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Hoops & Huddle

by Maliika Walker

Sports News Basketball

Season 2

Episode 6: WNBA Playoffs, Awards, Expansion

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.

Episode 5: Len Bias ~ The Greatest What If w/Mark Edwards

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.

Episode 4: Loose Balls & The ABA w/Basketball Historian Jason Levin

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.

Episode 3: WNBA Mid-Season Chat w/Jasmine Harper

We have reached the WNBA Olympic break, so we brought Winsidr's Jasmine Harper to discuss the season. Jasmine and Maliika discussed the WNBA All-Star Game and its competitive nature. We also analyzed the current WNBA season, discussing team dynamics and player chemistry. We also discussed the rookie-year performances of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Celtics/Lakers: The Best of Enemies Recap & Discussion

Hoops & Huddle ReWinds back to one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. Celtics fan Justin Paden joins Maliika Walker to discuss the classic ESPN 30 for 30, Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies. We discuss Red Auerbach, the Celtics of the 1960s, Jerry West, the Lakers' 1960s losses, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Sports rivalries in pro basketball do not seem to resonate as much today, so we had to rewind back in time to when rivalries mattered.

WNBA Season Preview-Part 1

Hoops & Huddle returns with Season 2. Maliika Walker is joined by Edwin Garcia, Lead Writer (Silver Screen & Roll)-Los Angeles Lakers. Writer (Swish Appeal)-Los Angeles Sparks, and lifelong Los Angeles Sparks fan Robyn Jordan. Robyn is the Community Manager for Black Nerds Create Podcast and loves women's basketball. Maliika, Edwin, and Robyn discuss Candace Parker's retirement, project the Los Angeles Sparks final roster, Caitlin Clark, and the Indiana Fever.

Season 1

Episode 26: Life in the G w/Alex Squadron

On the latest episode of Hoops & Huddle, Maliika Walker got to speak with author Alex Squadron about his new book, Life in the G. Alex documented the 2020-21 season for the Birmingham Squadron. Alex gives you the skinny of what life is truly like for players grinding in the G-League. Be sure to check out a new season of the NBA G-League when it kicks off Friday, November 10.

Episode 25: New Orleans Pelicans Season Preview

We got a chance to huddle with die-hard New Orleans Pelicans fan, Rel Myers (relmyers) on the season preview. We discussed the return of Zion Williamson & Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy’s injury, what position she would upgrade, and whether Anthony Davis jersey should be retired. Buckle up!

Episode 24: Atlanta Hawks Season Preview

On the latest Hoops & Huddle Podcast episode, Maliika chops it up with Alex of Hawks Fan TV (@hawksfantv) to discuss the season preview for the Atlanta Hawks. We discuss the excitement around new coach Quinn Snyder (hired late last season), trade of John Collins, Trae Young & the Atlanta Hawks rotation this season. In our ReWind segment, we discuss Hawks Fans TV's favorite Atlanta Hawks season.

Episode 23: Miami Heat Season Preview

We preview the Miami Heat season in this episode of Hoops & Huddle. Sha-Vaughn B (@siobhanbeslow) of Miami Heat Beat Pod on Twitch & JF Cake (@Cak3Boss), who is Miami Heat content creator for HoopSpaces. We discuss thoughts on why the Damian Lillard trade has yet to happen, the impact of Damian Lillard's contract on the second apron, the Miami Heat's current roster, the Heat's development of young players, coaching, and Pat Riley. You name it, we discussed it.

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