Fullcourt Passport

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar to break down the NBA’s accelerating internationalization—from foreign-born head coaches to the looming NBA Europe push. Fernández explains why the league is hunting ideas worldwide (coaching, performance, sports science), why the best system is a blend of European reads + American athleticism, and why relationships—not fear—are the real “superpower” in modern coaching. Then Ric and Boki connect the dots to the NBA’s footprint in Europe, the “city list” debate, and the biggest issue European hoops keeps dodging: development—and why Europe can’t complain about losing 18–21-year-old talent if it won’t play them.Time stamps00:00 Fullcourt Passport intro: the global hoops gateway00:31 Guest reveal: Brooklyn Nets HC Jordi Fernández + international coaching surge01:18 Why the NBA is looking outside the U.S.: coaching, medical, performance, innovation02:54 “The NBA doesn’t care about your passport”—what matters is your superpower03:16 Europe vs. U.S. basketball education: reads & versatility vs. athleticism & competition04:03 Fernández’s roots: Badalona, Joventut, and coaching at 1507:15 The dream to return to Europe: EuroLeague/ACB aspirations + “surviving” the NBA job09:11 What’s his superpower? Curiosity, relationships, accountability (both ways)12:27 Ric’s comp: Jerry West as the ultimate learner + why humility wins locker rooms13:36 National teams & the Olympics: why it’s the most intense, most special competition15:49 Barcelona ’92 memories + how that Olympics changed everything globally17:55 Coaching through sports psych + sports science: why variety makes you better20:49 NBA Europe + European basketball’s crossroads: business realities vs. development21:43 The key problem: Europe loses young stars… because it won’t play them22:37 Nets example: six players ages 19–21 getting real minutes—development pipeline24:10 Collaboration vs. competition: how the NBA will approach Europe25:02 Ric & Boki react: modern coaching = connection, collaboration, and player management27:51 Boki in Berlin: NBA games in Europe, atmosphere, and what it signals36:36 El Clásico memories: Barça–Madrid intensity, culture, and rivalry psychology39:17 Closest NBA equivalents: Texas rivalries + Nets–Knicks at MSG43:56 Wrap: what to watch next week + the season tightening up#FullcourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #NBA #EuroLeague #NBAEurope #InternationalBasketball #JordiFernandez #BrooklynNets #BasketballCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #Olympics #FIBA #ACB #ElClasico #GlobalBasketball

EuroLeague forward Alec Peters (Olympiacos) joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar for a wide-ranging international hoops conversation—starting with the true business of jersey numbers (and a Chipotle gift card), then diving into why Peters chose a long-term overseas path, what NBA tanking actually feels like inside a locker room, and why EuroLeague winning hits different.From CSKA’s championship culture to finding a home in Piraeus (and opening a restaurant called “25”), Alec breaks down how Europe helped him become a more complete player—and why the EuroLeague product is still under-discovered in the U.S. The episode closes with a big-picture debate: NBA Europe—what it could solve, what it could complicate, and why the league’s marketing model may clash with Europe’s club-first tradition.Time Stamps00:00 Welcome to Fullcourt Passport (United WeCast Network)00:36 Introducing Alec Peters (Olympiacos)01:04 Why he changed his Summer League number: jersey politics + a “hefty” Chipotle card03:40 The jersey-number hustle: Brendan Haywood’s $100K story05:08 Why Alec left the NBA for Europe (and what “tanking” looked like up close)07:29 Choosing CSKA: stability, coaching, and a winning blueprint08:52 Why EuroLeague wins feel different (emotion, rivalry, road environments)10:07 Why EuroLeague is still under-marketed in the U.S. (and who’s actually watching)13:09 Development: college “do everything” vs NBA “one skill” vs Europe “complete player”18:17 Finding a home at Olympiacos + opening a restaurant in Greece21:23 The restaurant name: “25”22:01 NBA Europe: Alec sees both sides—elevate the product, reduce confusion31:26 Kendrick Perkins’ “internationals taking over” + what “face of the league” means37:01 NBA marketing stars vs Europe marketing clubs—collision course?44:10 EuroLeague Game of the Week: Monaco vs Valencia + why it mattered50:10 Next week teaser: EuroLeague coaches’ personalities and philosophies51:46 Wrap + where to listen/watch live (NoFilter Network + United WeCast YouTube) #FullcourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #EuroLeague #Olympiacos #AlecPeters #InternationalBasketball #NBAEurope #EuroLeagueBasketball #NBA #BasketballPodcast #RicBucher #BokiNachbar

In this episode of Fullcourt Passport, hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar sit down with longtime overseas pro and consultant Sean McCaw to break down what American players must understand before pursuing a professional basketball career in Europe.McCaw explains why overseas basketball is more popular than ever—yet widely misunderstood. From the reality that EuroLeague represents only the top 1%, to the truth about monthly salaries, “starter countries,” second divisions, and why adaptability is the No. 1 survival skill, this episode delivers a candid roadmap for players navigating the international game.The conversation also explores NIL expectations vs. European pay, how players climb the European ladder, the role of agents, due diligence on teams, and why European player development continues to produce NBA superstars. Plus: a deep dive into the NBA-Europe debate, coaching culture differences, and why team fit matters more than reputation.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Fullcourt Passport0:31 Introducing Sean McCaw (SJM Consulting)1:25 Boki’s basketball camp & European development culture2:41 Why overseas basketball is now “in vogue”3:55 EuroLeague exposure & the myth of easy money5:01 Reality check: EuroLeague = top 1%7:10 NIL money vs. starting over in Europe7:55 The most important skill: adaptability8:53 NBA Europe: hype vs. reality11:18 Starter countries & second-division pathways14:10 Why European Cup games matter16:02 How players should research teams & contracts19:31 Why Sean McCaw stayed in Europe21:14 European teaching vs. U.S. “highlight culture”23:33 Why international players dominate today’s NBA32:28 Mike D’Antoni’s impact on European basketball41:03 Why EuroLeague isn’t easy—even for former NBA players45:14 Game of the Week: Olympiacos vs Virtus50:26 Final thoughts & wrap-up#FullcourtPassport #EuroLeague #OverseasBasketball #InternationalBasketball #ProBasketball #BasketballLife #NIL #Hoops #BasketballDevelopment

Brian Windhorst joins Ric Bucher and Boki Nachbar on Fullcourt Passport after a whirlwind trip to Belgrade for the legendary Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) “Eternal Derby”—one of the most intense environments in international basketball. Windhorst breaks down what made the night unforgettable: the packed arena 45 minutes early, the deafening whistle “jet-engine” jeers, fireworks, flares, and even lasers affecting free throws—plus why the officiating impressed him under real pressure.From there, the conversation widens to the bigger picture: the NBA’s reported interest in expanding deeper into Europe, what makes EuroLeague culture fundamentally different from an NBA “entertainment product,” and why Windhorst is skeptical about the NBA successfully creating a new European league—especially if it’s at odds with EuroLeague instead of partnered with it. Ric and Boki also dig into the week’s featured matchup (Fenerbahçe vs Panathinaikos) and what it revealed about fatigue, styles, and the chess-match coaching identity that many Europeans fear could be lost.If you love EuroLeague, international basketball, and the future of the sport’s global power structure, this episode is your passport.

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos joins Ric Bucher and Boki Nachbar on Fullcourt Passport for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from Brazilian pro basketball to the NBA, why he’s effectively the lone “born-and-raised” Brazilian currently in the league, and how his game transformed once he landed with the Warriors organization.Gui breaks down how signing a pro contract with Minas changed his path (and removed the college option at the time), what it was like learning to thrive without the ball alongside Stephen Curry, and the key mindset shift he had to make in the G League with Santa Cruz: defense, spacing, quick decisions, and doing the work that doesn’t always show up in the box score.He also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of the Nike Hoop Summit year disrupted by the pandemic, why he pulled out of the 2021 NBA Draft after realizing the athletic gap, and what he improved to make a major leap into 2022. Plus: thoughts on the pipeline of Brazilian talent (including his brother), the appeal of FIBA/Euro basketball, and why he still dreams of one day getting the chance to play point guard and run the show—with the Warriors, Brazil, or beyond. #Gui Santos, #Golden State Warriors, #Brazilbasketball, BrazilianNBA#player, #SantaCruzWarriors, #GLeaguedevelopment, #StephenCurry, #FIBAbasketball, #EuroLeague, #NikeHoopSummit, #NBADraft2021, #Minas, #Brazilnationalteam

Women’s basketball is exploding — in the NCAA, WNBA and around the world. 🏀In this episode of Fullcourt Passport, Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar are joined by special guest Rachel Galligan — former D1 standout, three-time Hall of Famer, ex-pro, longtime analyst and CEO of Go Global Recruiting — to break down where the women’s game is right now and where it’s headed next.They dive into:Why women’s basketball is as popular and profitable as it’s ever beenHow stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have elevated the WNBAThe WNBA CBA negotiations: revenue share, salaries, facilities & player benefitsThe rise of unrivaled, Project B and global leagues challenging the status quoHow European development (Spain, France, etc.) differs from the U.S. grassroots & AAU sceneWhy more international players are choosing the NCAA route & NILThe real pros and cons of the transfer portalHow players and parents should choose the right college fit (not just chase NIL money)Later, Ric and Boki connect it all back to their EuroLeague world: roster building, culture, and why not every great player fits every system.00:00 – Intro: Ric, Boki & Rachel’s 3x Hall of Fame résumé03:00 – State of women’s basketball in the U.S. and worldwide08:00 – WNBA CBA: revenue share, salaries & facilities players won’t accept anymore15:00 – New leagues (Unrivaled, Project B) and global competition for talent21:00 – U.S. vs European development: AAU culture vs team basketball & IQ28:00 – Why international players are now drawn to NCAA & NIL35:00 – WNBA’s biggest product issue: roster spots, injuries & “junior team” ideas41:00 – Transfer portal & NIL: Rachel’s advice to players, parents & agents46:00 – Ric & Boki react: COVID, fit, loyalty and development paths#FullcourtPassport #RachelGalligan #WomensBasketball #WNBA #WNBACBA #NCAAW #NIL #TransferPortal #EuroLeagueWomen #GlobalBasketball #GoGlobalRecruiting #RicBucher #BostjanNachbar #BasketballPodcast #SportsBusiness

This week on Fullcourt Passport, Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar sit down with Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon—former EuroLeague champion, Final Four MVP, and one of the most globally experienced executives in the NBA.From the wildest EuroLeague week of the season—coach departures, fan chaos, and the unresolved Partizan–Obradović saga—to the stunning move by Finnish prospect Miikka Muurinen, the show sets the stage for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of worldwide basketball.Then Trajan joins to discuss:• How playing overseas shaped his vision as an NBA executive • What he learned under Ettore Messina, Coach K, and the San Antonio Spurs • Why chemistry and continuity matter more than raw talent • Why some international stars thrive in the NBA—and why others don’t • What today’s global basketball landscape means for scouting, culture building, and the next wave of NBA prospectsThis is one of the most insightful episodes ever recorded on Fullcourt Passport—a masterclass in the connection between EuroLeague culture and NBA winning environments.#FullcourtPassport #TrajanLangdon #RicBucher #BokiNachbar #EuroLeague #Pistons #NBA #InternationalBasketball #EuroLeagueNews #MikaMurinen #Partizan #Obradovic #CSKA #EttoreMessina #NBAGlobal #UnitedWeCast

Bronx native and FC Barcelona guard Kevin Punter joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar on Fullcourt Passport (part of the United WeCast Network) to break down what it really takes for an American to become a EuroLeague star.From the Partizan–Red Star Belgrade rivalry he says beats Lakers–Celtics “by a landslide,” to getting a Serbian passport, turning down NBA two-way offers, and finding his prime at Barça, Punter gives a brutally honest masterclass in surviving — and thriving — in European basketball.Ric and Boki then zoom out to discuss the path from smaller European clubs to EuroLeague, why some Americans never make it overseas, and how international stars like Lauri Markkanen and Luka Dončić are reshaping the NBA. They close with a breakdown of Barça vs. Efes, and why this might be the most competitive EuroLeague season ever.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:35 – Introducing Kevin Punter Bronx roots, Tennessee, FIBA Champions League Final Four MVP, ABA League Finals MVP, and now a standout guard at FC Barcelona.01:20 – Inside the Partizan vs. Red Star Belgrade rivalry Kevin explains why the Serbian derby beats any NBA rivalry — including Lakers–Celtics and Cavs–Warriors — and why you have to feel it in person.04:20 – First taste of European basketball pressure From Poland to AEK Athens, the Greek Cup Final vs. Olympiacos, and a packed OAKA in the FIBA Champions League Final Four.06:50 – Agents, education & choosing Europe over chasing the NBA How his agents taught him what EuroLeague is, the money, the levels, and why understanding the business changed his career path.08:30 – Getting a Serbian passport & national team talk10:10 – Why Kevin succeeded where other Americans didn’t Summer “lab work,” obsession with improvement, and attacking every perceived weakness year after year.12:40 – Turning down NBA two-way deals & letting the NBA dream go16:00 – Adapting his game to the EuroLeague style19:30 – Handling EuroLeague pressure & staying employed Always having to prove himself, living with the fear of being cut, and why “wanting it that bad” is the only way through.21:20 – Prime years at Barcelona & perspective on the grind23:30 – Best off-court memories: Partizan family in Belgrade27:00 – Respecting the long road to EuroLeague30:10 – Lauri Markkanen, EuroBasket & international NBA stars34:50 – National team vs NBA: confidence, roles & perception38:00 – The brotherhood of international players & Balkan ties41:00 – EuroLeague Game of the Week: Barça vs Efes Breakdown of Barcelona vs Anadolu Efes, Xavi Pascual’s first game back at Barça, Jan Vesely’s performance and the late-game collapse.44:30 – Is this the most competitive EuroLeague season ever?#KevinPunter #FullcourtPassport #RicBucher #BokiNachbar #EuroLeague #FCBarcelona #Partizan #RedStar #BelgradeDerby #SerbianBasketball #InternationalBasketball #EuroHoops