernard, and the Dallas Mavericks Spencer Dinwiddie. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA skills trainer Clint Parks joins the show for an insightful conversation about basketball player development on all levels of the game.  Topics include:Working with Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Kuzma and Tony Snell. The top player development programs in high-school and college basketball. How to choose the right fit and program for your level. How the transfer portal changed recruiting. Why college basketball teams look to get "older". Roster evaluation and why it is essential when choosing a program. The most effective methods in player development.  #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March Madness legend, former NBA player and college basketball assistant coach Tyson Wheeler came through to discuss how college basketball has changed the past two decades, the transfer portal, and how NIL deals affect student-athletes ability to manage academic and athletics. Tyson and I also reflect on the magical runs of the 1997 Rhode Island Rams and 1997 UCLA Bruins, and give our take on who we think will win this season's National Championship. #allballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, former NBA All-Star and Emmy award winning broadcaster Marques Johnson stopped by and we talked about his 20 years of sobriety, why he didn't make the Hall of Fame this year and how he now handles setbacks and perceived failures.  MJ also tells some 80's stories that lend insight into the ownership style of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling and LA Lakers owner Jerry Buss. A whole lot of game given by one of the greatest to ever do it in the NBA. #allball #fsrweekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ chops it up with one of the legends of March Madness, UCLA's Tyus Edney, about his game winning layup vs Missouri in the second round of the 1995 NCAA Tournament. Tyus shares his thoughts on the 2022 UCLA Bruins, the 1995 UCLA Bruins run to the National Championship, and why that team is the only team other than the Wooden era teams to hang a National Championship banner in Pauley Pavilion.   Subscribe, Rate & Review KJ Live here!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kj-live/id1580806837   #fsrweekends #pac12apostlesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cal State Los Angeles Women's Basketball Head Coach Torino Johnson joins the show and lends some insight into the dynamics behind being a successful teacher of the game. Torino also talks about his relationship with Michael Jordan and gives us his thoughts on his mentor Jerry West's portrayal in HBO's "Winning Time', An assistant coach on the Nigerian Men's National Team and on court coach for USA Basketball, Torino shares his thoughts on basketball development in the United States, celebrating every single victory and why the sports world has completely taken LeBron James for granted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode we welcome one of the most passionate and knowledgeable basketball fans on the internet, Dime Dropper, to discuss the Los Angeles Clippers and their organization's transformation under Steve Balmer, the Lakers Westbrook problem, why he doesn't compare eras when it comes to the all-time greats. We also talk about the greatness of NBA legend Bill Russell and Jerry West, as well as some facts I didn't know about Wilt Chamberlain's offensive arsenal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UCLA Basketball player Brandon Loyd is in the building to chop it up about his experiences as a college basketball coach, awesome UCLA basketball memories, losing to Princeton in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and the time he played pickup with Michael Jordan on the set of "Space Jam". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most influential figures in grassroots basketball, Compton Magic Co-Founder Etop Udo-Ema, stops by to discuss the ever-changing landscape in college basketball recruiting, the transfer portal and the unintended consequences of the NIL. "Tope" also gives us his thoughts on his former players in the NBA, Evan Mobley (Cavs) and Onekya Okongu (Hawks), his Final Four picks, and the college basketball scandal.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently inducted UCLA Athletics Hall of Famer Tracy Murray is back on the show to reflect on the high-school exploits that earned him California State Player of The Year, the UCLA experience that led to becoming a first round draft pick, and his12 years in the NBA as one of the league's top 3-point marksman.  The second half of the episode Tracy and I do a deep dive into the current state of the UCLA Basketball roster, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses heading into the Pac-12 Tournament and March Madness.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ chops it up with NBA Champion Dorell Wright about his basketball journey from prep to the pros, winning a championship with D-Wade and Shaq, and his first impressions as a teammate of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Dorell goes into detail about the Miami Heat culture, his decision to skip high-school, and his experience working with Kanye West as the Program Director for Donda Academy.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of KJ Live, I chop it up former All Pac-10 (USC) guard Stais Boseman about his basketball journey, growing up on the streets of Inglewood, and his legendary high-school career as one of the greatest two-sport athletes in California history. We also look back on "Hardwood Dreams" the documentary film based on his Morningside High-School state championship team, his experiences overseas and playing in NBA minor leagues, and the time Raiders owner Al Davis called him and invited him to training camp.