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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos joins Ric Bucher and Boki Nachbar on Fullcourt Passport for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from Brazilian pro basketball to the NBA, why he’s effectively the lone “born-and-raised” Brazilian currently in the league, and how his game transformed once he landed with the Warriors organization.

Gui breaks down how signing a pro contract with Minas changed his path (and removed the college option at the time), what it was like learning to thrive without the ball alongside Stephen Curry, and the key mindset shift he had to make in the G League with Santa Cruz: defense, spacing, quick decisions, and doing the work that doesn’t always show up in the box score.

He also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of the Nike Hoop Summit year disrupted by the pandemic, why he pulled out of the 2021 NBA Draft after realizing the athletic gap, and what he improved to make a major leap into 2022. Plus: thoughts on the pipeline of Brazilian talent (including his brother), the appeal of FIBA/Euro basketball, and why he still dreams of one day getting the chance to play point guard and run the show—with the Warriors, Brazil, or beyond.

#Gui Santos, #Golden State Warriors, #Brazilbasketball, BrazilianNBA#player,

#SantaCruzWarriors, #GLeaguedevelopment, #StephenCurry, #FIBAbasketball, #EuroLeague, #NikeHoopSummit, #NBADraft2021, #Minas, #Brazilnationalteam

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women’s basketball is exploding — in the NCAA, WNBA and around the world. 🏀

In this episode of Fullcourt Passport, Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar are joined by special guest Rachel Galligan — former D1 standout, three-time Hall of Famer, ex-pro, longtime analyst and CEO of Go Global Recruiting — to break down where the women’s game is right now and where it’s headed next.

They dive into:

• Why women’s basketball is as popular and profitable as it’s ever been
• How stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have elevated the WNBA
• The WNBA CBA negotiations: revenue share, salaries, facilities & player benefits
• The rise of unrivaled, Project B and global leagues challenging the status quo
• How European development (Spain, France, etc.) differs from the U.S. grassroots & AAU scene
• Why more international players are choosing the NCAA route & NIL
• The real pros and cons of the transfer portal
• How players and parents should choose the right college fit (not just chase NIL money)

Later, Ric and Boki connect it all back to their EuroLeague world: roster building, culture, and why not every great player fits every system.

00:00 – Intro: Ric, Boki & Rachel’s 3x Hall of Fame résumé

03:00 – State of women’s basketball in the U.S. and worldwide

08:00 – WNBA CBA: revenue share, salaries & facilities players won’t accept anymore

15:00 – New leagues (Unrivaled, Project B) and global competition for talent

21:00 – U.S. vs European development: AAU culture vs team basketball & IQ

28:00 – Why international players are now drawn to NCAA & NIL

35:00 – WNBA’s biggest product issue: roster spots, injuries & “junior team” ideas

41:00 – Transfer portal & NIL: Rachel’s advice to players, parents & agents

46:00 – Ric & Boki react: COVID, fit, loyalty and development paths

#FullcourtPassport #RachelGalligan #WomensBasketball #WNBA #WNBACBA #NCAAW #NIL #TransferPortal #EuroLeagueWomen #GlobalBasketball #GoGlobalRecruiting #RicBucher #BostjanNachbar #BasketballPodcast #SportsBusiness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Fullcourt Passport, Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar sit down with Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon—former EuroLeague champion, Final Four MVP, and one of the most globally experienced executives in the NBA.

From the wildest EuroLeague week of the season—coach departures, fan chaos, and the unresolved Partizan–Obradović saga—to the stunning move by Finnish prospect Miikka Muurinen, the show sets the stage for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of worldwide basketball.

Then Trajan joins to discuss:

• How playing overseas shaped his vision as an NBA executive

• What he learned under Ettore Messina, Coach K, and the San Antonio Spurs

• Why chemistry and continuity matter more than raw talent

• Why some international stars thrive in the NBA—and why others don’t

• What today’s global basketball landscape means for scouting, culture building, and the next wave of NBA prospects

This is one of the most insightful episodes ever recorded on Fullcourt Passport—a masterclass in the connection between EuroLeague culture and NBA winning environments.

#FullcourtPassport #TrajanLangdon #RicBucher #BokiNachbar #EuroLeague #Pistons #NBA #InternationalBasketball #EuroLeagueNews #MikaMurinen #Partizan #Obradovic #CSKA #EttoreMessina #NBAGlobal #UnitedWeCast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bronx native and FC Barcelona guard Kevin Punter joins Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar on Fullcourt Passport (part of the United WeCast Network) to break down what it really takes for an American to become a EuroLeague star.

