The Extra Pass
Adam Ballinger and Brad Newley, two decorated figures in Australian basketball, host a podcast dedicated to the game. They interview past and present stars of the Melbourne United Basketball Club. The show covers NBL insights, player stories, and basketball culture from an Australian perspective. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's premier basketball teams.
Episodes
Tyson Walker talks moving across the globe and thriving in the NBL
After our extended break, The Extra Pass is back! This week, Adam is joined by fellow Michigan State alum, Tyson Walker, to talk about his move to Australia. The pair reminisce about their time playing for the Spartans, while getting into the what it's like to move across the globe to play in a country you know nothing about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dean Vickerman answers YOUR questions in this special Q&A episode
This week, Adam is joined by Head Coach, Dean Vickerman, for a special Q&A edition of The Extra Pass. The pair get into everything from Melbourne United's recent slump in form, coaching advice, and why Dean no longer wears his iconic coaching blazers anymore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fabijan Krslovic breaks down the art of the 'wall up' and his career-best defence
This week, Adam is joined by first time guest, Fabijan Krslovic. The pair break down how United will look to bounce back after two losses in Round 11, how he has become one of the league's best 'wall up' defenders, and Fabijan's love for OG Pokemon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Kyle Bowen and his 'Gritty not Pretty' mindset is helping United in NBL26
This week, Adam is joined by 'Mr Gritty not Pretty', Kyle Bowen following the FIBA Window Break. The pair discuss some of the keys to the team's success this season, how Bowen prepares for games with his work in the gym, before getting into another classic edition of the Fast Five.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Barlow breaks down the keys to United's success this season
This week, Adam is back to talk to Assistant Coach David Barlow. The pair discuss the season so far, what has impressed Barlow the most about how the team is performing, and dive deep into some tips for young players and coaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jamie Uhr-Henry talks through his favourite Melbourne United memories
Ahead of our annual Member Appreciation Game, Ben is joined on the podcast this week by Foundation Member Jamie Uhr-Henry. The pair talked through the 22-year-old's fandom for United, some of his favourite moments across his time following the club, and his own sporting journey, which has seen him join the Hawthorn Hawks as a Category B Rookie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Fleming takes us on his coaching journey
This week on the show, Adam is joined by Melbourne United Assistant Coach Jack Fleming ahead of our huge Indigenous Round game against the Sydney Kings. Fleming broke down his coaching journey to date and talked through the team's perfect 9-0 start to the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tanner Krebs' dad-strength propelling him to a career-best season
This week on the show, Adam is joined by Tanner Krebs ahead of his 150th NBL game. Currently in the midst of a career-best season, Tanner talked about how becoming a father has provided him with perspective, which also motivating him to new heights on the court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesse Edwards talks his journey from Amsterdam to Melbourne United
Ahead of our Multicultural Game, Adam is joined by Dutch big-man Jesse Edwards to chat through his journey from his home of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, all the way to Melbourne United.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best friends Tom Koppens and Campbell Blogg share their grassroots hoops journeys
After a week off following the NBAxNBL game, Adam is back to talk to Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens ahead of The Grassroots Game. Having grown up playing hoops against each other, Blogg and Koppens talk about how they became best friends and their journeys to get to Melbourne United, all before playing 'The Teammate Game'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Milton Doyle talks his clutch-shotmaking in Round 1
This week, Milton Doyle joins the podcast to talk through Melbourne United's pair of Round 1 victories. The American broke down his mindset when making big shots, his first impressions of his new teammates, and his excitement leading into Throwdown 29.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Truelson previews Melbourne United's start to NBL26
This week on the podcast, Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson joins the show to talk through how United's NBL26 lineup was built, what exactly the NBA Summer League Experience is like from a front office point-of-view, and preview the club's huge opening round double-header.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rhys Carter talks winning Gold with the Crocs and preparing for NBL26
This week, Adam is joined by United Assistant Coach Rhys Carter, fresh off his Gold Medal winning effort with the Australian Crocs at the U16 FIBA Asia Cup in Mongolia. The pair chatted through what the tournament was like and how he thinks United is shaping up ahead of the start of NBL26 before facing off in a classic edition of the MU IQ Test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dean Vickerman breaks down the NBL26 Blitz
