Is European basketball actually better than the NBA right now?

On this episode of Full court Passport, longtime NBA analyst Ric Bucher and former NBA forward Bostjan Nachbar are joined by David Kahn, the only American executive to run an NBA franchise and build a winning EuroLeague club from scratch.

Kahn pulls no punches on:

• Why EuroLeague intensity surpasses the NBA
• Why Paris Basketball plays faster than almost anyone in Europe
• The cultural gap between NBA entertainment and EuroLeague fandom
• What an NBA-backed league in Europe has to get right — or it will fail

This is a masterclass on global basketball, roster strategy, and why the future of the sport may be tilting east.

• 00:00 – Welcome to Fullcourt Passport
• 01:18 – Why February is EuroLeague “separates men from boys” season
• 03:00 – Mid-season signings: NBA vs EuroLeague philosophy
• 08:45 – Why Cameron Payne works in Europe
• 10:50 – Jabari Parker’s uncertain EuroLeague future
• 12:05 – Kenneth Faried, Corey Joseph & NBA buyouts
• 17:45 – Why EuroLeague limits player movement
• 18:00 – David Kahn joins: NBA → Paris Basketball
• 24:00 – Why Paris Basketball plays faster than anyone
• 31:10 – Why NBA games feel “unwatchable” to Euro executives
• 39:00 – Replay reviews & slowing the game down
• 42:30 – NBA Europe: What works, what fails, what’s coming
• 50:45 – Final thoughts on the future of global basketball

#FullcourtPassport #EuroLeague #NBAEurope #ParisBasketball #InternationalBasketball #GlobalHoops #NBAvsEuroLeague #BasketballStrategy #UnitedWeCast

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Are national teams crossing a line in the name of winning — or simply adapting to modern basketball?

On this episode of Full Court Passport, hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar are joined by University of Wyoming assistant coach Chris Thomas for a deep dive into the evolution of global basketball development — and the growing controversy around naturalized players on national teams.

The conversation is sparked by reports involving Jaxson Hayes, the Los Angeles Lakers big man whose name has surfaced in discussions around Slovenia’s national team needs. From there, the episode expands into a masterclass on how European basketball teaches skill, decision-making, and processing speed earlier — and why that approach continues to produce MVP-caliber players.

Thomas also explains why the 24-second shot clock matters, how positionless basketball is reshaping development in the U.S., and what college programs are doing to close the gap. Plus, Ric and Boki examine EuroLeague financial pressures, club sustainability, and why “winning at all costs” may be changing the soul of international competition.

00:00 – Welcome to Full Court Passport (Ric Bucher & Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar)

00:00:45 – Sponsor: New Air Club

00:01:24 – Guest intro: Chris Thomas (University of Wyoming) + Sundance Wicks endorsement

00:04:11 – Chris Thomas’ Puerto Rico experience (GM & head coach lessons)

00:05:08 – Coaching Slovenia’s national team: pressure, pride, and perspective

00:06:40 – Basketball as a passport: coaching and traveling across 59 countries

00:08:16 – Why European development keeps producing elite decision-makers

00:09:52 – Youth basketball differences: shot clocks overseas vs. the U.S.

00:10:32 – 24-second vs. 30-second shot clock: pace, reads, and processing

00:11:18 – Phil Jackson “drum” story: teaching instant recognition

00:14:02 – Why MVP-level players are increasingly international

00:17:24 – Positionless basketball and modern player development

00:18:12 – Teaching reads, not just moves

00:19:16 – Isolation culture vs. flow offense

00:20:14 – NBA influence from European coaches and systems

00:24:38 – The controversy: Jaxson Hayes, Slovenia, and national-team “cheat codes”

00:27:21 – National pride vs. roster loopholes

00:37:46 – EuroLeague financial instability and club sustainability

00:41:28 – Monaco’s budget pressure and locker-room consequences

00:45:13 – Virtus Bologna stuns Monaco; Luca Vildoza’s late dagger

00:46:44 – What’s next for EuroLeague and national teams

#FullCourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #JaxsonHayes #Lakers #InternationalBasketball #EuroLeague #NBA #PlayerDevelopment #PositionlessBasketball #NationalTeams

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The NBA didn’t just visit Europe—Berlin and London became a live stress test for what NBA Europe could actually be. Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar break down Adam Silver’s latest Europe messaging, why the 2027–28 launch window feels increasingly unrealistic, and the one thing the NBA can’t afford to destroy: EuroLeague rivalries (Real Madrid–Barcelona, Partizan–Red Star).

