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 Welcome
React Pod: Gradey Dick scores career-high 25 but Raptors lose to Timberwolves
Will Lou and Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 112-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and discuss Gradey Dick’s shotmaking, the team’s lack of three-point…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors rookies Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle break out in first win of the year
Will recaps Toronto’s 115-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' bounce back game, breakout performances from Jonathan Mogbo and…
- Hello and Welcome
The October Banter Pod
Will, Alex, and Jerome get together for this month’s banter pod. They open with a recap of their team bonding trip during Raptors training camp in Montreal…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors shellshocked in 30-point loss while Scottie Barnes struggles
Will recaps Toronto’s 136-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their home opener. He discusses: Scottie Barnes' struggles, Darko Rajakovic's struggling…
- Hello and Welcome
NBA Award Predictions w/ James Herbert
Will and Alex are joined by James Herbert of CBS Sports to discuss Jayson Tatum’s case for MVP, Reed Sheppard as a Rookie of the Year contender, how many…
- Hello and Welcome
Eight Takeaways From Raptors Preseason
Will shares his main takeaways from preseason with Alex including: the team’s defensive emphasis, encouraging signs from Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji, Jamal…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors wrap preseason with composed team win in Brooklyn
Will and guest Samson Folk recap Toronto’s 116-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets in their final game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' physical…
- Hello and Welcome
The “Most Important Guy” Draft w/ Joseph Casciaro
Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to draft the most important guys for the 2024-25 NBA season. They chat about Karl-Anthony Towns and OG…
- Hello and Welcome
The Western Conference Over/Unders Episode
Will and Alex review the over/under win total for every team in the Western Conference and discuss: whether the Thunder are going to be the best team in the…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick dominate in exciting preseason win over Celtics
Will recaps Toronto’s 119-118 win over the Boston Celtics in their fourth game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes dominance, Gradey Dick's exploding…
- Hello and Welcome
The Eastern Conference Over/Unders Episode
Will and Alex review the over/under win totals for every team in the Eastern Conference and discuss: whether they believe in the Knicks as a contender, if the…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick wake up in third quarter despite horrible start
Will recaps Toronto’s 115-111 loss to the Boston Celtics in their third game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' quiet night, Gradey Dick's defensive…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Scottie Barnes shakes off rust in preseason debut
Will recaps Toronto’s 113-92 loss over the Washington Wizards in their second game of pre-season and discusses: Scottie Barnes' debut, Jamal Shead and Davion…
- Hello and Welcome
Building the Raptors' rotation: Will Gradey Dick be the 5th starter?
Will goes solo and creates the Raptors' rotation. He makes the case for why Gradey Dick is favored to start, while also considering Ochai Agbaji's fit. Then…
- Hello and Welcome
Remembering the Vince Carter Era w/ Vivek Jacob
Ahead of Vince Carter’s Hall of Fame induction this weekend, Will and Alex are joined by Vivek Jacob to walk through his career in Toronto as they discuss: his…
- Hello and Welcome
10 Key Raptors Stats w/ Keerthika Uthayakumar
Will and Alex are joined by Keerthika Uthayakumar as she shares 10 fun Raptors fun stats including: their strength of schedule to open the season, Scottie…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: RJ Barrett and Jamal Shead impress in preseason win over Wizards
Will recaps Toronto’s 125-98 win over the Washington Wizards to open their pre-season schedule and discusses: Jamal Shead’s impressive performance, RJ…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji standouts at Raptors Open Practice
Will recaps the Toronto Raptors' annual open practice at McGill University. Takeaways include Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji making their cases to start, RJ…
Hello and WelcomeMatt Devlin on iconic on-air calls, championship memories, and Raptors nicknames
Will and Alex are joined by Matt Devlin to chat about: taking an optimistic view on the Raptors, his career journey, behind-the-scenes of his iconic Game 6…
- Hello and Welcome
Scottie’s absence, Jakob’s comments, plus media day highlights from around the NBA!
