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The Benas Podcast

Benas Matkevicius

My name is Benas and I'm passionate about traveling, sports and coffee. In this podcast I will aim to combine all three of them by 'zooming' around the world and talking to sports professionals and coffee savants around the world while having nuanced conversations about different topics within their profession. If you're interested in hearing the stories and lifestyles of high achievers, the biggest lessons throughout their life, their mindsets within their respective sports then please subscribe to this podcast, buckle up, get your cup of coffee and 'come fly with me'. Thank you :)

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August 26 · 1 hr 16 min
EP#94 | Giuseppe "Peppe" Poeta: Coaching with tolerance and authenticity
NEW EPISODE! (EP#94) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Peppe": Giuseppe “Peppe” Poeta is a former Italian national-team point guard who played for clubs including Virtus Bologna, Baskonia, Trento, Torino and Cremona. After retiring in 2022, he became an assistant coach at Olimpia Milano, then led Brescia to the 2025 Italian League Finals before returning to Milan. Since November 2025, Poeta has served as Olimpia Milano’s head coach, succeeding Ettore Messina. Today, "Peppe" reflected on his playing career and how those experiences shaped his approach to coaching. We discussed practice habits, leadership, handling difficult losses and the lessons he has learned throughout his coaching journey. He also shared how he manages his staff and whether his identity has evolved since transitioning from player to coach. and much more! Topics: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Summer talk 03:10 Positive aura 05:14 Reflecting on his path 07:50 Mentoring young players 11:10 Negativity vs Positivity 15:30 Rational decision-making 20:00 Practice habits & approach 25:30 Leadership & Learning 31:30 ProBallers.com 33:30 Changing identity to coaching 42:00 There is no truth in basketball 49:00 Tolerance in basketball, 4 pillars 58:10 View on scouting reports 1:04:26 Coaching Staff Politics 1:08:00 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #PeppePoeta #MilanoBasketball #Euroleague #HeadCoach #Basketball Finding Peppe: IG: https://www.instagram.com/peppepoeta8/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peppe.poeta Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
June 17 · 1 hr 22 min
EP#93 | Nicolej Krickau (Füchse Berlin): Coaching & Scouting Team Handball vs Basketball
NEW EPISODE! (EP#93) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Nico": Nicolej Krickau is a Danish handball coach whose playing career ended early due to injury, leading him into coaching at a young age. He rose to prominence with GOG, where he developed several world-class players and led the club to back-to-back Danish championships in 2022 and 2023. Known for his modern, player-centered approach, Krickau later won the EHF European League with SG Flensburg-Handewitt in 2024 and is now the head coach of Füchse Berlin. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and respected young coaches in European handball. Today, Nico and me talked about how he started to coach, what the similarities between basketball and handball really are, how he developed and currently coaches the best player in the world, Mathias Gidsel and many more topics that should interest you if you're a sports fan! Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:20 Cultural Communication 7:50 Coaching beginnings 13:00 Openness and authenticity 18:30 Handball culture 23:50 Scouting Handball players 30:30 Coaching Mathias Gidsel 51:50 Culture: Germany vs Denmark 58:00 Coaching Culturally 1:09:30 Relating to Basketball 1:11:00 Improving a winning culture 1:16:40 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #NicolejKrickau #Denmark #Berlin #Fuechse #Handball Finding Nico: IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicolej_krickau/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolej.krickau Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
June 7 · 1 hr 7 min
EP#92 | Tautvydas Sabonis: Inside a Rookie Head Coach's Mind
