The Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins

Latest Episodes:

Episode 72 - Tim Hardaway Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by Hall of Fame Member Class of 2022, Tim Hardaway. After a long career, Tim looks back on growing up in Chicago and why it's been a hotbed of NBA talent. Now as a parent of an NBA star, he talks about teaching the game of basketball to the next generation.

11:00 - Rex and Tim talk about joining forces in Miami and the incredible night Rex had against Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

12:45 - It was unusual to have a scoring point guard until Tim Hardaway came into the NBA. How did he balance being a scorer vs a facilitator for his teammates?

16:00 - Who does Rex think is the best comparison in the NBA right now for Tim Hardaway?

19:00 - Tim compares playing for Pat Riley in Miami to when he entered the league with the Warriors, with Run TMC.

23:00 - Tim discusses growing up on the South Side of Chicago, and talks about the heated rivalries with the West Side.

26:45 - Top 5 South side vs West Side Chicago Basketball OUT - Josh "I Admire you trying to answer it"

31:00 - When did Tim Hardaway get the basketball bug? It goes back to watching his Dad, a Chicago playground legend.

41:30 - What were some of the core memories Tim had as a kid growing up? It was always playing some kind of ball, whether that was basketball, football baseball, or soccer.

49:50 - Tim remembers Benji Wilson, and the tragedy around his murder. It was as if the President of Chicago had been killed.

52:30 - How did Tim Hardaway end up at the University of Texas El Paso? It's a pretty far way from Chicago.

56:00 - Once he made the NBA, Tim had to put the teams on notice that passed on him that it would be their biggest mistake.

48:30 - Where would the NBA be today without Tim Hardaway's crossover?

49:30 - The origin story of the UTEP Two Step

55:00 - Is it more gratifying or difficult having a son playing in the NBA? What would Dad have done if he had Jr's height?

55:00 - Tim "If I was 6-foot-6 I would be an MVP every year"

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Episode 71- Scott Padgett Jan 04, 2023

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by Kentucky National Champion and now Assistant to the Head Coach at Mississippi State, Scott Padgett. Scott talks about earning his spot on the basketball team under Rick Pitino and winning a Championship with Tubby Smith. How did playing for those two legendary coaches lead him down a path to become a coach himself?

5:30 - Will be rooting for Kentucky for every game except one, and now he wants to beat them.

6:30 - How many kids growing up as Kentucky fans end up going to play basketball at Kentucky? According to Rex, not too many, but Scott Padgett was one of them.

7:30 - Scott was dying to get Rex's autograph for his "Cat Paws" program book

15:00 - As a talented athlete growing up playing all kinds of sports, why did Scott stick with basketball?

18:30 - When did Scott realize he was seriously being recruited by Rick Pitino and Kentucky?

25:30 - After a tough adjustment to college during his freshman year, Scott recognized he would have to earn his spot back on the Kentucky basketball team.

31:30 - Scott nearly left Kentucky and even enrolled at Louisville, at least until Coach Pitino found out. OUT - "I almost died"

36:30 - As a lifelong Kentucky fan, where does his Elite 8 game-winner or cutting the nets down compare to winning games in the NBA?

44:30 - Where did Scott find the confidence as a shooter, especially in those big moments with the game on the line?

54:30 - Kentucky now has a 2nd generation of Padgetts, with his son on the football team. Scott shares what it's like as a Dad watching his kids pursue their own athletic dreams.

59:30 - The guys recall each of their stories meeting the great Muhammad Ali

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Episode 70 - Clark Kellogg Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst, Clark Kellogg. After being one of the best players in the country at Ohio State, he talks about his transition from the NBA to television. It's not too surprising, that with his dedication to his craft, Kellogg has become one of the best voices in all of college basketball.

7:00 - Where did Clark's iconic free throw routine come from? Rex admits it's his favorite part of his game from back in the day.

10:00 - After all these years, Clark looks back on his basketball career and says the biggest disappointment was losing the State High School Championship game. His 51 points remains an Ohio record to this day.

13:30 - How did Clark make an immediate impact on the court in both college and the NBA? It wasn't easy separating himself from the rest of the Class of 1979, one of the best recruiting classes ever.

