Basketball Manitoba Podcast

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Terry Garrow.He is one of the standout players in Manitoba Bisons history. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, he came to Manitoba and quickly made an impact, helping lead the Bisons to back-to-back GPAC championships and a CIAU national bronze medal.He was a three-time GPAC All-Star and earned CIS All-Canadian honours in 1988, averaging nearly 23 points per game in his final season. He was also a three-time Wesmen Classic All-Star and tournament MVP in 1987, establishing himself as one of the top guards in the country at that time.Following his university career, Terry went on to play professionally with the Winnipeg Thunder and continued to compete at a high level with senior men’s teams, many of which had strong Indigenous representation.Terry is also passionate about honouring his family’s legacy in the game, particularly by advocating for the recognition of his father, Alex Garrow, as the first Indigenous basketball player inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame. He continues to work with leaders in the basketball community to help share that story and ensure his father’s impact on the game is properly recognized.Terry’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, and he continues to represent Canada on the international stage in masters competition, including at the FIMBA World Championships.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Jon Giesbrecht, a coach who’s built a career around player development, the mental game, and helping athletes play free.He started coaching at 15 when he stepped in to coach his younger brother’s team, and he hasn’t stopped since then. He’s coached many of those same players to a JV provincial championship and an undefeated Grade 12 season at John Taylor Collegiate, where he was the co-coach of the program, with many players going on to play university basketball.He has coached at the provincial team level, winning a gold medal as an assistant with the U17 boys team. He’s also worked with Canada Basketball as a video coordinator for the Canadian Junior Men’s National Team. He’s coached at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, including two seasons as a full-time assistant coach with the University of Regina women’s program. He moved on from the college level and went on to coach prep in Italy as the director of mental performance.The last two seasons, he was with the Vancouver Bandits as Director of Mental Skills & Performance. He also runs a private practice called “Play Free”, where he teaches athletes how to handle pressure, regulate emotions, and perform when it matters.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Kerri Kuzbyt.Kerri is the Head of Player Development for the Scottish Basketball Federation and a Clinician for the Transforming Basketball program, which focuses on coach education in modern approaches to basketball.She is known globally for her evidence-based approach to skill acquisition and her work in reshaping female basketball culture through long-term development and effective learning environments.A former number one-ranked female player in Manitoba out of Sisler High School, Kerri played five seasons with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. She earned Female Rookie of the Year honours, served as a three-year co-captain, won a Canada West regular-season title, and graduated as an Academic All-Canadian with degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology through the Department of Education Kerri also played professionally in Australia, Spain, and Germany, winning a league title in the 2nd Bundesliga, before transitioning into player development. She has since led female development at Atlas Basketball and Unbounded Athletes, and continues to give back through Provincial Team, club, and grassroots programs.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Megan Noonan.She is a graduate of Fort Richmond Collegiate and played four summers with the Manitoba Provincial Team. She was ranked in the Top 10 and was named an All-Manitoban in her grade 12 year.She went on to have a five-year career with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, where she was a three-time co-captain and a two-time Canada West All-Star, winning a Bronze Medal at the Canada West Final Four. She still ranks among the all-time leaders in three-pointers made in Canada West history. She returned to Fort Richmond as head coach of the varsity girls' team, leading them to a divisional championship and earning MHSAA Coach of the Year honours in 2020.She has coached at multiple levels, including head coach of the 17U Female Provincial Team in 2018, TAP South program, U15 Evolve Girls Program and the Mini Ballers grassroots program.She is currently an assistant coach with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, mentor coach for the 15U girls provincial team and serves as the Director of Operations for the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

Today, on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Kelli Sinnock.She is a Graduate of Fort Richmond Collegiate and has been coaching basketball for over 20 years. Coaching Basketball camps, community, club, Junior high, high school, and provincial team levels. She’s been the Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach at Sanford Collegiate since 2008 and is deeply involved in developing grassroots basketball in rural Manitoba. Throughout her coaching career, Kelli has been involved with a wide range of programs, such as the Jr. Bisons, junior high teams, Legion Athletic Camps, and the Manitoba Provincial Team.She founded the Mini and Junior Sabres Programs, as well as playing a key role in the creation of the TAP South. She was named the Basketball Manitoba AAA Coach of the Year and Grey Cup Legacy Female High School Coach of the Year for 2024.Currently serving as an assistant coach with the Manitoba Provincial Team 17U Female program, preparing to represent the province at the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we are pleased to present our second Special Edition Episode, a curated collection of invaluable advice, insights, and philosophies from some of the most respected basketball minds in Manitoba’s history.Over the years, we've had the privilege of sitting down with dozens of coaches who have helped shape the landscape of basketball in our province. In this episode, we revisit some of the most impactful moments from past interviews — all focused on one common theme: coaching excellence.Whether you're a seasoned veteran on the sidelines, a new coach just starting your journey, or simply a fan of the game, this episode offers a wide range of perspectives on what it takes to succeed as a leader in basketball. You'll hear about:Building a strong team cultureMotivating young athletesOvercoming adversityLong-term player developmentThe evolution of coaching philosophies over timeAnd the importance of mentorship and continuous learningThese segments are pulled from interviews with many of Manitoba's most successful and influential coaches — individuals who have not only found success on the scoreboard but have also made a lasting impact on the lives of their players and communities.Tune in, take notes, and be inspired. This is a celebration of the coaches who continue to elevate the game in Manitoba and beyond.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Joel Themmen. He has been a staple in the Basketball Community for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Kildonan East Collegiate and then went on to play basketball at the University of Manitoba for 3 years. He coached high school for 11 years at Kildonan East, Sisler, Miles Mac and Fort Richmond. He coached the Manitoba Provincial Team as an assistant coach 6 times and a head coach once.He’s been an assistant coach with the University of Manitoba Bisons Men’s and Women’s teams for 6 seasons and was an assistant at Red River College for 6 years. He was on the coaching staff with the Winnipeg Cyclone for 1 year. Currently, he is an Assistant Coach with Scott Martin at Canadian Mennonite University, a role he’s held for 6 years. He was also a Basketball Manitoba board member for 2 years.