NEW EPISODE! (EP#92) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Tutis": Tuti grew up playing basketball in a basketball family and eventually transitioned to coaching. He accepted an assistant coach position within the Zalgiris junior program before eventually transitioning to the pro team and working under four different Head Coaches, most notably Andrea Trinchieri his last season. This season (25/26) Tuti took his first head coaching job with the London Lions and won 4 trophies his first year! Today, we talked about his early season challenges as a first time Head Coach and how to recover from heartbreaking losses and steering his team towards new heights to win trophy after trophy his first year. Tuti also shared his experience of being an Assistant coach, what leadership and culture mean to him, preparation, how he balanced his long-distance family-life and much more! Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:30 Language fluidity 4:50 Son of "Sabas" 9:00 Young Assistant Coach 12:45 Collecting Database 15:50 Epiphany as an Assistant 19:30 Being a filter 25:39 When do you feel ready? 26:40 ProBallers.com 30:41 Approach in Preparation 35:30 Learning curve 38:40 Mentorship & Discussions 44:00 Recovery after hard losses 49:00 Winning the "Quadruple" 52:00 Culture & Leadership 55:30 Long-distance family life 58:00 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #TautvydasSabonis #Tuti #LondonLions #Zalgiris #Kaunas #Head Coach Finding Tuti: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tsabonis11/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tautvydas.sabonis.3 X: https://x.com/Tsabonis11 Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
May 28 · 1 hr 13 min
EP#91 | Dražen Orešković: Basketball in Syria, Developing Jusuf Nurkic & Croatia Basketball
NEW EPISODE! (EP#91) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Dražen": Dražen Orešković’s coaching career has mostly been built as a high-level assistant coach in Croatian and European basketball, with a focus on player development, tactics, and national-team work rather than long-term head-coaching roles. He moved through youth and assistant positions before establishing himself in top-level professional basketball. He has worked as an Assistant Coach at the National Team level with Bosnia as well as Croatia. Also worked in the Euroleague with Khimki basketball and is currently a youth level coach in Aleppo, Syria. He also trained Jusuf Nurkic individually during his time in Portland and shared his experience in the NBA. Dražen has a rich coaching experience spanning across different cultures and continents and today we talked about all things coaching abroad. From being an assistant coach on the national team level during all competitions as well as his current experience in Syria and how he goes about adapting to a completely new cultures abroad. We also talked about living in the US, him training Jusuf and the Croatian basketball culture change within the team. Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:38 Why do you coach? 9:45 Developing Jusuf Nurkic 17:45 Youth competition in Syria 41:12 ProBallers.com 47:20 Croatian Basketball crisis & culture 1:08:04 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #DrazenOreskovic #CroatiaBasketball #SyriaBasketball #JusufNurkic #Development Finding Luka: IG: https://www.instagram.com/oreskovic.drazen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drazenoreskovic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583896873114 Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
May 12 · 1 hr 31 min
EP#90 | Darius Songaila (LT): NBA etapas, pamokos iš Gregg Popovich & nauji vyr. trenerio iššūkiai
NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#90) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Sonko": Darius Songaila – vienas ryškiausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, daugiau nei dešimtmetį rungtyniavęs NBA ir Europos krepšinio elite. Su Lietuvos rinktine jis iškovojo 2003 metų Europos čempionato auksą bei Sidnėjaus olimpinių žaidynių bronzos medalį. Baigęs žaidėjo karjerą Songaila pradėjo trenerio kelią kaip asistento vaidmenyje – Žalgiris Kaunas štabe talkino Šarūnas Jasikevičius, o vėliau San Antonio Spurs organizacijoje dirbo šalia Gregg Popovich. 2025 metų vasarą jis treniravo Lietuvos U20 rinktinę, o šį sezoną tapo BC Šiauliai vyr. treneriu. Šiame epizode su Darius Songaila kalbėjome apie jo kelią nuo NBA žaidėjo iki trenerio darbo aukščiausiame lygyje. Aptarėme NBA naujoko realybę ir linksmas užduotis rūbinėje, darbą trenerių štabe bei patirtį San Antonio Spurs organizacijoje šalia Gregg Popovich. Taip pat kalbėjome apie svarbiausias pamokas iš NBA, trenerio filosofiją, pirmuosius žingsnius vyr. trenerio rolėje bei darbą su BC Šiauliai komanda. Ir, žinoma, dar daugiau istorijų iš ilgametės karjeros krepšinyje. Temos : 00:00 Darius Songaila – Intro 02:00 NBA naujoko užduotys & rūbinės kultūra 08:00 Šiuolaikinis bendravimas ir komunikacija 16:40 Adaptacija Europoje & žaidėjų rekrutavimas 24:50 Tapimas treneriu ir naujo identiteto paieškos 30:00 Trenerio darbas & žaidėjo limitai 41:40 ProBallers.com 49:30 Pirmosios vyr. trenerio pamokos 55:50 Gregg Popovich pamokos ir žinios 1:05:50 Kokį identitetą nori perteikti komandai? 1:14:40 Darbas su sporto direktoriumi / Ginu Rutkausku 1:18:30 Asmeninis gyvenimas ir aukos 1:24:00 ATO situacijos 📢 Prenumeruokite mano „YouTube“ kanalą „The Benas Podcast“, jei norite nepraleisti naujausių epizodų! Šį tinklalaidės epizodą taip pat rasite visose garso platformose. 👍 Paspauskite „Patinka“ ir pasidalykite šiuo podkastu su savo tinklu! #DariusSongaila #Treneris #NBA #Siauliai #GreggPopovich Rasit “The Benas Podcast” čia: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …arba aspilankykite www.bmatke.com . Komentuokit, spauskit 'like' & dalinkites 'social media' kanaluose: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
April 23 · 1 hr 8 min
EP#89 | Luka Bassin - Doncic Effect, Slovenia Basketball & Player Development
NEW EPISODE! (EP#89) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Luka": Luka Bassin is a Slovenian basketball coach, player-development specialist, and scout known in regional European basketball circles. He has coached at youth and senior club levels, including currently as an Assistant coach of KK Ilirija in Ljubljana. He is especially recognized for player development—particularly with young prospects and big men—as well as scouting and tactical basketball education. Overall, he is respected in Slovenia for helping develop talent and contributing to the game behind the scenes. Today, we talked about the Slovenian basketball system and how it all comes together, the involvement of the Slovenian federation by hiring coaches like him to work with some clubs and try to explain how the Slovenian basketball has evolved over the years. We also covered the player development part as well as the current NIL/NCAA dynamic with investing in players. Topics: 00:00 Intro 2:50 Luka's beginnings 8:10 Where does the player development start? 15:35 How much training is too much? 19:15 Best pathway to develop for young guys 22:00 How to gain the player's trust? 25:20 Structure and view of Head Coach 29:40 ProBallers.com 34:10 Impact of Luka Doncic & Development 44:20 NIL & NCAA pathway 51:30 Slovenia Basketball Pyramid 59:40 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #LukaBassin #SloveniaBasketball #Ilirija #SloveniaBasketball Finding Luka: X: https://x.com/LukaBassin Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
April 1 · 1 hr 4 min
EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director
NEW EPISODE! (EP#88) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Vlado": Vlado Micov is a former Euroleague player and current Sports Director for Galatasaray basketball. He has played in several high level clubs around Europe, most notably CSKA, Armani Milano as well as Galatasaray where he currently works as the Sports Director for the FIBA Champions League club. Vlado and me talked mostly about his time as a player and what he experienced with the different coaches around Europe, his mindset around coaching and what he expected as a player vs what he expects as a front office member. We also touched on topics such as his dog hotel back in Belgrade and other personal matters. A very insightful episode from the perspective of a former player. Topics: 00:00 Intro 2:00 First challenges on the job 10:10 Handling emotions player vs front office 14:10 Expectation for the job 18:30 Learning from different coaches 25:10 Expectation from the staff 30:00 Best scouting report 36:30 Observing practices 39:50 Relationship with players 42:10 Relationship with fans and club 45:20 Vision for the team 48:50 Communication with agent 52:00 Break between playing and working 55:30 No laptop and dogs 57:40 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #VladoMicov #SportsDirector #Galatasaray #Basketball #FrontOffice Finding Vlado: No chance :) Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
