Episode X: Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Colangelo - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 10th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Managing Director of USA Basketball and businessman, Jerry Colangelo. Jerry's prolific career has spanned over five decades. He was the youngest General Manager in NBA history at 28 years old with the expansion Phoenix Suns (1968), where he would eventually lead the ownership group. He was a 4-time NBA Executive of the Year and was the Managing Partner for Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, in which he led them to a World Series championship in only the team's FOURTH year of existence (2001). He has been the Managing Director of USA Basketball (since 2005) as well as Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (since 2009). He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Jerry on a myriad of topics including:                      

01:37: He expresses his elation for being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 NBA Legends Brunch.                              

02:38: On how he found basketball growing up in the Chicago area.                      

05:07: On the principles and values shaping him for success.                               

06:07: On his friendship with Wilt Chamberlain at the Univ. of Kansas and why he had to transfer to the Univ. of Illinois.                   

09:41: How did sports molded his philosophy on entrepreneurship?                      

11:45: His valuable experience helping to build the expansion Chicago Bulls.                    

17:19: Reflects on the growth of Phoenix Suns and the unfortunate drug scandal surrounding the team in 1987.                   

18:21: Reminisces on the Suns' acquisition of Charles Barkley.                               

20:21: On how he was able to build the Arizona Diamondbacks from an expansion team to a World Series champion.                   

23:58: On increasing the sports landscape in Phoenix, spearheading the arrival of the original Winnipeg Jets (now the Arizona Coyotes) as well.                        

26:44: Thoughts on future Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald joining the current Phoenix Suns ownership group.                     

27:53: Jerry's candid take on the MLB cheating scandal.                   

31:11: Will the controversy raise the visibility and ratings for baseball?                      

32:59: On the vast events during his time as Managing Director of USA Basketball.                     

37:58: Discusses change in the selection process involving the 2020 USA Men's Basketball Team and the injuries involving star players who are being considered for Team USA.                      

41:15: His take on the proposed major changes to the NBA schedule & playoff format for the 2021-22 season and beyond.                       

46:34: Thoughts on the current game and what he would like to see.                        

48:10: Assesses the 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists and the process behind having a smaller group.                          

51:29: On the current improvement of the Phoenix Suns led by General Manager James Jones.                        

53:06: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Jerry.                        

56:58: Provides an update on the endeavors of his son, Bryan (former NBA GM).                        

57:50: The secret to approaching his 60th year of marriage (with his wife, Joan).                      

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com             

 

 
 
 

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