Nba History [unofficial] | Michael Jordan-era And More (in All Airness)

Send Adam a text message.High School All-American, NIT Champion, Film Producer & Actor, Nigel Miguel. As a child, Nigel moved from Central America to California. We talk about his role models as a youngster, before transitioning into his high-school career, where, as a senior, he led his team to a 19-5 record, en route to winning the Del Rey League Championship. He was named a 1981 McDonald’s All-American, in the famous class that included Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin. He discusses the tremendous opportunities that afforded him, including a crucial role in the USA’s gold-medal win at the 1981 Albert Schweitzer Tournament (often referred to as the Mini-Basketball World Cup, or Junior Olympics).Nigel played four seasons at UCLA. As a freshman, he was teammates with future Utah Jazz great – and friend of the show – Mark Eaton. In his sophomore season, Nigel’s Bruins made it the NCAA Tournament. He talks about the joy of making it to the tournament, coupled with the disappointment of a first

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- NBA regular season - December 9 through 23, 1985- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played seven games in this span – three wins and four losses.Around the league, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers continued their fantastic starts to the season. We chat about a (possible) 'cast-breaking ceremony', to check whether Michael Jordan's broken foot had healed. However, this news only plays the role of 'supporting cast', in an episode where Manute Bol stands tall...very tall. In the absence of Jeff Ruland (broken ankle), Bol's first-career start resulted in 18 points, 12 blocks and nine rebounds.We also talk about the reasoning behind Jordan's decisio

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- NBA regular season - November 24 through December 8, 1985- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played nine games (all on the road) in this span – two wins and seven losses. 18 of the Bulls' first 24 games, were away from home.We chat about the increased productivity of Chicago's Quintin Dailey. His scoring ability was needed more than ever, with Michael Jordan still on the sidelines. Never short of a post-game quote, Dailey had choice words about the Washington Bullets' Darren Daye, after an incident with the Bulls' John Paxson.We also talk about the Boston Celtics' tremendous early-season form. The team's nine-game win streak was broken by the visiting Portl

Send Adam a text message.Hey, it’s Adam here. A quick note to advise you that I’ll be away on holidays for the next three-plus weeks. As I type this, it’s late at night - here in Australia - January 31st, 2016.My podcast will return to its relatively-normal release schedule, in late February, 2016. My goal is for fortnightly episodes at worst, weekly, at best. Most likely – reading this - you already subscribe to my show. Thanks so much for continuing to listen and supporting my passion. I have plenty of great guests lined up as the year progresses. Numerous topic-based episodes, too. Further, we’ll continue our special #NB86 series.In the event that you are not yet subscribed to the show, you can do so, in a number of ways.Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Pocket Casts | Player FM | Tune In | RSS |As a podcast subscriber, you’ll automatically receive new episodes as they are released.I welcome your interaction – feel free to e-mail me: inallairness@gmail.com. I’m always happy to discuss our mutual love of NBA h

Send Adam a text message.High School All-American and eight-year NBA veteran, Mitchell Butler. Mitchell reflects on his outstanding high school career. From 1987 to 1989, he was named the Southern Section Small Schools Division, Player of the Year. In 1988, he led Oakwood to the (Liberty League) Division Championship, notching an astonishing 47 points, 19 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks, in his team's 61-60 victory. We talk about his 1988 quarterfinal game, where he tallied a staggering 50, of his team’s 55 points, in an eight-point win (55-47).In November of 1988 – in the early-signing period ahead of his senior year at high school - Mitchell signed a letter of intent with the UCLA Bruins. He discusses how heavily he was recruited and what led him to ultimately choose the Bruins.At the time of recording our conversation, Mitchell ranked sixth all-time, in total games played (130) for the UCLA Bruins. Whilst researching for our chat, I discovered that in the last warm-up game (November, 1989) prior to hi

Send Adam a text message.Founder of Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, Peter Capolino.We talk about Peter's family and its relationship to sports. Peter's father, Sisto - later renamed James, by original founders, Frank Mitchell and Charles Ness - began work with Mitchell & Ness (1917), at just 13 years of age. In the early 1950s, Sisto purchased the business, bringing Peter into the fold.Peter describes the meticulous research conducted, allowing Mitchell & Ness to produce such high quality, throwback uniforms. Countless hours were spent, combing through archival newspapers, visiting libraries, museums and numerous sporting halls of fame. We discuss the advances in technology and its impact on how the business manufactured apparel.In 1998, Peter was asked to recreate the history of the NBA (Hardwood Classics), as he had done with MLB's Cooperstown Collection. Peter discusses how he obtained licences for each professional league (including the NFL and NHL), allowing him to produce h

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- NBA regular season - November 9 through 23, 1985- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the second 15-day block of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – three wins and five losses.We chat about the Bulls' transition from its heavy reliance on (recently injured) Michael Jordan. Chicago was trying to adapt to not having MJ on the floor - this allowed star, Orlando Woolridge, to mesh with lesser-known talents like Sidney Green, Dave Corzine, Jawann Oldham and Kyle Macy; assuming more responsibility for the team's fortunes.We also talk about the role that Michael Jordan played, helping the North Carolina Tar Heels, secure the signature of Scott Williams (future three-time NBA Champion).Further, we discuss the Lak

