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

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

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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Jimmy Clark – From JUCO to March Madness to Bnei Herzliya | The Baseline S2 Ep 11

28/01/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we’re joined by Jimmy Clark, the fi ery point guard and two-way threat now balling for Bnei Herzliya in Israel 🇮🇱. Jimmy takes us through the full ride — from VCU, to the JUCO grind, to making history at Duquesne by helping lead them to their fi rst NCAA Tournament appearance in decades 🔥.

We talk pressure, perseverance, and what it’s like to go from under the radar to putting on for a city — and now a country — on the international stage.

💬 What we cover:
– His journey through VCU, JUCO, and Duquesne
– Playing in the NCAA Tournament for a historic Duquesne team 🏀
– Making the leap to pro basketball in Israel 🇮🇱
– His mentality on defense, leadership, and resilience
– What motivates him and how he stays ready

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast on all platforms
❤️ Like, subscribe & tag a hooper who needs to hear this story!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ryan Turell – From Yeshiva to the G League and Israeli Hoops | The Baseline S2 Ep 10

21/01/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we’re joined by Ryan Turell — Yeshiva University legend, G League standout, and one of the most high-profi le Jewish hoopers on the planet 🏀✡️.
Ryan breaks down his historic college run, his time in the NBA G League, and his transition into the Israeli basketball scene 🇮🇱. He opens up about the pressures of living up to expectations, what it’s like to be a visibly Jewish pro athlete, and gives us insight into offseason pro runs, combines, and the mental grind of staying ready.

⚠️ Note: Only the fi rst part of the episode is on video — you can catch the final 10 minutes on Spotify!

💬 What we get into:
– His record-breaking career at Yeshiva University
– Life in the G League and adjusting to pro pace 🏀
– Playing in Israel and connecting with Jewish fans
– Dealing with attention, identity, and performance
– Navigating pro offseason workouts and showcases

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow @thebaseline.podcast across all platforms ❤️ Like, subscribe & let us know your thoughts on Ryan’s journey

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Abe Kuhn – Coaching, Strategy and the Israeli Grind | The Baseline S2 Ep 9

14/01/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we chop it up with Abe Kuhn — trainer, tactician, and current coach with Maccabi Raanana 🧠🏀. Abe breaks down the ins and outs of coaching in Israel, his approach to developing players, and how his journey shaped the basketball mind he brings to the sidelines today.

This one’s for the real hoop junkies — strategy talk, high-pressure coaching moments, and deep insight into what it takes to grow the game overseas.

💬 What we talk about:
– Coaching for Maccabi Raanana 🇮🇱
– In-game adjustments and strategy talk 📊
– The mental side of player development 🧠
– Pressure moments and leadership from the bench 🎯
– How Israeli basketball is evolving 🔄

🎧 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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Frédéric Bourdillon – From French Hoops to Israeli Veteran and Future Owner? | The Baseline S2 Ep 8

07/01/2025

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Frédéric Bourdillon — Herzliya’s sharp-shooting guard with deep roots in both French and Israeli basketball 🇫🇷🇮🇱. Fred takes us through his early days running elite camps in France that helped shape future NBA talent, his playing career across Europe, and his passion for giving back to the game.

We also talk about his big vision for the future — including his dream of owning a team one day. This one’s for the real hoop heads.

💬 What we talk about:
– His basketball camps in France & NBA connections 🇫🇷
– Making the jump to play in Israel 🇮🇱
– Longevity and leadership as a veteran 🧠
– Giving back to the next generation 📚
– His dream of owning a pro basketball team one day 🏀💼

🎧 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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Dakarai Tucker – From March Madness to the Israeli Pro Scene | The Baseline S2 Ep 7

31/12/2024

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Dakarai Tucker — a battle-tested baller whose journey has taken him from the bright lights of March Madness to winning championships in the NBA G League, and now to the courts of Israel’s pro league 🇮🇱.

