Real Hoop conversations with Melo Williams

·40 min·4 clips

U.S. Elite Basketball, founded by former players, teaches prospects how to build their brand and qualify for college basketball.

Kevo Banz opens the episode by celebrating his 700th podcast episode and thanking listeners for their support. He introduces guest Mello Williams, who is from Wisconsin and works with Team MBS Media, covering teams like the Bucks and Warriors. Mello explains his role at U.S. Elite Basketball, a resource center founded by former players to help prospects with recruiting, visibility, and NIL brand-building. The host asks about highly touted recruit Jaden Mustaf, class of 2024, who Mello believes is the best in his class and is transferring to Overtime Elite in Atlanta. The discussion shifts to college basketball in Wisconsin, comparing Marquette and the Badgers. Mello argues that Marquette has a greater historical NBA legacy, citing players like Dwyane Wade, while Wisconsin struggles to keep top in-state recruits like Tyler Herro and Jordan Poole. They explore Wisconsin's underrated talent production, naming players such as Kevon Looney, Brandon Podziemski, and Pat Baldwin Jr. The conversation touches on the broader Midwest's basketball talent, including Michigan and Detroit. Mello and Kevo analyze the current NBA game, noting the persistence of the mid-range shot but a decline in fast-break fundamentals, and discuss the league's global growth with international stars. Mello selects his all-time Big Ten starting five: Steve Smith, Glenn Robinson, Sean Leonard, Michael Finley, and Chris Webber. The episode concludes with Mello sharing his social media handles and promoting U.S. Elite Basketball and Jaden Mustaf's upcoming college decision.

As heard by us

A grounded Wisconsin basketball episode that ties Badgers detail to a wider look at underrated hoops talent.

Episode 700 settles into a grounded Wisconsin basketball conversation, shaped by Mello Williams' view of the Badgers, the Big Ten, and the talent coming out of the state. Williams says he is from Wisconsin, covers the Bucks, Warriors, and Badgers, and works with U.S.

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Why you'd press play

You get Wisconsin hoops, a Big Ten forecast, and a Gus Bus detour from a guest who actually talks like a basketball lifer.

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