The BALLPLAYERS Podcast

Trainer. Influencer. Creator. Name the role and Chris Matthews has thrived in it -- while also changing the basketball world. In this episode, we connected with the ultra-popular basketball trainer and heard him reflect on his earliest memories playing the game, what makes the DMV a birthplace for hoopers, and how he properly utilized social media -- to the tune of  2.5+ million followers --...

Ronnie Singh is more than a voice in the basketball world. He's easily one of the sport's most respected dot connectors and influential figures who helps mold one of the most iconic sports video games in the world -- NBA 2K. In this episode, we were joined by the 'Face of NBA 2K' -- also formally known as 2K Games' Digital Marketing Manager. Listen as Ronnie 2K discusses what makes him excited abo...

If there's anything about New York City and basketball, it's their natural ability to bring people together -- regardless of their background. In this episode, we were joined by Erin Schiffman, acclaimed NYC streetball photographer and the founder of  The Ballers Journal . Listen as Erin reflects on how growing up in Kansas and Pennsylanvia shaped her love of basketball, photography's impact...

While New York City is home to millions of aspiring hoopers, only a select few can pursue their hoop dreams -- especially when growing up in a challenging environment. In this episode, we were joined by Jawaun 'Wauny' Daniels, a proud Harlem, NY native/professional hooper. Listen as 'Wauny' explains what it was like catching the attention of NYC's hoops scene as a youth, the importance of listenin...

While the game and culture of basketball is discussed in various ways, writing arguably possesses the greatest way to cover the sport. And our special guest is proving why. In this episode, we were joined by Deyscha 'Sway' Smith, an associate editor at SLAM, who has written cover stories about several of basketball's established stars including Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, and...

The odds of going online and not seeing a viral basketball clip are very slim and today's special guest is a key reason as to why. In this episode. We were joined by TrayGotBounce, the basketball content creator whose videos have gotten millions of views as he crossed and dunked on countless defenders. Listen as Trajan discussed what inspired him to make basketball content, the internet's love for...

Throughout basketball's evolution in various areas of interest, we've seen the game create moments of celebration and togetherness - especially in the fashion world. In this episode, we were joined by Mike Press. The proud Westchester County, NY native is an emerging entrepreneur and co-founder of TwentyFour New York, a fashion and cultural platform bridging the gap between sneakers, basketball, a...

If you walked into a game and declared it good based on who's playing, the same can be said when you find out who's on the mic. In this episode, we were joined by Jason Negron. The proud New Yorker, who is an accomplished announcer who has most notably worked with the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and the NFL, discusses his journey as a master of ceremonies, the impact of 90s basketball, and...

While most players, coaches, and owners (heck, even referees) are known by the general public, they would agree the unsung heroes of their league are the people who are behind the scenes - and doing a lot of heavy lifting. In this episode, we spoke with Eb Jones, Vice President of Influencer Marketing at Gallery Media Group. Throughout her career, Eb has elevated several platforms' social media an...

Growing up, basketball and football players competed against each other but there was always a mutual respect for one another. On this episode, we were joined by Baltimore Ravens starting wide receiver, Rashod Bateman. The 2021 first-round pick discussed his southern roots by way of South Georgia, the dynamic of basketball and football players in his hometown, the intensity of southern sports riva...

"All rappers wanna be ballplayers and all ballplayers wanna be rappers" is a quote that has defined the relationship between basketball and culture and rightfully so! On this episode, we were joined by popular MC, Jay Critch. The proud Brooklyn, NY native, whose music has appeared on the NBA 2K soundtrack and defined thousands of players' mixtapes, discussed what it's like seeing his music inspire...

Sneakers have a special place in basketball culture and Moolah Kicks is a prime example of why. On this episode, we were joined by Natalie White, founder of Moolah Kicks. The first-ever basketball sneaker designed for women has made an incredible impact and continues to rise during its ascension. Watch as Natalie discussed the inspiration behind Moolah Kicks, the growth of women's basketball, and...

Game Day has arrived and this time we're at Columbia University! On today's episode, we were joined by Megan Griffith, head coach of the Columbia Lions women's basketball team. Before the red-hot Lions attempt to punch their ticket to the Big Dance, the proud Columbia graduate turned head coach reflected on her upbringing in Pennsylvania and what it was like hooping there before discussing what it...

The moment for Tip-Off has arrived! On our first episode, we were joined by the awesome Didi Richards of the NY Liberty. The 2021 All-WNBA rookie selectee discussed her Texas roots before describing what it's like playing in the WNBA, her emergence as a brand ambassador, whether or not social media is good for athletes, and the kind of music she listens to while working on her game. Follow  D...

Hosted by BALLPLAYERS brand manager and die-hard basketball fan, Arden Franklyn, the BALLPLAYERS Podcast takes a deep dive into all things basketball while connecting with special guests across the sport. From actual ballplayers to talented creatives, the BALLPLAYERS Podcast provides insight into the people, places, and things that positively impact the game and bring us together. See Privacy Poli...