Dakarai opens up about the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between — including what it’s like to adjust to life and hoops overseas. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and staying locked in on the mission.

💬 What we talk about:
– Playing in March Madness with Utah 🏀
– Winning a G League championship 🏆
– The emotional rollercoaster of the pro grind 🎢
– His new chapter hooping in Israel 🇮🇱
– Advice for staying ready and staying focused 🔒

🎧 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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Jared Armstrong – Faith, Identity and Hooping with Purpose | S2 The Baseline Ep 6

24/12/2024

In this episode of The Baseline, we sit down with Jared Armstrong — a fearless guard whose journey from the U.S. to Israeli pro basketball is anything but ordinary 🏀. From early setbacks to becoming a symbol of perseverance and pride, Jared opens up about what it means to rep his Jewish identity while chasing greatness overseas.

We talk faith, culture shock, and the grind of proving yourself in a new country — both as a player and as a person. This one’s honest, motivating, and real.

💬 What we talk about:
– Growing up in the U.S. and finding basketball purpose 🇺🇸
– The leap to Israeli professional hoops 🇮🇱
– Embracing his Jewish identity on and off the court ✡️
– Cultural transitions, challenges, and growth 🌍
– His mindset, mission, and message to the next generation 💬

🎧 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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Itay Segev – National Team Pride and Israeli Hoops Legacy | The Baseline S2 Ep 5

16/12/2024

In this episode of The Baseline, we’re joined in studio by Itay Segev — a longtime standout in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and a proud member of the Israeli National Team 🇮🇱. From winning awards to throwing down in dunk contests, Itay reflects on a career full of milestones and meaning.

We talk national pride, leadership, and what the future holds for Israeli players chasing NBA dreams. Plus, he shares some hilarious stories and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

💬 What we talk about:
– Playing in the Israeli Premier League 🏀
– Representing Israel on the national team 🇮🇱
– The evolution of Israeli hoops talent 🚀
– His thoughts on Israelis in the NBA 🏆
– Funny moments and life lessons from a vet 🎙️

🎧 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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Abby Meyers and Spencer Weisz – From Princeton to Pro Hoops in Israel | The Baseline S2 Ep 4

10/12/2024

In this episode of The Baseline, we welcome Abby Meyers and Spencer Weisz — two Ivy League standouts who took their Princeton grit and turned it into pro success in Israel 🇮🇱. Abby, a rising force in the Israeli women’s league, and Spencer, a seasoned vet with a decorated career, open up about the grind, the transition overseas, and the power of identity in their journeys.

Whether you’re an Ivy League athlete 🎓, a Jewish baller repping overseas ✡️, or someone who loves seeing basketball connect cultures — this episode brings a double dose of insight and inspiration.

💬 What we talk about:
– Life on and off the court at Princeton 🐅
– The jump from college to pro basketball 💼🏀
– Navigating identity, purpose, and pressure abroad 🌍
– Lessons from Israel’s competitive leagues 🇮🇱
– Future goals and reflections from two basketball minds 🧠

🎧 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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Amin Stevens – Hooping Around the World and Thriving Overseas | The Baseline S2 Ep3

03/12/2024

In this episode, we sit down with Amin Stevens — a true globetrotter whose basketball journey spans continents and cultures 🌍. From his college days at Florida A&M to a pro career that’s taken him across Europe and the Middle East, Amin opens up about life as an overseas hooper, including his time in Israel and the lessons learned far from home.

Whether you’re a hooper chasing international dreams 🏀, a fan of global hoops, or just looking for some real-life inspiration — this episode delivers perspective, heart, and hustle.

💬 What we talk about:
– The grind of playing pro ball overseas 🇮🇱🌐
– Adjusting to new cultures and new systems ✈️
– Staying mentally locked in away from home 🧠
– Life lessons from a decade abroad 🔁
– Advice for players chasing a similar path 📈

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

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Alex Leder – Hooping in Israel and Owning His Identity | The Baseline S2 Ep 2

26/11/2024

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Leder — a Jewish-American guard with a deep connection to Israel and a journey that goes far beyond the stat sheet 🏀. From growing up in the U.S. to making his mark on the Israeli court, Alex opens up about the grind, the culture shock, and the pride he feels repping something bigger than himself.

Whether you’re a player overseas 🌍, someone navigating your identity, or a hoops fan who loves a good underdog story — this one’s for you.
💬 What we talk about:
– Adjusting to professional basketball in Israel 🇮🇱
– Representing his heritage through the game ✡️
– The mental side of the overseas grind 🧠
– Growing as a player and a person 🛫
– What drives him on and off the court 🔥

🎧 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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Season 2 Tip-Off: Global Hoops and The Shot Clock

18/11/2024

Season 2 of The Baseline is here, and we’re kicking things off with a dynamic episode! Hosts Jonathan Rears and Meir Cohen reintroduce the podcast, share our renewed vision for connecting the basketball world, and dive into some of the most exciting stories in the global hoops scene.

Joining us as a special guest is EJ Mildwurf, our behind-the-scenes mastermind who’s stepping into the spotlight to share his perspective on basketball’s global influence. Together, we explore the sport’s impact across borders and cultures, highlighting the stories that make the game so much more than just what happens on the court.

We’re also debuting our brand-new segment, The Shot Clock—a rapid-fire Q&A that keeps the energy high and the insights flowing.

Get ready for another season of powerful storytelling, in-depth discussions, and all things basketball.

👉 Catch the episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 6 – Tamir Goodman

15/06/2023

On this weeks episode, Jon and Meir have the opportunity to hear from Tamir Goodman, whose inspirational story has been shared around the world of Jewish hoops many times. We discuss his career and challenges, and how he has used his experience to guide others.

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 5 – Jon and Meir

01/06/2023

On this week’s episode, Jon and Meir are in the studio for a solo episode to discuss the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA playoffs so far. We dive into each series and give you our takes on each one, including the disappointing Bucks, and the Lakers surpassing expectations. Winner league playoffs are heating up, and so is our coverage as we discuss the playoff environment here in herzliya, and much more. We wrap up with our favorite basketball movies, and our NBA finals predictions.

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 4 – Lior Berman

11/05/2023

On our fourth episode, Lior Berman joins us to discuss what it is like playing in a Division I college basketball program in the United States. Lior has many ties to Israel, and spoke to us about how the team has traveled to Israel in the past, and the insights his teammates have gotten from a place almost none of them had been before. Lior plays for a prestigious program, one with much success in recent years. We discussed playing with a top NBA draft pick, Jabari Smith. Additionally we spoke about the play style of college versus overseas and in the NBA. We wrapped up with discussion of the current NBA season, and Liors favorite players to watch. We hope you enjoy!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 3 – Maurice Kemp

04/05/2023

For our third episode, Israeli League MVP Maurice Kemp joins us in the studio to discuss how the game of basketball is changing, his style of play, and stories from his unique experiences on the court all over the world. This episode is one you don’t want to miss! Maurice is a great storyteller, and additionally taught us a lot about how the players are treated all over the world! Tune in. Trust us.

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 2 – Jason Siggers

27/04/2023

In our second episode, Maccabi Raanana superstar Jason Siggers joins us in the studio! We discuss everything from his greatest memories playing basketball, to adjusting to the unique culture, people, and food of Israel. Jason is an amazing interviewee who goes into detail telling us about his experience playing a dropping 40(!) points on the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. We hope you enjoy!

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

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Ep 1 – Ofek Reef

20/04/2023

On the inaugural of “The Baseline”, we interview Ofek Reef, former point guard at Yeshiva university, and current player for Hapoel Akko in Israel. on this interview we discuss his part in the historic 50 game winning streak with Yeshiva University, and discuss some of the unexpected events from his basketball career, along with his future playing here in Israel.

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein