Heath Barn Hoopcast

EP. 9 FORMER ILLINI STANDOUT KIWANE GARRIS

The 2nd all time leading scorer in Illinois Men’s Basketball history Kiwane Garris is the guest for episode 9 of Heath Barn Hoopcast. He discusses growing up and playing basketball in Chicago, as well as when he began hearing from colleges. He tells recruiting stories, what led him to choose Illinois, and his relationship at the time with Coach Henson. He tells a great story about Lou, and talks about the transition to Coach Lon Kruger his senior year. We get into his experiences in the NBA as well as overseas, and his son’s outstanding high school career. Oh, and wait for the end when we discuss his adventures as a middle school referee. Thank you Kiwane for a great interview. ENJOY.

EP. 8 FORMER ILLINI TONY WYSINGER

Another awesome episode with former Illini point guard Tony Wysinger. Tony talks about his upbringing in Peoria, IL and how basketball became his favorite sport. He also talks about an individual sport in which he’s always flourished and actually thought would be his best way to a college scholarship. He tells a story about Coach Henson involving mustard, his favorite moments as a player, as well as his teammates. We then discuss how he got involved with coaching, and continue to have great conversations involving his coaching philosophies and recruiting. Finally, we get into his very serious recent health scare, and how he’s feeling now. Oh, and my son Stevie throws in a question toward the end. Great man, and a very inspirational episode. ENJOY.

EP. 7 FORMER ILLINI NATE MAST

On this very special episode, former Illini guard Nate Mast tells his story and discusses his journey to becoming a Fighting Illini. It’s an outstanding episode for many reasons, but it’s very inspirational and would be a great listen for young players. Nate’s story is a big reason why I’ve enjoyed talking with all of these former Illini, because every one of them has a different story, and they’re all unique in their own way. He was a great guest and I hope to have him on more in the future. ENJOY.

EP. 6 FORMER ILLINI TJ WHEELER LIVE FROM RIGGS BREWERY

GREAT episode with TJ Wheeler live from Riggs Brewery. We discuss the current Illini squad, play a game of “will they transfer,” and if Deon Thomas would have been a lottery pick if he had Fletch as his strength coach. Then, he tells Lou Henson stories, recruiting stories, and RIPS on a couple former Illini that have transferred. Finally, he takes questions from my son Stevie and some Illini fans. Great time, easy, fun listen, and plenty of laughs. ENJOY.

EP. 5 PART 2 WITH MARCUS LIBERTY

In part 2 Marcus goes into depth on his time at Illinois, including his role, relationship with Coach Henson, and how seriously he considered transferring. He then discusses the NBA draft, where he thought he’d go and where he actually went. He talks about his NBA career in Denver and Detroit, along with great stories about Isiah Thomas “running the team.” Finally, he goes into his time playing overseas, some of his favorite current players, the overall state of the game, and what he’s up to currently. Great insight and he doesn’t hold back. ENJOY.

EP. 5 FORMER FLYIN’ ILLINI MARCUS LIBERTY PART 1

AWESOME episode with former Illini Marcus Liberty. Marcus starts from the beginning and discusses playing/living in Chicago, switching high schools, playing for Sonny Cox, his record setting IHSA state tournament run, his recruitment (with awesome stories), and his time starting out with Illinois. He sprinkles in GREAT stories, and doesn’t hold back at all. Exactly what you want out of a guest, and it’s just PART 1. ENJOY.

EP. 4 MORE WITH MICHAEL FINKE FROM RIGGS BREWERY

In this very fun episode, Michael and I meet at Riggs Brewery for a great conversation. We discuss how his life’s changed since the last time we chatted, the current Illini team, and which style of basketball we each prefer. Then we have an Illini draft where we each draft 8 players from 1990-present. Finally, the owner of Riggs Brewery, Matt Riggs, hops on to discuss our plans to continue pods from his awesome establishment. Great, fun episode. ENJOY.

EP. 3 FORMER ILLINI MICHAEL FINKE

Awesome episode with former Illini Michael Finke. He discusses his quickly approaching fatherhood, his upbringing in Champaign, playing with his brothers growing up, his time at Illinois, his recruitment to other colleges, what led him to Grand Canyon as a transfer and how close was to going to another college, his time playing overseas, and what he’s up to now. GREAT stories throughout, and he participated in “Stevie’s stumpers,” where my son Stevie asks him a question. Great time talking with Michael Finke. ENJOY.

EP. 2 PART 2 ILLINI LEGEND BRUCE DOUGLAS

In this episode, Bruce discusses the dreaded Final 8 game against Kentucky, his outstanding teammates from his Illini playing days, and his relationship with Coach Henson. He also talks his time in the NBA, and what led him to his path of becoming a pastor. We talk about faith and family, and my son Stevie sneaks in to ask him a question as well. Very inspirational episode, and an amazing man. ENJOY.

EP. 2 ILLINI LEGEND BRUCE DOUGLAS PART 1

It’s the all time assist and steal leader for the University of Illinois, Bruce Douglas. In part 1, he discusses his upbringing, playing for then perennial powerhouse Quincy in High School, as well as some of his favorite moments as a player in HS. He then tells great recruiting stories, including Bobby Knight sitting on his couch giving his sales pitch to get Bruce to Indiana. We also get into what makes a great defensive player. GREAT ADVICE FOR KIDS. He’s an amazing man. Enjoy part 1.