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Hoops & Huddle

Hoops & Huddle

By: Maliika Walker
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The Hoops & Huddle Podcast features Maliika Walker discussing topics that intersect sports and culture, covering topics on and off the court/field.

hoopsandhuddle 2024
Basketball Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Episode 6: WNBA Playoffs, Awards, Expansion
    Oct 8 2024

    Maliika Walker & Edwin Garcia discuss the WNBA Playoffs Semi-Finals, highlighting the New York Liberty’s series win over the Las Vegas Aces, emphasizing the impact of Sabrina Ionescu & Leonie Fiebich. They also discuss the Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx series. Edwin shares his ballot for WNBA awards (MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player). They also discuss the upcoming expansion draft, the potential impact on rosters, and importance of transparency in voting for awards.

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    57 mins
  • Episode 5: Len Bias ~ The Greatest What If w/Mark Edwards
    Sep 11 2024

    This episode discusses the "greatest what if" in basketball history, Len Bias, a promising college basketball player who tragically died from a cocaine overdose before entering the NBA. Mark Edwards, Basketball Skill Developer for all levels of basketball (youth, college NBA/pro), stops by to discuss Bias, a 6'8" forward from Maryland, who showed significant improvement each year, averaging 15, 19, and 23 points per game in his freshman, sophomore, and senior years, respectively. Had he joined the Boston Celtics, he might have extended their championship run and challenged Michael Jordan. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of Bias death, including the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which had severe consequences for minority communities.

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    49 mins
  • Episode 4: Loose Balls & The ABA w/Basketball Historian Jason Levin
    Aug 21 2024

    In this episode, Maliika has a conversation with basketball historian Jason Levin about the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA), focusing on the book "Loose Balls" by Terry Pluto and the upcoming documentary "Soul Power." They discuss the ABA's founding in 1967, its financial struggles, and the eventual merger with the NBA in 1976. Key points include the impact of the ABA on basketball, such as the introduction of the three-point line and the style of play. They also address the economic challenges ABA teams face, the hardship contracts for players, and the racial undertones in the book "Loose Balls." The conversation concludes with announcing the documentary's release in early 2026 and the ongoing efforts to compensate ABA players.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
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