Shows / Hello and Welcome

Hello and Welcome
Will Lou, Alex Wong, and producer Jerome Cheng have you covered on all things Raptors, in addition to the NBA and other culturally relevant topics. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
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Episodes
Hello and WelcomeReaction: Collin Murray-Boyles debut, Ulrich Chomche's growth, and Adam Silver crashes the show???
Will and Alex come live from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to recap the Toronto Raptors' 89-86 win over the Orlando Magic. They discuss Collin Murray-Boyles'…
Hello and WelcomeHW x RR roundtable: Which Raptors prospect do you believe in most? Who is the best defender?
Hello and Welcome is joined by Raptors Republic at Summer League all our early thoughts on the Raptors here in Las Vegas! Will Lou and Alex Wong are joined on…
Hello and WelcomeReaction: Raptors bully Bulls into 34 turnovers in dominant opening win at Summer League
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live from 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League after the Toronto Raptors' 116-72 win over the Chicago Bulls. They discuss the…
Hello and WelcomeWhat to watch for from each Raptors rookie and sophomore in Summer League
Will Lou talks to Libaan Osman of the Toronto Star about what to watch for from the Toronto Raptors in Las Vegas Summer League. They cover Collin Murray-Boyes…
Hello and WelcomeMasai Ujiri's incredible farewell and do you feel good about the Raptors after the draft and free agency?
Will and Alex recap the Raptors’ quiet offseason and debate whether the team is actually better than it was a year ago. Will debuts a new segment called “Will…
Hello and Welcome"A super high IQ player": Collin Murray-Boyles' brother gives scouting report on Raptors 9th pick
Will Lou speaks with James Murray-Boyles, the older brother of Collin Murray-Boyles to get to know the Toronto Raptors' newest 9th overall pick. James shares…
Hello and WelcomeOne (fake) trade the Raptors should make this summer, and who improved the most this offseason
Will Lou and Alex Wong are joined by Joe Wolfond to propose one trade the Toronto Raptors should make this summer. Then, they try to make sense of the…
Hello and WelcomeRaptors extend Jakob Poeltl for 4/$104M and sign Sandro Mamukelashvili
Will Lou goes solo to discuss the Toronto Raptors signing Georgian forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili to a 2-year, $5.5M contract to likely complete their…
Hello and WelcomeNBA Free Agency begins! Will the Toronto Raptors make any significant changes?
Will and Alex pick up the pieces from Masai Ujiri’s departure and break down a quiet start to free agency for the Raptors. They explore how front office…
Hello and WelcomeWhy did MLSE push out Masai Ujiri? What's next for the Raptors and a heartfelt thank you to Masai
Will Lou recaps the wild day that was the Toronto Raptors firing President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri. He discusses the opaque and uninspiring press…
Hello and WelcomeBREAKING: Masai Ujiri out as Raptors president, what's next for Toronto?
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live on an emergency podcast basis to react to the news of MLSE parting ways with Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri. They discuss…
Hello and WelcomeFilm room: Why the Raptors see something special in No. 9 pick Collin Murray-Boyes
Will's note: Apologies for the lagging issues. Not sure why it happened but will try to fix it for next time. Hope this is still watchable/listenable. Will Lou…
Hello and WelcomeNBA Draft watch party: Raptors skip Queen and Maluach to select Collin Murray-Boyles
LIVE REACTION TO COLLIN MURRAY-BOYLES SELECTION AT NO. 9 (57:36) Will Lou and Alex Wong go live from the Hello and Welcome watch party at NBA Courtside…
Hello and WelcomeThe June Banter Pod
Will, Alex, and Jerome take you behind the scenes of their Holt Renfrew live event with Raptors GM Bobby Webster and running into Kyle Lowry (2:00). Alex…
Hello and WelcomeNBA Finals Game 7 reaction + Kevin Durant traded to Houston + Should Haliburton have played?
Will Lou and Alex Wong react to the Oklahoma City Thunder winning Game 7 over the Indiana Pacers for their first ever championship. They give praise to OKC and…
Hello and WelcomePacers stun Thunder to force Game 7 + Raptors workout Hansen Yang and Egor Demin
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the conclusion of Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers (0:00). Then, they discuss…
Hello and WelcomeRaptors GM Bobby Webster talks 2025 Draft, full Kawhi Leonard trade details, and life in Toronto
Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster sits down with Alex Wong and Will Lou at Holt Renfrew Bloor in downtown Toronto. They discuss a wide range of…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Jalen Williams masterclass puts OKC one win away + Raptors trade rumors
Will, Alex, and Jerome break down Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams’ breakout performance, and what defines a truly memorable champion. They also dive…
Hello and WelcomeNBA Mock Draft roundup: Who should the Raptors draft at #9?
Will Lou is joined by Libaan Osman of The Canadian Basketball Show to review what various mock drafts have picked for the Toronto Raptors at #9. They discuss…
Hello and WelcomeReaction: Pacers storm back to stun OKC in brilliant Game 3 + Is Giannis Watch over?