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- NBA regular season - October 25 through November 8, 1985- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the first 15 days of the 1985-86 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played seven games in this span – three wins and four losses. Without doubt, the biggest news of the young season, was Michael Jordan's fractured left foot - initially reported to be a 'jammed ankle' - suffered in the team's third game. He'd miss 64 regular-season games.We chat about Larry Bird's near quadruple-double that opened the Celtics' season. That same game was also Bill Walton's debut with Boston. We also talk about the great play of the L.A. Clippers' Derek Smith, who lit up the newly-relocated Sacramento Kings, for 36 points. Patrick Ewing made

Send Adam a text message.Kansas State Wildcats standout and 10-year NBA veteran, Eddie Nealy.Eddie's father was his high school basketball coach. He describes what it was like to have his dad calling the shots. The main focus was an emphasis on developing the fundamentals of his game. This would prove vital, as Nealy's longevity at the highest level was due in no small part, to his tireless work ethic and mastery of hustle.Nealy was a two-time Academic All-American, largely recruited by two schools - Yale and Kansas State. He talks about the reasoning behind his decision to play for the Wildcats. We also chat about a major role that he played in a fantastic game, in his freshman season. He hit crucial free throws to seal victory in the closing seconds. Eddie's Wildcats made it to the NCAA Tournament, in three of his four college seasons. In 1981, they advanced to the Elite Eight. I ask Eddie to talk about some key memories from his time at Kansas State, which also included an oversea tour to Ja

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Cleveland at Chicago - October 25, 1985- Detroit at Chicago - October 26, 1985In this episode, we discuss the first two games of MJ's second season. We were fortunate to have access to the game DVDs, giving us plenty of topics and moments to talk about. In our first game for review, Chicago needed an overtime session to determine their fate, against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. Next, we chat about a remarkable contest between the Bulls and Pistons, featuring unique moments on and off the court.Aside from a focus on Jordan's burgeoning career, we cover numerous sub-plots, individual milestones, amusing moments and minutiae from both games.This episode continues our coverage of the 1985-86 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's second season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Off-season news, notes and quotes- 1985 NBA Draft- Chicago Bulls 1985-86 training camp and preseason games- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyWe're back with a new series. Starting mid-June, 1985, we discuss a wide array of interesting topics and happenings, from the NBA's off-season.We chat about the Chicago Bulls' moves to sign a new head coach, in the wake of Kevin Loughery's firing. We cover the 1985 NBA Draft and the multitude of deals that Chicago made, to secure Charles Oakley's arrival and the team's future.You'll learn about the 'Schlitz Malt Liquor Summer Basketball League', hosted at Chicago State University, in late June and early July, 1985. Professional players who took part, included Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Reggie Theus, Terry Cummings, Or

Send Adam a text message.Veteran broadcaster of more than 50 Michael Jordan rookie games (1984-85), Bill Hazen.Hazen previously appeared on the finale of our #NB85 series. However, that was an edited-down version, relating solely to the 1985 Chicago Bulls. This is the entire conversation, covering Bill's whole career, to date.Hazen was born and raised in Chicago. We briefly discuss the city's history of professional basketball; leading to the expansion Bulls' entry, in the NBA's 1966-67 season.Bill discusses his career in broadcasting. His journey began in Columbus, Indiana - working as a disc-jockey and producing commercials - before he landed "the break of a lifetime" and moved to Milwaukee, becoming Sports Director for WISN Radio. This also gave Bill the opportunity to call play-by-play for the Marquette Golden Eagles, surrounded by luminaries Al McGuire, Hank Raymonds and Rick Majerus.Later, Bill took a job as a sports broadcaster and talk-show host, at Houston's KTRH. A

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Bill Hazen's broadcasting career with the Chicago Bulls (1983-85)- Never-before-told accounts of Michael Jordan's rookie NBA season- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyThe ultimate episode of #NB85. We finish our series with an in-depth interview, inviting Bill Hazen on the show, to talk about his experiences covering the Chicago Bulls (1983-85). Bill was the play-by-play man for more than 50 of Michael Jordan's rookie games.Hazen was born and raised in Chicago. We briefly discuss the city's history of professional basketball; leading to the expansion Bulls' entry, in the NBA's 1966-67 season.You'll hear some amazing accounts of Michael Jordan's first season in the NBA. Hazen was in attendance at Angel Guardian Gym - the Bulls' practice facility for Jordan&apo

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- 1985 NBA Finals (May 23 through June 9)- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyThe penultimate episode of #NB85. We discuss numerous happenings from the 1984-85 NBA season. This time, The Finals. Make sure you stay tuned for our final episode. We have a tremendous guest joining us, to finish the series in style.NBA Finals: L.A. Lakers v Boston CelticsThis episode continues our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!People mentioned include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Julius Erving, Scott Wedman, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dennis Johnson, Kevin Loughery, Jawann Oldham, Quintin Dailey, David Greenwood, Bryant Reeves, Jim Jackson & Hot Rod Williams.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Ama

