The Benas Podcast

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• EP#93 | Nicolej Krickau (Füchse Berlin): Coaching & Scouting Team Handball vs Basketball 17.06.2026 1Std. 22Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#93)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Communication7:50 Coaching beginnings13:00 Openness and authenticity 18:30 Handball culture23:50 Scouting Handball players30:30 Coaching Mathias Gidsel51:50 Culture: Germany vs Denmark58:00 Coaching Culturally1:09:30 Relating to Basketball1:11:00 Improving a winning culture1:16:40 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#92 | Tautvydas Sabonis: Inside a Rookie Head Coach's Mind 07.06.2026 1Std. 7Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#92)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 fluidity4:50 Son of "Sabas"9:00 Young Assistant Coach12:45 Collecting Database15:50 Epiphany as an Assistant19:30 Being a filter25:39 When do you feel ready?26:40 ProBallers.com30:41 Approach in Preparation35:30 Learning curve38:40 Mentorship & Discussions44:00 Recovery after hard losses49:00 Winning the "Quadruple"52:00 Culture & Leadership55:30 Long-distance family life58:00 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 CoachFinding 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#91 | Dražen Orešković: Basketball in Syria, Developing Jusuf Nurkic & Croatia Basketball 28.05.2026 1Std. 13Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#91)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Intro1:38 Why do you coach?9:45 Developing Jusuf Nurkic17:45 Youth competition in Syria41:12 ProBallers.com47:20 Croatian Basketball crisis & culture1:08:04 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 #DevelopmentFinding 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#90 | Darius Songaila (LT): NBA etapas, pamokos iš Gregg Popovich & nauji vyr. trenerio iššūkiai 12.05.2026 1Std. 31Min.

  NAUJAS EPIZODAS!(EP#90)Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.comRemejas: 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 – Intro02:00 NBA naujoko užduotys & rūbinės kultūra08:00 Šiuolaikinis bendravimas ir komunikacija16:40 Adaptacija Europoje & žaidėjų rekrutavimas24:50 Tapimas treneriu ir naujo identiteto paieškos30:00 Trenerio darbas & žaidėjo limitai41:40 ProBallers.com49:30 Pirmosios vyr. trenerio pamokos55:50 Gregg Popovich pamokos ir žinios1:05:50 Kokį identitetą nori perteikti komandai?1:14:40 Darbas su sporto direktoriumi / Ginu Rutkausku1:18:30 Asmeninis gyvenimas ir aukos1:24:00 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#89 | Luka Bassin - Doncic Effect, Slovenia Basketball & Player Development 23.04.2026 1Std. 8Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#89)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Intro2:50 Luka's beginnings8:10 Where does the player development start?15:35 How much training is too much?19:15 Best pathway to develop for young guys22:00 How to gain the player's trust?25:20 Structure and view of Head Coach29:40 ProBallers.com34:10 Impact of Luka Doncic & Development44:20 NIL & NCAA pathway51:30 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 #SloveniaBasketballFinding 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#88 | Vlado Micov: From Player to Galatasaray Sports Director 01.04.2026 1Std. 4Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#88)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Intro2:00 First challenges on the job10:10 Handling emotions player vs front office14:10 Expectation for the job18:30 Learning from different coaches25:10 Expectation from the staff30:00 Best scouting report36:30 Observing practices39:50 Relationship with players42:10 Relationship with fans and club45:20 Vision for the team48:50 Communication with agent52:00 Break between playing and working55:30 No laptop and dogs57:40 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 #FrontOfficeFinding 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#87 | Rajko Blaskovic: Vocal Health for Coaches 20.03.2026 1Std. 25Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#87)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Intro7:15 Why speech pathology?9:50 Speech pathology vs therapy14:35 Common disorders16:50 What is a voice box?20:50 Common mistakes23:50 Breathe effect on voice32:30 Voice exercises38:30 Longterm effect / Training45:00 Voice-control & intonation52:00 How can I improve?1:00:20 Examples of coaches1:04:20 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 #VoiceFinding 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#86 | Mindaugas Kuzminskas (LT): Atvirai apie Jono Kazlausko aurą, karjeros iššūkius ir ateities tikslus 14.02.2026 1Std. 18Min.

