The Baseline

The Baseline

The Baseline

Hosted by: Jonathan Rears, Meir Cohen

On “The Baseline”, Meir Cohen and Jonathan Rears dive into the world of international basketball, interviewing characters from all around the basketball community. On this show, we will leave no stone unturned and discover the difficulties and rewards of the basketball grind. Stay tuned to gain weekly access to the inside scoop with division I NCAA players, Israeli league superstars, and many more.

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein
  • Jonathan Rears

    Jonathan Rears

    I grew up in Boston Massachusetts where I played varsity basketball all 4 years of high school and also played AAU for a few years as well. Basketball is my biggest passion in life and I love everything that comes with it. I moved to Israel to study at RU where I have founded this […]

  • Meir Cohen

    Meir Cohen

    From a young age I’ve been fascinated with sports media, ever since the days of early morning radio shows I would listen to as a kid growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There is nothing I love more than sports, and having a platform to hear stories from all kinds of people is a dream come […]

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Ofer Yannay – Building a EuroLeague Contender | The Baseline Special Episode

The Baseline
23/07/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Ofer Yannay, the visionary owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Club and one of the most influential figures in Israeli hoops. From pushing the club into the EuroLeague spotlight to securing major talents like Vasilije Micić, Ofer shares how bold moves and long-term vision are reshaping basketball in Israel.

This isn’t just a story about ownership — it’s about passion, risk-taking, and redefining what it means to lead a basketball organization at the highest level.

💬 What we talk about:
– How Hapoel TLV landed Vasilije Micić 📝
– The club’s rise to the EuroLeague and what’s next 🚀
– Ownership mindset: investments, fans, and future vision 🧠
– Israeli basketball’s evolution and global potential 🌍
– What it really means to represent Tel Aviv on a European stage 🔴⚪

🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Like, share, and tag us — we appreciate the love!
Check out our Linktree!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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John Holland – From the NBA to Puerto Rico Pride | The Baseline S3 Ep 15

The Baseline
16/07/2025

In this episode, we sit down with John Holland — former NBA player, seasoned overseas vet, and proud Puerto Rican hooper 🇵🇷. From the G League to playoff runs with the Cavs, to starring roles in Europe and Israel, John brings the truth about staying ready, staying grounded, and never losing love for the game.

Whether you’re chasing a pro contract, repping your roots on the court, or just hoop-obsessed — this episode is for you.

💬 What we talk about:
– Playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers 🏀
– Representing Puerto Rico on the national team 🌎
– Life overseas in Israel, Turkey, and beyond ✈️
– Finding identity and purpose through basketball ✡️🇵🇷
– Staying consistent when the path isn’t linear 🔁

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we might repost you!

 

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Geoffrey Grey – From Israeli Pro to G League Coach | The Baseline Ep 14

The Baseline
09/07/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Geoffrey Grey — a Jewish-American hooper from Boston, former Israeli pro, and now assistant coach in the NBA G League with the Texas Legends 🏀. From late-night training sessions overseas to developing the next generation of NBA stars, Geoffrey shares a story of resilience, identity, and hustle.
Whether you’re a baller playing overseas 🌍, a coach chasing the next step 📈, or someone who just loves the grind — this episode delivers stories that hit different.
💬 What we talk about:
– Playing in the Israeli Basketball Premier League 🇮🇱
– Life in the NBA G League 🇺🇸
– Being a Jewish athlete in pro sports ✡️
– From Boston gyms to global arenas 🏀
– Advice for young players chasing the dream 🚀
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we might repost you!

 

 

 

👉 Listen here:

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Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Tre Jackson – From Iowa State to Polish League MVP | The Baseline S3 Ep 13

The Baseline
02/07/2025

In this episode, we chop it up with Tre Jackson — former Iowa State guard and now Polish League MVP 🏆 in his rookie pro season overseas. From playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton in college to dominating Europe in his fi rst year out, Tre’s story is about betting on yourself, staying locked in, and making noise across the world 🌍.

Whether you’re a hooper trying to go pro, a fan of overseas basketball, or just love good basketball stories — this one’s got it all 🔥.