Today, on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Earl Roberts. He played high school basketball at Humberside Collegiate and Runnymede Collegiate in Toronto. He then went on to play at Brandon University. There, he was a 5-year starter and helped Brandon go to the National Tournament 3 times, securing two bronze medals and a silver in 1984He is a two-time GPAC All-Star and is a Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame member. He’s a Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame member, Class of 2005 Beyond his playing days, he has dedicated over 30 years to officiating basketball at various levels, including local, provincial, and U SPORTS national competitions, 3 times, and has been an official of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.Most recently, he has been a member of the Pathway to Excellence committee, whose mission is to develop up-and-coming officials to become U SPORTS and International officials.

Today, on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Sara Gillis. Sara has been a cornerstone of basketball in Manitoba for over 40 years, contributing as a player, coach, official, and advocate for the game. Her basketball journey began in Brandon, where she played for Earl Oxford Junior High and Crocus Plains High School. She also played for the Manitoba Provincial Team for three years and earned a silver medal at the 1985 Canada Games. She then went on to play at Brandon University with the Bobcats for five seasons. During her time there, she was named Brandon University’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1984-85. After playing, she transitioned to coaching at first at Garden Valley in Winkler and then going on to and build a powerhouse program at R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson, leading the Varsity Girls to four consecutive AAA provincial finals, including back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2016. Her impact in northern Manitoba extended beyond the court as she organized clinics, camps, and leagues to grow the game at the grassroots level. She has also served as an assistant coach for Manitoba's under-17 female team, worked with Basketball Manitoba’s Targeted Athlete Program, and continues to advocate for rural basketball initiatives and increasing women in coaching through her role as the President of Basketball Manitoba. She has received the Mike Spack Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame.

In this special episode, we’ve compiled the best advice shared by basketball players from all our past episodes. Hear from athletes of all levels—local stars, college players, and pros—as they share the wisdom, tips, and lessons they’ve learned on and off the court. Whether you're an aspiring player, a seasoned athlete, or a basketball enthusiast, this collection of insights is sure to inspire and motivate you to elevate your game. What you'll hear: Strategies for improving your skills The importance of teamwork and leadership Overcoming challenges and setbacks Balancing basketball with life Don't miss this ultimate highlight reel of advice for basketball players. Subscribe for more episodes and stay connected to Manitoba’s basketball community.

Today on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Robyn Boulanger. She was the 15U Female Manitoba Provincial Team Head Coach this past summer at Nationals in St John’s, Newfoundland. She played basketball in high school at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate with the Anishinabe Pride Basketball Club, which her family started. She then played for the Centre for Permanence, Manitoba Provincial Team and represented her province at the North American Indigenous Games. After high school, she continued her basketball career at the University of Winnipeg with the Wesmen team. She was part of their 2021/2022 playoff run, where they won Silver Medals in both Canada West and U-Sports Nationals. Now, she uses her experience as an assistant coach for the Wesmen to help young players improve. She started Zaagi'idiwin Sport Performance, which helps athletes get better on and off the court by combining Indigenous knowledge with sports and movement.

Today, on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Lenin Mangaron. He graduated from Oak Park High School, where he was named an All-Manitoban and played for the Manitoba Provincial Team for four years. He then went on to play at the University of Manitoba, where he was named a GPAC Conference All-Star. He later transferred to the Brandon Bobcats basketball program for one year. The teams that he participated in were some of the first to break into the NABA and FBA national scene out of Winnipeg. After college, he played semi-professional basketball in the Philippines. After playing, he transitioned to coaching, a role he’s been doing for over 23 years. He started with JV basketball at Elmwood and has coached at various levels, from junior High to Club basketball. He’s been a leading figure in the program at Sargent Park School, where they have won many Provincial Championships over the years. There, he was awarded Co-Coach of the Year by Basketball Manitoba. He’s coached at the Manitoba Provincial Team level as an assistant coach and as a head coach, and he is currently the 15U male head coach for 2024.

Today, on the Basketball Manitoba Podcast, we have Ashley Hoitink. She joins us fresh from her appointment as the head coach of the 17U Female Provincial Team and is gearing up for the upcoming Canada Games in 2025. A native of Ste. Anne, Manitoba, she has been coaching for 12 years at the Team Manitoba, high school, club, WMBA, and Steve Nash Youth Basketball levels. She is currently an assistant coach under Michele Sung at the University of Manitoba and the head coach of the Varsity Girls' team at Pembina Trails Collegiate. She also served as the varsity boys' coach at Morden Collegiate for seven years. She played High school at St. Anne Collegiate and played for two years at Red River College. She’s been a receipt of the… Jim Bulloch Coaches Award for contributions to basketball coaching 2019 MHSAA Female Coach of the Year among all sports 2023 Canada Basketball Mike MacKay Transformational Coach Award