UNGUARDED

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Aleksa Gulbe — European pro from Latvia, Indiana University standout, and emerging voice in women’s basketball.Aleksa opens up about her journey from college hoops in the U.S. to the challenges of carving out a professional career overseas. She reflects on cultural adjustments, the mental toll of transitions, and the growth that comes from navigating identity across borders.From the tough choice of finding the right agent to her work with Her Take, Aleksa shares powerful insights on ownership, community, and the future of women’s basketball in the NIL era.Her story is a reminder that being a pro isn’t just about performance — it’s about resilience, clarity, and learning to write your own rules.Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Mike Fingado — NFL agent, sports tech professional, and former college athlete — to unpack the changing landscape of athlete representation.From his journey through big tech and entrepreneurship to earning his NFLPA certification, Mike brings a unique vantage point on the evolving role of agents in modern sports. We dive into the rise of NIL, the urgent need to vet agents, and why trust and mentorship are the foundation of lasting athlete careers.Mike pulls no punches on the state of athlete platforms, how data ownership and monetization are shaping the future, and the importance of understanding your likeness and intellectual property rights. He also introduces Athlete Plus, his sports tech company designed to financially empower athletes, and offers direct, actionable advice for young players looking to protect their future.We also touch on mental health, navigating trust issues in a high-stakes industry, and how the next generation can build careers with clarity, transparency, and leverage — not just talent.Whether you’re signing your first NIL deal, negotiating your next pro contract, or thinking about your post-career legacy, Mike’s perspective is a masterclass in protecting the dream while playing the long game.

In this episode of UNGUARDED, we sit down with Sinan Güler former captain of Galatasaray’s Eurocup-winning team, Silver Medalist with the Turkish National Team, and co-founder of Güler Legacy. Sinan opens up about the evolution of his identity from elite athlete to purpose-driven entrepreneur and mentor.From navigating the emotions of a long career to stepping into the unknown after retirement, Sinan shares powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful second act. We dive into the value of family, transparency in player-agent relationships, and why today’s athletes need to think beyond the next contract—and start investing in their curiosity and long-term impact.Now immersed in the innovation space and building a VC fund, Sinan is proof that the game may end, but the mindset doesn’t have to. Tap in to hear his insights on athlete retreats, the rise of athlete entrepreneurs, and how we can build better pathways for the next generation.Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

This Unguarded episode features Scootie Randall, a former Temple University standout now a seasoned professional in Japan. Scootie takes us inside his journey to the international stage, shedding light on the realities of playing in Asia and the lessons he's learned along the way.From navigating the jump from college to the pros to adjusting to cultural differences in Japanese basketball, Scootie shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed overseas. He tackles common misconceptions about playing in Asia, the unique challenges foreign players face, and why trust and transparency with agents can make or break a career.Scootie also advocates for a much-needed player’s union and emphasizes the responsibility of preparing the next generation by passing down knowledge and experience. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, we sit down with Kristy Gale, a trailblazer in sports technology law and a leading authority on athlete data rights. As the CEO of HONOR Data Rights Management and President of Sports Data Strategies, Kristy has dedicated her career to helping athletes, entertainers, and consumers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of biometric data protection.With the rise of wearable tech, AI, and performance tracking, athletes are generating more data than ever—but who really owns it? And how can they protect, control, and even monetize it? Kristy unpacks the evolution of athlete data usage, the business behind biometric analytics, and the legal and ethical challenges that come with it. She dives into how teams, brands, and organizations are leveraging player data, the risks of commoditization, and what every athlete should know to safeguard their rights.As data becomes a powerful currency in the sports world, understanding your rights is no longer optional—it’s essential. Tune in for a game-changing conversation with host Jori Davis on the future of athlete data, the new athlete model, and what you can do today to take control of your digital footprint.Produced and edited by ⁠Víctor Revenga⁠.

Lauren Neaves Kicks Off the 2025 Season of UNGUARDED Lauren Neaves, a former 6-year professional basketball player in France and now a licensed agent for GAgency Women, joins host Jori Davis to share her journey from the court to representing players. In this insightful episode, Lauren reflects on her time as a student-athlete at Rice University, rookie challenges, and the experiences that shaped her career in Europe. She dives into transitioning from being an English teacher to an agent, educating her players about the nuances of the game, and the collaboration needed for a strong player-agent relationship. Lauren offers advice for women aspiring to enter the sports agent world and emphasizes the importance of pay transparency and partnership in navigating careers. Through her unique perspective as both a former player and current agent, she provides actionable takeaways for players looking to make the most of their careers. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

Kimberly Drewniok, a professional volleyball player for the German national team, shares her inspiring journey as she transitions to the U.S. League One Volleyball. She discusses her transformative experience in the Philippines, focusing on community support through volleyball. Kimberly opens up about prioritizing family and personal growth, emphasizing mindfulness in her life. She navigates the complexities of professional contracts, highlighting the importance of choosing the right representation and remaining true to personal goals. Her insights are a must-hear for aspiring athletes!

In this episode of Unguarded, Kyle Auffray, former NFL player turned Venture Partner at Champion Venture Partners, shares his journey from the football field to the forefront of venture capital and business innovation. Known for his underdog story, Kyle reflects on what propelled him into the NFL without an agent, as well as the grit required to stay ready while balancing dual careers. Now a key figure in venture capital, he leads CVP’s investment strategy and oversees the Comcast SportsTech Accelerator, where he helps top-tier startups scale and thrive. Kyle dives into the emotional aspects of career transition, the importance of ego management, and building a support network that can sustain the ups and downs of a high-performance career. He also discusses his approach to navigating contract negotiations, self-representation, and understanding the complex landscape of player unions. Kyle shares how he reverse-engineered his goals and found purpose in Champion Venture Partners, where he now encourages athletes to invest wisely and explore meaningful ownership. With insights on leveraging relationships, financial education, and aligning with the right partners, Kyle’s story offers invaluable lessons for those looking to transition, grow, and invest in their future. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

In this episode of Unguarded, we welcome Antonio Williams, a seasoned sports management professional and former basketball player with a wealth of experience across sports operations, media, analysis, and marketing. Having worked with elite organizations like the Phoenix Suns, Nike, ESPN, the Boston Red Sox, and the NBA, Antonio has worn many hats, from securing multimillion-dollar licensing deals for Nike to scouting future stars for the Suns. Currently, he runs his own sports venture and is part of an innovative e-sports project. Antonio dives into the often-overlooked aspects of the sports industry, discussing the transition from player to scout, the important role of scouts in player-team fit, and the differences between scouts and agents. He provides valuable insights on how athletes can avoid bad deals, network effectively, understand their role, and leverage their value in brand partnerships. Antonio also touches on the emotional challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of knowing your value and marketing oneself accordingly, and the business side of sports that athletes need to understand to make better career decisions. Produced and edited by Víctor Revenga.

Ryan Owens, a former Team USA volleyball player turned leading agent for female athletes, delves into his journey from the court to the boardroom. He candidly discusses the vital athlete-agent relationship, emphasizing trust and transparency. Ryan also sheds light on choosing the right agent and the intricacies of contract negotiations. Additionally, he explores the emerging landscape of NIL deals for young European athletes and his mission to empower athletes through holistic approaches and technology.