After a week away for the NBL Blitz preseason tournament, Adam is back to chat with United Head Coach, Dean Vickerman. The pair broke down their impressions from our two games in Canberra, while Vickerman touched on how he constructed this season's roster, all before getting into some special mailbag questions from the fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finn Dealny talks settling in with Melbourne United
This week, Adam is joined by fellow four-man, Finn Delany, in his first podcast appearance. Having joined the organisation in the offseason, Delany breaks down why United was the right next step for him, his recent season in Japan, and what his first CD was.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Goulding breaks down his offseason
This week, Adam is joined by Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding! The pair of former teammates break down Chris' offseason and his thoughts on the roster build heading into NBL26 before getting into another classic addition of Balls' Fast Five.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Wilson talks his journey to Melbourne United
This week on The Extra Pass, Adam is joined by new Melbourne United recruit, Tom Wilson. The pair talk through Wilson's career to date, including his college basketball journey, brief European experience and five-year stint with the Collingwood Magpies in the AFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dash Daniels previews his debut pro season
The Extra Pass Podcast, presented by Chemist Warehouse, is back for season 3! Hosted once again by Adam Ballinger, the former NCAA Champion sat down with incoming Next Star, Dash Daniels, ahead of the start of the NBL26 season. The pair broke down Daniels' crazy offseason schedule, his desire to win with Melbourne United, and whether or not he would be any more athletic if his name was Jeff.See om
NBL25 Recap
In the final episode of The Extra Pass, Brad and Balls recap the biggest moments of NBL25, breaking down our Finals campaign and how the club is set to move forward heading towards NBL26.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Playoff Mailbag Special
In this special pre-playoff episode, Brad is joined by producer Ben to break down the upcoming series against the Perth Wildcats. We then hear from the playing group as they answer your mailbag questions! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tanner Krebs
After an extended break, Adam and Brad are back! This episode, they are joined by Tanner Krebs to discus the team's road trip, their upcoming playoff series against the Perth Wildcats, as well as Tanner's huge past few months off the court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 10 and 11 Recap
With Brad over in the States coaching, Balls is joined by former co-host Ben Hopkins to break down United's last three games. The pair go through Rob Loe's spectacular recent form and look ahead at the lead up to the return of The Open Air Game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rhys Carter
This episode, Brad and Balls are joined by United assistant coach, Rhys Carter, as the team exits the FIBA break with the league's best record. The trio break down the season so far for Melbourne, Chris Goulding's current run of form, and chat through who the coaches trust most when asking for a challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kyle Bowen
This episode, Brad and Balls are joined by Kyle Bowen following United's pair of Round 8 wins. The trio break down Chris Goulding's 46-point effort and Melbourne's start to the NBL25 season, before figuring out the age-old question of where KB likes to land when playing Fortnite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 5 & 6 Recap
With Melbourne United in the midst of a hectic 6 games in 17 day stretch, Brad and Balls are riding solo for Episode 6 of the season. The duo broke down United's two huge Round 6 wins before matching up against each other in the return of the MU IQ Test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacob Chance
This episode, Brad is joined by a returning Adam Ballinger as the pair break down United's last two weeks with Assistant Coach, Jacob Chance. Fresh of a 27-point win over Adelaide in Chris Goulding's 450th game, the trio talked through their favourite CG moments before getting into the return of Fast Five with Balls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ian Clark
Brad Newley is back in the hosting chair to chat through the first two rounds of the Hungry Jack's NBL25 season with import guard Ian Clark. The pair broke down how the team had gelled together and why he came back to United for a second season before getting to some mailbag questions from our fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack White
In a special 'On The Road' episode of the podcast, Ben returns to the hosting chair to chat with Jack White in Perth ahead of United's Round 1 matchup with the Tasmania JackJumpers. White talks through why he came back to United and his expectations for the upcoming season, all before getting into some questions from the United faithful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marcus Lee
This episode, Brad and Balls are joined by returning Melbourne United star, Marcus Lee. The trio discuss what the offseason has been like before getting into another classic segment of Fast Five, as well as some questions submitted by United's fans over social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dean Vickerman
The Extra Pass podcast returns for a second season! NCAA Champion and NBL All Star Adam Ballinger is joined by new co-host; Australian hoops legend, Brad Newley, as they break down Melbourne United's off season alongside the club's Head Coach, Dean Vickerman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NBL24 Season Wrap
