Hank Waters: How an NBA Superfan Built a High School Basketball Powerhouse From Scratch

Hank Waters: How an NBA Superfan Built a High School Basketball Powerhouse From Scratch

An Orlando Magic superfan with zero experience building sports programs just assembled three players he's convinced will be top-6 NBA draft picks — and his strategy was brutally simple: "hire the right person and let them do everything." Hank Waters went from Orlando Magic courtside season ticket holder and lawyer to co-owner of Southeastern Preparatory Academy, transforming a struggling private school into a national basketball powerhouse in just 2.5 months. Waters details his recruitment of elite coach David Peavy from championship-winning Duncanville High School and assembly of future NBA prospects including Beckham Black (Anthony Black's brother), CJ Rosser, and Obinna Ekezie. The episode covers the complete operation: player housing, national competition leagues, international travel, maintaining academic standards, and the financial realities of running a private school. Waters shares his bold prediction that three of his juniors will be top-6 NBA draft picks and his vision for program expansion. Thanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Horace Grant: What He Really Thought Playing Against His Twin Brother

NBA legend Horace Grant admits he "wanted to kick his ass" every time he faced his twin brother Harvey on the court — and their childhood games always ended in actual fights because neither could stand losing. The 4-time NBA champion shares stories about winning championships with Michael Jordan's Bulls and later with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Lakers. Grant reveals why he ranks Kobe right behind MJ as his greatest teammates, discusses the impossible task of stopping prime Shaq, and explains how the Grant family basketball legacy continues through his nephews including current NBA player Jerami Grant. Key topics covered: Twin brother rivalry, playing with MJ and Kobe, facing Len Bias in college, 1987 NBA Draft with Scottie Pippen, championship mentality, modern NBA appreciation Thanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

James Pickens Jr.: 22 Years of Grey's Anatomy and Cleveland Basketball Loyalty

Marc's daughter had to tell him he was interviewing a major TV star. Sometimes the best interviews happen when you least expect them. Marc thought he was sitting down with a regular basketball fan, until his daughter pointed out he was about to interview Dr. Richard Webber himself, James Pickens Jr., star of Grey's Anatomy for an incredible 22 seasons. Pickens shares the legendary casting story behind Grey's Anatomy, including the executive producer's famous question: "What are you doing for the next 5 years?" — which turned into over two decades and nearly 500 episodes. As one of only two remaining original cast members from the show's initial nine, Pickens offers rare insight into what makes a television phenomenon work. Key topics: Grey's Anatomy casting story, Hollywood longevity, Cleveland Cavaliers loyalty, surviving 22 seasons on television, basketball fandom in Lakers territory Thanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Obba Babatunde: What 35 Years of Talking to Horses Taught Me

You've seen Obba Babatunde on screen, but wait until you hear about his other life as a horse whisperer and professional rodeo competitor. The acclaimed actor and entertainer reveals his fascinating dual career with the all-Black Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, sharing wisdom that applies far beyond the arena. From explaining how Bill Pickett invented "bulldogging" by literally biting steers, to his core philosophy that "investment of time and consistency of behavior earns trust," Babatunde delivers insights about communication, respect, and building relationships. Key topics covered: • The hidden history of Black cowboys in America • Predator vs. prey psychology in horse behavior • Why most horse problems are actually human problems • Japanese business communication philosophy • The art of earning trust through consistency Thanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Glynn Turman: Partying with Kareem in 1965 and Why LeBron is "Built Like a Centaur"

Glynn Turman has stories that will blow your mind — like attending Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's UCLA acceptance party in 1965 when it was so packed they ended up celebrating in the hallway of a Harlem project. At 79, this legendary actor just got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and describes LeBron James like poetry, calling him "built like a centaur but graceful as a gazelle." Glynn shares incredible stories from his New York roots, his 66-year entertainment career from Broadway's "A Raisin in the Sun" to Disney's current hit "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," and his evolving friendship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Key topics covered: • Kareem's 1965 UCLA acceptance party in Harlem • Growing up playing street games in Greenwich Village • 66-year entertainment career highlights • Current friendship with Kareem over shared interests in Black history and jazz • Lakers fandom and favorite players across eras • Current starring role in Disney's "Percy Jackson" Thanks for listening to Courtside. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.