💬 In this episode:
– What it’s like playing with Tyrese Haliburton at Iowa State 🏀
– Adjusting to life and hoops in Poland 🇵🇱
– Winning MVP, Finals MVP, and a Championship in Year 1
– Mental toughness, confi dence, and handling pressure 💯
– What’s next for Tre’s journey 🚀

🎧 Stream now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
📲 Follow us @thebaseline.podcast for more overseas hoop stories.
❤️ If you vibe with the episode, leave a review or share it with a hooper you know!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Silvio De Sousa – From Kansas to Kiryat Ata | The Baseline S3 Ep 12

The Baseline
29/06/2025

In this episode, we chop it up with Silvio De Sousa — Kansas Jayhawk alum, Angolan big man 🇦🇴, and a force in the Israeli Basketball Premier League 🇮🇱. From March Madness
madness to the grind of overseas hoops, Silvio opens up about life beyond the NCAA, adjusting to pro basketball in Israel, and what it means to represent his home country on a global stage 🌍.

If you’re into college hoops legends, overseas journeys, or stories of staying grounded through it all — this one hits.

💬 Topics we get into:
– Playing at Kansas & competing in March Madness 🏀
– His basketball journey from Angola to the U.S. to Israel 🇦🇴🇺🇸🇮🇱
– Adjusting to Kiryat Ata and life in the Israeli league
– Culture shocks, confi dence, and what’s next 📈
– What repping your country really feels like 🌍

🎧 Stream now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Share it with someone who loves global hoops!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Keandre Cook – From Missouri State to the Overseas Grind | The Baseline S3 Ep 11

The Baseline
11/06/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Keandre Cook, a scorer out of Missouri State who’s been putting up buckets across Europe 🎯. From being overlooked by the NBA to building a steady pro career overseas, Dre gets real about what it takes to stay locked in, adjust to different cultures, and keep producing in a game that doesn’t slow down 🏀🌍.

Whether you’re a hooper chasing the next contract, a D1 fan, or just love stories from basketball’s global scene — this one’s for you.

💬 What we get into:
– His rise at Missouri State 📈
– Transitioning from college to pro ball overseas 🇪🇺
– Dealing with culture shock, language barriers, and lifestyle changes
– What “consistency” really means at the pro level
– Staying hungry while fl ying under the radar 🚀

🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Like, share, and let us know your favorite moment from the episode!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Daeshon Francis – From Green Bay to the Overseas Grind | The Baseline S3 Ep 10

The Baseline
04/06/2025

In this episode, we catch up with Daeshon Francis, a small-town hooper with a big game who’s been carving out his career across Europe and Israel 🌍. From his early days in Green Bay to earning respect overseas, Daeshon breaks down what it takes to stay focused, adapt to new cultures, and keep chasing the game far from home 🏀✈️.

It’s about hustle, mindset, and building a career when no one hands it to you.

💬 In this episode:
– His path from small-town beginnings to pro hoops
– Life and basketball overseas in Europe & Israel 🇪🇺🇮🇱
– Adapting to new environments and staying mentally strong
– Staying motivated without the spotlight 🔥
– Lessons from the journey so far

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Subscribe and leave a review — it helps us keep telling real stories!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Liam O’Reilly – From Texas to the Overseas Courts | The Baseline S3 Ep 9

The Baseline
28/05/2025

We sat down with Liam O’Reilly, a Texas-born hooper who’s made a name for himself overseas 🏀🌍. From college ball to building a professional career across Europe, Liam opens up about the grind, the growth, and the journey it takes to compete far from home.

You can hear the full episode here 🎧

💬 Topics include:
– His journey from Texas to Europe
– Adjusting to the overseas lifestyle 🇪🇺
– His mentality on and off the court
– The lessons he’s learned through pro hoops

📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Subscribe, share, and check out past episodes with more overseas hoopers!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Brandon Bowman – Hoops Around the World and a Title in Israel | The Baseline S3 Ep 8

The Baseline
21/05/2025

This week on The Baseline, we sit down with Brandon Bowman — a true overseas basketball vet who’s played in New Zealand, Cyprus, Israel, Asia, and beyond 🌍. Fresh off helping Maccabi Raanana earn promotion to Israel’s top league 🏆, Brandon shares what life is really like as a pro hooper abroad — the wins, the losses, the travel, the culture, and everything in between.