March 20 · 1 hr 25 min
EP#87 | Rajko Blaskovic: Vocal Health for Coaches
NEW EPISODE! (EP#87) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Rajko": Rajko has Serbian roots but is born and raised in Vienna, Austria and is not your typical basketball guest. He's a speech-pathologist and works independently to help young people as well as actors and other professionals and leaders within the sports community to control their voice. Rajko teaches people how to yell properly and still sound imposing as well as being impactful with the message you are trying to send. Today, he explained his methods and history and gave some real life examples of how voices can sound like when you are not taking care of it! Topics: 00:00 Intro 7:15 Why speech pathology? 9:50 Speech pathology vs therapy 14:35 Common disorders 16:50 What is a voice box? 20:50 Common mistakes 23:50 Breathe effect on voice 32:30 Voice exercises 38:30 Longterm effect / Training 45:00 Voice-control & intonation 52:00 How can I improve? 1:00:20 Examples of coaches 1:04:20 Summary & recommendations 1:13:45 Speech ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #RajkoBlaskovic #SpeechPathology #SpeechTherapy #Voice Finding Rajko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajko-bla%C5%A1kovi%C4%87-661343231/ Website: https://www.logopaedie1060.at/index.html Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
February 14 · 1 hr 18 min
EP#86 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas (LT): Atvirai apie Jono Kazlausko aurą, karjeros iššūkius ir ateities tikslus
NAUJAS EPIZODAS! (EP#86) Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.com Remejas: www.proballers.com "Kuze": Mindaugas Kuzminskas – vienas universaliausių savo kartos Lietuvos krepšininkų, galintis žaisti tiek lengvojo, tiek sunkiojo krašto puolėjo pozicijose. Profesionalo karjerą pradėjo Lietuvoje, vėliau ryškiai atsiskleidė atstovaudamas Žalgiris, su kuriuo tapo LKL čempionu ir įgijo svarbios Eurolygos patirties. Didelį karjeros šuolį padarė Ispanijoje, rungtyniaudamas Unicaja Málaga – ten tapo vienu komandos lyderių ir stabiliai žaidė Eurolygoje. 2016 m. išvyko į NBA, kur vilkėjo New York Knicks marškinėlius. Nors NBA etapas nebuvo ilgas, jis tapo svarbia patirtimi tarptautinėje arenoje. Vėliau Kuzminskas rungtyniavo aukšto lygio Europos klubuose, tarp jų – Olympiacos, taip pat atstovavo Lietuvos rinktinei Europos ir pasaulio čempionatuose, pasižymėdamas energija, universaliu žaidimu ir profesionalumu. Šiame epizode atvirai kalbėjome apie trenerio Jono Kazlausko aurą ir lyderystę, sporto psichologijos svarbą aukščiausiame lygyje, ryšį tarp žaidėjo ir trenerių bei aiškių lūkesčių reikšmę, ypač skautingo darbuose....ir daug kitu asmeniniu temu. Epizodo pabaigoje Mindaugas pasidalijo planais po karjeros – svarsto tapti agentu ir likti arti krepšinio, padedant jauniesiems žaidėjams. Temos : 00:00 Mindaugas Kuzminskas – Intro 3:40 Karjeros iššūkiai ir „atsidaužimas į sienas“ 7:20 Jono Kazlausko aura ir trenerio lyderystė 12:00 Asmenybės branda profesionaliame krepšinyje 18:30 Sporto psichologija aukščiausiame lygyje 25:50 Spaudimas, pasitikėjimas savimi ir vidiniai pokalbiai 30:40 Žaidėjo ryšys su treneriais ir trenerių vaidmuo 36:00 Taktika, skautingas ir pasiruošimas rungtynėms 48:30 Medicinos personalas ir traumos sporte 50:40 ProBallers.com ir krepšininko įvaizdis 55:30 Karjeros Lietuvos rinktinėje pabaiga 58:10 Sprendimas baigti profesionalo karjerą 1:01:30 Naujos karjeros kryptys po krepšinio 1:04:45 Investicijos ir finansinis raštingumas sportininkams 1:07:33 ATOs 📢 Prenumeruokite mano „YouTube“ kanalą „The Benas Podcast“, jei norite nepraleisti naujausių epizodų! Šį tinklalaidės epizodą taip pat rasite visose garso platformose. 👍 Paspauskite „Patinka“ ir pasidalykite šiuo podkastu su savo tinklu! #MindaugasKuzminskas #LTUrinktine #Krepsinis #NBA #SportoPsichologija Rasit “The Benas Podcast” čia: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …arba aspilankykite www.bmatke.com . Komentuokit, spauskit 'like' & dalinkites 'social media' kanaluose: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