Send Adam a text message.Two-time Junior College All-American, Missouri star and NBA Champion, Clay Johnson.Clay discusses his childhood love of multiple sports - including three years playing soccer (football) - where he developed skills that he would use to his advantage, on a basketball court. His journey to the NBA almost didn't happen. Following high school, Clay contemplated a career as a plumber, before being convinced to attend junior college, where he became a two-time All-American at Penn Valley Community College. He still ranks (see pages 26 & 58) Top 10 for 'Rebounds in a Season' and 'Rebounds in a Career'. Atop these lofty achievements, he's also a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA Region XVI) Hall of Fame.Johnson was recruited to the University of Missouri, by Coach Norm Stewart. As a junior, Clay scored a career-high 39 points, in a game against Colorado. In his senior season, he was a team captain, hitting a game-winning jump sh

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- 1985 NBA Playoffs - Conference Finals (May 11 through 22)- 1985 NBA Draft Lottery - "The Patrick Ewing Sweepstakes"- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the 1984-85 NBA season. This time, the Conference Finals and 1985 NBA Draft Lottery.East: Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ersWest: L.A. Lakers v Denver NuggetsThis episode continues our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends!People mentioned include Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dave DeBusschere, Fat Lever, Byron Scott, James Worthy

Send Adam a text message.Atlantic 10 Legend (George Washington) and 11-year NBA veteran, Mike Brown.Mike discusses his multi-sport childhood and his decision to focus on basketball. His path to the NBA began at Clifford J. Scott High School. We chat about his tremendous tenure at George Washington University, where he starred academically (Criminal Justice) and athletically. Mike led the Colonials in scoring and rebounding, in each of his four seasons with the team. Between his junior and senior seasons, he participated in the 1984 US Olympic Trials at Indiana University. He shares his memories of those famous trials. We also talk about Mike's relationship with Patrick Ewing, who played for the Georgetown Hoyas, just miles away from the George Washington campus.We talk about the 1985 NBA Draft, one of the most talent-laden in the history of the game. The Chicago Bulls selected Mike in the third round (69th-pick overall). Following a season overseas (Italy), Brown returned to the Bulls, and played the 198

Send Adam a text message.Adam, Aaron and Todd discuss a classic double-overtime game featuring Michael Jordan and Larry Bird - March 31st, 1991 - the Celtics take on the visiting Bulls, at Boston Garden.We discuss all the key aspects of the game. We talk about the NBC broadcast and its commentary team of Marv Albert, Mike Fratello and Ahmad Rashad. We chat about the great regular season that each team was enjoying, as the Playoffs approached. We talk about each team’s roster and our memories and opinions on this exciting match-up.As per usual, the conversation is scattered with humor and plenty of insight. A must-listen, for die-hard NBA fans, regardless of the team you support.The most prominent players mentioned in this episode, include: Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, John Paxson, Reggie Lewis, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Brian Shaw, Kevin Gamble, Dee Brown, Ed Pinckney, Stojko Vrankovic & Cliff Levingston.Statistics mentioned, are often courtesy of Basketball-Reference.Watch the Google Hangout - record

Send Adam a text message.Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- 1985 NBA Playoffs - Round 2 (April 27 through May 10)- Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the 1984-85 NBA season. Whilst the Chicago Bulls were eliminated in the first round, we continue our coverage of the playoffs. This time, the conference semifinals.East: Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks | Boston Celtics v Detroit PistonsWest: L.A. Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers | Denver Nuggets v Utah JazzThe episode also includes a great conversation that Aaron had with ESPN Chicago's Marc Silverman (of Waddle & Silvy). Recorded in-person in Chicago (February, 2015). Marc discusses his memories of growing up in Chicago, attending Bulls games - pre-Jordan and beyond. Thank you, Silvy, for indulging us.This episode continues our coverage of the 1984-8

Send Adam a text message.Adam and Aaron discuss Dominique Wilkins' first-game back in Atlanta, as an opposition player. Nique dropped 36 points on his former team, as the L.A. Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks by three points. This game took place just four weeks after the Hawks' blockbuster trade, that sent Dominique to the Clippers, in exchange for two-time NBA All-Star, Danny Manning.We discuss all the key aspects of the game. We talk about the SportSouth broadcast and its commentary team of Tim Brando and Mike Glenn. Bob Weiss is overlooked in this story-line. He was now coaching the Clippers, however, had just spent the previous three seasons, with the Hawks. We chat about the commentary team's mention of an alleged rivalry between former teammates, Kevin Willis (1992 NBA All-Star) and The Human Highlight Film. We talk about each team's roster and our memories and opinions on this memorable match-up - arguably a forgotten gem of the 1994 NBA season.As per usual, the conversation is