In this inspiring episode of Ballerz Baffle, Lachlan Mahoney sits down with Aaron Sansoni — part-owner of Melbourne United, best-selling author, global entrepreneur, and mentor to over 700,000 people worldwide.
Aaron shares how his love for basketball began on the courts of Melbourne and eventually led him to co-own one of the biggest NBL teams in Australia. He opens up about his journey from humble beginnings, washing cars as a 12-year-old, to investing in over 80 businesses, including SpaceX.
Together, Lachlan and Aaron dive deep into:
🏀 The vision for Melbourne United and the growth of Australian basketball
💼 What it really takes to succeed in business (and why failure is part of the process)
💡 The mindset behind “Practice Makes Progress” and the power of saying “I haven’t done it… yet”
🔥 Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship and why taking action beats waiting for perfect
Whether you’re into hoops, business, or self-growth, this episode will leave you motivated to build your own empire.
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📍 Listen now on ballerzbaffle.au/listen
Strap in for an all-timer episode of Ballerz Baffle, as host Lachlan sits down with NBL royalty — Lanard Copeland. From his early days ballin’ in the NBA alongside Charles Barkley, to soaring through Aussie stadiums in the 90s with Andrew Gaze and the Melbourne Tigers, Lanard has seen it all.
This isn’t just a trip down memory lane though. Lanard drops fresh takes on today’s NBL, the rising stars, and the biggest questions around the league — including JaVale McGee’s MVP buzz, Bryce Cotton’s citizenship drama, and why Tasmania, United and Illawarra are all in the title race.
We cover:
🏀 What made the Gaze–Copeland duo so deadly
🎯 JaVale McGee’s massive impact on the league
🇦🇺 Should Kyrie Irving play for the Boomers?
🗣️ Why Bryce Cotton's move to Adelaide was deeper than hoops
📺 The difference between playing and coaching
🔥 Trash Talk: Steph vs Ray Allen, LeBron vs MJ
🧠 Advice for hoopers, coaches, and future commentators
👀 Behind-the-scenes NBA stories from the 90s
🍽️ His honest take on Vegemite (spoiler: it’s a no)
💰 Why today’s NBL players have it sweet compared to the "peanut money" days
Lanard also talks about his commentary work on ESPN's "Nothing But Net", life after coaching, and why he’s still getting buckets on the golf course with Gaze every Tuesday morning.
This is more than just an interview — it’s a front-row seat to decades of basketball insight, Aussie hoops culture, and pure storytelling gold.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Career Snapshot
03:00 – Playing with Gaze, the Tigers era
06:30 – NBL 2025 breakdown: teams to watch
09:30 – MVP race: JaVale, Bryce, and the rest
13:00 – Coaching vs Commentating
16:00 – Lanard's NBA journey (Philly & Clippers)
20:00 – Fun chat: Vegemite, LeBron vs MJ, Steph vs Ray
25:00 – Advice for players & coaches
30:00 – Reflections on legacy, Hall of Fame & future of the game
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Ballerz Baffle — The Future of Hoops Talk
In this special ep, Lachlan sits down with Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan, fresh off her five-year milestone leading one of the NBL's most exciting clubs.
They dive into the early days of building the Jackies, the massive impact of players like Will Magnay, Bryce Hamilton, and Jack McVeigh, and what’s next with Tasmania’s new WNBL team. Plus:
– How the club started at a dining table in lockdown
– The real story behind player signings and exits
– Lachlan’s MVP prediction (👀 Bryce fans)
– Tips for young leaders, future expansion talk & loads more
Christine doesn’t hold back — and Lachie brings the heat with his trademark banter, bold takes, and inside scoops.
🎙️ Brought to you by Swisherr Hoops Academy North
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Ballerz Baffle – The Future of Hoops Talk
#NBL #JackJumpers #ChristineFinnegan #WNBL #AustralianBasketball #BallerzBaffle #Tasmania #NBL2025 #BasketballPodcast
From Ulverstone to Louisville, and now suiting up for the Cairns Taipans, Reyne Smith joins Lachlan for a proper yarn on his journey from small-town Tassie hoops to the bright lights of the NBL.
In this episode, we chat through college ball, Boomer moments, BBQ chicken pizzas at Red Grasshopper, and what it really means to share the floor with Jack McVeigh. Reyne gets candid on injuries, tattoos, NBL dreams, and why Cairns was the right fit (soz Jackies fans).
If you're a young baller, there are gems galore—shooting tips, mindset hacks, and a sneak peek into Reyne’s NBA ambitions. Plus, classic Ballerz banter, a few cheeky digs, and a whole lot of hoop love for Tassie.
🎯 Key Topics:
Growing up in NW Tasmania
Breaking the 3-point record at Louisville
The Jack McVeigh Experience™
Repping the Boomers
Why the Taipans were the right move
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It’s all love for the Jackies this week as Lachlan goes all-in on his home squad, the Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜💚
With a fresh new core featuring Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson, Tyger Campbell, Josh Bannan, and the ever-solid Will Magnay, Tassie’s looking big, young, and dangerous. Lachlan runs through all the ins and outs, including key departures like Milton Doyle, Jordan Crawford, and Clint Steindl, plus what the new imports bring to the table.
