In episode 050 we’re in Melbourne for Summer Jam, and  joined by Ben Ayer of the South East Melbourne Phoenix!

Ben takes us through his journey to become a professional basketball player, which includes his time playing in the United States.

We discuss some of the biggest misconceptions about being a pro athlete, as well as how American draft prospects playing in Australia has effected basketball culture here in the past few years.

We also dive into Summer Jam, and how it’s bringing people from sporting, music, and other creative backgrounds together to form bigger and better events every year in Australia.

Ben gives us his picks on which rappers would make the best hoopers, the best pre game fits, his worst fashion phase, his imaginary NBA 2K stats, and his answers to our new segment “Make or Miss”.

We’d like to give a massive shout out to Rolln Media for hosting this episode. 

Also to Summer Jam, Footlocker, and Jordan Brand for bringing us to Melbourne to be apart of this event, and supporting grassroots creators in Australia more broadly.

Please take some time to have a look at the Summer Jam event on Instagram, as it’s a melting pot of grassroots and international talent on multiple creative mediums.

0:00 - Intro 

1:04 - Summer Jam 2024

2:52 - Ben’s Career So Far 

8:58 - What Is Australia’s Style?

13:00 - Melo Ball & RJ Hampton In The NBL

15:20 - The Origins Of Summer Jam 

21:13 - Quai 54 

24:08 - Ben’s Pre Game Playlist 

26:37 - Which Rappers Would Be Good Hoopers 

29:03 - Pre Game Fit Culture 

35:55 - Cringe Fashion Phases

38:00 - Styles To Normalise 

39:56 - Ben’s NBA2K Rating 

41:57 - The NBA Scoring “Issue” 

45:18 - “Make Or Miss”