In today’s episode of Court-Side Moms, we welcome Tanya Powell-May, mother of Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman! She tells us about his early beginnings as an athlete, what eventually led him to play for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, and all of his experiences playing college ball in his home state. She walks us through their COVID-19 NBA Draft experience, how basketball helped shape Xavier as a father and husband, and how proud she is of his progress as a man in overcoming adversity along his journey. We hear about his time with the Grizzlies, what it’s been like watching him play in the NBA, and everything else that comes along with being a Court-Side Mom!

Court-Side Moms

Xavier Tillman's mom, Tanya Powell-May

In today’s episode of Court-Side Moms, we welcome Rochelle Johnson, mother of Team USA Olympian & San Antonio Spurs wing Keldon Johnson! She tells us all about the early days of Keldon’s basketball career, from the first time he picked up a ball, to his time at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, and the stressful recruiting period that brought him to the Kentucky Wildcats. She walks us through Keldon’s decision to leave Kentucky after one year, the emotions she had leading up to the NBA Draft, and why getting taken by the Spurs made for a perfect start to his career. We hear about Keldon’s time at the Olympics with Team USA, how she dealt with him having COVID-19, and everything else that comes with being an NBA mom!

Keldon Johnson's mom, Rochelle Johnson

Our guest today has been described as one of the best basketball players the state of Iowa has ever seen.  Even with an outstanding career as her legacy, Kristi Hayes believes being the mom of NBA star Jaxson Hayes is the true miracle of her life.  At age 22 she survived ovarian cancer and wondered if she would ever be able to have children.  Drafted 8th Overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Kristi describes Jaxson’s journey as a Cinderella story and tells us about the unlikely path he followed to make it to the NBA, from barely making it on his high school B team, through college ball, draft night, and playing with Zion Williamson. Kristi shares with us why she missed his first NBA game, what it’s been like having him play for the New Orleans Pelicans, and what she’s done to set the record straight about who Jaxson has inherited his talent from.

Jaxson Hayes' mom, Kristi Hayes

Our guest today has juggled many roles including the wife of former Utah Senator Al Jackson, mentor to moms everywhere on how to be leaders in their own home, and mother to Detroit Pistons point guard Frank Jackson. Juleen Jackson has many great stories to tell and Wendy digs in to learn more about her life, the journey her family has been on, the impact on their family as Frank made his way to the NBA, and who her son is both on and off the basketball court. From his decision to play college ball at Duke, how they chose an agent and why Frank made the choice to enter the NBA draft only one year later, to draft night and being selected 31st Overall by the Charlotte Hornets and quickly being traded to the Pelicans, Juleen tells us about the role of prayer and God in their family.  We talk about life in New Orleans, overcoming injury, recovering from surgery, watching him make his NBA debut, his fashion sense, and how his faith and upbringing have given him the strength to manage adversity and success.

Frank Jackson's mom, Juleen Jackson

In 2015, Jewell Loyd was drafted 1st Overall by the Seattle Storm of the WNBA and has never looked back. Her numerous awards include two WNBA championships (2018, 2020), Rookie of the Year (2015) and she’s a two-time WNBA All-Star. One of her biggest fans is her mom, Gwendolyn Loyd and Jewell has been known to say she sees the glitter before she sees her mom walk into the room. Today on Court-Side Moms, we are joined by Gwendolyn and her glitter shines throughout the show. Gwendolyn takes us through her daughter’s exceptional career, what it’s been like to watch her thrive and succeed, how she manages the fame and spotlight, the experience of playing overseas, the shock of the death of Jewell’s mentor, Kobe Bryant, and how his nickname for her, “The Gold Mamba” still inspires her. Jewell is a woman of many talents, and her mom talks about the impact of having dyslexia has had on Jewell, how she’s overcome, her shot at acting, and if there is a future for her in Hollywood. Join us to hear what it’s been like to be the Court-Side Mom of a WNBA superstar! 