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and former NBA first round draft pick Dan Dickau discuss Dan's top 5 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs and what makes Head Coach Mark Few's program so special. KJ also gets Dan's thoughts on the NIL for college athletes, why the game of basketball has evolved, and what it was like playing against the Wizards Michael Jordan when Dan was a rookie with the Atlanta Hawks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and NBA veteran Mike Bibby chop it up about the Sacramento Kings/LA Lakers rivalry in the early 2000’s, Bibby’s legendary shoe choice in the 1997 NCAA championship game, and how playing for Lute Olson at the University of Arizona shape and molded his professional career.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four star UCLA Women’s Basketball commit Jada Williams chops it up about her USA Basketball experience, her appointment as a Jr NBA Court of Leaders ambassador, and why she wanted to call Westwood home for the next four years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and former NBA rookie of the year Damon Stoudamire chop it up about Damon’s beginning g in basketball, his inspirations and motivations and an undersized PG, and his Hall of Fame collegiate career at the University of Arizona. Damon dishes on playing for Lute Olson, why he started coaching, and tells KJ about the heartbreak and heartache that still exists because of the Trailblazers Game 7 defeat in the 2000 Western Conference Finals to the Kobe and Shaq led Los Angeles Lakers.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ and his old college roommate, former NBA player Jelani McCoy, catch up about Jelani’s new role at Showtime Basketball, how he’s transitioned into the content creator space, coaching against Lamelo Ball in high-school and why putting action behind his fears and anxieties changed the trajectory of his personal and professional life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former University of Arizona Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Book Richardson chops it up with KJ about growing up in Harlem and The Bronx, his hoop journey, how a job sweeping floors saved his life and the controversy surrounding his involvement in the scandal that shook up big-time college basketball. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach Earl Watson stops by the show and talks about his All-Time NBA team, where he ranks Steph Curry in the history of the game, and shares some secrets about playing and staying in the NBA. We also talked about how a NASA Scientist designed his diet, being a #GirlDad, what secrets he stole from Kobe Bean Bryant, and how he helped develop Devin Booker into an All-Star during his time as Head Coach for the Phoenix Suns.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WNBA legend Alana Beard stopped by to talk about her role and involvement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, and their push to bring a WNBA franchise to the city of Oakland.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ talks to College Basketball analyst Sean Farnham, and gets his take on the top teams, coaches and players in the Pac-12, ACC, Big 12 and SEC. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5-star women's college basketball recruit Taylor Bigby joins the pod and chats it up about growing up in Las Vegas, how her siblings inspire and motivate her, and when she first fell in love with the game of basketball. Taylor also shares why her dad never coached her, her intense hatred of losing why she chose the University of Oregon to continue her athletic and academic journey.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King of NBA Twitter, Josiah Johnson joins KJ for a lively conversation about toxic masculinity, the challenges of mental health in professional sports, how fatherhood has changed him, and of course LeBron James. Josiah also sheds some insight into his day job as a writer and producer on the upcoming Netflix series "Colin In Black And White." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ talks to UCLA Men’s Basketball All-American forward Jaime Jaquez Jr about his upbringing, basketball journey and his UCLA experience. Jaime also opens up about how COVID affected him personally, and talks about his desire to hang a national championship banner in Pauley Pavilion. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc talks to KJ about the time Kobe Bryant refused an interview because Spears was wearing an adidas sweatsuit, hosting the 2021 NBA Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony, why he became a sportswriter and some of the most interesting subjects he's covered during his illustrious career.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KJ talks to multi-talented, Emmy Award winning media personality Bomani Jones about how he got his start in sports media, graduate school in California, the use of Cannabis in professional sports and Kobe Bryant. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McDonald's All-American and UCLA Small Forward, Peyton Watson drops by to talk about the resurgent UCLA hoops program, the competition in the PAC-12, and what it's like playing for head coach Mick Cronin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woj stops by to discuss the Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers situation, Lakers off-season moves, if the Chicago Bulls are for real, how the Nets will bounce back this season, what to expect from the Warriors if Klay Thompson is healthy and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.