Up Hill Down Under

In this episode, Simon and Matej reconnect after a longer than anticipated break, discussing the latest developments in Euroleague basketball, including team performances, financial troubles faced by Monaco, and playoff predictions. They also delve into player movements, coaching changes, and MVP candidates, before reflecting on the recent All-Star game and its evolving format. The conversation wr...

In this engaging conversation, Simon and Matej discuss various topics ranging from personal fitness resolutions to the latest happenings in the Euroleague basketball scene. They analyze surprising game results, the challenges teams face during the demanding season and the implications of roster changes. The discussion also touches on the Greek Derby, the rise of Fenerbahce plus the need for strate...

Ho ho ho! In our final episode of the year, we’re unwrapping the gift that keeps on giving: the EuroLeague Coaching Carousel. Before we head off for the winter break, we dive deep into the recent sidelines shakeups that have sent shockwaves across Europe: The Coaching Merry-Go-Round: We break down the biggest moves, including Bayern Munich’s decision to part ways with their head coach and Efes’ ne...

In this episode, we break down Round 14 of the EuroLeague and discuss the hottest storylines that defined the week. We begin with the positives: Valencia picks up another impressive road win in Athens, Barcelona delivers a strong performance in Belgrade, and Monaco puts on a historic offensive display with 125 points in 40 minutes (00:01:34). On the downside, Zalgiris drops a disappointing home ga...

We break down the situation in Belgrade and explore the early signals for Partizan’s future. Further, we look at how the coaching carousel across Europe is starting to spin — from Ettore Messina’s departue to Igor Kokoškov’s exit and the ripple effects across top clubs. We also touch on some of the feel-good stories emerging around the league as some teams surprise us for the right reasons. And fi...

This week on Up Hill Down Under, we dive into another wild round of EuroLeague action — including a deep look at the El Clásico showdown and what it revealed about both powerhouses (00:01:56). We also break down which teams are poised to take a big step forward in the coming weeks and who might be slipping (00:25:33). To wrap things up, we explore the “NBA Europe” project — what it could mean for...

In this episode, we look back at the latest EuroLeague round — with a special focus on Partizan vs. Barcelona, one of the standout matchups of the week (00:04:17). We talk about the biggest surprises and disappointments so far, and which players still seem to be waiting for their breakthrough performance this season (00:11:11). To wrap things up, we discuss NBA players who could thrive in today’s...

In this episode, we recap Round 3 of the EuroLeague — key performances, surprising results and early-season trends starting to take shape (00:03:37). We also share our personal Top 3 players we love to see get hot, those guys who can change the entire energy of a game once they find their rhythm (00:37:20).   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Int...

In this episode, we look back at the first two rounds of the EuroLeague season — a busy double week with 20 games and plenty of talking points. We discuss: Our biggest surprises so far — good and bad Standout performances from the opening rounds What we’ve learned since Round 1 and what might already be shifting Then, we stir the pot with a heated debate: Who’s got the best guard combo in the Euro...

It has been a wild summer of free Agency. As the new EuroLeague season approaches, we dive deep into all 20(!) teams and predict their over/under results for the upcoming year (00:12:30). Who’s poised for a breakout season? Which powerhouse teams might fall short of expectations? Will there be a Cinderella-like team similiar to Paris last season?  So much to cover - let‘s go… Co-Host: Matej Hopp a...

After the EuroBasket is before the EuroLeague, right?! As the new season is just around the corner, we take an early look at what has happened so far in the offseason? What's new? Some of the players movement and who are the new maestros on the sidelines?  Sounds good? Enjoy the listening.    Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - O...

In what has been an epic final, Germany did prevail against Turkey to win this years EuroBasket. The World Cup Winner from 2023 now also sits in Europes throne. In this Emergency Pod we break down how they got there and what's next to come.   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill...

We almost there folks! One last day of Eurobasket 2025 to decide who will be crowned Europe's new champion! But first, let's recap the games and how we got to this epic final of Germany vs. Turkey: Analysing the Quarterfinals (00:01:16) Recapping the Semifinals (00:11:31) Preview of the Eurobasket Final 2025 Germany vs. Turkey (00:24:29)   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pich...

EuroBasket 2025 is heating up and the Round of 16 is officially underway! We kick things off with a deep dive into Saturday’s action – starting with the clash between Serbia and Finland, in which Finland might have delivered the upset of the Century (00:01:14). We then break down the rest of the day’s games, highlighting some of the key storylines, standout performances and the turning points that...

After a longer than anticipated break, we are finally back! What has happend? Well, Simon moved across the continents and is officially back on the old continent. And obviously there's lots to discuss: Fatherhood pride when the son gets to represent his country internationally and the development of successful youth programs (00:02:57) Eurobasket 2025 in full swing (00:20:12) Most interesting NBA...

Europe has new kings of Basketball Europe. Fenerbahçe Istanbul are EuroLeague champions for the second time (00:03:56)! In a dramatic Final Four run, they outlasted Panathinaikos in the semis and took down Monaco in the final convincingly. We break down Saras’ masterclass, Hayes-Davis clutch performance and the defensive toughness that defined their title run. And what does this mean for AS Monaco...

The stage is set. Four teams, four coaches, and countless storylines collide as we break down the EuroLeague Final Four 2025.   We go matchup by matchup — starting with Fenerbahçe vs. Panathinaikos: Two of Europe’s loudest fanbases meet in Abu Dhabi, but it’s the coaches who might steal the spotlight. Will Ataman’s swagger outmaneuver Saras’ discipline? Can Sloukas lead another fairytale run for P...

This one hurts. We open the episode with a little therapy session — because if you watched the Monaco-Barça series, you know it was that kind of heartbreak. Plus possibly the greatest semifinal matchup in Champions League history (00:01:32) Then it’s time to shift gears and break down how Monaco and Panathinaikos made it to the Final Four to Abu Dhabi (00:05:08): Mike James showed up when it matte...

In this episode, we kick things off with a chat about the NBA headlines: Greg Popovich is officially done coaching — what a loss for the Spurs and the league. Was he the best ever? (00:01:26). Meanwhile, the Lakers are out in five, and the Luka-leadership-bashing is back in full swing (00:12:30). Oh, and yes — the O-O-Finals are more likely than ever (00:23:43).   Then we switch gears to the Eurol...

First we take an (unusual) first dive overseas as the NBA Playoffs are on full display and we take a look at some of the most exciting matchups so far (00:01:52). Later we dive into the EuroLeague Awards, breaking down the season’s top performers and biggest surprises. We also shift our focus to the thrilling EuroLeague Playoffs, analyzing key matchups and what’s at stake. From MVP debates to clut...

We kick things off with some casual talk about the NCAA Tournament—has Simon’s bracket already gone up in flames? March is officially wild (00:00:00). Then it’s back to Europe, where EuroLeague is in its final rounds and the playoff picture is still unclear which gave us plenty to talk about. Monaco beat Fenerbahce in a high-level matchup. Crvena Zvezda shocked everyone with a huge win in Piraeus,...

Somehow, we completely forgot to celebrate our 50th episode—WTF?!  On the court, EuroLeague Round 29 brought plenty of drama. Round 29 also had its fair share of surprises, as some teams shocked everyone with unexpected performances (00:02:31). The Eternal Enemies Derby saw Olympiacos take an early lead against Panathinaikos and never look back, with tensions flaring on the coaching bench and, uns...

Round 28 of the EuroLeague is in the books, and things are getting wild—Panathinaikos pummeled Real Madrid, Olympiacos crushed Partizan, and last-minute deadline moves could shake things up (00:03:24). The standings? As tight as ever. Who’s already out, and which teams could make a surprise run? (00:20:58) Plus, a loaded Round 29 preview featuring the Greek Derby and a must-watch Barça vs. Partiza...

The aftermath of the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade—how have the Lakers fared against Utah since the move? What would need to happen for this to be a bad trade for L.A.? Plus, where does the LeBron-Luka duo rank in NBA history? Meanwhile, in Dallas, things are looking rough: Anthony Davis is already injured, and Mavs fans aren’t happy. In Europe, EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejūnas dismisses NBA Euro...

Wait…WHAT?! Luka Dončić is a Los Angeles Laker?! This might be the biggest blockbuster trade since….ever? In this brief catch-up, we break down how this deal even happened and what it means for the NBA landscape.   But that’s not all. We’ve got TWO mind-blowing conspiracy theories that will make you question at least some of the things. Is there a secret mastermind (erm..Company) pulling the strin...