We’re live from Montreal! Will and Alex discuss highlights from the first day of Raptors training camp including Scottie’s absence, Garrett Temple’s new hobby…
- Hello and Welcome
Raptors Media Day Takeaways! KAT Traded To New York
Will and Alex chat about Masai’s comments on rebuilding at Raptors media day, Scottie taking on a new leadership role, and what Darko expects from the roster…
- Hello and Welcome
Vince’s Jersey Retirement, Rogers Takes Over MLSE, Bruce Brown and Christian Koloko Update
One week away from the start of training camp, Will and Alex discuss Vince Carter’s retirement ceremony in November, the city edition jerseys, Bruce Brown’s…
- Hello and Welcome
The Summer ‘24 Music Playlist Banter Pod
Will, Alex, and Jerome share their respective 15-song playlist for the summer and chat about their evolving music tastes, how they’re still finding ways to…
- Hello and Welcome
The Way-Too-Early 2024-25 NBA Tiers
Will and Alex sort all 30 teams into their respective tiers and discuss what might derail Boston’s chances at a repeat, who should be the favorite in the West…
- Hello and Welcome
10 Reasons To Be Excited About The ‘24-25 Raptors!
Welcome to the official end of the summer. We’re less than 50 days from the start of the regular season and Will is ready for the Raptors season to start. On…
- Hello and Welcome
The August Banter Pod
Will, Alex, and Jerome answer questions about biggest player leaps on the Raptors roster, niche former players appearing for 30th anniversary celebrations…
- Hello and Welcome
Breaking down the Raptors’ 2024-25 Schedule! Alex Predicts all 82 games
Will and Alex review the Raptors’ 2024-25 schedule and predict the results of all 82 games (spoiler: they go pretty far in the Emirates NBA Cup tournament)…
- Hello and Welcome
Lindsay Dunn’s Paris Trip Report + Olympics Winners and Losers
Will and Alex wrap up their Olympic coverage with Lindsay Dunn, as she shares her favorite memories from Paris her run-in with friend of the program Yuta…
- Hello and Welcome
What’s Next For Team Canada ft. Oren Weisfeld and Libaan Osman
Will is joined by Oren and Libaan to recap Team Canada’s senior men’s basketball team’s run at the 2024 Summer Olympics and discuss: whether their…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Canada’s Medal Hopes Ends with Loss to France
Will and Alex recaps Canada’s 82-73 loss to France in the quarterfinals and take questions from the live audience at their Annex Hotel watch party. Three…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Canada Finish 3-0 In Group Play With Win Over Spain
Will recaps Canada’s 88-85 win over Spain to finish 3-0 in group play. Three stars: Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett Gerald Henderson…
- Hello and Welcome
Team Canada Knockout Stage Scenarios + RJ’s Impressive Olympic Run
Will and Alex preview Team Canada men’s national basketball team’s Friday matchup against Spain, look ahead to potential opponents in the quarterfinals, and…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Canada Overwhelms Australia with Second-Half Surge
Will recaps Canada’s 86-76 win over Australia and answers questions about Andrew Nembhard’s role off the bench, a potential matchup against Team USA in the…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Canada Escape With Win Over Greece to Open Olympics
Will breaks down Canada’s senior men’s basketball team’s 86-79 win over Greece to begin the 2024 Summer Olympics. Three stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ…
- Hello and Welcome
Team Canada Olympic Basketball Preview ft. Oren Weisfeld
Will is joined by Oren Weisfeld to chat about Jamal Murray’s role on Team Canada, the absences of Andrew Wiggins and Zach Edey, Jordi Fernandez’s coaching…
Hello and WelcomeThe Las Vegas Summer League Banter Pod
Will, Alex, and Jerome recap their weeklong trip to Las Vegas Summer League and discuss former Raptor run-ins, no limit poker at the Golden Nugget, favorite…
- Hello and Welcome
Free Agent Targets after Raptors cut Sasha Vezenkov
Will and Alex discuss the Raptors’ decision to waive Sasha Vezenkov and Javon Freeman-Liberty and run through potential remaining free agency options for the…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors get demolished in lopsided loss to Heat
Will recaps Toronto’s 86-76 summer league loss to Utah and discusses Ulrich Chomche’s unique journey to the NBA, Ochai Agbaji’s development, and more. Three…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors Fall To Utah Jazz at Summer League
Will recaps Toronto’s 86-76 summer league loss to Utah and discusses Ulrich Chomche’s unique journey to the NBA, Ochai Agbaji’s development, and more. Three…
- Hello and Welcome
Gradey Year 2 Leap? First Impressions of Raptors Rookies at Summer League
Will and Alex discuss Gradey Dick’s development for year 2, Jamal Shead’s impressive start at summer league, and their initial takeaways about the Raptors…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors Beat Nuggets, Remain Undefeated at Summer League
Will recaps Toronto’s 84-81 win over the Denver Nuggets at Summer League and answers listener questions. Three stars: Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Javon…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Raptors Impress In Summer League Win Over Thunder
Will reacts to the Raptors’ impressive summer league win over the Thunder and shares his first impressions of the team’s new rookie class. Three Stars: Gradey…
- Hello and Welcome
React Pod: Team Canada Falls Short in Exhibition Game vs USA
Will reacts to Team Canada’s 86-72 loss in Las Vegas against Team USA and talks about the absence of Andrew Wiggins and Zach Edey, toughest opponents at the…
- Hello and Welcome
Masai Speaks! Ranking The NBA’s Best Young Cores
Will and Alex discuss Masai’s presser on Monday and what’s next for Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Later, they rank the league’s best young cores. Reach…
- Hello and Welcome
Raptors Mailbag! Bring Back Gary? Should Gradey Start? When Will The Team Contend Again?