🔥 Who’s the breakout star?
🔥 Can Bryce be the best import in the league?
🔥 Will this team be better than last year’s?
Plus stats, potential starting five, and Lachlan’s trademark Tassie passion.
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💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
The Sydney Kings have had one of the busiest off-seasons in the league — but did they come out stronger?
In this ep, Lachlan breaks down the Kings’ incoming stars, including Kendrick Davis (MVP runner-up), Matthew Dellavedova, and the returning Tim Soares. He also runs through the massive exits: Alex Toohey (now with the Golden State Warriors), Jalen Adams, and Cam Oliver.
🟣 Will Davis and Dele be enough to keep them in the hunt?
🟣 Can Xavier Cooks still carry this team?
🟣 Are they deep enough to survive a full season?
Get the full take + stats, starting five, and Lachlan’s verdict on where the Kings land in NBL26.
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💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have retooled for NBL26 — but is it enough?
Lachlan breaks down the key names you need to know:
🔋 Nathan Sobey commanding the backcourt
🛡️ John Brown III turning defense into firepower
🧠 Owen Foxwell stepping up
💥 Plus: takes on Akech Aliir, Malique Lewis, and returning faces like DJ Mitchell and Daniel Foster
Who’s missing? Where are the imports at? And can this roster crack finals or fall flat? Lachlan’s got thoughts.
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💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
Perth Wildcats are loaded up and back in business. In this episode, Lachlan dives into what this revamped roster could mean for NBL26.
Expect breakdowns on:
JLA returning to anchor the frontcourt,
Christian Doolittle’s impact as a defensive beast,
Splash plays from Mason Jones and grit from Ben Henshall & Dylan Windler,
Plus Sunday Dech and some serious “Next Star” hopefuls who need to prove themselves.
With potential issues in depth and some mystery names thrown around, can the Wildcats navigate the season without cracks showing? Or will unfamiliar faces be exposed?
🎧 Brought to you by SwisherrNorth.com
👕 Merch and more at ballerzbaffle.au
💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
The New Zealand Breakers are locked in for NBL26 — and Lachlan reckons they’ve got something to prove 👀
In this ep, we break down the return of Parker Jackson-Cartwright (PJC) — a potential All-NBL First Teamer — and the arrival of Izaiah Brockington, the G League bucket-getter now ready to torch the NBL.
Lachlan also gives his take on Karim Lopez, a rising star from last season, plus Rob Loe’s comeback, Reuben Te Rangi, Taylor Britt, and up-and-comers Tukaha Cooper and Liam Judd. Will the Breakers take the leap, or fade into the middle of the pack?
🎧 Presented by SwisherrNorth.com
👕 Merch and more at ballerzbaffle.au💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
Melbourne United are gearing up for a big season — but with a whole new flavour. Lachlan breaks down United’s newest weapons: Jesse “Big Ed” Edwards in the paint, Milton Doyle bringing spark from the JJs, and the return of Finn Delany to the Aussie hardwood.
He also touches on AFL convert Tom Wilson, promising guard Tyson Walker, and how the roster might shape up defensively around their new big man. Can United go all the way — or are they heading for the play-in bubble?
🎧 Presented by SwisherrNorth.com
👕 Merch at ballerzbaffle.au
💥 The Future of Hoops Talk
The reigning champs aren’t backing down. In this ep, Lachlan dives into the Illawarra Hawks’ fresh roster moves—including the monster signing of JaVale McGee, three-time NBA champ and new king of the paint.
We also break down Jaquori McLaughlin’s upside, depth pieces like Jonah Bolden, Sam Froling, and Harry Froling, plus who’s set to rise from DP status. Can Illawarra go back-to-back? Or is the pressure too real?
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The Taipans are not mucking around this season 🐍🔥 In this ep, Lachlan breaks down Cairns’ bold off-season moves—including the arrival of Jack McVeigh, fresh from the G League and ready to dominate the NBL.
Also making waves: Admiral Schofield with Blitz buzzer-beaters, Reyne Smith’s smooth transition from Louisville, and Marcus Lee locking down the paint. With Adam Ford at the helm, this squad’s mix of youth and firepower could turn the league on its head.
🎧 Tune into Ballerz Baffle – The Future of Hoops Talk
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It’s a full-court press of dad jokes this week as Lachlan brings on a very special guest… his own dad! 🧔🏻👦🏻
In this Father’s Day special, it’s less pick-and-roll and more pun-and-roast, as Lach and his old man go head-to-head in a dad joke face-off that’s cheesier than a courtside nacho tray. Expect giggles, groans, and a sprinkle of basketball banter to keep it Ballerz Baffle certified.
Whether you’re celebrating your pops or just here for the puns, this one’s for the hoop-heads and the hug-givers.
Happy Father’s Day, legends.
🎙 Proudly brought to you by Swisher The Hoops Academy North.
🏀 The Future of Hoops Talk starts here.
The Bullets are locked, loaded, and possibly lethal in NBL26—and Lachlan's got the full scoop. From the leadership of coach Stu Lash to the powerhouse duo of Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison, this episode dives deep into Brisbane’s fresh rebuild energy.