February 2 · 1 hr 28 min
EP#85 | James Gist: Life After Pro Basketball, Mentorship & the Next Generation
Former EuroLeague standout James Gist joins The Benas Podcast to talk honestly about life after pro basketball, chasing the NBA dream, and preparing for basketball retirement. Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and stashed in Europe, James built a high-level career with elite clubs like Partizan and Panathinaikos, winning titles across Europe. He shares what it was like balancing NBA aspirations while fully committing to a professional career overseas — and why mentorship played a key role in his development. James also opens up about his transition into coaching high school players, passing on lessons from his career, and helping the next generation prepare for life both on and off the court. This episode offers valuable insight for players and coaches thinking about retirement and what comes next after basketball. Topics: 00:00 Intro 1:00 Rookie in Europe & mentorship 9:55 NBA dreams 19:10 Fan bases & Cultures 33:20 Euro coaching vs US coaching 40:20 ⁠ProBallers.com⁠ 45:15 Retirement Process & Identity 52:15 Next Generation Mindset 1:01:40 Unlearning habits 1:05:15 New realizations as a coach 1:16:10 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #JamesGist #Panathinaikos #LifeAfterBasketball #BasketballRetirement #ProBasketball #EuroLeague #Mentorship Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3⁠ Stitcher: ⁠https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast⁠ …or visit ⁠www.bmatke.com⁠ to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/bmatke3⁠ ⁠www.bmatke.com⁠
January 12 · 1 hr 8 min
EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture
In this episode of The Benas Podcast, I sit down with Tomas Balčėtis — former Denver Nuggets front office member, 2023 NBA Champion, Harvard University graduate, and CEO of Confluence Valley (Tesonet Group). Tomas spent 20 years in the United States, worked inside the NBA, and now connects Žalgiris Kaunas and London Lions, leading AI, analytics, and technology integration in professional basketball. This conversation goes deep into NBA decision-making, Draft and trade processes, basketball analytics, and cultural adaptation in elite sports organizations. 🎙 Topics covered in this episode: - Inside NBA communication and front office decision-making - NBA Draft evaluation and trade discussions - Cultural adaptation in the U.S. and professional sports - Building trust with players and coaches - AI tools and analytics at Žalgiris Kaunas - The connection between basketball, data, and mathematics This is one of the most in-depth and insightful NBA-focused conversations on The Benas Podcast. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:40 U.S. culture & Boston 06:15 Heart issues 10:20 NBA communication 17:20 Trade discussions 21:15 Draft, Roster fit vs top talent 26:15 Learning from Tim Connelly 28:45 Connecting with players & coaches 32:20 Gold medal syndrome 39:00 ProBallers.com 42:30 Basketball, math, and data 44:30 "CEO of Confluence Valley" 46:40 Old Experience & new lessons 50:00 Žalgiris AI statistical tool 55:40 10 year plan 56:55 ATOs 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more NBA, basketball analytics, and sports leadership content. 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms 🌐 https://www.bmatke.com
January 10 · 1 hr 21 min
EP#83 | Tomas Balčėtis | NBA, „Draft“, kultūra & žmoniškumas
Šiame epizode – pokalbis su Tomu Balčėčiu, kuris praleido 20 metų JAV, studijavo Harvarde, dirbo Denver Nuggets organizacijoje ir tapo NBA čempionu (2023). Šiuo metu Tomas yra CEO of Confluence Valley („Tesonet“ grupė) ir dirba su „Žalgirio“ bei „London Lions“ klubais, vystydamas duomenų analitiką, AI sprendimus ir technologijų integraciją. Kalbame apie: NBA organizacijų vidų „Draft“ ir „trade“ procesus Kultūrinę adaptaciją Amerikoje Ryšį su žaidėjais ir treneriais AI ir duomenų svarbą šiuolaikiniame krepšinyje 👇 Laiko žymos (chapters): 00:00 Intro 02:05 Bostono ir JAV kultūra 08:00 Vidinė NBA komunikacija 15:00 „Trade“ pokalbiai 18:40 Žmogiškas ryšys organizacijose 23:30 Ribos su žaidėjais 26:45 Pozityvinis ir negatyvinis treniravimas 31:20 Investicija į talentą 35:00 Aukso medalio sindromas 40:00 ProBallers.com 46:25 „Žalgirio“ AI įrankiai 56:00 Matematikos ir krepšinio jungtis 1:01:30 NBA žinių ateitis Gilus, atviras ir labai vertingas pokalbis apie sportą, kultūrą ir sprendimų priėmimą aukščiausiame lygyje. 🎙 The Benas Podcast 🌐 www.bmatke.com
Dec 29, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
EP#82 | Regev Fanan (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - Connection between Performance staff & Coaching staff
NEW EPISODE! (EP#82) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Reggie": Reggie is currently the strength&conditioning coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv. After his playing career came to an end he became the athletic trainer at Bnei Hertzliya in 2009 and has been with Maccabi since 2013. He became the Euroleague champion as a player in 2005 and champion with Maccabi as the athletic trainer in 2014. Today, I Reggie & me talked mostly about the connection between him and the coaching staff. After having worked for so many different coaches at Maccabi Tel Aviv, he learned various ways to bring his message across and connect his job with the coaching staff. Reggie also opened up about the ins&outs of gaining the trust of players. This episode has a heavy focus on communication and coordination of his work with the rest of the team. Topics: 00:00 Intro 3:45 Logistics & Chemistry 11:15 Evolution of Science 14:40 Lifting after games 20:00 Gaining trust of players 24:00 Staff & Relationships 28:00 Communication with Head Coach 31:40 Watching practice & load 35:30 Injury & chain of commands 41:00 Adjusting to new coaches 45:20 Playing time & load 49:20 Trust of players / Information 54:00 Advice for young coaches 58:30 Health of staff 1:02:10 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #RegevFanan #MaccabiTelAviv #Israel #Euroleague #Champion #Reggie #Strength&Conditioning #Performance Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
Dec 2, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
EP#81 | Mario Fioretti (Derthona Tortona) - 22 year journey from Assistant to Head Coach
NEW EPISODE! (EP#81) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Mario": Mario Fioretti is a first time Head Coach after spending 22years at Milano as an Assistant coach under various Head Coaches, most notably Ettore Messina the last 8years. He also spent one season as an Assistant Coach under Bobby Knight at the University of Indiana and learned from one of the best early on. After winning countless domestic titles with Milano he finally decided it was time to take on a new challenge and became the Head Coach of Derthona Tortona in the Italian 1st division. Today, Mario and me talked about his journey as an Assistant coach and the lessons he learned working under various coaches, the essence of video scouting, the discussions about Post spacing and many more angles to look at. Obviously, we also talked the adjustment of becoming the main decision-maker, mentoring his staff and creating a bond. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 1:20 Memories of Ettore Messina 6:30 Obvious vs Non-obvious 11:40 Working under Bobby Knight 16:00 22years at Milano20:40 Incremental Improvement 23:30 How to handle information 28:30 Agree to disagree 34:10 Video Scouting Philosophy 39:15 ProBallers.com 46:00 First summer as Head Coach 49:00 Appreciation for Assistant Coach job 55:55 Handling a loss as Head Coach 59:00 Organizing Video Sessions 1:06:20 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #MarioFioretti #DerthonaBasket #Tortona #ItalyBasketball #AssistantCoach #HeadCoach #Coaching Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
Nov 2, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
EP#80 | Dan Shamir (Hapoel Jerusalem) - Showing willingness to change roles and grow!
NEW EPISODE! (EP#80) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Dan": Dan Shamir always grew up wanting to be a coach until he became one working his way up from being an Assistant Coach with the arguably the best Euroleague team of all time at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2003-2006. He successfully became a Head Coach multiple times most recently for the New Zealand Breakers 2019-2022 but was also able to switch back and forth to be an Assistant Coach again for Ettore Messina at CSKA Moscow 2013-14 & Milano 2022-23. He is currently the General Manager at Hapoel Jerusalem, switching roles yet again. Today, I drilled Dan with different questions from the different avenues of his career, especially his mindset of becoming a Head Coach and switching to being an Assistant several times. We also talked about how to build a culture as a GM and what communication as well as standard of integrity has to be set internally. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 1:13 Memories of working together 3:00 Willingness to change roles 6:00 Assistant as Maccabi Tel Aviv 9:30 Learning from Players / Pressure 18:00 Realization as a Head Coach 21:41 Staff as a team / Cultivating Trust 29:40 ProBallers.com 37:09 GM vs Coach 46:00 Cultivating a culture 54:10 Communication & Club Values 1:00:35 Dealing with Agents / Market 1:04:45 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #DanShamir #HapoelJerusalem #Eurocup #Israel #Basketball #GeneralManager #Executive #Coaching Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
Oct 19, 2025 · 59 min
EP#79 | Alan Ibrahimagic (DBB) - Winning Eurobasket 2025, Cultural Diversity & Youth System
NEW EPISODE! (EP#79) If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.com Sponsor: www.proballers.com "Alan": Alan Ibrahimagic, the interim Head Coach of Germany's basketball National Team who took over the team during Eurobasket 2025 while Coach Mumbru was battling unique health issues and lead the team to a gold medal. Alan is a household name in Germany and now he's known as the coach who stepped up and lead the already established National Team to gain another gold medal. He also coached the u19 team of Germany to a silver medal in the World Cup the same summer and has been an integral part of Germany's youth development in the last 15years. Today, we obviously talked about this magic summer and how the process of coordinating the reversed roles went down. We also talked about his background and multi-cultural life experience and how it helps him in his job. Alan also told us about his role with the german federation and how the youth development in Germany has changed over the last 15-20 years...what were the big moves that helped Germany to becoming the driving force? Topics: 00:00 - Intro 1:30 - Role-transfer & Trust 9:00 Handling a winning streak 14:45 International Background 22:30 Balancing negativity vs positivity 27:36 ProBallers.com 34:05 Germany's basketball system 43:00 Key for youth coaches 48:30 Developing coaches 55:40 ATOs 📢 Subscribe to my YouTube channel The Benas Podcast, if you want to stay updated! You'll find this podcast on all audio platforms as well. 👍 Press „Like“ ir and share this podcast to your network! #DBB #eurobasket2025 #eurobasket #Alanibrahimagic #fiba #Basketball #Champion Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
S1 · E6
Oct 8, 2025 · 1 hr 37 min
B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: ROUND-TABLE DISKUSIJA (LT) - J.Valanciunas, P.Motiejunas, T.Okmanas, R.Kaukenas
Support 👉 https://www.patreon.com/bmatke www.b8summit.com Šis epizodas – paskutinis B8 Summit 2025 renginio pokalbis, suvedęs Lietuvos sporto lyderius! Per visą round-table diskusiją buvo paliesta daugybė temų, kurias aptarė Tomas Okmanas, Jonas Valančiūnas, Paulius Motiejūnas ir Rimantas Kaukėnas, taip pat pasidalijo savo įžvalgomis. Išgirdome daug įdomių minčių apie komunikaciją ir žinučių valdymą. Tomas Okmanas išsamiai pasakojo apie dirbtinio intelekto (AI) įtaką sportui ir tai, kaip AI galės keisti @Žalgiris statistikos analizę ateityje. Paulius Motiejūnas atvirai kalbėjo apie NBA įtaką Europai ir Emiratų vaidmenį krepšinio kontekste. Jonas Valančiūnas pasidalijo asmenine patirtimi iš NBA, atskleisdamas, kaip svarbi yra komunikacija su komandos draugais ir treneriais. Rimantas Kaukėnas prisiminė savo laiką „Vilkų“ komandoje, pabrėždamas glaudų bendradarbiavimą su vyriausiuoju treneriu ir jo gilesnį supratimą apie Lietuvos krepšinio kultūrą. Pokalbio temos: 3:00 – Laisvalaikis ir poilsis11:30 – Žinučių valdymas20:30 – Vidinė komunikacija39:50 – Moderni komunikacija46:40 – Statistika ir AI įtaka59:20 – Europos žemėlapis ir NBA įtaka1:14:10 – Emiratų įtaka1:17:00 – Q&A 📢 Prenumeruokite mano YouTube kanalą The Benas Podcast, jei norite daugiau tokio turinio! 👍 Spauskite „Like“ ir dalinkitės šiuo podcastu — jo klausykitės visose audio platformose! #b8summit #roundtable #Euroleague #Tesonet #CyberCity #Vilnius