In the final episode of The Extra Pass for NBL24, Adam and Ben touch on the craziness of the Finals, what the offseason has looked like, and what's next for United ahead of NBL25.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayne Peterson
With Ben sidelined, Adam is joined by Tom van de Vusse as the pair preview United's upcoming Playoff series against the Illawarra Hawks alongside the voice of Melbourne, Wayne Peterson. The trio go deep into 'Rattler's' history as a court announcer while breaking down what fans can expect come Thursday night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NBA Draft Analyst Sam Vecenie
As Melbourne United wait to find out who they will face in the Playoffs, Adam and Ben are joined by senior writer at The Athletic and host of the Game Theory podcast, Sam Vecenie. The trio talk through Sam's career, what he thinks about some of United's prospects, and whether or not he would have had Balls on his Big Board if he was magically 22 again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
NBL Awards Recap and Finals Preview with Jack Heverin
With Adam away this week, Ben is joined by NBL commentator Jack Heverin to break down all the action from the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards and preview the excitement of the NBL Finals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 19 Recap with Joel Foxwell
This week Adam and Ben are joined by their youngest ever guest when MU Training Player Joel Foxwell comes through the studio. The trio talk through what NBL24 has been like for 'Foxy' as he balanced Year 12 with United trainings, all while Adam tries to figure out 'what's hot with kids these days'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 18 Recap with Steve McAdam
Fresh off a big Throwdown XXIV victory on Saturday, Adam and Ben are joined by United High Performance Manager, Steve McAdam. The trio talk through what Steve's role is like on a game day, who the best athletes he's ever worked with are, and why he once ate an entire bar of soap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January Recap with Peter Hooley
After a few weeks off to start the year, Adam and Ben are back to break down United's massive January road trip. Looking at the rollercoaster few weeks, there was no better person to join them than former United championship winner Peter Hooley, who went in depth on what the long road stands are like, while sharing stories from his time as a pro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 11 Recap with Brad Newley
With Adam back from his week away, he and Ben are joined by 316-game veteran Brad Newley to discus United's pair of Round 11 wins, as well as his career both locally and abroad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 10 Recap with Trent Hotton
With Adam away for the week, Ben is joined by United Chief Marketing Officer, Tom van de Vusse, as they talk through the importance of culture in sport with MU Leadership and Development Consultant, Trent Hotton. A former AFL player that has since travelled the globe working with some of the world's best sporting organisations, Hotton breaks down why culture is so significant for Melbourne United,
Round 9 Recap with Flynn Cameron
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by young United star Flynn Cameron. Having thrived so far in his rookie season, the trio talk through how he has settled into Melbourne, his friendship with roommates and teammates Kyle Bowen and Malith Machar, as well as his college experience in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Christie
Ahead of United's Member Appreciation Game, MU superfan Tom Christie joined Adam and Ben on the podcast to breakdown where his fandom came from and his thoughts on the season so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 8 Recap with David Barlow
Following a miraculous victory over the Sydney Kings, Adam and Ben are joined by assistant coach David Barlow. The club legend talks through his thoughts of the game and Chris Goulding's brilliance, before taking on Adam in the return of the MU IQ Test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 7 Recap with Jacob Chance
Coming off a big win in Throwdown XXII, Adam and Ben are joined by United assistant coach Jacob Chance. Touching on the strong contributions from all over MU's roster, the trio break down the importance of the victory, before Jacob is put to the test on his knowledge of Melbourne's history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 6 Recap with Rob Loe
Adam and Ben are joined by Nominated Replacement Player Rob Loe this week to break down United's Round 6 nail-biter against the Wildcats before getting into Rob's time in Melbourne, and the much anticipation return of 'Fast Five with Balls'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 5 Recap with Dean Vickerman
On the 20th edition of The Extra Pass, Adam and Ben are joined once again by Head Coach Dean Vickerman. The trio recap United's pair of Round 5 wins before reaching into the mailbag for some fan questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 4 Recap and Al Westover
Adam and Ben talk through another undefeated Round for Melbourne United before welcoming 1993 Melbourne Tigers championship winning assistant coach Al Westover onto the show. The trio talk about that championship season, which United will celebrate on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 3 Recap with Rhys Carter
Adam and Ben are joined by their first every returning guest, Rhys Carter, to recap United's pair of Round 3 victories. The trio discuss how important the Perth win was for Luke Travers and walk through the team's elite defensive performance through the first three quarters of the Brisbane clash, before previewing Round 4.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 2 Recap