Jewell Loyd's mom, Gwendolyn Lyod

From age 10, Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun excelled at the game of basketball. Today her mom, Sharon Thomas, joins us to share her daughter’s story.   We talk about the experience of college recruitment, playing for the Duke Blue Devils, and being drafted 12the overall in 2011 by the Seattle Storm. Prior to her rookie year, she was traded to Washington, playing for the Mystics, the Atlanta Dream, and Connecticut where she’s been since 2015.  We hear about the basketball journey that has taken her daughter around the world, from Russia to Israel and many other countries in between.  We talk about the impact of the pandemic on Jasmine’s career, how she’s gotten through it and continues to cope with the changing world including creating her own lifestyle blog. Sharon tells us about her own battle with breast cancer and what it’s been like to watch Jasmine use her platform to raise awareness of the disease.  She shares some fun facts about Jasmine and so much more.   As well, tune in to the Tidal League Podcast wherever you listen to hear our episode with Jasmine herself.

Jasmine Thomas' mom, Sharon Thomas

Our guest today, Lolita Ariza, mother of NBA veteran, Trevor Ariza, joins the show to talk about her son’s journey through the NBA.  She tells us about the first time Trevor picked up a basketball, why he chose UCLA during his college recruitment and takes us through a number of his stops around the NBA. She tells us why he doesn’t get enough credit for his play during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2008-09 Championship run.  We talk about how she prioritized her and her son’s careers, and why she’s always pursuing new opportunities like writing a book and opening a restaurant. We go through the Court-Side Moms fun facts and she tells us all about being a Court-Side Mom.

Trevor Ariza's mom, Lolita Ariza

We The North! Raptor fans tap in with Freddie Gillespie's mom, Alberder Gillespie on Locker Room App!

Q&A with Freddie Gillespie's mom, Alberder Gillespie on Locker Room App

It’s been said that Toronto Raptor Freddie Gillespie did the impossible going from Division III basketball to the NBA. His mom, Alberder Gillespie, says it’s all about faith, and today she joins Court-Side Moms to tell us about his incredible journey, her belief in her son, and his future in the NBA.   Freddie began as a football player, falling in love with basketball in junior high.  Starting out in Division III ball at Carleton, his determination and talent led him to Baylor College and Alberder tells us how he achieved success, the disappointments along the way, including not hearing his name called as he went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, the impact of the pandemic on his career and his life and how he went from playing for the Memphis Hustle in the G League to a contract with the Toronto Raptors in 2021. We talk about lessons learned when choosing an agent, how she’s shared her experiences with other parents, why she’s thrilled his NBA experience is beginning with the Raptors, and what she’d like Raptor fans to know about her and Freddie.  We hear about Alberder’s involvement in politics, and how the murder of George Floyd was the catalyst that pushed her to up her game in her fight against racism.

Freddie Gillespie's mom, Alberder Gillespie

Our guest today, Lynnita Bazley, mother of Darius Bazley, forward with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joins the show to talk about her son’s unorthodox journey to the NBA, including a decision to pursue the NBA G League instead of college, and an internship with one of the most iconic shoe brands, New Balance.  She talks about the first time Darius picked up a basketball and how that turned into a realization that he could one day turn professional. She takes us through Darius’ abnormal career path, including the process of committing and de-committing to colleges, his intentions to play in the NBA G League instead, and an internship with New Balance.  We talk about ‘Swish’, the book she wrote about raising Darius, her experience at the NBA Draft Night, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder organization, and what life is like for her as a Court-Side Mom!

Darius Bazley's mom, Lynnita Bazley

Pregnant at 19, our guest today, Tyneeha Rivers, mother of Mikal Bridges, starting guard with the Phoenix Suns, talks about what it was like to face motherhood at such a young age, how her determination to be a success changed her life and what she’s done to ensure her son had what it took to also be successful, overcoming the negativity and the challenges to rise to the top in the world of elite athletes.   As a Chief Human Resources officer for over 20 years, her focus now is player recruitment and Tyneeha describes herself as a “culture builder” creating an environment where employees thrive and can be their best authentic selves.  She talks about how her skillset helped her and Mikal decide on a college career with the Villanova Wildcats, where he won two national championships, before declaring and being chosen 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the 76ers, their home team, and the emotional rollercoaster when he was traded to the Suns that same night. We talk about when Mikal redshirted in college through to the excitement and drama of draft night and now seeing him play in the NBA, guarding players like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James.  Wendy and Tyneeha talk about their sisterhood of NBA moms, the support they give to one another, and what it’s like to be a Court-Side Mom.

