Passport to the Pros

Basketball isn't just about talent, athleticism, or shooting. In this episode of Passport to the Pros, Hozaifa Almaleh sits down with veteran coach and author Jason Calabrese to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of the game: Basketball IQ. Jason discusses his bestselling book Boost Your Basketball IQ , shares lessons learned from years of coaching, and explains how players can improve dec...

In Episode 14 of Passport To The Pros , the crew dives deep into the NBA Playoffs, discussing LeBron James’ incredible performances at age 41, Victor Wembanyama’s playoff growth, the Lakers’ battle with OKC, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, Kevin Durant’s leadership questions, and much more. The episode also features betting insights, playoff predictions, and reactions to the biggest storylin...

In this episode of Passport to the Pros , we sit down with elite player development coach Danny Cooper — founder of Danny Cooper Basketball — to break down what it really takes to build high-level athletes in today’s game. Danny walks us through his journey from a Division III player to training NBA, college, and youth athletes across the U.S. and internationally. But this conversation goes beyond...

The NBA and international basketball may look similar—but the rules create two completely different games. In this episode, we break down the biggest differences between NBA and FIBA rules, including game length, court dimensions, three-point line spacing, goaltending, and defensive systems. We also go deeper into how these differences affect player performance, strategy, and why some players thri...

Most players grow up chasing one goal: the NBA. But what happens when that path doesn’t play out the way you expected? In this episode of Passport to the Pros , we sit down with David Dixon — a high-level college player who experienced firsthand how unpredictable the game can be beyond the spotlight. From early expectations to the reality of competing at the highest levels, Dixon breaks down what...

NBA Champion. NBA All-American. Scout. Coach. And one of the sharpest minds to ever talk about the game. In this episode of Passport to the Pros , we sit down with Kevin Grevey — former Washington Bullets guard and 1978 NBA Champion — for a deep conversation about basketball, mentorship, and what it really takes to reach the highest level of the game. Grevey shares the journey from growing up in H...

From Player to NBA Scout: Inside the Mind of Adam Filippi In this episode of Passport to the Pros , we sit down with Adam Filippi —former professional player, the youngest scout in NBA history, and a key figure behind multiple championship organizations, including a decade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Adam takes us through his truly global basketball journey: growing up between the U.S. and Italy,...

In this episode of Passport to the Pros , we dive into the realities of playing professional basketball abroad. From navigating contracts and visas to adjusting to new cultures, styles of play, and expectations, this conversation breaks down what the overseas path really looks like. Michael Shagoury is joined by Hozaifa “Zee” Almaleh and Chad Hendrick, two players who have lived the international...

Episode 7 marks a new chapter for Passport to the Pros as Z welcomes a new member into the podcast family: journalist and SideKix Media founder Michael Shagoury .  The conversation kicks off with a recap of a playoff-feel NBA Cup Final , breaking down momentum swings, bench impact, and why the Cup is becoming a real statement-maker early in the season. Z also shares behind-the-scenes perspective o...

Episode 6 – Ryan Holmes Sr.: Global Hoops, Mental Strength, and Giving Back In this inspiring episode of Passport to the Pros, Ryan Holmes Sr. takes us from his roots in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to the international basketball stage around the world. A proud graduate of Philander Smith University, Ryan shares how his journey through overseas leagues tested his adaptability, mindset, and persever...

Damond Williams: Chicago Grit, Global Game, and Giving Back In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we sit down with Damond Williams, a Chicago native whose basketball journey spans from the blacktops of his hometown to the NCAA Tournament — and beyond. Damond reflects on his path through New Mexico State, Memphis, and McNeese State, where his hard work and resilience earned him a shot at March M...

Episode 4 – Tony “The Tiger” Thompson: Fighting for the Heavyweight Title and Beyond In this episode of Passport to the Pros, we step into the ring with Tony “The Tiger” Thompson, the heavyweight boxer who rose from his upbringing in Washington, D.C. to fight for the Heavyweight Championship of the World — twice. Tony reflects on how boxing became more than a career; it became a passport that took...

Episode 3 – Chris Charles: From Villanova to Becoming an ABL All-Time Great In this episode of Passport to the Pros , professional basketball star Chris Charles shares his journey from growing up in Milwaukee to competing at Villanova University and eventually playing professionally around the world. Chris dives into his international experiences in Syria, Thailand, and beyond , reflecting on the...

From the University of Houston to professional basketball courts in Italy, Jordan, Qatar, and Syria — Chad Hendrick has seen it all. In this episode of Passport to the Pros , Chad opens up about the mindset that fueled his success, the lessons he learned playing overseas, and what it’s like watching his son chase his own basketball dreams. “My belief in my abilities had to come from within. I didn...

From the streets of Damascus to the doorstep of the NBA 🏀 — Hozaifa Almaleh’s journey is one you won’t forget. In our debut episode of Passport to the Pros , Hozaifa not only shares his inspiring basketball story, but also opens up about why we started this podcast and what we hope you take away from it — stories that prove dreams have no borders. “When I first stepped on the court in America, I...