Advertise on podcast: Sporting Max

In episode 271, Max chats with Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Scott Morrison! From coaching university basketball in Canada to taking a year away from his job to volunteer in the NBA D-League, Scott reflects on the unlikely journey that eventually took him to the NBA. We dive into contacting all 30 NBA teams looking for an opportunity, receiving just one rejection while the remaining teams ignored him, driving buses and doing laundry for the Maine Red Claws, and the unexpected opportunity that led to him becoming Head Coach of the Celtics' D-League affiliate. Scott also takes us behind the scenes of his time in Boston, working alongside Brad Stevens, how their contrasting coaching styles changed his approach to leadership, the emergence of Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' remarkable run to the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, and interviewing for the Boston head coaching position following Stevens' move into the front office. Morrison opens up on his move to Australia, the pressure of replacing Trevor Gleeson at the Perth Wildcats, coaching through COVID, working with Bryce Cotton and Jesse Wagstaff, and the difficult end to the season that brought the club's historic playoff streak to an end. Plus, we discuss the Utah Jazz entering a new phase ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, Will Hardy's leadership, Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson, the expectations surrounding Utah's young roster, and the lessons Scott has learned throughout his coaching career. A fascinating conversation on the NBA, Brad Stevens, the Boston Celtics, the Perth Wildcats, leadership, resilience, player development and building a winning culture. All this and much more in episode 271 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 270, Max chats with Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence Head of Basketball Braden Cotter! From spending more than a decade working outside basketball to returning to coaching and eventually leading one of the most important development programs in Australian basketball, Braden reflects on his coaching journey and the experiences that have shaped his approach. We go inside the Centre of Excellence and what it takes to develop Australia’s next generation of elite players, from creating a high-performance environment and teaching athletes how to become professionals to the role relationships, education and life away from basketball play in their development. Braden also takes us inside how Basketball Australia identifies talent, why selection starts long before one strong tournament, the data and depth charting behind the process, and how the COE decides when a player is ready for their next challenge. Plus, we discuss the development of Luke Paul, the mentality that separated him during his time at the COE, the rapid rise of Johnny Furphy, working with emerging bigs, learning from experienced coaches, and Braden’s ambition to return to head coaching in the future. A fascinating conversation about talent identification, player development, high-performance environments and the pathway producing the next generation of Australian basketball talent. All this and much more in episode 270 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 269, Max chats with New Zealand Breakers assistant coach Quinn Clinton! From playing college basketball at Saint Mary’s to injuries ending his playing career and becoming a head coach in his mid-20s, Quinn reflects on the journey that has quickly taken him from player to one of New Zealand basketball’s rising young coaches. We dive into his time at Saint Mary’s, the influence of Randy Bennett, returning home to win a championship with the Canterbury Rams, learning under Judd Flavell and navigating the transition from teammate to head coach. Quinn also takes us inside his return to the New Zealand Breakers, working under World Cup-winning coach Gordon Herbert, the new-look roster and the identity they’re building heading into NBL27. Plus, we discuss Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the shooting around him, and why Quinn believes defence and rebounding will ultimately determine how far the Breakers can go this season. All this and much more in episode 269 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 268, Max chats with former Melbourne Football Club president Glen Bartlett for an extensive conversation about his life in football, leadership and the eight years he spent helping rebuild the Demons. From captaining East Perth and becoming part of West Coast’s inaugural AFL squad to a career in law, leadership and ultimately the presidency of the Melbourne Football Club, Bartlett reflects on the experiences and values that shaped him long before he arrived at the MCG. Glen takes us inside Melbourne’s transformation after taking over as president in 2013, when the club was struggling on and off the field, and the long-term plan to rebuild the organisation into a respected and successful football club. We dive into the appointment of Paul Roos and the extraordinary reaction inside Melbourne when the premiership coach first walked through the doors, with Bartlett recalling the feeling that the club had just landed a “movie star.” Glen also opens up on his partnership with Peter Jackson, changing standards and culture inside the club, Melbourne’s list rebuild, becoming a destination club, the rise to the 2018 preliminary final and why he believed the Demons had built a list capable of winning the premiership before the breakthrough finally arrived in 2021. He reflects on stepping away from the presidency during that 2021 season, being at Optus Stadium when Melbourne ended its 57-year premiership drought, and what the Melbourne Football Club means to him today. Bartlett says the goal throughout his presidency was to create a professional club built around high standards, stability and sustained success. Plus, we go back to Glen’s football career, the serious kidney injury that nearly ended it, his four games with the inaugural West Coast Eagles, being drafted by Brisbane, his move into law and the leadership principles that have followed him throughout his career. A wide-ranging conversation about Melbourne’s rebuild, Paul Roos, Peter Jackson, leadership, culture, the 2021 premiership and the story of Glen Bartlett beyond how his presidency ended. All this and much more in episode 268 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 267, Max chats with Perth Wildcats champion Angus Brandt! After seven years playing overseas, Angus is back in the NBL and back where it all began, returning to Perth for the first time since winning two championships with the Wildcats. We dive into why the time was finally right to return to Australia, why the opportunity with Perth was “too good to turn down,” how the move came together in just four days, and the family reasons behind his decision to come home. Angus also opens up on his role with the Wildcats heading into NBL27, backing up Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., what he can bring to the group, and why winning another championship is now his number one priority. Plus, we discuss spending seven seasons in Japan, the pressure and responsibility of playing as an import, how his game has developed overseas, playing all 60 games last season, why age is “just a number on a page,” and his desire to potentially spend another two or three years playing in the NBL. Angus also takes us inside reuniting with Jesse Wagstaff seven years later, the championship expectations that come with playing for Perth, John Rillie’s messaging to the group, and why defence needs to become a pillar of the Wildcats if they are to contend for another title. A fascinating conversation on returning home, life in Japan, longevity, family, championship ambitions, the Perth Wildcats, and what comes next. All this and much more in episode 267 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 266, Max chats with Australian basketball coach Damien Cotter! After spending the 2025-26 season on the coaching staff of the Chicago Bulls, Damien reflects on his time inside the NBA, working alongside Billy Donovan, coaching Josh Giddey, and the experiences that shaped an unforgettable year in Chicago. We dive into Giddey’s development throughout the season, what makes him such a unique player, the inner workings of an NBA coaching staff, working with Yuki Kawamura, and the lessons Damien takes away from his time with the Bulls. Damien also takes us inside his new role leading B.League United, the ambitious plan to develop Japan’s next generation of talent, the differences between player development in Japan, Australia and the NBA, and what he wants to achieve with the program. Plus, Damien opens up on his coaching future, revealing he has spoken with Australian and Chinese clubs, his conversations with Billy Donovan about potentially working together again, why he is taking his time choosing his next opportunity, and why his next job could ultimately be his last. A fascinating conversation on life inside the NBA, player development, coaching, international basketball, Josh Giddey’s growth, and what comes next. All this and much more in episode 266 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 265, Max chats with South East Melbourne Phoenix star Angus Glover! From three ACL reconstructions and being told to retire from basketball to becoming a two-time NBL champion and representing the Australian Boomers, Angus reflects on the incredible highs and lows that have shaped his career. We dive into tearing his ACL at the Nike Hoop Summit, being surrounded by future NBA stars including RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his dad donating his hamstring for his third ACL reconstruction, the emotional journey back to basketball, and what it meant to finally pull on the green and gold. Angus also takes us behind the scenes of the Sydney Kings’ back-to-back championships, Chase Buford’s impact on the group, the pressure of Game 5 in front of 18,000 fans, his famous off-the-backboard dunk, playing alongside LaMelo Ball, and the difficult final season in Sydney that ultimately led him to South East Melbourne. Plus, we discuss the Phoenix’s championship ambitions heading into NBL27, Josh King’s impact, embracing the Sixth Man role, the infamous halftime spray that sparked a huge comeback, and what South East Melbourne needs to take the next step after consecutive semi-final appearances. A