We’re talking:
🔥 Casey Prather's clutch-factor & MVP buzz
🧱 Tyrell Harrison: The cornerstone big
🧠 Mitch Norton’s elite leadership
🆕 New signings incl. Jovan Freeman-Liberty, Alex Dukas, Jacob Holt & more
📤 Departures, free agents & a quick farewell to Rocco Zikarsky (NBA-bound!)
🔢 Lachlan’s projected depth chart and cheeky takes
Is this the year Brisbane finally clicks? Or will they cook halfway and burn out? Tune in and find out!
🧢 Proudly brought to you by Swisher Hoops Academy North & Launceston Electrical Solutions.
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🎙️ The Future of Hoops Talk.
Welcome back to a brand-new season of Ballerz Baffle – The Future of Hoops Talk! Lachlan kicks things off with a massive deep dive into the revamped Adelaide 36ers. From star pickups like Montrez Harrell and Bryce Cotton to the exits of Jason Cadee and Nick Marshall, it’s all happening in the City of Churches.
We break down the new squad, potential starting lineups, and the big if—can this star-stacked team gel or will egos clash? Will Bryce be the facilitator or fall into iso-ball? And is Montrez still that entertainer we all love?
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In our first episode in season 2 Lachlan sits down with four-time NBL champion Daryl Corletto to talk all things hoops—from his wild debut, to playing alongside legends like Andrew Gaze. Daryl breaks down the 2025 NBL Grand Final, gives hot takes on free agency rumours (hello, Paddy Mills 👀), and dishes on the real MVPs, the toughest teammates, and what it's like playing at 43 with his kids courtside. They even settle (or stir up) the LeBron vs. MJ debate. Strap in—this one's full of legends, laughs, and locker room gold.
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In this episode of Ballerz Baffle, Lachlan sits down with NBL champion and Swisherr Hoops Academy co-founder Mark Nash for an in-depth conversation about his incredible basketball journey. Mark shares his experiences from playing with legends like Leroy Loggins and CJ Bruton to winning a championship with the Adelaide 36ers. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning from a professional player to a dedicated coach, his passion for nurturing Tasmanian basketball talent, and the vision behind Swisher Hoops Academy.
Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories from Mark’s time with the Hobart Tassie Devils, insights into the state of basketball facilities in Tasmania, and the importance of community-driven programs for youth development. Plus, Mark gives his thoughts on the Jackjumpers' potential for the upcoming season and what he believes Tasmania needs to continue its basketball growth.
Whether you're a basketball enthusiast or simply love hearing stories of resilience, leadership, and community, this episode is a must-listen.
Don't forget to like, subscribe and share with your friends.
🎙️ Ballerz Baffle brings you an electrifying episode with NBL commentator and Overtime host, Felix Von Hofe! 🏀 Felix shares stories from his time as a pro, insights into the NBL, and his transition into commentary. From playing with legends like Chris Goulding and Casper Ware to being in awe of Jack McVeigh’s clutch plays, Felix opens up about unforgettable moments on and off the court. 🙌
Topics include: 🔥 How basketball calmed a wild childhood 🏆 Championship-winning stories with Melbourne United 👀 The Jackjumpers' underdog magic and Scott Roth's passion for Tassie 🎤 Behind-the-scenes of live sports commentary 🌍 Felix's favorite cities, thrilling college games, and his love for Perth and Tassie fans
Plus, hear Lachlan and Felix debate MVP picks, finals predictions, and who’s got the best chance to claim the NBL crown! If you love hoops and high-energy chat, this episode is a slam dunk! 🏀🎧
👉 Hit play now to catch every highlight! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insider stories from the world of basketball! 🚨
This interview is proudly fueled by Bulk Nutrients. head over to bulknutrients.com.au to find out more.
In this episode, Lachlan interviews Kayla Steindl, Hobart Chargers’ 2023 MVP. Kayla opens up about her basketball journey from Gonzaga University to the WNBA and life in Australia. She shares insights on leadership, balancing motherhood with basketball, and her thoughts on a potential Tasmanian WNBL team. A must-listen for basketball enthusiasts and aspiring athletes! 🎙️🏀 Dont forget to comment your thoughts, share and jump on our socials :)
In this episode of Ballers Battle, host Lachlan brings you the latest breaking news and insights from the NBL. The episode kicks off with the breaking news of Tacko Fall joining the New Zealand Breakers, a move that will significantly impact the league with his towering presence. Lachlan also delves into the current state of various teams, including the Jackjumpers, Cairns Taipans, and the Sydney Kings, highlighting key player performances and team chemistry issues.
Listeners will gain insights into the strategic needs of teams like Phoenix, who are on the hunt for a backup center to bolster their championship aspirations. Lachlan also touches on the importance of team chemistry, especially for the Sydney Kings, and the impact of injuries on team performance. The episode wraps up with a look at the upcoming Heritage Round and the significance of jersey designs that honor past champions.
Don't miss out on this episode filled with expert opinions and passionate basketball discussions. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with fellow basketball enthusiasts!
