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In this episode of Unguarded, host Jori Davis sits down with Raffaella Masciadri, one of the most decorated athletes in Italian basketball history. Over two decades on the court, Raffaella collected fifteen Italian titles, captained Famila Basket Schio for nine years, was named Player of the Decade for 2000–2010, and earned 203 caps with the Italian national team. She also spent three seasons in the WNBA with the LA Sparks, leaving home to rebuild in an unfamiliar system, far from everything she knew. Her story doesn't end at retirement. Raffaella earned a law degree and a master's in Leadership and Management, joined the board of GIBA, the Italian players' association, and served eight years as President of the CONI athletes' commission, where she pushed for the things no one hands players by default: a maternity fund for female athletes, dual-career pathways, career preparation, and player wellbeing. Today she's Team Manager of Juventus's women's first team and studying toward her sporting director license. Few people have sat on both sides of the table the way she has. The conversation moves between the two lives. Raffaella reflects on what it costs to leave your country and adapt to a new culture, the transition from player to management, and why athletes belong in leadership rather than only on the roster. She speaks openly about maternity rights and the support systems most players never see, the talent exodus from Europe to America and what it does to the players who stay, and where FIBA and the wider system still fall short on protection. She also talks about athlete branding, identity beyond the game, and building a career that outlasts the playing years. Honest, grounded, and shaped by a rare view from both the locker room and the front office, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating leadership, transition, or the long question of what comes after the game.

In this episode of Unguarded, we sit down with pro overseas veteran Skylar Spencer, whose journey through more than 10 countries has shown him every side of the game. From going undrafted to navigating the uncertainty of rookie-year life overseas. The conversation dives into the realities athletes face behind the scenes: getting cut, changing representation, dealing with misinformation before signing contracts, and adapting to life in unfamiliar environments far from home. Skylar also reflects on playing in one of the world’s most dangerous countries, building a support system overseas, and the importance of keeping the right people close when everything around you feels temporary. Beyond basketball, we talk about content creation, identity outside the game, and how modern athletes are learning to tell their own stories instead of letting the industry define them. Skylar shares advice for college players preparing for the next level and speaks honestly about the emotional, financial, and mental challenges that come with building a career across the world.

In this episode of Unguarded, host Jori Davis is joined by Anže Kos, a former professional basketball player whose seven-year career took him across France, Sweden, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Austria, Norway, and China. Life overseas exposed him to the realities many athletes face but few openly discuss: uncertainty, short-term contracts, constant transition, and the mental weight that comes with it. Anže shares his journey from navigating the difficulties of breaking into the professional game to discovering the flow state as a sustainable foundation for performance and life. What started as a personal survival tool evolved into The Hoopers Awakening, a program he created to help athletes develop mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and inner alignment, skills rarely taught but essential for longevity and fulfillment. The conversation explores identity beyond sport, vulnerability as a strength, spirituality in high-performance environments, and how flow state principles extend beyond basketball into leadership and entrepreneurship. Anže offers a grounded perspective on what it means to move from dependence on external systems to ownership of your inner game. This episode is a thoughtful listen for athletes and professionals navigating transition, growth, and the pursuit of excellence, on and off the court.

In this episode of Unguarded, Jori Davis sits down with Yoann Cabioc'h WNBA champion and now head coach of LDLC ASVEL Féminin, for a rare look at the game through the eyes of a coach shaped by both European basketball and the highest level of the women’s game in the world. Joined by WEVOLV Co-Founder and pro player Julie Wojta, the conversation follows Yoann’s transition from player to coach and how his years in the Chicago Sky’s coaching staff and European elite teams transformed the way he understands identity, leadership, and responsibility. Yoann breaks down how coaches truly read the game, the details players miss, the decisions analytics can inform, and the moments where character matters more than numbers. He explains what really goes into building a roster, how agent–player–coach dynamics influence opportunity, and why communication and professionalism shape careers long before negotiations begin. He also speaks openly about navigating stigmas, managing relationships, and leading teams in high-pressure environments.
 The episode closes with Yoann’s perspective on the rising impact of NIL on European basketball and his vision for the future of the women’s game, from coaching standards to the structural shifts he believes are coming next. Insightful, honest, and grounded in championship-level experience, this conversation is essential for anyone wanting to understand modern coaching from someone who’s lived it at the top.

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Aleksa Gulbe — European pro from Latvia, Indiana University standout, and emerging voice in women’s basketball.Aleksa opens up about her journey from college hoops in the U.S. to the challenges of carving out a professional career overseas. She reflects on cultural adjustments, the mental toll of transitions, and the growth that comes from navigating identity across borders.From the tough choice of finding the right agent to her work with Her Take, Aleksa shares powerful insights on ownership, community, and the future of women’s basketball in the NIL era.Her story is a reminder that being a pro isn’t just about performance — it’s about resilience, clarity, and learning to write your own rules.Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Mike Fingado — NFL agent, sports tech professional, and former college athlete — to unpack the changing landscape of athlete representation. From his journey through big tech and entrepreneurship to earning his NFLPA certification, Mike brings a unique vantage point on the evolving role of agents in modern sports. We dive into the rise of NIL, the urgent need to vet agents, and why trust and mentorship are the foundation of lasting athlete careers. Mike pulls no punches on the state of athlete platforms, how data ownership and monetization are shaping the future, and the importance of understanding your likeness and intellectual property rights. He also introduces Athlete Plus, his sports tech company designed to financially empower athletes, and offers direct, actionable advice for young players looking to protect their future. We also touch on mental health, navigating trust issues in a high-stakes industry, and how the next generation can build careers with clarity, transparency, and leverage — not just talent. Whether you’re signing your first NIL deal, negotiating your next pro contract, or thinking about your post-career legacy, Mike’s perspective is a masterclass in protecting the dream while playing the long game.

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Sinan Güler former captain of Galatasaray’s Eurocup-winning team, Silver Medalist with the Turkish National Team, and co-founder of Güler Legacy. Sinan opens up about the evolution of his identity from elite athlete to purpose-driven entrepreneur and mentor. From navigating the emotions of a long career to stepping into the unknown after retirement, Sinan shares powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful second act. We dive into the value of family, transparency in player-agent relationships, and why today’s athletes need to think beyond the next contract—and start investing in their curiosity and long-term impact. Now immersed in the innovation space and building a VC fund, Sinan is proof that the game may end, but the mindset doesn’t have to. Tap in to hear his insights on athlete retreats, the rise of athlete entrepreneurs, and how we can build better pathways for the next generation. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

This Unguarded episode features Scootie Randall, a former Temple University standout now a seasoned professional in Japan. Scootie takes us inside his journey to the international stage, shedding light on the realities of playing in Asia and the lessons he's learned along the way. From navigating the jump from college to the pros to adjusting to cultural differences in Japanese basketball, Scootie shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed overseas. He tackles common misconceptions about playing in Asia, the unique challenges foreign players face, and why trust and transparency with agents can make or break a career. Scootie also advocates for a much-needed player’s union and emphasizes the responsibility of preparing the next generation by passing down knowledge and experience.  Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, we sit down with Kristy Gale, a trailblazer in sports technology law and a leading authority on athlete data rights. As the CEO of HONOR Data Rights Management and President of Sports Data Strategies, Kristy has dedicated her career to helping athletes, entertainers, and consumers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of biometric data protection. With the rise of wearable tech, AI, and performance tracking, athletes are generating more data than ever—but who really owns it? And how can they protect, control, and even monetize it? Kristy unpacks the evolution of athlete data usage, the business behind biometric analytics, and the legal and ethical challenges that come with it. She dives into how teams, brands, and organizations are leveraging player data, the risks of commoditization, and what every athlete should know to safeguard their rights. As data becomes a powerful currency in the sports world, understanding your rights is no longer optional—it’s essential. Tune in for a game-changing conversation with host Jori Davis on the future of athlete data, the new athlete model, and what you can do today to take control of your digital footprint. Produced and edited by ⁠Víctor Revenga⁠.

