In this conversation, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman discusses his book 'Tanking to the Top,' which chronicles the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuilding process under Sam Hinkie. The discussion covers the motivations behind writing the book, the team's struggles before Hinkie's arrival, the philosophy of tanking, Hinkie's unique approach to management, and the importance of understanding players as individuals. Yaron also provides insights into the complexities of sports management and the human elements that influence player success. The conversation also touches on the business aspects of basketball and the future of audacious strategies in sports management.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Yaron:Twitter: x.com/YaronWeitzmanBuy "Tanking to the Top": amzn.to/4h1eNWbConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this engaging conversation, David Fales shares his journey from an under-recruited high school player to a successful quarterback at San Jose State and his experiences in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of quarterback recruitment, the importance of organizational fit, and the influence of great quarterbacks like Drew Brees on his game. Fales emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quarterback success, highlighting the need for strong support systems and the right coaching environments. He reflects on the emotional toll of being cut and signed multiple times, the importance of preparation, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performing athlete. David also discusses the home field advantage cold weather teams have, his training camp experiences in Miami, and insights into notable quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Jay Cutler, and Sam Darnold. Lastly, Fales highlights the importance of being in the right situation for success and the often unseen factors that contribute to a player's career trajectory.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with David:Instagram: instagram.com/fales10/Twitter: x.com/DavidFalesConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, and huge fan of Ikea and the Vancouver Canucks. Jerome Blake is carving his own unique path through the world of track and field while simultaneously trying to reinvigorate its popularity. In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Olympic gold medalist Jerome Blake shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Jamaica to becoming a professional athlete in Canada. He discusses the cultural differences he faced when moving to Canada, his discovery of sprinting, and the mental preparation required for high-stakes competitions. Jerome emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the unique aspects of track and field that keep him motivated. Blake also reflects on the emotional aftermath of winning a gold medal and the challenges of athlete popularity in track and field including the need for disruption in track and field, drawing parallels with the LIV Golf model. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports to engage audiences and market athletes effectively.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jerome:Instagram: instagram.com/_jeromeblake/Twitter: x.com/_JeromeblakeConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's a former 1st round pick of the San Diego Chargers, reality TV star, and present day entrepreneur. Larry English joins the pod to talk through his journey to football, experience building his own company & brand, and much more!In this conversation, Larry English shares his journey from growing up in Aurora, Illinois, to becoming a first-round draft pick. He discusses the importance of family support, his early passion for football, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Larry emphasizes the significance of viewing the NFL as an opportunity rather than a career, reflecting on the average lifespan of an NFL player and the realities of injuries and competition. He also recounts his decision to attend Northern Illinois University and the challenges he faced during his college career, ultimately leading to his success as a pass rusher. Larry hits on the importance of unlocking one's potential, the power of fun in achieving success, and the significance of preparation and non-attachment to outcomes. Larry shares insights on resilience, communication, and the journey of overcoming labels like 'bust' in sports. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt discussion about the fulfillment of fatherhood compared to a career in football, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and serving others.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Larry:Instagram: instagram.com/larryenglish_/Twitter: x.com/LarryEnglish57Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympian, world champion, and huge Tennessee Titans fan. Trevor Bassitt joins the pod to talk through his journey from Bluffton, Ohio to the world stage.Trevor Bassitt is a 400m hurdler who won Bronze at the 2022 World Championships and recently represented team USA in the Paris Olympics. In this conversation, Trevor shares insights about his upbringing in Bluffton, Ohio, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability. He reflects on the strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents and how it shaped his approach to sports. Trevor recounts his initial struggles with hurdles and his eventual success in high school track, leading to his decision to pursue athletics in college. He delves into his experiences as an Olympian, discussing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Village, the pressures of competition, and his reflections on performance. He also touches on the misconceptions surrounding Olympians, the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in the NFL, and even delves into a light-hearted debate about Nickelback's music. Throughout the discussion, Trevor emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and resilience in the face of challenges, while also expressing excitement for future competitions and the journey ahead.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Trevor:Instagram: instagram.com/trevorbassitt30/Twitter: x.com/TrevorBassitt30Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The most iconic sportswriter in America today - Jeff Pearlman joins the pod to talk through the 02' Lakers, 90's Cowboys, and plenty of other iconic sports stories. Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter who has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated. In this conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey as a New York Jets fan, the expectations and disappointments that come with it, and his insights into sports writing and storytelling. He reflects on Kobe Bryant's early years and his complex relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, and delves into Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy. The conversation also touches on the controversial Kings vs. Lakers 02' playoff series and rapid-fire stories about the NBA draft, Walter Payton, and the 90s Cowboys.