Will and Alex answer listener questions about: Bruce Brown (again), Gary Trent Jr.’s free agency market, the Raptors’ timeline for contending, the team’s…
- Hello and Welcome
Grading the Raptors’ Offseason + Free Agency Exit Survey ft. Joseph Casciaro
Will and Alex are joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to grade the Raptors offseason and answer key questions from this year’s free agency including: the…
- Hello and Welcome
Jake Fischer on Raptors’ interest in Patrick Williams and Memphis inquiring about Jakob Poeltl
Will is joined by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports to chat about a potential Eastern Conference destination for Bruce Brown, the Raptors’ interest in Bulls forward…
- Hello and Welcome
Slow Free Agency Begins! What’s Next For Paul George and Klay Thompson?
Will and Alex react to the slowest start in free agency history and chat about Paul George’s departure from the Clippers and what the future holds for Klay…
- Hello and Welcome
Baylor Head Coach Scott Drew on Ja’Kobe Walter, Raptors Sign Immanuel Quickley
Will is joined by Baylor men’s basketball head coach Scott Drew to talk about Ja’Kobe Walter’s college career and what Davion Mitchell brings to the Raptors…
- Hello and Welcome
Raptors Acquire Davion Mitchell, Draft Jonathan Mogbo and Jamal Shead
Will and Alex react to the Toronto-Sacramento trade, reminisce about the Jalen McDaniels era, and discuss Davion Mitchell’s role on the Raptors. Later, the two…
- Hello and Welcome
Why Ja'Kobe Walter Was The Right Pick ft. Sam Vecenie
Will chats with The Athletic's draft expert Sam Vecenie for the in-depth scouting report on Ja'Kobe Walter. They discuss his freshman season at Baylor, how his…
- Hello and Welcome
Raptors Draft Ja’Kobe Walter, Mikal Bridges to the Knicks
Will and Alex give their initial reactions to Raptors first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter (1:00), the pros and cons of his game, and what his role might be this…
- Hello and Welcome
Bronny, JJ Redick, Free Agency News + Who Will Make Team Canada’s Roster?
Will and Alex chat about Rich Paul’s recent comments on Masai Ujiri’s interest in Bronny James (3:40), the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade (7:40), free agency…
- Hello and Welcome
Canada's Rayyan Pathan on T20 Cricket World Cup and Toronto sports heartbreaks
Will Lou has an in-depth conversation with Canada Cricket team member Rayyan Pathan about the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, growing up in Toronto, the…
Hello and WelcomeAndrew Nembhard on Team Canada, Growing up in Toronto, and the Pacers’ success
Will and Alex are joined by Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard to chat about the Team Canada senior men’s national team, how he fell in love with basketball…
- Hello and Welcome
Key Raptors Off-Season Decisions + Behind-The-Scenes Draft Stories ft. Bobby Marks
Will is joined by ESPN NBA Insider Bobby Marks to discuss four key decision for the Raptors this summer: Immanuel Quickley’s restricted free agency (1:00)…
- Hello and Welcome
NBA Finals G4 Recap + Should The Raptors Tank Next Season?
Will and Alex chat about Dallas’ impressive Game 4 win (1:00), whether anyone wants to win Finals MVP (9:30), Charles Barkley’s retirement plans (13:00), a…
- Hello and Welcome
NBA Finals of the Past Decade, Ranked
Will, Alex, and Jerome figure out how many great NBA Finals they’ve watched in the past decade by reviewing every matchup from 2014 to 2023 (01:00). Also…
- Hello and Welcome
Who Should The Raptors Draft At 19th? ft. Sam Vecenie
Will is joined by The Athletic senior writer and host of The Game Theory Podcast Sam Vecenie to break down the pros and cons of four players the Raptors could…
- Hello and Welcome
NBA Finals G1-2 Recap + Darko on Team's Competitive Timeline
Will and Alex discuss the 2024 NBA Finals (1:20) and chat about Jrue Holiday’s impact, Kyrie and the Mavericks looking ordinary, how the Celtics built a roster…