Features

JUSTIN

ROBERTSON

The New Class Of Skills Specialists Quietly Reshaping The NBA

Meet some of the NBA’s expanding ecosystem of performance specialists — sleep scientists, mental skills coaches, linguists and other coaching consultants — who are helping players recover faster, think clearer, respond better and extend their careers.

FORBES SPORT

Sandy Brondello is Building Toronto's WNBA Future

A look at how Sandy Brondello plans to build Toronto’s first WNBA team through leadership, culture, and a bold expansion vision.

Dallas Magazine

Dante Exum Is Dallas' Best Comeback Story

After two years out of the NBA, the 28-year-old was expected to be a veteran who could fill out the Mavs' roster. Instead, he's cemented himself as a starter and showing signs of becoming the player so many dreamed he'd be a decade ago

BLEACHER REPORT

'He Was An Underdog'. The Inspiring Life And Puzzling Death of Rasual Butler

The autopsy left Butler's family, friends, neighbors, coaches and former teammates at a loss as to why drugs were in his body and why he made a decision to drive home after hitting up bars that night. Those who knew him say that's not who he was, yet his sudden death left everyone sorting through a lot more questions than answers.

FANSIDED

Keeping the Dream of the Seattle SuperSonics Alive

A dedicated group of fans and advocates have kept the dream of the Seattle SuperSonics alive, preparing for the day when NBA expansion brings their beloved team back.

Bleacher Report

Advice for Bronny James

It hasn't exactly been a dream preseason for Bronny James. Even the 20-year-old admits he currently lacks the confidence he knows he needs. I spoke to former draft picks on what Bronny can do to weather the storm during his rookie season.

Globe and mail

Introducing Padel: The Sport That Could Be The Next Pickleball

With a new padel club "The Pad" launching in Toronto, I looked into the popularity of padel. Other clubs and courts are sprouting across Canada and North America and it seems it could topple Pickleball as the next popular racquet sport.

Toronto Star

How the Fourth Antetokounmpo Brother is Writing his Own Story

Alex Antetokounmpo doesn't feel the pressure of living in the shadows of his champion brother Giannis. They are connected, caring and close. For Alex, it's about doing things his own way. A look at dealing with the pressure of family success and learning to be ok with your own path.

ESPN

Oral History of the Essendon Bombers' Incredible 2000 Premiership season

The 24-1 season by Essendon in 2000 played out like a fairytale sports movie where the protagonists feast on every obstacle in their way, fuelled from a previous agonising defeat. The season felt like a series of statements. I spoke with 30 people who witnessed the the redemption, the triumph, the celebrations.

Toronto Star

An Horrific Fall Should Have Ended Mike Tuck's Career Before It Started

Mike Tuck slipped during a dunk post training and landed badly on his back which resulted in a trip to the emergency rook. It almost cost him his career. The Canadian ended up becoming one of the most decorated hoopers in the British Basketball League.

Sportsnet

Meet The Connor McDavid of the AFL: Canada's Andrew McGrath

He’s the first Canadian to be selected with the No. 1 draft pick in the Australian Football League. Not only did he oust the best talent Australia has to offer, from all reports he’s set to become the Connor McDavid of “footy,” as the locals call it.

FORBES SPORT

How Mac McClung Built the Ultimate Slam Dunk Playbook

After three years of dominance at the All-Star Slam Dunk content, Mac McClung is talking a break. And he's leaving behind a blueprint for aerial success.

BLEACHER REPORT

"Still A Killer". Can Victor Oladipo Make The NBA Believe Again?

It's been 643 days since Victor Oladipo last played in the NBA, but you wouldn't know it. He speaks glowingly of basketball and is working hard to get back to the Big Show. "It's motivated me to be even stronger than I could have ever imagined."

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS

Sports Betting Influencers Are Unstoppable. Can They Be Trusted?

On the heels of legalization, a gambling influencer industry has emerged. Recreational advice can quickly spiral into predatory behaviour.

Bleacher Report

'I just want to make her proud'. Chase Claypool's rise to the NFL

Chase Claypool realized he had to find different ways to live without his big sister, one who used to tell him to keep playing sports. If he hadn't already done that by morphing into a team leader for one of college football's most storied programs, he's about to leave no doubt after he's selected as an under-the-radar X-factor in next week's NFL draft.

COMPLEX MAG

What Does the Next NBA Phenom look like?

In what feels like no time at all, the future of the NBA is staring at us right in the face.Ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, we talk to trainers, scouts, sports scientists, and analysts for an in-depth look into what it takes to become the next NBA phenom.

TORONTO STAR

10 Years On: How A Toronto Running Group Remembers the Boston Marathon Bombing

I spoke to runners from the Mississauga Running Club on their continued support for the Boston Marathon, what they remebered from the event 10 years ago and how they continue to celebrate being together as a running community.

Globe and mail

How Darrien Thomas Ended up on the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest

Thomas started out at smaller eating contests in malls as a hobby and in a couple of years ended up competing for a World title at the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating contest that was missing its record holder Joey Chestnut.

Complex Mag

Lu Dort: Meet The Oklahoma Thunder's Secret Weapon

Dort has evolved his game in quick time and has become the Thunder's guy they call on for any situation. He's their Swiss army knife. Get to know the Canadian who could be just what the Thunder have been searching for.

ESPN

'I Contemplated Leaving the Team'. Tiffany Mitchell 's Rockey Journey in the NBL

Basketball Australia had asked players with braids - which included Mitchell - they needed to tie their hair up otherwise they couldn't play. Mitchell left a training session rattled by this statement. I spoke to her about what happened next and how she navigated the season feeling racially targeted.

VICE

How Canadians Are Helping In the Fight Against Concussions

Concussions keep popping up in sport. CTE is not going away, either, as it continues to be found posthumously in athletes ranging from soccer and wrestling to hockey and football. I spoke to 15 voices in football to find out what's happen ing to prevent concussions at every level.

The Guardian

The MLB Prospect Chasing a Cricket Dream in T20

Boomer Collins had never heard of cricket before this year, but now he’s in India hoping to win a T20 contract – and he’s giving his new passion his best shot