Entertainment Podcasting Sports cover art

Entertainment Podcasting Sports

Entertainment Podcasting Sports

By: Gail Nobles
Listen for free

About this listen

 All about the unheard of street ball legends, football, baseball, NBA, and more.Copyright Gail Nobles
Episodes
  • Demetrius Hook Mitchell 8:23:25 1.51 PM

    Demetrius Hook Mitchell 8:23:25 1.51 PM
    Aug 23 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Cover illus. by: Gail Nobles
    Intro music: The Passion HiFi
    Usage: Free

    Good evening, everyone. I’m Gail Nobles, and tonight we’re stepping onto the blacktop of Oakland, California, where the echoes of basketballs bounce off the pavement and the spirit of competition fills the air. It’s here that we meet a local legend whose prowess on the court has extended far beyond the neighborhood: Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell.

    In the late 1980s, the San Francisco Bay Area was a hotbed of talent, a crucible where streetball forged legends. And at the center of that fire was Hook, a player who captivated audiences with his incredible hops and his signature 360-degree dunks that would leave crowds gasping in awe. Imagine for a moment—a player who, standing at just 5-feet-10, could elevate so high that he reportedly dunked right over a late model Honda Accord. Yes, you heard that right—a car! Now that’s not just basketball, that’s pure artistry in motion.

    Demetrius’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. But despite that undeniable talent, the road to the NBA was long and winding. For every moment of glory on the playground, every backboard-shattering alley-oop, there were challenges and setbacks that kept this local hero from reaching the professional ranks.

    Through the lens of the documentary *Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius "Hook" Mitchell*, released in 2003, we are invited to delve into the life of a player who found his passion long before he reached towering heights—literally. Hook tells us he’s been “playing above the rim” since the young age of 5-foot-3, but it wasn’t until he hit 5-foot-5 that he finally took flight in organized games. It’s a testament to perseverance, a reminder that some of the best stories in sports aren’t just about trophies and fame, but about the heart and the hustle that drive us.

    I’m Gail Nobles & thank you for joining me here on EPS.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • BIG3 Lance Stephenson 8:16:25 6.16 PM

    BIG3 Lance Stephenson 8:16:25 6.16 PM
    Aug 16 2025
    Photo: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA - Lance Stephenson
    Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    Good evening! We’ve got a fantastic story in the world of basketball—Lance Stephenson! Yes, that's right, the same Lance Stephenson who's just clinched the title of Fourth Man of the Year in the BIG3 league. It's a comeback that’s nothing short of extraordinary!

    This talented player first burst onto the scene at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, a hotbed for basketball stars. He was named Mr. New York Basketball, showcasing not just skill but a vibrant personality. Remember his spotlight moment in the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game? That stage was brighter than Times Square!

    Lance moved on to play college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats, where he showed relentless drive and a distinctive style that caught everyone's attention. In 2010, the Indiana Pacers picked him in the second round of the NBA Draft, and what a choice it was! His quick drives to the basket and those jaw-dropping no-look passes became must-see TV!

    But, his story doesn’t end there! In the BIG3 league—where seasoned pros compete—Lance is making waves. He’s not just playing; he’s making a name for himself with his unpredictable play and entertaining celebrations, earning him the Fourth Man of the Year title. His celebrations are almost as exciting as the game itself!

    Lance’s journey is more than just numbers; it’s a story of determination, passion, and a bit of flair. So here’s to Lance Stephenson—the Fourth Man of the Year, a player who continues to thrill and inspire, showing us that the game is still very much alive!

    I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS!
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Charlie Reid’s Twilite Basketball League 7:25:25 12.01 PM

    Charlie Reid’s Twilite Basketball League 7:25:25 12.01 PM
    Jul 25 2025
    Photo: Pexels.com
    Story by Gail Nobles

    Good evening, I'm Gail Nobles. Tonight, we turn our attention to a beloved local institution that holds a special place in the hearts of basketball enthusiasts throughout Northern California—the Twilite outdoor basketball league, founded by the legendary Charlie Reid at Shields Park in North Richmond.

    Imagine a warm summer evening, the golden rays of the sun beginning to set, casting a warm glow on the basketball court. The rhythmic bounce of basketballs and the cheers of spectators create an atmosphere that electrifies the air. This was the spirit of the Twilite league, where the best and brightest high school and college players from across the Bay Area gathered to showcase their skills, build friendships, and chase their dreams under that expansive, open sky.

    Charlie Reid, known as the heartbeat of the park, was more than just a playground director; he was a mentor and a visionary. His commitment to youth development extended beyond basketball—it embraced life lessons, teamwork, and community. In recognition of his immense contributions, Shields Park was later renamed Shields-Reid Park, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of himself to the young players who flourished there.

    I don’t have a start date for the league. I'm gazing at a photograph of them, with a note indicating it was taken around 1950—though that's just an estimate. The Twilite league was a gathering place for the passionate and the aspiring, a place where talent was nurtured, and futures were forged.

    As we reflect on Charlie Reid’s impact and the legacy of the Twilite league, we can't help but hope for a revival of this cherished tradition. Imagine once again feeling that excitement as young athletes demonstrate their skills under the stars, with the community rallying together in support and celebration. A reinstatement of this league could rekindle not just the love for the game but the spirit of friendship and unity that it once inspired.

    As we look to the future, let’s remember the bright moments that took place at Shields Park and honor the vision of Charlie Reid—a visionary who believed in the power of sport to transform lives. Perhaps, with enough support and enthusiasm, we could once again witness the magic of Twilite basketball lighting up those summer nights in North Richmond.

    I'm GN. Thank you for listening to EPS.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.