NBA on ESPN

The Hoop Collective: HUGE Growth In Australian Basketball: Breaking Down The Hoops Scene in Melbourne

NBA on ESPN

Show Notes

Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon host a sold out live show at Courtside in Melbourne, Australia with guests: Cole Anthony, Luke Paul, Olgun Uluc and Derek Rucker. The guys talk with Cole Anthon about his experience in the NBL, Luke Paul on his decision to go to Duke and his NBA expectations. Plus, Olgun reveals the next wave of Australian stars to watch and what to expect for their next world cup team.

Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective

00:35 Derek Rucker joins the show

02:10 Cole Anthony joins the show

04:00 Cole Anthony's experience with the NBL

08:45 Challenges of drama with Bucks last season

11:50 How to have the right mindset in basketball

14:50 How NBA players negotiate contracts

18:25 How is NIL impacting college decisions?

22:38 What is goal for Melbourne United this season

26:18 Luke Paul joins the hoop collective

27:05 What are NBA scouts saying about his game

30:00 Expectations for Duke & going out on his own

34:20 What Duke players he wants to emulate

38:00 Is he ready for the Duke-UNC rivalry?

39:25 Derek Rucker on the basketball culture here in Australia

42:45 Olgun Uluc joins the hoop collective

43:15 Learning about the AFL in Melbourne

44:45 Who are the next superstars from Australia?

56:45 What will the Australian World Cup team look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from NBA on ESPN

Oct 23, 2026

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater to react to the dramatic back-and-forth between Yaxel Lendeborg & Luka Doncic before diving into the Lakers’ impressive performance and the future for Kristaps Porzingis in Golden State. Next, the guys evaluate the vibes in the Clippers’ first game after their punishment and if any punishment will come to the Bucks. Finally, we break down two impressive performances from the Timberwolves and Blazers before welcoming veteran NBA agent Andy Miller to give a special announcement and break down the coaching market in the league.

Oct 21, 2026

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to the Opening Night of the NBA season including Boston’s collapse in Detroit, the 76ers spoiling the Knicks’ ring night and SGA & OKC making a statement to the league against Wemby in San Antonio. Then, Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia joins the show to talk about his expectations for the Suns, his thoughts on expansion & NBA Europe and more.

Oct 19, 2026

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and first time Hoop Collective guest Alan Hahn to preview the upcoming season for the Atlantic Division in the NBA. The guys tackle how the Knicks will defend their title, what reasonable expectations are for the 76ers, if the Celtics’ big bet will pay off, how much Kawhi can elevate the Raptors and more. Finally, we discuss the big opening night matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 16, 2026

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to preview the upcoming season for the Southeast Division in the NBA including if the Heat have enough to contend this season, why now is the time for the Magic to step up and what teams can take a leap after major offseason overhauls. Finally, producer Jackson joins for our annual win total draft for the upcoming NBA season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 2026

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill preview the Central Division, breaking down the biggest questions facing the Pistons, Cavaliers, Bulls, Pacers and Bucks heading into the 2026–27 NBA season. Is this a make-or-break year for Cleveland? Can Detroit take another step forward? Can Tyrese Haliburton lead an Indiana resurgence? Plus, Milwaukee’s uncertain future, Chicago’s intriguing young talent and where each team stacks up in the Eastern Conference.

See all episodes →