20:30 - For everyone that only knows Clark as a TV guy, Rex and Josh have to remind them about how his NBA career ended short, and how he made that transition off the court.

29:00 - How did Clark become one of the best voices in all of college basketball? His broadcasting career began in the booth, and with his faith, his life found purpose once again after his playing career ended.

37:00 - As one of the leading voices in college basketball, what is Clark's opinion on Name, Image and Likeness and how it has changed the landscape of college athletics?

47:00 - Clark looks at the Kentucky Wildcats and the rest of the landscape in college basketball right now. Who are the teams Clark will be talking about come the NCAA Tournament?

56:00 - Clark shares his relationship with another friend of the show, Seth Davis. How has their mutual love for basketball kept the friendship strong after all these years?

57:00 - The origin of spurtability and the 1996 Wildcats

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Episode 69 - Len Elmore Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by ABA/NBA veteran Len Elmore, who is now a practicing attorney and professor for Columbia University. He discusses how his passion for both education and sports helped him flourish into the incredibly accomplished man he is both on and off the basketball court.

5:00 - How much of Len's upbringing during the Civil Rights Movement helped influence his pursuits later in life outside of basketball?

8:30 - It wasn't basketball, but baseball that Len wanted to pursue as a professional athlete. That was at least until his growth spurt changed everything.

9:30 - Len played basketball like Chief in One Flew Over The Cucko's Nest

13:00 - Len discusses his transition from growing up in New York, and attending college at Maryland. Basketball became the culture on that campus as they became one of the best teams in the country.

16:30 - As an accomplished broadcaster himself, of course the guys have to ask Len about calling the iconic Duke-Kentuckygame that ended with Christian Laettner's game winner.

22:30 - Len recalls the impact that watching John Carlos and Tommie Smith in the 1968 Olympics had on him, combined with reading Malcom X's autobiography. He said it caused an awakening for him then, and he continues to hold those principles to this day.

37:30 - Len never felt like basketball was beneath him with all of his scholarly pursuits, but he just decided after 10 seasons he was just done.

42:30 - There were plenty of Len's former teammates who took to heart what advice he had for them, knowing everyone needed to find their life's work after basketball.

47:00 - Len and the rest of the Terps gave John Wooden, Bill Walton and UCLA their toughest test as they were in the greatest winning streak in college basketball history.

50:00 - The NCAA Tournament had to expand their field after Len and Maryland were left out after losing the ACC Tournament to NC State

52:00 - Even though they weren't close, the passing of Len Bias just absolutely rocked Len Elmore just like everyone at the time.

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Episode 68 - Walt Williams Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

On The latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by former 11-year NBA veteran and Maryland Terrapins icon Walt Williams. Walt shares what it was like playing with Rex in Miami, his college days, what it meant to represent his home team at Maryland, following the legacy built by the late Len Bias and more.

5:00 - Walt gives all the credit to the high socks, it's funny what superstitions some players have, and some stick too.

9:00 - After being traded to Miami, Walt shared the advice he received from Rex that helped make it a seamless fit playing in a winning environment, after they both played for losing teams.

11:30 - Part of being a professional is recognizing that your game can always get better. Even if you're already a great player, you still need to put in that work to stay in the league.

15:30 - Walt's welcome to the NBA moment - "Hey we watch film in this league, I knew you would pull that move"

18:30 - The guys share their admiration and appreciation for Len Bias, and Walt talks about the impact his loss had on him. After that, there was a duty to follow in his footsteps going to Maryland.

25:00 - With the state of the Maryland program when he arrived on campus, Walt didn't realize until later in life just how important he was for the stability of that program in the wake of Bias's death and the NCAA violations.

27:30 - When the only point guard in the country that was 6'8" was Magic Johnson, Walt discusses how he ended up playing the position for Gary Williams at Maryland.

36:00 - What was the transition like leaving home in Maryland and arriving in Sacramento as an NBA player?

39:00 - Was Walt Williams ahead of his time? How would his style of game fit in the modern NBA compared to when he played in the 90's?

43:30 - As a businessman and entrepreneur in his post-playing career, Walt thinks he'd have made himself some money with Name Image and Likeness with the headband and those iconic knee high socks.

47:30 - The guys gush about George Gervin

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Episode 67 - Mike Krzyzewski Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

Coach K on His Legendary Career at Duke, Coaching Kobe Bryant and Team USA, Christian Laettner, More

5:30 Should Laettner have been ejected in 92?

7:00 - After a storied career, what is Coach K up to these days? What's life after coaching like for him? There's still plenty of basketball.

9:15 - Is it difficult watching Duke Basketball from a different capacity? Are there any regrets after leaving the bench, and now watching Jon Scheyer take over as Head Coach?

11:30 - What did Coach K see in Scheyer in his playing days at Duke that made him the perfect archetype to be a great coach?

18:30 - Where did Coach K gain his unparalleled work ethic? He goes back to his childhood and what he learned at West Point that he continues to use to this day.

22:30 - At West Point, it wasn't just learning from Coach Bobby Knight on the basketball court, but there were so many facets of leadership and life skills he learned at the Academy.

24:00 - Coach K's philosophy to "be worthy of winning"

28:00 - On the recruiting trail, Coach always made it a point of emphasis to understand what a player's relationship was with their mother, and you could learn even more if they had an older sister.

31:30 - With the success Coach K has had, especially in the NCAA Tournament, he describes how several of his teams may have been worthy of a National Championship, but may have fallen short because the one thing you can't fast track is experience.

42:00 - Where coaching USA Basketball ranks among the accomplishments of Coach K's career. To him, there's no greater honor than representing your country on the world stage.

45:30 - What was so special about The Redeem Team of 2008 under the leadership of Kobe Bryant? It was about winning a gold medal, but more so about winning the respect of their country.

48:00 - Kobe Bryant approaching Coach K in 2008 and asking to guard the best player on the opposing team. "Most people don't dream of moments"

52:00 - Coach K says Rex Chapman was one of the players Coach K always wanted to coach because he had a spirit and passion for the game.

54:00 - Coach K recalls "The Shot" and gives the guys his view of those final seconds in that incredible victory over the Kentucky WIldcats. It was at that moment he recognized he had to say something to the team he had just beaten.

59:00 - What Coach K's expectations are for Kentucky this season, and how hard it must be for John Calipari to have to go out and win every game for the fans.

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Episode 66 - Tom Crean Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by the great coach, Tom Crean. Coming off his latest stint with the Georgia Bulldogs, the guys look back on his career which includes a number of wins over those Kentucky Wildcats in Bloomington. Tom explains where he found the drive to become one of the great recruiters in college basketball, and what it was like marrying into one of the great coaching families.

5:00 - What has Tom been up to since leaving Georgia? Is broadcasting going to be the next big thing for him, or is he itching to get back to coaching?

8:30 - How have both the college and pro games changed in the last few years with the influence of Name Image and Likeness plus the transfer portal?

15:00 - What separated some of the great ones Tom got to coach like Victor Oladipo?

21:30 - How competitive has it been on the recruiting trail with each program doing everything they can to secure the best players in the country?

25:00 - How old was Tom when he realized he was going to be a coach?

30:00 - Tom describes what it was like marrying into the family of coaches, and just how fun it can be when he's with both John and Jim Harbaugh.

35:00 - What was it like walking into the Indiana program, and what kind of a mess was there when he arrived? How long was it before Tom brought the Hoosiers back?

40:30 - Tom details the Final Four run with Marquette and when he recognized just how special Dwyane Wade was.

54:00 - How was handling a player with NBA expectations like Anthony Edwards compared to Dwyane Wade or Victor Oladipo that had to grow into their NBA-level talent?

1:06:30 - The impact a coach can make for an individual player, that can set the course for the rest of their lives.

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Episode 65 - Larry Johnson Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by 2x NBA All-Star and Grandmama himself, Larry Johnson. Rex's former teammate in Charlotte for 3 whole months, Larry talks about his time with one of the greatest college teams ever at UNLV and how he had to change his game after undergoing back surgery.

3:45 - Rex recalls the first time he met Larry Johnson at the USA basketball trials, and LJ admits he was a bit star struck seeing Rex Chapman for the first time.

5:45 - Growing up in Dallas, TX, Larry says he was a football player who ultimately picked basketball. He says he can still throw the football today.

9:10 - Larry talks about meeting Stacey Augmon, and figuring out that UNLV would be the right place for him to transfer out of UNLV.

11:50 - After being the star of one of the most famous college basketball teams of all time, Larry talks about how important paying the student athletes is now.

16:50 - How soon after arriving on campus at UNLV did LJ recognize this was the best team in the country?

21:00 - When Duke and UNLV met for the first time, LJ mentions a surprise guest that provided the pre-game pep talk that gave them the confidence to blow out the Blue Devils by 30.

23:40 - When it came to the rematch, LJ admitted he didn't give it his all, and Duke came in wanting to avenge their loss from the year before.

27:30 - How getting snubbed by SMU motivated LJ to continue his pursuit of playing professional basketball.

33:30 - What is the origin story of Grandmama, and how Larry Johnson ended up at Converse, because UNLV was a Nike school.

43:00 - How did Larry change his game after injuring his back? One of the most athletic players in the NBA had to completely change how he played overnight. He might have been an even better fit in today's game.

49:00 - What were those pickup games like on the set of Space Jam?

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Episode 64 - Kelly Aucoin Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by the great actor, "Dollar" Bill Stern on Billions, Kelly AuCoin. Before getting into the Portland Trail Blazers, the guys discuss how much they have in common. Both growing up in politics and pursuing acting, Josh and Kelly both connected with their passion for basketball.

4:30 - Kelly discusses his upcoming role in "The Sterling Affairs" and the opportunity of a lifetime for a diehard basketball fan.

6:30 - Rex and Kelly may look alike, but Kelly and Josh have a lot more in common. Both of their fathers served in Congress, so how did they both become actors?

14:00 - Kelly admits that it took him a long time to tell his parents he wanted to pursue acting professionally, which was a huge shock.

18:30 - Kelly and his father bonded over basketball, and sometimes the fundamentals of the game could be applied to his approach to acting.

27:00 - How did Kelly fall in love with basketball and especially the Portland Trailblazers?

33:00 - What makes Damian Lillard so special, and why Kelly says he is the most clutch player in the NBA.

42:30 - Kelly's lists his All-Time Starting 5 Trailblazers

49:15 - Kelly flips the script and asks Josh what made him want to become an actor after growing up playing sports.

51:30 - Josh names the actor, then Kelly and Rex give the basketball player comparison.

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Episode 63 - Pat Bradley Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins, the guys are joined by Arkansas Legend Pat Bradley. Our resident Wildcats do their best to contain this Razorback fanatic's enthusiasm after the latest Final Four run. Hearing from one of the best shooters in college basketball history, they ask Pat for his basketball origins growing up just outside of Boston.

5:00 - Pat explains how Arkansas-Kentucky became one of the best rivalries in the SEC, even playing on Super Bowl Sunday.

7:30 - Pat grew up playing all kinds of sports, but living just 4 miles from the Boston Garden, it was basketball. How special were Larry Bird and those Celtics were to a young Pat Bradley?

13:00 - How on earth did Pat end up in Fayetteville, Arkansas after growing up in New England? What did Nolan Richardson see in Pat that other coaches didn't?

22:30 - What do all great shooters have in common, with just how dedicated they are to their craft?

31:30 - Reflecting on his college choice, Pat says it was the best decision to get out of his comfort zone, only to find out Arkansas ended up feeling like home to him.

36:00 - After his playing days were over, Pat was fortunate enough to have basketball remain a part of his life both with coaching and broadcasting.

41:30 - Rex and Pat draw a parallel from playing basketball to Josh's acting. What does it take to be among the best actors or basketball players in the world?

46:00 - What is it about being one of the faces of the SEC that Pat enjoys the most?

52:30 - Where do the Razorbacks stack up in the SEC compared to the Kentucky Wildcats?

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