In Episode 5 of Deng & Pops, they did a part two on life in the pros, predominantly answering questions from fans about their pro careers.
Show Notes
Whilst the world is locked down during the coronavirus pandemic, two British basketball stars, Luol Deng and Pops Mensah-Bonsu, have been recording a series of live discussions, hosted on Instagram Live, and with their permission we are reposting to the Hoopsfix Podcast feed.
In Episode 5, aired on April 10th 2020, they did a part two on life in the pros, predominantly answering questions from fans.
Here from the pair on:
- Pops dealing with being cut from teams and how much it hurt in his early career
- How Pops was protesting the NBA when first getting to Italy, refusing to wear any NBA branded clothing
- Luol processing being traded and how much it hurt after feeling he had given so much to Chicago
- Luol Deng addressing the racist situation with the Atlanta Hawks' Danny Ferry and how he approached it
- Advice they would have for someone trying to get their young children into basketball
- The role of mentorship and who has provided guidance to both Luol and Pops
- Pops' experience in the G-League and how he got called up by the Bulls and almost played with Luol
- Both of their experience of racism playing in Europe
- The mismanagement of Luol's spinal tap by medical staff and how it put his life in jeopardy
- How Chicago gave Luol two days to accept a contract offer mid-season, he didn't want to be rushed into it (having tried to re-sign in the off-season prior to the season) and ended up getting traded
- What happened with Luol with the LA Lakers, who had originally said they wanted to be a playoff team when he signed before they changed direction to tank
- Luol staying professional in LA, working out and staying ready despite being stuck to the bench
- Pops being released from Toronto and what he had tweeted on the night he could become a free agent
- Pops' situation in Russia with CSKA Moscow - where it was the most money he had earned as a professional athlete - who wouldn't play him consistent minutes or release him to NBA teams
- If any situations in their careers had caused them to want to quit basketball
- What they did in their careers to look after their bodies and perform optimally
- The time Luol's Bulls matched up with Pops' Raptors, and Pops went off - unfortunately Lu wasn't playing
- And much, much more!
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What is Hoopsfix Podcast - British Basketball with Sam Neter?
The Hoopsfix Podcast is the hub of British basketball discussion. Hosted by Sam Neter, founder of British basketball website Hoopsfix.com, and featuring guests ranging from players, to coaches and key influencers within the UK basketball community, it is one of the few places to get accurate, topical and thought provoking information on the British basketball landscape.