Lauren Neaves Kicks Off the 2025 Season of UNGUARDED Lauren Neaves, a former 6-year professional basketball player in France and now a licensed agent for GAgency Women, joins host Jori Davis to share her journey from the court to representing players. In this insightful episode, Lauren reflects on her time as a student-athlete at Rice University, rookie challenges, and the experiences that shaped her career in Europe. She dives into transitioning from being an English teacher to an agent, educating her players about the nuances of the game, and the collaboration needed for a strong player-agent relationship. Lauren offers advice for women aspiring to enter the sports agent world and emphasizes the importance of pay transparency and partnership in navigating careers. Through her unique perspective as both a former player and current agent, she provides actionable takeaways for players looking to make the most of their careers. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, Kimberly, a seasoned professional volleyball player and member of the German national team, sits down with host Jori Davis to share her journey. Fresh off a summer in the Philippines, where she gave back to the volleyball community, Kimberly is gearing up for a new chapter as she heads to the U.S. to compete in the first American pro volleyball league, League One Volleyball. Kimberly opens up about her decision to step away from the national team, prioritizing family, and finding balance in her life. She reflects on her tour in the Philippines, the impact of providing access to volleyball, and her growth through meditation and self-discovery. She also shares valuable insights on navigating the professional world, making tough decisions, managing first contracts, and the importance of choosing the right agent who aligns with your goals and values. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, Kyle Auffray, former NFL player turned Venture Partner at Champion Venture Partners, shares his journey from the football field to the forefront of venture capital and business innovation. Known for his underdog story, Kyle reflects on what propelled him into the NFL without an agent, as well as the grit required to stay ready while balancing dual careers. Now a key figure in venture capital, he leads CVP’s investment strategy and oversees the Comcast SportsTech Accelerator, where he helps top-tier startups scale and thrive. Kyle dives into the emotional aspects of career transition, the importance of ego management, and building a support network that can sustain the ups and downs of a high-performance career. He also discusses his approach to navigating contract negotiations, self-representation, and understanding the complex landscape of player unions. Kyle shares how he reverse-engineered his goals and found purpose in Champion Venture Partners, where he now encourages athletes to invest wisely and explore meaningful ownership. With insights on leveraging relationships, financial education, and aligning with the right partners, Kyle’s story offers invaluable lessons for those looking to transition, grow, and invest in their future. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, we welcome Antonio Williams, a seasoned sports management professional and former basketball player with a wealth of experience across sports operations, media, analysis, and marketing. Having worked with elite organizations like the Phoenix Suns, Nike, ESPN, the Boston Red Sox, and the NBA, Antonio has worn many hats, from securing multimillion-dollar licensing deals for Nike to scouting future stars for the Suns. Currently, he runs his own sports venture and is part of an innovative e-sports project. Antonio dives into the often-overlooked aspects of the sports industry, discussing the transition from player to scout, the important role of scouts in player-team fit, and the differences between scouts and agents. He provides valuable insights on how athletes can avoid bad deals, network effectively, understand their role, and leverage their value in brand partnerships. Antonio also touches on the emotional challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of knowing your value and marketing oneself accordingly, and the business side of sports that athletes need to understand to make better career decisions. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

On this episode of Unguarded, Ryan Jay Owens, a former Team USA volleyball player and now a leading agent for female volleyball athletes, joins host Jori Davis as he opens up about his journey from the court to the boardroom as the founder of Elite Volley. With a vision to help over a million athletes unlock their full potential across personal, professional, and global platforms, Ryan shares how his experience as an athlete shapes his work today. He offers a candid look at the player-agent relationship, discussing how athletes can choose the right agent to secure a lasting career, the common misunderstandings between players and agents, and the importance of setting clear boundaries. Ryan also highlights the crucial role of asking questions and understanding different sides of the business, whether negotiating contracts or navigating team dynamics. Additionally, he explores the growing landscape of NIL deals for European athletes and his mission to reshape the athlete representation industry. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

Former professional basketball player Bill Amis joins us on this episode of Unguarded. During his seven-year career in Europe, Bill took a year off to explore real estate finance and reconsider his overseas lifestyle. He returned to the court, reaching the EuroCup, and later moved to the UK, where he developed a passion for angel investing and the startup ecosystem. With an MBA from London, Bill co-founded a startup aimed at helping NIL athletes and now serves as a Startup Advisor at Hyper helping founders along their journey. In this episode, Bill shares his experiences in choosing the right agent, the dynamics of the player-agent relationship, and the challenges of an outdated agent representation system. He offers insights from his contract journey, emphasizing contract rights, the importance of education, and the value of building a strong network. Bill also discusses his transition into finance and the startup world, along with a brief stint in stand-up comedy during his playing career. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.