Buckets in the 503

Buckets in the 503

by Nejuan Thompson

Sports News Basketball

Season 3

Marshall Cho-Coaching, Culture & Developing the Next Generation

we sat down with longtime Oregon basketball coach and educator Marshall Cho for a wide-ranging conversation about basketball, leadership, player development, and the changing landscape of the game. Coach Cho takes us through his unique basketball journey — from his beginnings as an educator to coaching internationally, learning inside the legendary DeMatha Catholic program, working at the college level, and eventually building Lake Oswego into one of Oregon's premier high school programs. We also dive into his experience coaching the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit, what he learned working with some of the best young players in the world, and the characteristics that separate talented players from players who truly impact winning.

Season 2

David Blue Central Catholic Head Coach

On this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with Central Catholic head coach David Blue for a conversation about building culture, developing players, and sustaining one of Oregon’s premier high school basketball programs. Coach Blue takes us through his coaching journey, the lessons that shaped his philosophy, and what it took to help lead Central Catholic to a 6A state championship. We also talk about the pressure that comes with being one of the teams everyone is chasing and how the Rams continue to set a high standard year after year.

Kendrick Williams Park Rose 5A State Champions

We’re sitting down with Parkrose Head Coach Kendrick Williams to talk hoops, culture, leadership, and what it takes to build a 5A State Championship program. 🏆 Coach Williams takes us inside the championship journey, building a winning culture at Parkrose, developing players, navigating recruiting, and his thoughts on the current state of Oregon high school basketball.

Colby Blaine-College of Idaho NAIA 2023 & 2025 champion

we sit down with Coach Colby Blaine, the head coach of the College of Idaho men's basketball program and one of the most successful coaches in college basketball today. Coach Blaine takes us through his journey from assistant coach to leading the Yotes to two NAIA National Championships in three seasons, while building one of the premier winning cultures in the country. We discuss the foundation of the College of Idaho program, what it takes to sustain excellence, and how championship teams are built year after year. The conversation dives into recruiting, player development, leadership, and the qualities Coach Blaine looks for in prospective student-athletes. He shares valuable insight on basketball IQ, winning habits, accountability, and why culture is the driving force behind long-term success. Don't miss this conversation with one of the top coaches in NAIA basketball as we explore what it truly takes to build champions—both on and off the court.

2029 rankings

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we break down the newly released Prep Hoops Oregon Class of 2029 Top 10 Rankings and discuss the next generation of players set to make an impact across the state. We take a closer look at the players sitting at the top of the rankings, including Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen, Jordan Smith, Ryder Powell, Victor Norris III, and Southridge's Judah Hardt, while highlighting the programs that are building for the future. We discuss who has the highest ceiling, which players could make the biggest jump over the next year, and why rankings are only the beginning of the journey. Plus, we give our early predictions on who could be competing for the No. 1 spot by the time this class graduates. Whether you're a coach, parent, player, or Oregon hoops fan, this episode gives you an early look at the names you'll be hearing about for years to come. 🏀 Top 10 Breakdown 📈 Stock Up Players 🔥 Highest Upside Prospects 🏫 Programs to Watch 🎯 Early Predictions for the Class of 2029 Tune in and join the conversation as we spotlight the future stars of Oregon basketball on Buckets in the 503

Season 1

Chiles Center-road to the 6A state title

“Eight teams. Three days. One champion. The Chiles Center was electric — overtime battles, statement wins, and a championship that came down to one point. From Benson’s run… to Jesuit locking teams up… to Central Catholic looking like a machine… And then Tualatin finishing the job when it mattered most. We’re breaking down the biggest moments, the top performers, and how it all unfolded on Oregon’s biggest stage.

Review round of 16 -Elite 8 predictions

“Eight teams remain… but only four will make it to the Chiles Center. A #1 seed just went down on a game-winner in overtime. A double-overtime thriller sent Clackamas through. Grant pulled off a statement upset. And Central Catholic looks like a machine. Now the matchups are set: Benson vs Clackamas. Sherwood vs Tualatin. Jesuit vs Oregon City. Grant vs Central Catholic. The road to the 6A State Championship runs through Portland.

Round 1 review & Round 2 preview

we’re breaking down everything from Round 1 of the 6A playoffs — the biggest wins, the standout performances, and the upsets that shook the bracket. From Southridge and Central Catholic making statements to players stepping up under the playoff lights — we’ve got it all. And then we look ahead to Round 2, previewing the matchups and making our predictions on who’s moving one step closer to the Chiles Center. Tap in — this is Buckets in the 503.” 🏀🔥

Talking Hoops with Sam Thompson

Director of PortlandBoyz AAU and SEI Director. We’re diving into grassroots basketball, building programs the right way, navigating the AAU circuit, and what it really takes to elevate Portland hoops on a national level. We’ll also talk about keeping top talent home, why playing for local programs matters, and his take on the current 6A landscape. From culture to competition, leadership to legacy — this conversation goes way beyond the game. Tap in.

6A Bracket review & predictions

“The bracket is set. No more hypotheticals. No more projections. Now it’s matchups, pressure, and survive-and-advance. Who’s making the Final Four? Who’s primed for an upset? Which top seed should be nervous? And who’s cutting down the nets in 6A? We’re breaking down the entire bracket — region by region — with bold picks, upset alerts, and championship predictions. March is here.

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