fascinating conversation on resilience, championship success, overcoming adversity, confidence, team culture, and making the most of every opportunity. All this and much more in episode 265 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 264, Max chats with inaugural Tasmania Jewels head coach Claudia Brassard! From representing Canada at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games to winning WNBL championships as both a player and coach, Claudia reflects on the experiences that have shaped one of the most respected coaching careers in Australian basketball. We dive into the opportunity to build the Tasmania Jewels from the ground up, creating a destination club, the importance of recruiting people before players, developing a high-performance culture, leadership, accountability, and the values that will define the inaugural WNBL season. Claudia also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Sydney Olympics, earning a professional contract while backpacking through Australia, helping save the Townsville Fire, winning WNBL championships, working alongside Scott Roth, and what separates good teams from championship-winning teams. A fascinating conversation on leadership, culture, high performance, team building, and what it takes to create sustained success. All this and much more in episode 264 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 263, Max chats with Australian Rugby Sevens legend and Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas! From growing up in Wagga Wagga to receiving a life-changing letter from Rugby Australia, Alicia reflects on her incredible journey from touch football to becoming one of Australia's most decorated Rugby Sevens players and an Olympic champion. We dive into Australia's historic Rio 2016 gold medal campaign, the mindset that transformed the program into the world's best, what Tim Walsh did to build a championship culture, the famous "they fear the black jersey" comment before the Olympic final against New Zealand, and what it was like competing on sport's biggest stage. Plus, Alicia shares the challenges of learning rugby from scratch, the sacrifices required to become a full-time athlete, life inside the Olympic Village, returning to elite sport after motherhood, transitioning into coaching and commentary, and the lessons she's learned throughout an extraordinary career. A fascinating conversation on high performance, resilience, leadership, Olympic success, and what it takes to build a championship mindset. All this and much more in episode 263 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 262, Max chats with Essendon legend Simon Madden! From debuting for Essendon as a 16-year-old to becoming one of the greatest players in AFL history, Simon reflects on the defining moments of his remarkable career, the lessons behind the Bombers' premiership dynasty, and what the club must do to return to sustained success. We dive into Essendon's coaching search, why James Hird should earn the role through the process, what the next senior coach must get right, building a winning culture, and the leadership philosophies that shaped one of the AFL's most successful eras under Kevin Sheedy. Plus, Simon shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1984 and 1985 premierships, the famous $550,000 Sydney Swans offer that nearly changed football history, the supplements saga, overcoming adversity, and the mindset that helped him build one of the greatest careers the game has seen. A fascinating conversation on leadership, culture, resilience, success, and what it truly takes to build a great football club. All this and much more in episode 262 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 261, Max chats with Brisbane Lions Head of High Performance Damian Austin. From rebuilding the Brisbane Lions into a premiership team to managing elite athletes through the biggest moments of their careers, Damian provides a rare insight into what it takes to build a high-performance environment in the AFL. We dive into the Lions' rise from the bottom of the ladder to the 2024 premiership, the philosophy behind creating a winning culture, why relationships matter more than data, the club's remarkable turnaround after a 2–5 start, and the mindset that drove sustained success. Plus, Damian shares behind-the-scenes stories on Lachie Neale's race against time to play in the Grand Final, the famous GWS finals comeback, developing young players, and the lessons he's learned across more than three decades in elite sport. A fascinating conversation on leadership, high performance, resilience and building championship teams. All this and much more in episode 261 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 260, Max chats with Illawarra Hawks Assistant Coach Joel Khalu! From growing up in Cairns and discovering basketball as a teenager, to playing college basketball in the United States, leading programmes across Australia and Papua New Guinea, and helping guide the Illawarra Hawks to an NBL championship, Joel's journey is a remarkable story of persistence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to developing people through basketball. Joel takes us inside the Hawks' championship-winning culture, reflecting on the challenges of defending a title, integrating JaVale McGee into the roster, the leadership of Tyler Harvey, and the standards that helped build one of the NBL's best teams. We also dive into his coaching philosophy, the influence of mentors including Justin Tatum, why authenticity has become the foundation of his leadership style, and the lessons he's taken from coaching at every level of the game. Plus, Joel shares fascinating stories from his time leading the Papua New Guinea national team, founding the Hoop Dreaming Project, working throughout Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, and how basketball has become a vehicle for creating opportunities and changing lives. A fascinating conversation on leadership, high performance, player development, culture, resilience, and building winning basketball programmes. All this and much more in episode 260 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 259, Max chats with former WNBA star, Team USA gold medallist, UCLA legend, and former New York Knicks assistant coach Lisa Willis! From dominating high school basketball in California to becoming one of the greatest defenders in UCLA history, being selected fifth overall in the WNBA Draft, and representing Team USA on the international stage, Lisa's journey is one of relentless self-improvement, resilience, and an obsession with mastering her craft. Lisa takes us inside the mindset that drove her career, including the lessons her father instilled from a young age, developing an elite basketball IQ, competing against some of the best players in the world, and why she always believed the game was won by understanding the "game within the game." We also dive into her experiences at UCLA, winning a Pac-10 Championship, representing Team USA, hearing her name called on WNBA Draft night, adjusting to life in the WNBA, leading the league in three-point shooting, and the realities of competing professionally across the United States, Russia, and Greece. Lisa also shares fascinating insights into becoming the first woman to coach in the New York Knicks organisation, earning the respect of NBA players, transitioning out of professional sport, and the identity challenges many athletes face once their playing careers come to an end. Plus, we discuss resilience, leadership, confidence under pressure, developing elite performers, and the principles behind her SPORT Method, which she now uses to help Fortune 500 executives, CEOs, and elite athletes recover from setbacks and perform at their best. A fascinating conversation on leadership, resilience, high performance, mindset, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level. All this and much more in episode 259 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 258, Max chats with New Zealand Breakers General Manager Dillon Boucher for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest offseasons in the NBL! From appointing FIBA World Cup-winning coach Gordon Herbert to landing DJ Vasiljević and reigning NBL champion Kouat Noi, Dillon explains the philosophy behind every major decision and how the Breakers identified leadership, shooting, and experience as the areas that needed to improve. We also dive into what makes Gordon Herbert one of the world's most respected coaches, why DJ Vasiljević became an immediate priority when he became available, the importance of maintaining a strong Kiwi core, and the championship expectations surrounding the club heading into NBL27. Plus, Dillon shares insights into modern list building, balancing local identity with elite talent, and the process of constructing a roster capable of competing for a championship. A fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation on leadership, recruitment, culture, and building a winning basketball program. All this and much more in episode 258 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/

In episode 257, Max chats with Sydney Swans National Recruiting Manager John Giromondo! After building his career through North Melbourne, Brisbane and the GWS Giants, John now leads recruiting at one of the AFL's most consistently successful clubs. John takes us inside the world of AFL recruiting, explaining what clubs are really looking for when identifying talent, how draft decisions are made, and why recruiting is about far more than simply watching highlights and reading statistics. We dive into the evolution of recruiting, how clubs assess character, personality and athletic potential, and the growing role of GPS data, testing metrics and psychological profiling in modern talent identification. John also shares insights into recruiting players such as Aaron Cadman and Finn Callaghan, what stood out about them as prospects, and how recruiters balance upside, potential and proven performance when making career-defining decisions. Plus, we discuss the rise of mature-age recruiting, life inside AFL draft rooms, how recruiting teams prepare for draft night, handling criticism when decisions don't work out, and the challenge of building a list capable of sustained success. A fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation on talent identification, decision making, leadership and the realities of AFL recruiting. All this and much more in episode 255 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/