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 […]

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Josh Freund — Against the Odds | The Baseline Episode 36

The Baseline
18/12/2025

He didn’t think he’d be playing professionally this long. Now he’s heading into year seven.
Josh Freund’s journey is a real one. Staying ready, embracing uncertainty, and finding a way to keep going when nothing is guaranteed. In this episode, Josh reflects on how his career has unfolded in ways he never expected, the mindset shifts that kept him in the game, and what it takes to last at the pro level.
💬 What we get into:
– Adapting as roles change over time
– The mental grind of pro basketball
– Trusting the work when the path isn’t clear
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us — we’ll repost
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Jake Cohen — A True Israeli Basketball Legend | The Baseline Episode 43

The Baseline
05/01/2026

From Davidson College to the top of European baseketball, Jake Cohen has built a career defined by adaptability, basketball IQ, and leadership. In this episode, Jake opens up about the realities of life overseas, the adjustments, the grind, and what it takes to remain valuable year after year.
💬 What we talk about:
– Making the jump from college ball to Europe
– Finding your role across different teams and systems
– Competing in high-pressure EuroLeague environments
– Longevity, professionalism, and embracing your role
– How perspective changes after years playing abroad
A real look at the behind-the-scenes side of an overseas career, beyond the box score.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Rate, review, and tag us — we repost!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Chaim Galbut – Frum With FInesse | The Baseline Episode 42

The Baseline
04/01/2026

In the Beis and on the court, Chaim Galbut carries himself with poise, confidence, and real skill. A rising Jewish hooper whose name you’re going to be hearing a lot more, Chaim blends highlight-reel finishes with discipline, depth, and purpose. From slams to halacha, he’s ready for the next level. In this upcoming episode, we talk about work ethic, development, identity, and what it really takes to separate yourself when the spotlight gets brighter.
👀 Keep an eye on this one — he’s just getting started.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Rate, review, and tag us — we repost
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Wesley Harris | The Baseline Episode 41

The Baseline
31/12/2025

Every pro journey looks different — and Wesley Harris’s story is a reminder that there’s no single path to making it. In this episode, we talk about the realities of the grind, learning on the fly, and what it takes to keep pushing forward at the next level.

💬 What we talk about:
– Navigating the ups and downs of a pro career
– Adjusting to new environments and roles
– Staying ready when opportunities come
– Lessons learned along the way

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Rate, review, and tag us — we repost
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Marcellus Earlington – Built, Not Given | The Baseline

The Baseline
29/12/2025

From St. John’s to the physical grind of the pro game, Marcellus Earlington’s journey is all about growth, adaptability, and earning your spot. In this episode, he opens up about carving out his role, embracing the work, and what it really takes to stick at the next level.

💬 What we talk about:
– The jump from college to the pros
– Finding confidence in new systems and roles
– Defense, versatility, and doing the little things
– Staying ready when opportunities come

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Rate, review & tag us — we’ll repost
🔗 All links ➡️  linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

CJ Walker — Christmas Special episode | The Baseline Podcast Episode 39

The Baseline
28/12/2025

This one didn’t stay serious for long. Enjoy our Christmas episode with CJ Walker, with some laughs and some real insight into the pro grind. From staying ready in your role to what the game looks like overseas, CJ keeps it honest — and entertaining.
💬 What we talk about:
– Playing pro ball versus college
– Finding rhythm, confidence, and consistency
– Life overseas beyond the court
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us — we’ll repost
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Kadin Shedrick – Power, Patience & Finding His Role | The Baseline Episode 38

The Baseline
24/12/2025

From anchoring the paint at Virginia and Texas to carving out his identity as a pro, Kadin Shedrick’s journey is built on defense, discipline, and doing the little things that win games. In this episode, Kadin opens up about the grind of high-level college hoops, adapting his game, and what it really takes to stick at the next level.

💬 What we get into:
– Life in the Virginia system & culture
– Evolving his role from college to the pro game
– Mental toughness, patience, and staying ready
– What motivates him as he looks ahead

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us — we’ll repost
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Sam Iorio – Finding His Home in Beer Sheva | The Baseline Episode 37

The Baseline
19/12/2025

From the U.S. college grind to carving out minutes in Beer Sheva, Sam Iorio’s journey is about earning trust and impacting the game in many ways. In this episode, Sam breaks down the adjustment to Israeli basketball, the realities of life overseas, and what it takes to stick as a pro.

💬 What we talk about:
– Adjusting to the pace and physicality of Israeli hoops
– Earning a role and staying ready in a competitive rotation
– The mental shift from college to the pro game
– What he’s focused on taking to the next level

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

RJ Glasper — Control, Confidence, and the Overseas Grind | The Baseline Episode 35

The Baseline
14/12/2025

From the grind of college basketball to carving out his lane overseas, RJ Glasper’s journey is about patience, confidence, and learning how to control the game on your terms. In this episode, RJ breaks down what it really takes to earn every minute, from adjusting to new systems and cultures to knowing what is the best move for his career.
💬 What we get into:
– His path from the U.S. to playing overseas
– Adjusting to the physicality and pace of international basketball
– The mental side of being in a new environment
– Finding consistency, confidence, and growth away from home
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us — we’ll repost
🔗 All links → linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Melissa DiaWakana – Owning Her Game & Rising Fast | The Baseline Ep. 34

The Baseline
10/12/2025

From Africa to Paris to the international stage, Melissa Diabakana’s journey is all about resilience, identity, and owning what she can control. In this episode, Melissa opens up about the grind behind her growth, the mindset that keeps her steady, and what it really takes to carve out a lane in pro basketball.