Mikal Bridges' mom, Tyneeha Rivers

Today we are joined by Cecelia Powers, mom of WNBA star Aerial Powers of the Minnesota Lynx. From age 3, Aerial had a passion for basketball and success has followed her throughout her career. She led her high school, Detroit Country Day, to four consecutive regional championships, had an outstanding college career playing for the Spartans at Michigan State University, and was chosen by the Dallas Wings as the fifth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft.  Throughout it all, Cecelia talks about the injuries, the highlights, and challenges, how her daughter remains strong both physically and mentally.  She shares with us the excitement of draft night when Aerial’s dream came true and she began her professional career, receiving her jersey from the Wings, her deal with Nike, the trade to Washington, and the road to the WNBA Championship in 2019. We talk about playing overseas in the off-season, and as an unrestricted free agent, why she chose to sign with the Minnesota Lynx.   Cecelia talks about her daughter’s love of gaming and her involvement in e-sports, signing with Team Liquid, becoming their Streamer and Diversity Ambassador, and her goal to empower women as streamers within this platform. 

Aerial Powers' mom, Cecilia Powers

When our guest today’s son, Orlando Magic shooting guard Gary Harris, was 9 years old he had a sign in his bedroom that said “What did you do to make it to the NBA today?”. Former WNBA player Joy Harris joins our podcast and tells us how this inspiration led Gary on his journey to the NBA and we talk about her own basketball career and what it’s been like having her son follow in her footsteps.   Athletics are in his genes and Gary excelled in both football and basketball. Joy shares with us how the decision was made to focus on basketball, his high school years, college recruitment, playing for Michigan State and Spartan Nation, being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and at 19-years-old, declaring after only two years in college. Joy tells us about NBA draft night where Gary was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls and then traded to the Denver Nuggets, as well as the challenges he faced in his rookie season.  We talk about the difference between her career and her son’s and the lessons she’s learned and shared with Gary.

Gary Harris' mom, Joy Harris

Today we are joined by Stephanie Dinwiddie, mom of Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets point guard. At 18 months old, Spencer’s favorite toy was a Barney basketball net that chimed each time the ball went in. The chimes have never stopped ringing for Spencer and Stephanie shares stories of his journey. After a great high school career at William Howard Taft High School, he chose to play college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes which Stephanie describes as one of the most joyful and fun times despite a career-threatening injury that cut his junior year short. His determination and work ethic were instrumental in his recovery and only a few months later he declared for the 2014 NBA Draft. Chosen as a 2nd round pick by the Detroit Pistons, Stephanie tells us about draft night, the same night that host Wendy’s son Khem Birch went undrafted and the two moms talk about what a different experience it was for each of them and their sons. After being traded to the Bulls, Spencer experienced many ups and downs in his career and we talk about how he got through the tough times and came out the other end signing with the Nets in 2016, a career-changing move. Off the court, he has a passion for interactions with his fans through social media, and when Nike didn’t want him to rep their sneakers he developed his own brand, K8IROS, learning every aspect of shoe design. In his mom’s words, he is a visionary, a leader, and an inspiration.

Spencer Dinwiddie's mom, Stephanie Dinwiddie

We the North! Raptor fans tap in with Kyle Lowry's mom, Marie Hollaway on Locker Room App!

Q&A with Kyle Lowry's mom, Marie Hollaway on Locker Room App

Bright lights, centre court, multimillion dollar contracts and adoring fans. That’s what most of us imagine when we think of the world of professional athletes. But what is the story behind the images? What does the road to stardom look like? What does it take to get there? Who better to answer these questions and many more, than the moms who were there every step of the way.“Court-Side Moms” is the first of its kind to focus solely on the experiences of professional basketball player’s mothers, giving us a new perspective on the lives of some of our favorite athletes. We explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences of those moms who have watched their children join the elite world of pro sports. The joys, the challenges, the heart aches, the big and small moments that transformed their lives and those of their children. No one understands this better than Wendy Sparks, the mother of Orlando Magic Center, Khem Birch and the host of Courtside Moms. Wendy will sit down with other basketball moms to hear their stories, creating the first platform for moms to kick back and chat about their kids, and to discuss the reality of raising high performance athletes.

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Court-Side Moms

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