Will, Alex, and Jerome recap Indiana’s Game 3 win over the Thunder, rate Reggie Miller’s courtside fit, put an end to Giannis Watch (?), debate who will end up…
Hello and WelcomeShai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC to Game 2 win + Raptors reportedly want Kevin Durant?
Will is joined by theScore’s Joe Wolfond to break down OKC’s Game 2 win and what it means for the series. Later, Will, Alex, and Jerome dive into the Kevin…
Hello and WelcomeReact pod: Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers pull off another miraculous comeback in Game 1
Will and Alex recap Indiana’s Game 1 comeback win against OKC in the Finals, discuss Tom Thibodeau’s firing, get to know the Pacers better, and answer listener…
Hello and WelcomeChampionship React Pod: Raptors reverse sweep Bucks behind legendary 26-3 run in Game 6
Will, Alex, and Jerome break down Toronto’s Game 6 win over the Bucks, relive the unforgettable 26–3 run, and share personal memories from one of the most…
Hello and WelcomeRaptors and Giannis reported have mutual interest? Pascal wins ECF MVP + NBA Finals preview
Will and Alex break down reports of mutual interest between Giannis and the Raptors, and examine Masai Ujiri’s ambition to reel in a “big fish” this summer…
Hello and WelcomeThe inside story of how Jontay Porter threw Toronto Raptors games
Will Lou speaks with Anthony Milton, author of this month's Toronto Life feature story on former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter and how he ended up…
Hello and WelcomePascal Siakam finally getting his due, should fouling up 3 be banned, craziest offseason coming?
Will and Alex break down Indiana’s Game 4 win and what’s missing from the Knicks’ starting lineup, before diving into Pascal Siakam’s Hall of Fame case, the…
Hello and WelcomeReact: OKC wins instant classic in Game 4, Is Shai over-HATED? Raptors shopping RJ Barrett?
Will and Alex break down OKC’s nail-biting Game 4 win over Minnesota and debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most over-hated star in the league. They…
Hello and WelcomeKnicks-Pacers delivers all-time classic, Shai rightfully named MVP, and is NBA parity good?
Will and Alex are joined by Vivek Jacob for a Friday Six-Pack, diving into: Indiana’s stunning Game 1 comeback, whether John Haliburton should be allowed back…
Hello and WelcomeAre the Raptors legitimately in the chase for Giannis, and what's a realistic trade package?
It’s the All-Giannis Episode! Will and Alex dive deep into the idea of a Giannis-to-Toronto trade, exploring it from every angle: Masai Ujiri’s long-standing…
Hello and WelcomeConference Finals predictions, Nuggets flame out in 7, and a Blame Pie for the Leafs???
Will and Alex dish out blame pies for the Nuggets’ and Celtics’ season-ending losses, breaking down OKC’s Game 7 performance, whether the Nuggets are heading…
Hello and WelcomeATL calling for Masai Ujiri, Blame Pies for Cavs and Warriors eliminations, assorted banter
Will, Alex, and Jerome break down OKC’s impressive Game 5 win, debate whether the Celtics can survive the Knicks without Jayson Tatum, and serve up blame pies…
Hello and WelcomeWhat do Raptors fans want to do with the 9th pick? Here are the top 10 names to watch.
Will Lou shares the results of a poll of who Toronto Raptors fans want at the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. He then discusses broadly the 10 names…
Hello and WelcomeReaction: Raptors drop to 9th in lottery, Mavs win Cooper Flagg, Giannis Sweepstakes begin
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the result of the 2025 NBA draft, where the Toronto Raptors slid to the ninth pick. They go through the live emotions of…
Hello and WelcomeBigger collapse: Celtics or Cavaliers, biggest playoff risers and droppers, 100 men vs. 1 gorilla
Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro for a playoff six-pack, debating which team — the Cavs or Celtics — is in more trouble, whether Golden…
Hello and WelcomeIs OKC in trouble, Warriors shock Wolves without Steph Curry, and the Pat Spencer All-Stars
Will and Alex debate which second-round team concerns them most, then break down the Wolves’ puzzling Game 1 performance, the impact of Steph Curry’s injury…
Hello and WelcomeWho's to blame for Clippers, Steph owns Houston AGAIN, and respect to Gregg Popovich
Will, Alex, and Jerome hand out blame pies after the Clippers and Rockets crash out in Game 7, breaking down James Harden’s latest playoff no-show, whether…
Hello and WelcomeChris Boucher on future with Raptors, growing up in Montreal, and NBA Social Justice Award nomination
Will Lou catches up with Chris Boucher to discuss his involvement with the Make-A-Wish foundation, being a finalist for the 2025 NBA Social Justice Champion…
Hello and WelcomeWho is most to blame for the Lakers and Bucks eliminations? It's time for more Blame Pie
Will and Alex dish out blame pies for the Lakers and Bucks, and dive into: JJ Redick’s first playoff series as a head coach, LeBron entering the final stage of…
Hello and WelcomeRaptors report cards: What grade would you give Scottie, RJ, and IQ?
