Sometimes it’s human nature to wake up and start our day with a negative mindset, and throughout that day we can sometimes feel sorry for ourselves or see the glass as half empty. I would push you to sit down and check out this episode with @kurjonkuch, and realize that life is really about perspective.

A Sudanese refugee, a family torn apart, to Kenya and back, which led to hard decisions made by his father, eventually landing in London, Ontario of all places led to an amazing episode right off the jump. From there we discover how late Kur was to the game, but how much it meant to him. Under the guidance of former guest @mikeprovenzanos dad at London Basketball Academy, Kur created a foundation for himself through hard work and figuring out how to improve his game.

After his grade 12 season, Kur still didn’t really have any post-secondary options, so he created the mindset that U Sport and a good education would be what he needed……..somehow he ended up earning a Division 1 scholarship to play basketball at Northern Colorado! To this day, a moment he cannot wrap his head around.

From there, the CEBL, time with the NBL, finishing a master's, and now playing overseas, if this episode can’t change your perspective on life then we don’t know what will! Tap in!!!

Kur Jongkuch - Guest https://x.com/kjongkuch https://www.instagram.com/kurjongkuch/

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Warren Ward. If you take one thing away from this powerful episode, it’s when you see the name don’t just think “hooper.” Think businessman, brother, son, friend and a growing human.

Episode 153 has us go back with one of the coldest U Sport hoopers we have seen, an absolute walking bucket (who could also guard, don’t get it twisted), and an all-time leading scorer at the University of Ottawa.

Having a late start to the game didn’t hurt Warren or his growth, he developed a love and his skills quite rapidly, eventually getting recruited by a few schools in Canada and the states. It was a trip down to Indiana that took him down his University path, a small JUCO that didn’t have the right feel motivated him to return to Canada and see what his options were.

A phone call from a former guest on AHJ, Mr. Dave Deaveiro who was the head coach at Ottawa interested Warren, and after a visit to the campus he committed to the Gee-Gees. Trips to nationals, working on his craft with intention, an All-Canadian and a whole bunch of learning experiences had Warren ready to play the pro game.

His story gets wild from here, as he has a brief interest from the NBA (You need to hear the story), eventually finding himself signing his first contract in Germany. After a few seasons, Warren unfortunately had multiple injuries (2 ACL tears and an Achilles), and he knew it was time to move on from the game. The growth and reflection Warren has had since then have made him the man he is today; all the the things we started this writeup with and so much more. Warren also is in the podcast game, give his show @youonlydietwicepod a follow!

Such a dope episode, tap in!!!!!!!!!!

Warren Ward - Guest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Ward_(basketball)

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

Disclaimer: Huge props to JCD who has recently signed his first ever pro contract with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL! Let’s get it!

This is a super unique story; one of hoop lineage from both mom and dad, of heartbreak and sadness at an early age, one of resilience, one of seeing the light and to keep on fighting.

Jack grew up in a fun and active house, sharing space with not only his immediate family but his cousins as well. At an early age the inside or outside of the Cruz - Dumont house would be littered with sports and a bunch of battles! As he grew older Jack developed a real love for the game of hoops and football, eventually finding himself and his brothers at storied Vancouver College (Thanks to his dedicated mom who went back to school to earn her degree!!). In Jacks grade ten year football was really his main thing, however the sickness of his dad John impacted his grade 10/11 year and he had challenges with focusing and being committed as any teenager would!

It was through this time watching his dad battle for his life that Jack found the inspiration and motivation to keep going, to fight and not give up. From there the switch happened and he lit the fire we see today. After a solid senior year at VC, he committed to UBC to play for the T-Birds. While there Jack was on pace to graduate early due to a covid year, and realized he could eventually turn himself into a pro. Wanting to get a feel for what that might look like, a trip out to the Philippines showed Jack something special and he decided to make the move, leaving UBC after 3 years of eligibility to play in the University league with the hope of signing a pro contract…..and here we are!

This young bull has lots of hoops left in him, it was a great time connecting and we are excited to see Jack’s future! Tap in!

Jack Cruz-Dumont - Guest https://www.instagram.com/jcruzdumont https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jack-cruz-dumont https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/jack-cruz-dumont-plans-to-turn-pro-at-the-end-of-ue-career-a5172-20241127

Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/