  NAUJAS EPIZODAS!(EP#86)Jeigu norite palaikiti ši podkasta (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Svetaine: www.bmatke.comRemejas: 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 – Intro3:40 Karjeros iššūkiai ir „atsidaužimas į sienas“7:20 Jono Kazlausko aura ir trenerio lyderystė12:00 Asmenybės branda profesionaliame krepšinyje18:30 Sporto psichologija aukščiausiame lygyje25:50 Spaudimas, pasitikėjimas savimi ir vidiniai pokalbiai30:40 Žaidėjo ryšys su treneriais ir trenerių vaidmuo36:00 Taktika, skautingas ir pasiruošimas rungtynėms48:30 Medicinos personalas ir traumos sporte50:40 ProBallers.com ir krepšininko įvaizdis55:30 Karjeros Lietuvos rinktinėje pabaiga58:10 Sprendimas baigti profesionalo karjerą1:01:30 Naujos karjeros kryptys po krepšinio1:04:45 Investicijos ir finansinis raštingumas sportininkams1:07:33 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#85 | James Gist: Life After Pro Basketball, Mentorship & the Next Generation 02.02.2026 1Std. 28Min.

  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 Intro1:00 Rookie in Europe & mentorship9:55 NBA dreams19:10 Fan bases & Cultures33:20 Euro coaching vs US coaching40:20 ⁠ProBallers.com⁠45:15 Retirement Process & Identity52:15 Next Generation Mindset1:01:40 Unlearning habits1:05:15 New realizations as a coach1:16:10 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 #MentorshipFinding “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/bmatke3⁠⁠www.bmatke.com⁠ 
• EP#84 | Tomas Balčėtis (Žalgiris Kaunas): NBA Champion on Draft, Trades, AI Analytics & Culture 12.01.2026 1Std. 8Min.

  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 mathematicsThis is one of the most in-depth and insightful NBA-focused conversations on The Benas Podcast.⏱ Chapters:00:00 Intro01:40 U.S. culture & Boston06:15 Heart issues10:20 NBA communication17:20 Trade discussions21:15 Draft, Roster fit vs top talent26:15 Learning from Tim Connelly28:45 Connecting with players & coaches32:20 Gold medal syndrome39:00 ProBallers.com42:30 Basketball, math, and data44:30 "CEO of Confluence Valley" 46:40 Old Experience & new lessons50:00 Žalgiris AI statistical tool55:40 10 year plan56:55 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
• EP#83 | Tomas Balčėtis | NBA, „Draft“, kultūra & žmoniškumas 10.01.2026 1Std. 21Min.

  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“ procesusKultūrinę adaptaciją AmerikojeRyšį su žaidėjais ir treneriaisAI ir duomenų svarbą šiuolaikiniame krepšinyje👇 Laiko žymos (chapters):00:00 Intro02:05 Bostono ir JAV kultūra08:00 Vidinė NBA komunikacija15:00 „Trade“ pokalbiai18:40 Žmogiškas ryšys organizacijose23:30 Ribos su žaidėjais26:45 Pozityvinis ir negatyvinis treniravimas31:20 Investicija į talentą35:00 Aukso medalio sindromas40:00 ProBallers.com46:25 „Žalgirio“ AI įrankiai56:00 Matematikos ir krepšinio jungtis1:01:30 NBA žinių ateitisGilus, atviras ir labai vertingas pokalbis apie sportą, kultūrą ir sprendimų priėmimą aukščiausiame lygyje.🎙 The Benas Podcast🌐 www.bmatke.com
• EP#82 | Regev Fanan (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - Connection between Performance staff & Coaching staff 29.12.2025 1Std. 13Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#82)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 Intro3:45 Logistics & Chemistry11:15 Evolution of Science14:40 Lifting after games20:00 Gaining trust of players24:00 Staff & Relationships28:00 Communication with Head Coach31:40 Watching practice & load35:30 Injury & chain of commands41:00 Adjusting to new coaches45:20 Playing time & load49:20 Trust of players / Information54:00 Advice for young coaches58:30 Health of staff1:02:10 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 #PerformanceFinding “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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#81 | Mario Fioretti (Derthona Tortona) - 22 year journey from Assistant to Head Coach 02.12.2025 1Std. 8Min.

  NEW EPISODE! (EP#81)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 - Intro1:20 Memories of Ettore Messina6:30 Obvious vs Non-obvious11:40 Working under Bobby Knight 16:00 22years at Milano20:40 Incremental Improvement23:30 How to handle information28:30 Agree to disagree34:10 Video Scouting Philosophy 39:15 ProBallers.com46:00 First summer as Head Coach49:00 Appreciation for Assistant Coach job55:55 Handling a loss as Head Coach59:00 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 #CoachingFinding “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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#80 | Dan Shamir (Hapoel Jerusalem) - Showing willingness to change roles and grow! 02.11.2025 1Std. 11Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#80)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 - Intro1:13 Memories of working together3:00 Willingness to change roles6:00 Assistant as Maccabi Tel Aviv9:30 Learning from Players / Pressure18:00 Realization as a Head Coach21:41 Staff as a team / Cultivating Trust29:40 ProBallers.com37:09 GM vs Coach46:00 Cultivating a culture54:10 Communication & Club Values1:00:35 Dealing with Agents / Market1:04:45 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 #CoachingFinding “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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• EP#79 | Alan Ibrahimagic (DBB) - Winning Eurobasket 2025, Cultural Diversity & Youth System 19.10.2025 59Min.

