
Hello and Welcome
Will Lou, Alex Wong, and producer Jerome Cheng have you covered on all things Raptors, in addition to the NBA and other culturally relevant topics. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 18min
React Pod: Raptors stun Suns with 7-straight threes in thrilling crunch-time performance
Will Lou goes solo after the conclusion of Toronto Raptors' 127-109 win over the Phoenix Suns. He breaks down the Raptors' sudden avalanche of threes in crunch time from Chris Boucher, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. Then, he credits Scottie Barnes for his defensive work against Kevin Durant, and discusses the maturation of Barnes as a leader this season.Three stars: Chris Boucher, Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes (sorry, RJ)Gerald Henderson award: Bradley Beal#raptors #nba #phoenix Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.caOnly Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/...Tangerine: www.tangerine.caReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 29min
React Pod: Don't take RJ Barrett for granted, and can the NBA could copy the NHL's all-star format?
Host Will Lou goes live to discuss the Toronto Raptors' 120-111 OT loss to the Miami Heat. He breaks down RJ Barrett's clutch scoring, and why this was a perfect tank loss that will set the tone for the rest of the season. Then, Alex Wong and Jerome Cheng join the show to discuss the NHL's 4 Nation's Face-Off format, and banter about their favorite hockey moments.#nba #raptors #nhl Three stars: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Orlando RobinsonGerald Henderson award: Davion MitchellReach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.caOnly Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/...Tangerine: www.tangerine.caReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
What the NBA needs to change after underwhelming 2025 All-Star Weekend
Will and Alex go live from San Francisco to break down what the NBA needs to change after a thoroughly underwhelming 2025 All-Star Weekend. They explain that the entire All-Star Weekend process is not focused on basketball, and that there are simply too many distractions to make the actual game and events meaningful. They also offer changes that they want to see in future All-Star Weekends, and then take you behind the scenes of what it's like to be at an invite-only NBA party.Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.ca- Only Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/0mx1y6wbTangerine: www.tangerine.caGreta Bar YYZ: https://www.gretabar.com/locations/torontoReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!IG:Presen ted by @betwaycanada #BetTheResponsibleWay #BetwayCanada (ON only must be 19+ to play) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2025 • 23min
ASW Day 2: Mac McClung Rescues the Dunk Contest (again), Pascal revisits 2019 at Oracle
Will and Alex break down All-Star Saturday Night from Chase Center, highlighting Mac McClung’s jaw-dropping dunk contest performance and why NBA stars continue to avoid challenging him. They also discuss Steph Curry’s absence from the three-point shootout, Gelo’s live performance, Chris Paul’s questionable tactics in the Skills Challenge, and Will’s first trip back to Oracle Arena since the 2019 championship run. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 15, 2025 • 15min
ASW day 1: Gradey Dick gets no help, hanging with Masai, Zach Edey’s favorite dim sum item
Will and Alex are live from Chase Center in San Francisco, breaking down Gradey Dick’s standout Rising Stars performance, rooting for Team G-League, Red Panda’s legendary act, hanging out with Masai, chatting with Zach Edey about Yao Ming and dim sum, and behind-the-scenes stories from All-Star Weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 2025 • 52min
Why Did Vince Carter Wear AND1 at the 2000 Dunk Contest
25 years ago, Vince Carter delivered the greatest performance in NBA dunk contest history. But one question remains: why did he wear AND1 sneakers that night? Alex and Jerome search for answers, speaking with former AND1 marketing director Jeff Roth, sneaker experts Russ Bengtson and Nick DePaula, Josh Roter of In Vintage We Trust, and GQ’s Yang-Yi Goh. They reveal the behind-the-scene story of the 2000 dunk contest, Carter’s sneaker legacy, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 8min
Norman Powell reacts to his iconic Toronto Raptors moments: "I wanted to be there my whole career"
THE FAMED NORMAN POWELL INTERVIEW IS FINALLY HERE. Will Lou catches up with the beloved former Toronto Raptors guard to get the story behind some of the most iconic plays of his time with the Raptors. From unforgettably clutch dunks to hilarious team chemistry moments, Norman Powell fondly looks back at his time in Toronto, a place where he thought he would spend his entire career. #raptors #nba #torontoraptors #raptors #normanpowell #laclippers #kawhileonard #fredvanvleet #pascalsiakam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 33min
React Pod: Tristan Thompson sparks needless scuffle in Cavaliers' blowout over Raptors
An exhausted Will Lou recaps the Toronto Raptors' 131-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He breaks down RJ Barrett's encouraging return to the lineup, the continued emergence of the 2024 Raptors rookie class, and then breaks down Tristan Thompson being needlessly extra, again. Then, he shares takeaways from Bobby Webster and Brandon Ingram's introductory press conference.Three stars: RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jamison BattleGerald Henderson award: Tristan ThompsonReach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.caOnly Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/...Tangerine: www.tangerine.caReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
React Pod: Scottie Barnes silences doubters in win vs. 76ers, Brandon Ingram extends at 3/$120M
Will Lou and Alex Wong provide live coverage of the Toronto Raptors' 106-103 win over the lifeless Philadelphia 76ers, then discuss the 3-year, $120M extension for Brandon Ingram. Will breaks down the dominant showing by Scottie Barnes, his post-game response to Matt Bonner's criticism, and the continued re-emergence of Immanuel Quickley. Then, Alex joins the show to break down Brandon Ingram signing a 3-year, $120-million extension, and wonders if the Sixers have two of the worst contracts in the league between Paul George and Joel Embiid.Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey DickGerald Henderson award: Jared Butler#raptors #torontoraptors #sixers #nba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.caOnly Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/...Tangerine: www.tangerine.caReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2025 • 41min
React Pod: IQ finds his offense, but Scottie Barnes continues to struggle from 3 in loss to Rockets
Will Lou reacts to the Toronto Raptors' 94-87 loss to the Houston Rockets. He breaks down the level of physicality in this game, Scottie Barnes' continued struggles on offense, and Immanuel Quickley finding his shot.Three stars: Jamal Shead, Immanuel Quickley, Ochai AgbajiGerald Henderson award: Jeff Green#raptors #torontoraptors #jimmybutler #goldenstatewarriors Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys info@hellowelcome.showCheck out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.Original Music by DIVISION 88.Hello and Welcome is presented by Betway. https://betway.caOnly Available In Ontario, must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Download the Betway app: https://betway.onelink.me/3010529547/...Tangerine: www.tangerine.caReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.