Then Ric shares a conversation with Quinten Post (Netherlands → ALBA Berlin → Mississippi State → Boston College → Golden State Warriors) that exposes the modern pipeline: family hustle, highlight tapes, and one “right” development year that changes everything—plus why he’d tell 18-year-olds: don’t chase NIL first… chase playing time and growth.

Finally, Ric brings in audio with Quin Snyder to explain why the value of international players keeps rising—fundamentals, training volume, and pro-level development—and how culture/communication gaps are shrinking fast. The big question remains: if the NBA brings its star-driven commercial engine to Europe, can it do it without ruining the win-first soul of European basketball?

Timestamps

00:00 — Full-Court Passport intro

00:30 — NBA “invades” Europe: Berlin vs. London reactions

02:43 — “Cooperation is required”: NBA Europe + EuroLeague reality check

04:05 — Ric’s takeaway: the league is happening, timeline likely slips

04:41 — The non-negotiable: protect classic rivalries (Real-Barça, Partizan–Red Star)

05:43 — Stop chasing “big cities”: build around true basketball hubs

10:07 — Quinten Post interview: Amsterdam → ALBA Berlin → NCAA → Warriors

15:52 — NIL warning: don’t pick money over development and minutes

17:03 — Boki’s path vs today: pre-internet development and getting noticed

22:15 — Europe problem: pro life + university don’t align like the NCAA

27:47 — Quin Snyder audio: why international players’ value keeps rising

34:34 — Culture & language gaps shrinking; NCAA as a bridge (sometimes)

37:19 — Zaccharie Risacher pressure: expectations, growth, and what’s “normal”

45:00 — NBA stats vs EuroLeague wins: the philosophical clash

49:43 — Wrap-up + where to catch the show live

#FullCourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #NBAEurope #EuroLeague #AdamSilver #InternationalBasketball #NIL #NCAABasketball #NBADraft #PlayerDevelopment #QuinnSnyder #Warriors #BasketballCulture #EuroBasket

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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.

• 00:00 Fullcourt Passport intro: the global hoops gateway
• 00:31 Guest reveal: Brooklyn Nets HC Jordi Fernández + international coaching surge
• 01:18 Why the NBA is looking outside the U.S.: coaching, medical, performance, innovation
• 02:54 “The NBA doesn’t care about your passport”—what matters is your superpower
• 03:16 Europe vs. U.S. basketball education: reads & versatility vs. athleticism & competition
• 04:03 Fernández’s roots: Badalona, Joventut, and coaching at 15
• 07:15 The dream to return to Europe: EuroLeague/ACB aspirations + “surviving” the NBA job
• 09:11 What’s his superpower? Curiosity, relationships, accountability (both ways)
• 12:27 Ric’s comp: Jerry West as the ultimate learner + why humility wins locker rooms
• 13:36 National teams & the Olympics: why it’s the most intense, most special competition
• 15:49 Barcelona ’92 memories + how that Olympics changed everything globally
• 17:55 Coaching through sports psych + sports science: why variety makes you better
• 20:49 NBA Europe + European basketball’s crossroads: business realities vs. development
• 21:43 The key problem: Europe loses young stars… because it won’t play them
• 22:37 Nets example: six players ages 19–21 getting real minutes—development pipeline
• 24:10 Collaboration vs. competition: how the NBA will approach Europe
• 25:02 Ric & Boki react: modern coaching = connection, collaboration, and player management
• 27:51 Boki in Berlin: NBA games in Europe, atmosphere, and what it signals
• 36:36 El Clásico memories: Barça–Madrid intensity, culture, and rivalry psychology
• 39:17 Closest NBA equivalents: Texas rivalries + Nets–Knicks at MSG
• 43:56 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

