In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, Steve Hartman covers everything from AAU, a look back at the 90s and early 2000s for inspiration and the college basketball transfer portal

Featured Interview: Andrew Wiener & West Central United

Our main segment features a deep dive into youth basketball with Andrew Wiener, Director of the West Central United AAU program based in Alexandria. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the "mystery" of AAU basketball, explaining how the circuit has evolved from an exclusive club for elite players into an inclusive environment for any player looking to improve their game. We discuss the unique logistical challenges of operating in Greater Minnesota, including how the program utilizes midpoint practice locations like Perham and Fergus Falls to support families traveling from across the northern part of the state. Andrew also shares his coaching philosophy of playing "the right way"—a ball-movement-heavy style inspired by the early 2000s San Antonio Spurs—and reflects on how the "Steph Curry effect" has led to a dramatic increase in shooting skill and athleticism among today's high school players.

Timberwolves Game 5 Breakdown

Before the interview, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Timberwolves' tough Game 5 loss in Denver. We analyze the 25 turnovers that stifled the Wolves' rhythm and discuss the dominance of Nikola Jokic, whose 16 assists allowed the Nuggets' role players to find their stride in transition.

Transfer Portal & Local D1 News

To close out the show, we look at the latest roster moves for the Minnesota Gophers and St. Thomas Tommies. Steve discusses the Gophers' high level of continuity with five returning players, including Isaac Osma and Bobby Durkin, and breaks down the potential impact of key portal additions like Winters Grady and Nolan Groves.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a dominant 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. But as the old saying goes, "to whom much is given, much is required"—and the Wolves paid a heavy price at the Target Center.

Steve is joined by friend and fellow Wolves fanatic Jon Schley to break it all down.

• The Injury Report: We break down the devastating loss of Donte DiVincenzo and the status of Anthony Edwards. Steve shares the latest updates on Ant's hyperextended knee, which thankfully shows no ligament damage but will likely sideline him for multiple weeks with a bone bruise.
• The Ayo Dosunmu Masterclass: With the stars sidelined, Ayo stepped into the void and dropped an "all-time" 43-point performance. We look at his incredible efficiency—5-for-5 from deep and 12-for-12 from the line—and how his downhill aggression is exactly what Denver can't stop.
• The Buzzer Fireworks: Jaden McDaniels scores a layup with one second left, and Nikola Jokić absolutely loses his cool. We discuss the ejections, the "villain era" of Jaden, and whether the Wolves are in the Nuggets' heads.
• The Big Talker: We dive into the legacy debate of the decade. Who ranks higher on their respective all-time list: Nikola Jokić as an offensive engine or Rudy Gobert as a defensive anchor?. We compare them against legends like Oscar Robertson, Pete Maravich, Michael Jordan, Draymond Green, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman to find the answer.

Listen now for the full breakdown of the most chaotic win in recent Wolves history!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't just take a 2-1 series lead in Game 3—they physically dictated the terms of the matchup. In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, we break down the 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets through a tactical coaching lens.

Joining the show is Derek Long (AKA Croonch), host of the SideLine Vibes Podcast and a fellow coach who breathes the game. We dive deep into the X’s and O’s of how Minnesota navigated Denver’s zone defense to put up a staggering 68 points in the paint and why the Wolves' speed is becoming a problem the Nuggets simply can’t solve.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Jaden McDaniels Factor: How Jaden "swallowed up" Jamal Murray and fueled the team by backing up his pre-game talk. Similarly Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves rendered Nikola Jokic human by holding him to 7-for-26 FG and only 3 assists.
• Zone Breakers: Analyzing the adjustments that allowed the Wolves to hit the gaps and attack the rim with high efficiency.
• The "Iffy" Moments: Why focus wavered during non-Jokic minutes and the importance of cleaning up second-chance points.
• Changing the Narrative: Derek shares his mission to bring a new level of optimism and coaching-based analysis to Minnesota sports fandom.
• Looking Ahead: Why physical dominance worked against Denver, but "winning smart" and attention to detail will be the keys to surviving the Western Conference gauntlet.

Whether you're looking for deep statistical analysis or a coach's perspective on the playoff grind, this episode covers how the Wolves are evolving into a legitimate Western Conference powerhouse.

Follow the Guest: Derek Long on Instagram: @Croonch Check out the SideLine Vibes Podcast: youtube.com/@SidelineVibesShow

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.