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jeff:Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeff_pearlman/TikTok: tiktok.com/@jeffpearlmanauthorConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The NFL season is at the halfway point and so it was only right to bring back Aaron Schatz to discuss his thoughts on the season thus far.  Aaron is currently the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy and also writes for ESPN+. He has studied the world of advanced NFL stats for 20+ years, is the creator of DVOA, and votes for the All-Pro & MVP awards each year. In this conversation, Nik and Aaron delve into the current state of the NFL, focusing on the NFC Championship contenders, the impact of offensive masterminds, underperforming teams, quarterback development strategies, MVP candidates, and their Super Bowl predictions. They analyze various teams' chances of making the playoffs, the effectiveness of different coaching styles, the importance of quarterback performance in team success & analyze the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills as key contenders in the AFC, while also exploring the potential of rookie quarterbacks and the competitive landscape in the NFC.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Aaron:Twitter: x.com/ASchatzNFLFTN Fantasy: ftnfantasy.comConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview athletes, authors, coaches, and everyone in-between to get a fresh perspective on the world of sports. Today's guest is Jason Cole - the author of "Elway: A Relentless Life."Jason Cole discusses his biography on John Elway, exploring the quarterback's early life, career challenges, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his success. Cole shares insights into the complexities of evaluating and drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, the impact of Elway's dual-sport talent, and the chaotic nature of his college career, culminating in memorable moments that defined his legacy. The discussion also touches on Elway's transition from player to executive, navigating Tebow mania and ultimately securing a Super Bowl victory with Peyton Manning. In addition, Nik and Jason discuss the complexities of NFL quarterback evaluations, John Elway's strategic decisions in building a championship team, and the intricate Hall of Fame selection process including the challenges of assessing quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Eli Manning, highlighting the subjective nature of Hall of Fame candidacy and the impact of performance on legacy.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Jason:Twitter: x.com/JasonCole62Buy "Elway": amzn.to/48w0VAjConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Mirin Fader - Mirin is the author of "Dream" - the definitive biography of Hakeem Olajuwon.It’s now the norm for NBA and collegiate teams to have international players dotting their rosters. The Olympics are no longer a gimme for Team USA. Both via fans streaming from all over the globe and leagues starting in countries throughout the world, the international presence of the game of basketball is a force to be reckoned with.That all started with Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon. He was the first international player to win the MVP, which is hard to believe now considering the last time an American‑born player won it was in 2018. Award-winning hoops journalist Mirin Fader explores this phenomenal shift through the lens of what Olajuwon accomplished throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Dream ignites nostalgia for Phi Slama Jama and “the Dream Shake,” while also exploring the profound influence of Olajuwon’s commitment to Islam on his approach to life and basketball, and how his devotion to his faith inspired generations of Muslim people around the world.Olajuwon’s ongoing work with NBA Africa, his status as an international ambassador for the game, and his consultations with today’s brightest stars, from LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo, brings the story right up to the present moment, and beyond. Synthesizing hundreds of interviews and in-depth research, Fader provides the definitive biography of Olajuwon as well as a crucial understanding of his pivotal impact on the ever-shifting game.In this interview, Mirin discusses her latest book on Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his life, legacy, and the impact he had on basketball and his community. The discussion covers Hakeem's upbringing in Nigeria, his late start in basketball, the role of mentorship, and the challenges he faced as an international player in the NBA. Fader also delves into the controversial circumstances surrounding Hakeem's move to the University of Houston and the 1984 NBA draft, highlighting the significance of his journey and the broader implications for international players in the sport. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his journey from the 1984 NBA Draft to his spiritual awakening and leadership evolution. The discussion highlights his unique experiences during Ramadan, his marketability challenges, and his impact on the Muslim community post-9/11. Fader shares insights from her extensive research and interviews, emphasizing Hakeem's authenticity and the importance of giving back without seeking recognition.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Mirin:Twitter: https://x.com/MirinFaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirinfader/Website: https://mirinfader.com/Buy "Dream": amzn.to/404GMPkConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Timothy Bella - Tim is the author of his book "Barkley" - the definitive biography of Charles Barkley, exploring his early childhood, his storied NBA career, and his enduring legacy as a provocative voice in American pop culture. Timothy Bella is an author and journalist based in Northern Virginia. His first book, “Barkley,” was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. He’s written for the biggest publications in the world over the last 16 years, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Esquire, GQ, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. He left The Post in 2024 to work on his second book, write profiles and spend more time with his amazing family.“Charles is like a brother to me and there’s no one else like him. His larger-than-life persona shines through in Timothy Bella’s writing and I know this biography, of one of the world’s most entertaining people, will be enjoyed by many.”—Shaquille O'NealIn this interview, Tim & Nik discuss Tim’s latest book “Barkley.” Everything from Barkley's upbringing (including his role as a "Cake Bandit"), to his experience at Auburn, to draft day and going to the 76ers, to his playoff disappointments, and even his rivalry with Michael Jordan. This is a definitive look at Chuck's life both on and off the court. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21Connect with Tim:Twitter: https://x.com/TimBellaWebsite: https://www.timothybella.com/Buy "Barkley": amzn.to/3zx9bmxConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree