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Hoopsfix Podcast - British Basketball with Sam Neter

Sam Neter: British Basketball Advocate, Blogger & Thinker

The Hoopsfix Podcast is the hub of British basketball discussion. Hosted by Sam Neter, founder of British basketball website Hoopsfix.com, and featuring guests ranging from players, to coaches and key influencers within the UK basketball community, it is one of the few places to get accurate, topical and thought provoking information on the British basketball landscape.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Nov 9, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Nov 9, 2025 · 1 hr

    The "golden era" of British basketball - with Bobby Kinzer - Ep. 123

    In Episode 123 of the Hoopsfix podcast, we sit down with British basketball legend Bobby Kinzer to explore what he sees as "the golden era" of British basketball during the 1980's. Bobby shares his journey from Washington, DC to playing in the UK, highlighting the level of competition and the unique challenges faced by American players abroad. Bobby delves into the financial and cultural hurdles that basketball encountered in the UK, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and the need for a strong foundation to elevate the sport. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the game, the role of corporate sponsorship, and the enduring potential of British basketball.

  • Aug 26, 2025 · 50 min

    Leading GB into EuroBasket - with Marc Steutel - Ep. 122

    In this episode of the Hoopsfix podcast, we sit down with GB head coach Marc Steutel about the evolution of the Great Britain basketball program since their last Eurobasket campaign. He discusses the improvements in preparation, team culture, and leadership, as well as the challenges ahead in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament. Steutel emphasises the importance of player development, team identity, and the need to build a strong foundation for future success. The conversation also touches on player availability and the tough competition they will face in their group. 00:00 Intro 02:03 From Low Points to High Hopes: The Evolution of GB Basketball 08:15 Building a Winning Culture: Goals and Values in GB Basketball 13:49 Assessing Performance: Preparation and Team Identity 20:06 Facing the Giants: Strategies Against Top Competitors 26:19 Defensive Strategies Against Luka Doncic 28:36 Player Availability and Roster Decisions 35:00 Future of Young Players in the National Team 40:10 Tobi Lawal's Potential and Development 43:37 Akwasi Yeboah's Role and Impact 47:19 Preparing for Eurobasket Challenges

  • May 30, 2025 · 1 hr

    The truth about being an NBA player - with Jeremy Sochan – Ep. 121

    For Episode 121 of the Hoopsfix podcast we got sit down with San Antonio Spurs' Jeremy Sochan while he was back in London for a week. Having just completed his third year in the NBA, and fresh off a trip to the Philippines, Jeremy shares his experiences and reflections on his journey from being drafted three years ago to becoming a certified NBA professional. He discusses the challenges of adapting to various roles in the team, the mental health struggles that come with the NBA lifestyle, and the importance of maintaining a support network. Jeremy also opens up about the impact of social media and gambling on players, his aspirations for EuroBasket, and his plans to promote basketball in the UK, having recently been appointed to the Mayor of London's Basketball Taskforce. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:47 Catching Up with Jeremy Sochan 02:54 Life in the NBA 05:36 Media and Public Perception 17:25 Mental Health and Support Systems 24:04 Off-Season Plans and EuroBasket 31:38 NBA Stars and Referees: The Ego Factor 32:47 Evolving Goals in the NBA 35:16 Financial Wisdom and Lifestyle Changes 43:02 Impacting UK Basketball 49:35 Future Aspirations and NBA Europe 56:32 Fan Questions and Personal Insights

  • Apr 27, 2025 · 1 hr 49 min

    How Crystal Palace & the WICB came to be – with David Last & Terry Doherty – Ep. 120

    For episode 120 of the Hoopsfix Podcast we sit down with legends of the game David Last and Terry Doherty, the masterminds behind Crystal Palace basketball club. Crystal Palace, one of the most successful clubs in the UK through the 1970's and 80's, were known for being one of the first programs to have a fully integrated pathway from juniors through to seniors, being responsible for a number of top English talents. In this long-form conversation we go into the history of the club, and also the founding of the World Invitational Club Basketball (WICB) Championships - one of the top international club tournaments that has existed.

  • Mar 11, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min

    Why British basketball needs more volume - with Matt Johnson – Ep. 119

    For episode 119 of the Hoopsfix Podcast we sit down with Reading Rockets CEO Matt Johnson. Johnson shares the journey of the Reading Rockets, a basketball club founded in 1997, emphasising the importance of youth engagement and community impact. He discusses the current scope of the club, its legal structures, and the challenges faced in the British basketball landscape, while highlighting the need for more participation in basketball, the significance of youth development, and the philosophy behind coaching young players. Matt discusses the various barriers to growth in basketball clubs, the importance of knowledge sharing and resources, and the role of governance in sports, emphasising the need for better infrastructure, support, and a clear pathway for young athletes to thrive in the sport.

  • Jan 30, 2025 · 41 min

    Understanding the BBF's professional league license tender process - with Chris Grant - Ep. 118

    Emergency pod! With the shock news that the British Basketball Federation (BBF) has granted preferred bidder status to an investment group led by Marshall Glickman, going into an exclusive negotiating period for the professional league operating license, we got BBF Chair Chris Grant on the pod to discuss his and the BBF’s position. It was widely expected that Super League Basketball (SLB) would be the ones to get the preferred bidder status but they did not submit a tender, citing unreasonable & unlawful demands – including a £25k non-refundable fee just to tender & a £1.5M annual license fee, all while the BBF retains a large amount of control.

  • Sep 25, 2024 · 47 min

    Launching a new professional basketball league in 10 weeks - with Vaughn Millette - Ep. 117

    For episode 117 of the Hoopsfix Podcast, we sit down with Super League Basketball (SLB) interim Chair and Sheffield Sharks and Hatters new owner Vaughn Millette. Vaughn discussed his journey into British basketball, his role as interim chair of the league, and the challenges faced in revitalising the sport after a tumultuous summer. He shared insights on the business dynamics of the league, the importance of community engagement, and the need for financial stability. Vaughn emphasised the significance of developing British talent and improving facilities to foster growth in the sport. He also highlights the collaborative efforts with the British Basketball Federation and the potential for future expansion and investment in the league.

  • Apr 7, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    How the Milton Keynes Breakers took the NBL by storm - with Pete Taylor & Josh Merrington - Ep. 116

    In episode 115 of the Hoopsfix Podcast, we sit down with Pete Taylor (Chair) and Josh Merrington (GM) of the Milton Keynes Breakers basketball club. Over the past seven years, Breakers have gone from 40 kids to over a 1000, while adding a Senior National League side that has got promoted every year and will be in Division 1 next season. Not only that, but they've built a large fan base - with over 400 travelling to the National Cup Finals in January - and a thriving business, set to turnover more than £500,000 this year. Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:06 Introduction and Background 02:42 History of the Club 06:34 Impact of COVID-19 08:50 Expanding the Club and Community Support 11:15 Promoting the Club and Building Relationships 14:51 Developing Talent and Player Pathway 25:30 Retaining Players and Life After Basketball 32:43 Payment Structure and Off-Court Development 33:00 Club Budget and Financial Prudence 36:44 Generating Revenue and Managing Costs 41:30 Grant Funding and Sponsorship 46:30 Importance of Digital Presence 52:07 Future Growth and Expansion 57:05 Facility Development and Expansion 59:56 Potential for BBL and WBBL Franchise

  • Nov 17, 2023 · 1 hr 4 min

    The realities of running a WBBL franchise - with Len Busch - Ep. 115

    For episode 115 of the Hoopsfix Podcast, we sit down with Sevenoaks Suns coach and owner Len Busch. The Suns, one of the most successful WBBL franchises and at the forefront of youth female basketball development pulled out of the top-flight this off-season due to ‘untenable’ costs. In this hour long episode we go in depth with Len on the behind the scenes running of the club, and why financially it did not make sense for the Suns to continue.

  • Apr 3, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    Big picture thinking at the Caledonia Gladiators - with Steve Timoney - Ep. 114

    For episode 114 of the Hoopsfix Podcast, we sit down with Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney. Timoney and his wife Alison – who also own the Gladiators’ WBBL franchise – took over the BBL club just before the start of this season and are self financing the project they consider to be part of their legacy. With a net worth estimated at anywhere between £60 million and £100 million they have lofty ambitions for the club which include a £20million facility project, announced last month. In this hour long episode we speak to Steve about his business background, how he got involved with basketball, and his plans for the franchise which they are aiming to be a powerhouse in British basketball for years to come. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:42 Interview start 03:03 How he first got involved with basketball 09:06 Steve’s business background 12:41 If you want to turn a large fortune into a small fortune buy a sports team 16:41 The low hanging fruit to make the business work when Steve took over 24:26 Spending £20million on a 6000 seat arena and 5 court training facility 31:26 How the £20million is being financed for the facility 33:31 How to get a return on the £20million investment 36:47 Interactions with 777 and other franchises 44:11 We want to be the second biggest league in the world outside of the NBA 48:00 The challenges with getting the mainstream media to cover basketball 52:53 Building out the front office of the Caledonia Gladiators and the necessary head count 56:16 How much Steve is involved operationally at the moment 57:46 Can Scotland support another professional basketball franchise?

  • Mar 18, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min

    The task of unifying the sport as Chair of the BBF – with Chris Grant – Ep. 113

    For episode 113 of the Hoopsfix Podcast we sit down with new Chair of the British Basketball Federation (BBF), Chris Grant. Having been announced in September and officially starting the role in November, Grant joined the organisation following a tumultuous summer for the Great Britain national team programmes, underscored by the men’s disastrous showing at EuroBasket. In this little over an hour podcast, we discuss why he took on the role, what the challenges are, and what he is trying to do to change the future of the BBF. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:45 Interview start 03:05 How Chris came across the role and what made him want to take it on 03:56 His previous experience and knowledge of basketball 06:36 What his perception was of British basketball before getting involved 11:12 What are the specific issues that have held the BBF back over the years 16:53 The medals debate with regards to individual vs team sports 21:18 What Chris is going to do differently to try to unify the sport, and whether or not we should give up on the idea of a BBF with the Home Country Associations 29:58 Whether the option for the BBF to disband is completely off the table 32:33 Why he hasn’t done any interviews since taking the role 42:46 What commitment UK Sport has made to the programme moving forward 47:20 The terms of the UK Sport funding 50:41 The disastrous men’s EuroBasket campaign last summer 57:05 What the ideal process would be for accountability of the board 1:05:33 777’s interest in the national teams 1:08:04 Whether he could see 777 investing in the national team programme 1:09:23 Wether the increased investment in the league will mean the licence fee paid to the BBF will increase 1:11:29 How much it costs to run the BBF every year 1:14:46 Whether the men will be entered into the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournaments this year