  NEW EPISODE!(EP#79)If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):Support: https://www.patreon.com/c/bmatke Homepage: www.bmatke.comSponsor: 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 - Intro1:30 - Role-transfer & Trust9:00 Handling a winning streak14:45 International Background22:30 Balancing negativity vs positivity27:36 ProBallers.com 34:05 Germany's basketball system43:00 Key for youth coaches48:30 Developing coaches55:40 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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: ROUND-TABLE DISKUSIJA (LT) - J.Valanciunas, P.Motiejunas, T.Okmanas, R.Kaukenas 08.10.2025 1Std. 37Min.

  Support 👉 https://www.patreon.com/bmatkewww.b8summit.comŠis 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
• B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Giannis Sfairopoulos (Red Star Belgrade) 23.09.2025 57Min.

  B8 Summit Website:www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):https://www.patreon.com/bmatkeSponsors: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 Intro1:10 Creapure6:10 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 Staff45:30 Video Responsibilities49:50 Leadership54:45 Freedom vs Structure#RedStarBelgrade #Euroleague #Champion #HeadCoach #Leadership #Communication #CulturesFinding “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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Daniele Baiesi (Olimpia Milano) 12.08.2025 49Min.

  B8 Summit Website:www.b8summit.com If you want to support this podcast (Ačiū!!):https://www.patreon.com/bmatkeSponsors: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 Intro2:10 First tasks at Olimpia Milano11:30 Michelangelo Effect16:50 Biggest sacrifice20:00 Challenges as a young professional  26:05 Communication Triangle35:00 Observing Practices39:20 Program Development / Impact44:20 Q&A #OlimpiaMilano #Euroleague #Milano #ItalyBasketball #Italy #Bamberg #Munich #FCBayern #SportsDirector #Management #FrontOfficeFinding “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/bmatke3www.bmatke.com 
• B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Vincent Collet (Team France) 27.07.2025 57Min.

  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 Intro3:40 Kinexon6:20 Working with the Cleveland Cavaliers16:30 INSEP & National Team28:24 New Generation / Mindset34:00 Criticism & Communication40:00 Benching Rudy Gobert45:00 Q&AB8 Summit Website:www.b8summit.comThe Benas Podcast:www.bmatke.com #VincentCollet #fiba #FrenchBasketball #Communication #France #INSEP 
• B8 Summit 2025 Vilnius: Kostas Chatzichristos (Head of Performance - Olimpia Milano) 20.07.2025 51Min.

  Kostas is a long time friend of mine and a 3x Euroleague champion in his own right and currently the Head of Performance at Olimpia Milano. He last worked at Fenerbahce since 2022 under Dimitris Itoudis and later Sarunas Jasikevicus and recently signed with Ettore Messina's team in Milano! He started his career in Europe at Olympiacos in 2006 and has been rolling through Europe ever since!Kostas is the best expert in his field of athletic performance and conditioning for athletes, he also worked with athletes such as Theo Papaloukas and Sofoklis Schortsanitis in the past. He came to Vilnius on July 8th to talk at the B8 Summit 2025 about his field and covered a variety of topics from his field. We talked about the general problematic in all clubs when it comes to communication after injuries occur as well as the mechanics of an achilles injury and much more, check it out!Today's Topics:0:00 Intro1:10 ESCCA Summit2:50 Sacrifice for Achievement9:20 Decision-making process / Information18:30 Load Managment during season24:30 Injury Peak-times / Summer Load32:30 Achilles Injury / Mechanics36:45 Chain of commands after injury44:30 Q&AFind Kostas Chatzichristos here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/kostas_chatzichristos/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kostas.chatzichristos.2025 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kostas-chatzichristos-a85ab53/ X: https://x.com/kostaschatz Website: https://kostaschatzichristos.com/ ESCCA: https://escca.net/about-us/ B8 Summit Website:www.b8summit.comThe Benas Podcast:www.bmatke.com #KostasChatzichristos #b8summit #basketballsummit #Vilnius #Lithuania #Basketball #podcast #conference #Growth #learning #conversations #ArmaniMilano #Euroleague #EuroleagueChampion