From on-court intensity to off-court growth, this one is a masterclass in surviving and thriving overseas.

💬 In this episode:
– Life in New Zealand, Cyprus, Israel, Asia & more
– Winning a championship and promotion with Maccabi Raanana 🇮🇱
– How the overseas game has evolved
– Lessons from a long, global career 🧠
– What young players should know before going pro abroad

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Subscribe, share, and let us know what part hit you most!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Bryce Washington and Carlos Marshall – Netanya’s Dynamic Duo | The Baseline S3 Ep 7

The Baseline
14/05/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we’re joined by two standout hoopers from Elitzur Netanya: Bryce Washington and Carlos Marshall Jr. 🔥
Bryce is a Louisiana-Lafayette legend — one of the few players in school history to rack up 1,000 points & 1,000 rebounds. Carlos, a Tennessee State and Santa Clara alum, joins us fresh off a 40-point explosion in Netanya’s most recent game 💥.

We talk overseas life, big games, mindset, and the grind of making your name in international hoops 🌍.

💬 Topics covered:
– Bryce’s dominance at Louisiana-Lafayette 🏀
– Carlos’s journey through Memphis, Tennessee State & Santa Clara
– Dropping 40 in Israel 🇮🇱
– The overseas basketball experience
– Advice for college players going pro abroad

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Like, subscribe & tell a hooper about the show — new episodes every week!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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DeAndre Pinckney – From Florida Grind to D1 and Hapoel Haifa | The Baseline S3 Ep 6

The Baseline
07/05/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we chop it up with DeAndre Pinckney, a versatile forward now playing for Hapoel Haifa in Israel 🇮🇱. DeAndre shares his powerful story — from working in Florida to chasing his dream and eventually landing in Division 1 basketball, and now competing overseas 🏀🌍.

He’s a natural storyteller, a leader on the court, and someone who’s earned every step of his journey through resilience and heart.

💬 In this episode:
– Life before college hoops in Florida 🌴
– The path to D1 and what it taught him
– Adjusting to pro basketball overseas
– Playing for Hapoel Haifa 🇮🇱
– Staying hungry & humble every step of the way

🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast for new episodes weekly
❤️ Like, subscribe & tag someone chasing their hoop dreams!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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John DiBartolomeo – From D3 Star to Maccabi Tel Aviv Captain | The Baseline S3 Ep 13

The Baseline
01/05/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with John DiBartolomeo — the longtime captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Europe’s most historic basketball clubs 🏀💛💙. John takes us through his inspiring journey from Division III standout at the University of Rochester to becoming a staple in the Israeli Winner League and a trusted leader in the EuroLeague.

We dive into his professional path, the mindset required to stay sharp through injuries, and what it really takes to lead at the highest levels of international basketball.

💬 In this episode:
– His transition from D3 hoops to the pro level
– Playing for Maccabi Haifa & two years in Spain 🇪🇸
– Earning his role and respect at Maccabi Tel Aviv 🇮🇱
– Leadership lessons & overcoming setbacks
– The mental side of EuroLeague pressure

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Like, subscribe & send this to a hooper who lives for the grind

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Rawle Alkins – From Arizona to the NBA Grind | The Baseline S3 Ep 4

The Baseline
23/04/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we’re joined by none other than Rawle Alkins — a New York City hooper through and through 🗽. From being a top-ranked high school player, to choosing the University of Arizona, to suiting up for the Chicago Bulls, Rawle shares real insight into the mental side of chasing — and surviving — the pro basketball grind 🏀.

We talk confi dence, pressure, and what it really takes to keep your name alive at the highest levels.

💬 In this episode:
– Why he chose Arizona & what he learned there
– Life inside an NBA system with the Chicago Bulls 🏀🐂
– Adjusting to the business side of basketball
– NYC basketball culture & how it shaped him
– Staying focused through challenges and comebacks

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Like, subscribe & tag someone who needs to hear this story!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Joe Alexander – From NBA Lottery Pick to Global Hooper | The Baseline S3 Ep 3

The Baseline
17/04/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Joe Alexander — former NBA lottery pick, NCAA standout, and one of the most seasoned journeymen in the international hoops scene 🌍🏀. Joe opens up about the rollercoaster of his career — from the big stage of the NBA to deep playoff runs overseas.