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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 Stamps

• 00:00 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 card
• 03:40 The jersey-number hustle: Brendan Haywood’s $100K story
• 05:08 Why Alec left the NBA for Europe (and what “tanking” looked like up close)
• 07:29 Choosing CSKA: stability, coaching, and a winning blueprint
• 08:52 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 Greece
• 21:23 The restaurant name: “25”
• 22:01 NBA Europe: Alec sees both sides—elevate the product, reduce confusion
• 31:26 Kendrick Perkins’ “internationals taking over” + what “face of the league” means
• 37:01 NBA marketing stars vs Europe marketing clubs—collision course?
• 44:10 EuroLeague Game of the Week: Monaco vs Valencia + why it mattered
• 50:10 Next week teaser: EuroLeague coaches’ personalities and philosophies
• 51:46 Wrap + where to listen/watch live (NoFilter Network + United WeCast YouTube)

#FullcourtPassport #UnitedWeCast #EuroLeague #Olympiacos #AlecPeters #InternationalBasketball #NBAEurope #EuroLeagueBasketball #NBA #BasketballPodcast #RicBucher #BokiNachbar

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What does the future of basketball look like outside the United States — and how close is the NBA to planting permanent roots in Europe?

On this episode of Fullcourt Passport, longtime NBA executive Tommy Sheppard joins hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar for a wide-ranging, insider conversation on the global evolution of basketball, the rise of international stars, and the controversial idea of NBA Europe.

Sheppard reflects on three decades in the NBA, the transformation of international scouting and player development, the influence of EuroLeague coaching and tactics, and why passion, culture, and relegation make European basketball fundamentally different from the NBA model. The trio also debate injuries, pace of play, commercialization, and whether basketball risks losing its soul as it grows globally.

This is a must-listen for fans of NBA, EuroLeague, FIBA basketball, international player development, and the future of the sport worldwide.

00:00 – Welcome to Fullcourt Passport

01:20 – Introducing Tommy Sheppard & his NBA background

05:10 – From the 1990s to today: how international basketball exploded

09:40 – Slovenia’s impact & paving the way for Luka Dončić

13:55 – International MVPs & changing perceptions of greatness

18:20 – EuroLeague academies vs U.S. development model

22:45 – Why EuroLeague basketball teaches higher IQ

26:10 – Is the modern NBA “too easy”? Toughness debate

30:05 – NBA Europe: league, partnership, or experiment?

34:40 – Culture clash: passion, history & European fans

38:50 – Relegation vs franchise stability

42:30 – Timeline, money & long-term viability of NBA Europe

46:05 – Injuries, pace of play & player workload concerns

49:10 – Greek Derby spotlight: Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos

52:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

#NBAEurope #EuroLeague #GlobalBasketball #NBATwitter #BasketballWorld

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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.

• 0:00 Welcome to Fullcourt Passport
• 0:31 Introducing Sean McCaw (SJM Consulting)
• 1:25 Boki’s basketball camp & European development culture
• 2:41 Why overseas basketball is now “in vogue”
• 3:55 EuroLeague exposure & the myth of easy money
• 5:01 Reality check: EuroLeague = top 1%
• 7:10 NIL money vs. starting over in Europe
• 7:55 The most important skill: adaptability
• 8:53 NBA Europe: hype vs. reality
• 11:18 Starter countries & second-division pathways
• 14:10 Why European Cup games matter
• 16:02 How players should research teams & contracts
• 19:31 Why Sean McCaw stayed in Europe
• 21:14 European teaching vs. U.S. “highlight culture”
• 23:33 Why international players dominate today’s NBA
• 32:28 Mike D’Antoni’s impact on European basketball
• 41:03 Why EuroLeague isn’t easy—even for former NBA players
• 45:14 Game of the Week: Olympiacos vs Virtus
• 50:26 Final thoughts & wrap-up

#FullcourtPassport #EuroLeague #OverseasBasketball #InternationalBasketball #ProBasketball #BasketballLife #NIL #Hoops #BasketballDevelopment

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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.

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