From the Partizan–Red Star Belgrade rivalry he says beats Lakers–Celtics “by a landslide,” to getting a Serbian passport, turning down NBA two-way offers, and finding his prime at Barça, Punter gives a brutally honest masterclass in surviving — and thriving — in European basketball.

Ric and Boki then zoom out to discuss the path from smaller European clubs to EuroLeague, why some Americans never make it overseas, and how international stars like Lauri Markkanen and Luka Dončić are reshaping the NBA. They close with a breakdown of Barça vs. Efes, and why this might be the most competitive EuroLeague season ever.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:35 – Introducing Kevin Punter
• Bronx roots, Tennessee, FIBA Champions League Final Four MVP, ABA League Finals MVP, and now a standout guard at FC Barcelona.
• 01:20 – Inside the Partizan vs. Red Star Belgrade rivalry
• Kevin explains why the Serbian derby beats any NBA rivalry — including Lakers–Celtics and Cavs–Warriors — and why you have to feel it in person.
• 04:20 – First taste of European basketball pressure
• From Poland to AEK Athens, the Greek Cup Final vs. Olympiacos, and a packed OAKA in the FIBA Champions League Final Four.
• 06:50 – Agents, education & choosing Europe over chasing the NBA
• How his agents taught him what EuroLeague is, the money, the levels, and why understanding the business changed his career path.
• 08:30 – Getting a Serbian passport & national team talk
• 10:10 – Why Kevin succeeded where other Americans didn’t
• Summer “lab work,” obsession with improvement, and attacking every perceived weakness year after year.
• 12:40 – Turning down NBA two-way deals & letting the NBA dream go
• 16:00 – Adapting his game to the EuroLeague style
• 19:30 – Handling EuroLeague pressure & staying employed
• Always having to prove himself, living with the fear of being cut, and why “wanting it that bad” is the only way through.
• 21:20 – Prime years at Barcelona & perspective on the grind
• 23:30 – Best off-court memories: Partizan family in Belgrade
• 27:00 – Respecting the long road to EuroLeague
• 30:10 – Lauri Markkanen, EuroBasket & international NBA stars
• 34:50 – National team vs NBA: confidence, roles & perception
• 38:00 – The brotherhood of international players & Balkan ties
• 41:00 – EuroLeague Game of the Week: Barça vs Efes
• Breakdown of Barcelona vs Anadolu Efes, Xavi Pascual’s first game back at Barça, Jan Vesely’s performance and the late-game collapse.
• 44:30 – Is this the most competitive EuroLeague season ever?

#KevinPunter #FullcourtPassport #RicBucher #BokiNachbar #EuroLeague #FCBarcelona #Partizan #RedStar #BelgradeDerby #SerbianBasketball #InternationalBasketball #EuroHoops

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fullcourt Passport (United WeCast Network), hosts Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar sit down with Zaza Pachulia—Golden State Warriors basketball operations consultant, two-time NBA champion, Turkish League champion, and the namesake of not one but two NBA rules (the “Zaza rule” on closeout space and the All-Star voting change sparked by Georgia’s fan surge).

Zaza opens up about:

• What a Warriors basketball operations consultant actually does—bridging ownership, partnerships, and the hoops side, mentoring young players, and being the “connective tissue” of the organization.
• The evolution of respect for international players and why the NBA’s global talent boom is here to stay.
• International influence in front offices and on benches—how teams like the Spurs (and exec trees that reached Denver and beyond) normalized global voices, and why the NBA is a copycat league that follows winning models.
• Paris Basketball → NBA pipeline: why multiple NBA head coaches (including Tuomas Iisalo in Memphis) are emerging from Europe’s modern systems, and how the EuroLeague style translates stateside with less practice time.
• Georgia’s national team and Toko Shengelia’s unmatched commitment—plus what it teaches the next generation about leadership, sacrifice, and culture.
• Origins in “darkness”—growing up in Tbilisi amid blackouts, moving to Turkey at 14, and the life-changing impact of his first coach, Zura.
• The mindset that carried him through 16 NBA seasons: “Success isn’t owned; it’s rented—and the rent is due every day.”

Also: Boki and Ric unpack how international coaching philosophies (pace, spacing, team actions) are reshaping both the NBA and EuroLeague—and what young players must embrace to thrive.

Chapters/Keywords: Zaza Pachulia, Golden State Warriors, NBA rules, Zaza rule, All-Star voting change, international players, EuroLeague, Paris Basketball, Tuomas Iisalo, Spurs culture, Denver Nuggets, Toko Shengelia, Georgia basketball, Turkish League, youth development, front office careers, coaching pathway, United WeCast Network.

Subscribe and rate Fullcourt Passport for weekly conversations at the intersection of NBA and international basketball—from EuroLeague trends to global player development and coaching.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.