We dive into the physical grind, mental pressure, and personal evolution that comes with chasing the game around the world. If you’re into raw stories, sharp basketball insight, and the reality of life as a pro — this one’s a must-listen.

💬 What we talk about:
– Getting drafted 8th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft 🎯
– Making the leap from college star to pro baller 🏀
– The mental & physical toll of elite competition 🧠💪
– His journey across Europe and lessons from abroad 🌍
– What he’s learned about identity, mindset & purpose 🔍

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Subscribe, rate, and tag us in your stories — we might repost you!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Justin Alston – The Global Grind to Hapoel Holon | The Baseline S3 Ep 2

The Baseline
09/04/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we chop it up with Justin Alston, a true international journeyman now balling with Hapoel Holon 🇮🇱. From his fi ve-year run at Boston University to stops in Germany, Estonia, Portugal, Hungary, Lithuania, Greece, and Italy — Justin has seen it all 🌍.

He gives us a raw look at the overseas lifestyle — the culture shifts, the mental game, the business side — and explains why Israel feels like the right fi t at this stage of his career. Rapid fi re, real talk, and insight from a pro who’s lived the grind.

💬 What we get into:
– College career at Boston University
– Playing across Europe & adapting to different leagues
– What makes Israeli basketball different 🇮🇱
– Navigating contracts, roles, and life off the court
– The mindset needed for longevity in overseas hoops

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast for new episodes every Wednesday
❤️ Like, subscribe & tag a hooper who’s living the dream (or chasing it)

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Jalen Lecque – From 5-Star Recruit to Overseas Star | The Baseline S3 Ep 1

The Baseline
02/04/2025

Season 3 kicks off with a bang as we’re joined by Jalen Lecque — former NBA & G League guard, viral dunker, and now making moves in Israel’s Winner League 🇮🇱.
In this episode, Jalen talks about the pressure of being a top-ranked high school prospect, the reality of life in the NBA pipeline, and how he’s stayed locked in through the ups and downs of pro basketball. It’s a raw, honest look at a player who’s still writing his story.

💬 In this episode:
– Life as a 5-star recruit & viral sensation 🏀
– Playing in the NBA & G League
– Adjusting to overseas basketball in Israel
– Staying focused through setbacks & spotlight
– The mindset needed to keep going 📈

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Like, subscribe, and share this with a hooper chasing their dream

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Willy Workman – The Ultimate Winner League Journeyman | The Baseline S2 Ep 17

The Baseline
11/03/2025

In this season finale of The Baseline, we sit down with Willy Workman — a true veteran of the Israeli Winner League and one of the most respected grinders in the game 🏀🇮🇱. From overcoming injuries to making a name for himself as a do-it-all player, Willy reflects on a career built on perseverance, IQ, and love for the game.

We dive into the mental side of bouncing back, staying ready through every challenge, and what it really takes to build a long, successful career overseas. If you love basketball stories rooted in resilience and real hoops insight — this one’s for you.

💬 What we talk about:
– Building a career in the Israeli Winner League 🇮🇱
– Overcoming injuries and setbacks 💥
– The mindset of consistency and adaptation 🧠
– Being a leader and teammate across multiple clubs 🗣️
– What’s next after a storied overseas run 🔁

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more. 👉 Listen here
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Subscribe, rate, and tag us in your stories — we might repost you!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Isaiah Miles – From G League Grind to Ramat Gan | The Baseline S2 Ep 16

The Baseline
04/03/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Isaiah Miles, a veteran forward whose global basketball journey has now taken him to Ramat Gan in Israel 🇮🇱. From playing in the NBA G League and Summer League, to competing in Europe and now the Israeli Winner League, Isaiah gives us a real, unfiltered look at life as a pro hooper across multiple systems.

We also dive into his thoughts on why some college players are struggling to develop, how different leagues challenge players in unique ways, and what it takes to stay relevant and impactful no matter where you play.

💬 In this episode:
– Life in the G League and Summer League
– Playing for Ramat Gan in Israel
– How overseas basketball compares across Europe and the Middle East 🌍
– Thoughts on today’s college player development issues – Staying sharp through transitions and new environments

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast for new episodes every Wednesday
❤️ Like, subscribe, and share with someone who knows the grind!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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