Will Lou is joined by Raptors Republic's Samson Folk to give some grades to the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors. Grades were assessed in three categories in offense…
Hello and Welcome10 playoff takeaways: What would you give up for Giannis? Is Ant the best player in LAL/MIN
Will and Alex recap a thrilling second weekend of the playoffs, breaking down the future of the Milwaukee Bucks, what a potential Raptors trade package could…
Hello and WelcomeNBA playoff takeaways: Are we rooting for the Clippers? Will the Grizzlies blow it up?
Will and Alex break down the Clippers’ dominant Game 3 win over the Nuggets, the Grizzlies’ collapse after leading by 29 at home, and how Jimmy Butler’s injury…
Hello and WelcomeDrafting the 15 Funniest and Most Memorable Raptors Moments of the 2024-25 Season
Will, Alex and Jerome are joined by Mr. Raptor Moments to draft their favorite moments from the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors season as they reminisce about: Ja’Kobe…
Hello and Welcome10 things from wild first weekend of 2025 NBA playoffs + Should Raptors buy-low on these stars?
Will, Alex, and Jerome recap the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs (1:00), diving into Pascal Siakam’s role in Indiana, Kyle Kuzma’s unforgettable box score…
Hello and WelcomeFirst Round Playoff Predictions + Most intriguing player in each series
Will, Alex, and Jerome make their first round picks and discuss most intriguing players and storylines heading into the postseason including: James Harden’s…
Hello and WelcomeMasai Ujiri and Darko Rajakovic praise Raptors' progress this year, and lay out plans for future
Will and Alex recap Masai Ujiri and Darko Rajakovic’s end of season pressers and discuss: whether the Brandon Ingram trade impacted the team’s rebuilding…
Hello and WelcomeTakeaways from Raptors Exit Interviews: Scottie Barnes sets playoff expectations for 2025-26
Will and Alex recap today’s end-of-season interviews from Raptors players and discuss: Scottie’s comments on playoff expectations for next season, Brandon…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Scottie Barnes goes for 35-11-8 in finale + H/W fan appreciation episode
Will Lou, Alex Wong, and Jerome Cheng discuss the Toronto Raptors' 125-118 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 82. They discuss Scottie Barnes' dominant…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Raptors ready to say "1-2-3 Cancun!" in Dallas, so this episode become a banter pod
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live during the Toronto Raptors' 124-102 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. They discuss the continued benching of Chris Boucher, Bobby…
Hello and WelcomeNBA Letterboxd Ratings: OKC, Lakers, Cavs enjoy 5 star seasons, while Mavericks come in at 0
Will and Alex provide Letterboxd ratings to all 30 NBA teams and discuss: Luka’s return to Dallas, potential trade destinations for Kevin Durant, Pat Riley’s…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Jonathan Mogbo records triple-double as Raptors thank fans in last home game
Will Lou shares what he saw from the Toronto Raptors' 126-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He discusses the triple-double performance of Jonathan Mogbo, the…
Hello and Welcome6 Takeaways from the 2024-25 Raptors Season
Will and Alex discuss big picture takeaways from the 2024-25 season including: the Raptors failing at tanking, another year of not seeing the…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead lead the way, NCAA tournament takeaways
Will Lou goes live after the Toronto Raptors' 120-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets. They discuss the standout efforts of Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead, and then…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Ja'Kobe Walter continues to break out, while Raptors hint at Brandon Ingram return
Will Lou and Jerome Cheng goes live after the Toronto Raptors' 117-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons. They discuss the continued promise of Ja'Kobe Walter and…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Raptors lose to Blazers, and Darko says Scottie Barnes playing with injured hand
Will Lou breaks down the Toronto Raptors 112-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers game. He discusses the Raptors' lose-lose decision to play Scottie Barnes…
Hello and Welcome5 prospects who fit the Toronto Raptors from the 2025 NBA draft
Will Lou takes a look at 5 NCAA prospects (+bonuses!) that he thinks will be great fits for the Toronto Raptors in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft. Is Maluach or…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Raptors officially eliminated and how concerned are you about Scottie Barnes?
Will Lou and Jerome Cheng react to the Toronto Raptors' 137-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Will discusses the continued struggles of Scottie Barnes on offense…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: RJ Barrett drops 31, all 4 rookies shine, as Raptors sweep shameless Sixers
Will Lou and Alex Wong hang out after the Toronto Raptors' 127-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. They discuss RJ Barrett's excellent outing, the success of…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Why the Raptors keep winning, and appreciation for Jakob Poeltl and Jamal Shead
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the Toronto Raptors 108-97 win over the Charlotte Hornets. They discuss the importance of Jakob Poeltl, the emergence of…
Hello and WelcomeReact Pod: Raptors rookies show great development in first 30-point win of the season
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live after the Toronto Raptors' 116-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Will discusses the development success stories for Raptors rookies…
Hello and WelcomeRaptors Mailbag! Draft Prospects, Optimism for Next Season, Biggest What-Ifs
Will, Alex, and Vivek Jacob answer listener questions on the Raptors’ future, including optimism for the 2025-26 season, potential roster additions, and key…