S1 · E5
Sep 23, 2025 · 57 min
B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Giannis Sfairopoulos (Red Star Belgrade)
B8 Summit Website: www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.creapure.com www.proballers.com "Giannis": Giannis is a highly accomplished Head Coach in the Euroleague who was at the helm of Olympiacos Piraeus & Maccabi Tel Aviv and currently is the head coach of Red Star Belgrade. He has won numerous domestic titles with each team and has also experience as an Assistant Coach with the Greek National Team. Today, you will hear/watch Giannis and me having a conversation about his experiences as a head coach in different cultures and the challenges of finding common ground. We also talked about leadership and what it means to Giannis as well as career-advice, managing coaching staff and much more! Please Share with friends & colleagues...comment & like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! This is another live video from the B8 Summit in Vilnius from July 8th 2025. Topics: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Creapure 6:10 Professionalism & Role of Assistants12:00 Normal vs Exceptional 15:57 Cultural Communication22:00 Managing Management26:30 Relationship with Fans33:30 Career Advice38:30 Managing Coaching Staff 45:30 Video Responsibilities 49:50 Leadership54:45 Freedom vs Structure #RedStarBelgrade #Euroleague #Champion #HeadCoach #Leadership #Communication #Cultures Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
S1 · E4
Aug 12, 2025 · 49 min
B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Daniele Baiesi (Olimpia Milano)
B8 Summit Website: www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!): https://www.patreon.com/bmatke Sponsors: www.proballers.com "Baio": Daniele is a long-time friend of mine and a highly successful basketball front office executive in Europe. Daniele started his career as a journalist and worked his way up to become widely known as the best expert in his field as the sports director in Eurolegue clubs. After working for Brose Bamberg & FC Bayern Munich, he currently started his new venture with Olimpia Milano. Prior to becoming a sports director in Bamberg he was working as international scout for the Detroit Pistons. Most recently he spent his time consulting the Brooklyn Nets with draft prospects and potential free agents from Europe. Today, we had a wide-ranging conversation of his experiences at different levels and Daniele shared the lessons he learned in his role with the Euroleague clubs as well as learning from the best in Detroit, i.e. Joe Dumars. We spoke about the communication challenges he had to face when he had to juggle the head coach and the president during the season as well as plenty of other situations that arise which required insightful decision-making. A truly unique mind. Please Share with friends & colleagues...comment & like this episode on YouTube as well as other platforms! Topics: 0:00 Intro 2:10 First tasks at Olimpia Milano11:30 Michelangelo Effect 16:50 Biggest sacrifice 20:00 Challenges as a young professional 26:05 Communication Triangle 35:00 Observing Practices 39:20 Program Development / Impact 44:20 Q&A #OlimpiaMilano #Euroleague #Milano #ItalyBasketball #Italy #Bamberg #Munich #FCBayern #SportsDirector #Management #FrontOffice Finding “The Benas Podcast”: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-podcast/id1558492852?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Bw5UJNSQLKo0wUybEIza3 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-benas-podcast …or visit www.bmatke.com to find more info. Comment, Like & Share here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmatke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmatke/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmatke3 www.bmatke.com
S1 · E3
Jul 27, 2025 · 57 min
B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Vincent Collet (Team France)
Vincent Collet is a house-hold name in the world of European Basketball...especially when it comes to FIBA competitions. Vincent's achievements with the French National Team are second to none! His teams won 4 Eurobasket medals, 2 world cup medals & 2 Olympic medals between 2011 - 2024. His success with the national team is as unique as it gets and rich of experiences of working with stars at the highest level. Vincent came to Vilnius on July 8th to talk about different topics surround his success as well as the youth system in France when players get developed through the federation's program at INSEP. Today's Topics: 0:00 Intro 3:40 Kinexon 6:20 Working with the Cleveland Cavaliers 16:30 INSEP & National Team 28:24 New Generation / Mindset 34:00 Criticism & Communication 40:00 Benching Rudy Gobert 45:00 Q&A B8 Summit Website: www.b8summit.com The Benas Podcast: www.bmatke.com #VincentCollet #fiba #FrenchBasketball #Communication #France #INSEP

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