💬 What we get into:
– Her path from French youth hoops to the pro scene
– Confidence, composure, and developing a coaching mindset
– The challenges of adapting to new countries & systems
– What she’s hungry for next and how she plans to get there

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links → linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Josh Nzeakor – Power, Patience & Finding His Game Overseas | The Baseline Ep. 33

The Baseline
07/12/2025

From dominating the paint in college to carving out a steady, physical role overseas, Josh Nzeakor’s path is all about resilience, self-belief, and staying ready. In this episode, Josh opens up about the ups & downs of overseas, and how to build a long-term career abroad.
💬 What we get into:
– His journey across the USA and Europe to make it to Israel
– how he’s expanded his offensive toolkit
– Adjusting to new cultures, coaches, and expectations
– What keeps him motivated as he pushes for that next jump
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Bodie Hume – Versatility, Confidence & Making His Mark Overseas | The Baseline Ep. 32

The Baseline
03/12/2025

From dominating at Northern Colorado to proving himself in the fast, physical world of international hoops, Bodie breaks down his transition to pro basketball, how he’s expanding his game, and what it takes to stand out overseas.
💬 What we get into:
– His path from Colorado to the international stage
– Adjusting to new systems, styles of play, and expectations
– How he stays prepared mentally & keeps leveling up
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Jase Townsend – Finding His Footing & Flourishing at Maccabi Ra’anana | The Baseline Ep. 31

The Baseline
26/11/2025

From lighting it up in college to carving out his lane in the competitive world of overseas basketball, Jace Townsend’s journey is all about growth, resilience, and staying true to his game. In this episode, Jace breaks down his transition overseas, how he’s elevating his skill set, and what it means to make an impact with Maccabi Ra’anana.
💬 What we get into:
– His path from the U.S. to Israeli hoops
– Developing a pro mindset. Discipline, confidence, and on-court adaptability
– Adjusting to life abroad & the challenges that come with
– How he stays locked in and sees the game
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

DJ Burns – From Murray State to Israeli Hoops | The Baseline Ep. 30

The Baseline
19/11/2025

From the blue-and-gold courts of Murray State to the fast, physical pace of Israeli basketball, DJ Burns’ journey is all about energy, evolution, and embracing the grind. In this episode, he opens up about adapting his game overseas, finding his voice as a pro, and what it takes to impact winning on both ends.
💬 What we talk about:
– His path from New Orleans to the Israeli Premier League 🇮🇱
– Building a pro mindset — confidence, consistency, competitiveness
– Adjusting to life abroad and fitting into Rishon LeZion’s family
– How he stays hungry, focused, and ready for every opportunity
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Max Heidegger – From California to the Euro Ball | The Baseline Ep. 29

The Baseline
12/11/2025

From Santa Barbara gyms to packed European arenas, Max Heidegger’s story is built on sharp shotmaking, confidence under pressure, and the mindset of a pro. In this episode, he breaks down the grind, the travel, the highs, and what keeps him chasing that next level.
💬 What we talk about:
– His rise from UCSB to top European clubs
– Mental toughness through injuries, & moves
– Life overseas and staying grounded
– What he’s still hungry for next
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Akili Vining – From Texas to Europe | The Baseline Ep. 28

The Baseline
05/11/2025

From down South in the USA to stadiums overseas 🌍 — Akil Vining’s journey is all about belief, growth, and grit. In this episode, he opens up about the grind, adapting to life abroad, and what keeps him locked in on and off the court 💪
💬 What we talk about:
– His path from Texas to the pros 🏀
– Mental toughness through ups & downs of life and family
– Life lessons from playing overseas 🌍
– Staying connected to home ❤️
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & more.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @thebaseline.podcast
❤️ Leave a review & tag us in your stories — we’ll repost you!
🔗 All links ➡️ linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Max Adelman – From Music City to the Israeli Pro Game | The Baseline Ep. 27

The Baseline
30/10/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Max Adelman, a Memphis-born guard who sharpened his game at Vanderbilt University before taking his talents overseas

From SEC battles in Tennessee to adjusting to life in Israel, Max shares how discipline and love for the game carried him through every level.
💬 What we talk about:
– Growing up being Jewish & hooping in Memphis 🎸
– Competing in the SEC at Vanderbilt 🏛️
– Prioritizing academics and hoops 🌍
🎧 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!
🔗 Catch all our links here: linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Joirdon Nicholas – Greatness to Global Grind | The Baseline Ep. 26

The Baseline
22/10/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Joirdon Nicholas, a versatile forward who dominated across america before taking his game overseas. From his roots in Texas to life as a pro abroad, Joirdon opens up about the grind, the growth, and the game that shaped him.
💬 What we talk about:
– Standing out in HS & College 🏀
– Making the leap from college to the pros ✈️
– Adapting to new countries and styles of play 🌍
– Mental toughness, leadership, and staying motivated 💪
– The reality of chasing the overseas 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!
🔗 Catch all our links here: linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Text of the The baseline in an arch with an icon of a basketball player dunking the ball on the microphone

Lior Berman – From Auburn Pride to Israeli Pro | The Baseline Ep. 25

The Baseline
15/10/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Lior Berman — a standout guard who made his mark at Auburn University before taking his talents overseas to launch a professional career in Israel 🇮🇱. With discipline, heart, and a relentless work ethic, Lior shares the next chapter of his basketball journey.

💬 What we talk about:
– Playing college basketball at Auburn 🐯
– Transitioning from NCAA to the pro level 🇮🇱
– Adjusting to life and culture overseas 🌍
– Lessons on hard work, patience, and perseverance 💪
– Advice for young players chasing their dreams 🚀
🎧 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!
🔗 Catch all our links here: linktr.ee/thebaseline.podcast

Image Credits: Shali Bernstein

Skip to content