This week, Adam and Ben discuss Melbourne United's sold-out Grassroots Game, while looking at how the team can bounce back quickly across their two games in Round 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 1 Recap
This week, Adam returns to the podcast to discuss United's Round 1 performances with Ben. The pair talk through the ups and downs from the team's pair of wins and preview MU's upcoming battle with the Tasmania JackJumpers in The Grassroots Game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Truelson
On the eve of Round 1, Ben is joined by Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson to discuss the team's undefeated run through the NBL Blitz, how the roster came together and who the pair are most excited to see on the court for the MU Celebrity Game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr
This week in a very special NBL Blitz episode of the podcast, Ben is joined by returning United star Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. The pair talk through United's first two games of the Blitz, why JLA made his decision to come back to Melbourne, and whether or not Shea Ili has 'bounce'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matthew Dellavedova
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by returning United star Matthew Dellavedova. Going over his expectations for the coming season, how he feels about MU's lineup for NBL24, and how his upbringing helped define his playing style, it was a great opportunity to hear from the Aussie basketball legend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ian Clark
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by NBA and NBL champion Ian Clark after he touched down in Melbourne. Covering his excitement for the season, shooting contests, and the 'Honky Tonk Highway', they had a blast getting to know United's newest import.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kyle Bowen
This week Adam and Ben are joined by young forward Kyle Bowen. Having returned to Australia following four years at St Mary's in California, the trio talk (extensively) about footy, before getting into why he signed with United, what his first few months have been like, and the 'gritty not pretty' movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Barlow
This week Adam and Ben are joined by newly minted United assistant coach David Barlow. They go over some of 'DB' and Adam's battles on the court in the early 2000's and talk through what being a Boomer means to Barlow ahead of the FIBA World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke Travers
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by 2022 NBA Draft pick and newly minted Melbourne United star Luke Travers. From Summer League to preseason to which AFL players would make up the best basketball team, the trio cover it all as we fast approach the start of NBL24.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nathan Crosswell
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by former Melbourne Tigers Champion and Melbourne United Basketball Academy Head Coach Nathan Crosswell. Across the episode we hear about Nathan's goals for the academy, how Brian Goorjian saved his professional career, and why he got so angry at Balls for not owning any VCRs in 2003.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack White
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by NBA and NBL Championship winning OKC Thunder forward Jack White as he prepares for the FIBA World Cup back in Melbourne. From Denver's Championship celebrations, his time at Duke and how he feels about United's NBL24 lineup, the trio have a grand old time catching up after Jack's 12-months playing in the NBA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information
Rhys Carter
Adam and Ben are joined by Melbourne United Assistant Coach Rhys Carter. A veteran of 21-professional teams, Rhys talks through his career, which saw him team up with Adam twice, as well his status as one of Australia's streetball legends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Goulding
Adam and Ben are joined this week by Melbourne United Captain Chris Goulding. The three discuss Chris' time spent playing in Paris, his fondest memories as Adam's teammate and roommate with the Tigers while touching the age old question of whether or not he could in fact ollie on a skateboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ariel Hukporti
Adam and Ben are joined this week by Melbourne United’s Next Star Ariel Hukporti. Following a season on the sidelines with injury, the Togolese-German seven-footer is ready to return to the lineup. The trio touch on Hukporti’s road to recovery, why athletes from New Zealand are so strong and how many nights a week is it acceptable to eat a full rack of ribs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Jacob Chance
This week, Adam and Ben are joined by incoming Melbourne United Assistant Coach Jacob Chance. Covering his previous battles with United as a coach in Perth and Tasmania, while going deep on whether playing the acoustic guitar at parties is socially acceptable, the trio have a blast getting to know one of United's newest additions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tanner Krebs
Adam and Ben are joined by new Melbourne United recruit Tanner Krebs. Touching on everything from his college career, his move to Melbourne and whether or not he buys CDs, the trio dig deep with one of United's incoming stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 1 - Dean Vickerman
Adam Ballinger and Ben Hopkins are joined by Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman for the inaugural episode of 'The Extra Pass'. The trio touch on Dean's coaching career, as well as United's new-look lineup for NBL24. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
