Courtside with Marc

A fan's view of the NBA and the people that make it so exciting.

Courtside with Marc is a sports podcast hosted by Marc Israel, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Marc Israel hosts Courtside with Marc, a sports show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #17

  Hank Waters: How an NBA Superfan Built a High School Basketball Powerhouse From Scratch

  Apr 30, 20261h 16mS1

  <p>An Orlando Magic superfan with zero experience building sports programs just assembled three players he's convinced will be top-6 NBA draft picks — and his strategy was brutally simple: "hire the right person and let them do everything."</p><p><b>Hank Waters</b> went from Orlando Magic courtside season ticket holder and lawyer to co-owner of <b>Southeastern Preparatory Academy</b>, transforming a struggling private school into a national basketball powerhouse in just 2.5 months. Waters details his recruitment of elite coach <b>David Peavy</b> from championship-winning Duncanville High School and assembly of future NBA prospects including <b>Beckham Bl...

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  Episode #16

  Horace Grant: What He Really Thought Playing Against His Twin Brother

  Apr 23, 202615 minS1

  <p>NBA legend Horace Grant admits he "wanted to kick his ass" every time he faced his twin brother Harvey on the court — and their childhood games always ended in actual fights because neither could stand losing.</p><p>The 4-time NBA champion shares stories about winning championships with Michael Jordan's Bulls and later with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Lakers. Grant reveals why he ranks Kobe right behind MJ as his greatest teammates, discusses the impossible task of stopping prime Shaq, and explains how the Grant family basketball legacy continues through his nephews including current NBA player Jerami Grant.</p>...

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  Episode #15

  James Pickens Jr.: 22 Years of Grey's Anatomy and Cleveland Basketball Loyalty

  Apr 16, 20268 minS1

  <p><b>Marc's daughter had to tell him he was interviewing a major TV star.</b></p><p>Sometimes the best interviews happen when you least expect them. Marc thought he was sitting down with a regular basketball fan, until his daughter pointed out he was about to interview Dr. Richard Webber himself, <b>James Pickens Jr., star of Grey's Anatomy for an incredible 22 seasons.</b></p><p>Pickens shares the legendary casting story behind Grey's Anatomy, including the executive producer's famous question: "What are you doing for the next 5 years?" — which turned into over two decades and nearly 500 episodes. As...

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  Episode #14

  Obba Babatunde: What 35 Years of Talking to Horses Taught Me

  Apr 9, 202619 minS1

  <p><b>You've seen Obba Babatunde on screen, but wait until you hear about his other life as a horse whisperer and professional rodeo competitor.</b></p><p>The acclaimed actor and entertainer reveals his fascinating dual career with the all-Black Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, sharing wisdom that applies far beyond the arena. From explaining how Bill Pickett invented "bulldogging" by literally biting steers, to his core philosophy that "investment of time and consistency of behavior earns trust," Babatunde delivers insights about communication, respect, and building relationships.</p><p><b>Key topics covered:</b> • The hidden history of Black cowboys in...

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  Episode #13

  Glynn Turman: Partying with Kareem in 1965 and Why LeBron is "Built Like a Centaur"

  Apr 2, 202614 minS1

  <p><b>Glynn Turman has stories that will blow your mind</b> — like attending Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's UCLA acceptance party in 1965 when it was so packed they ended up celebrating in the hallway of a Harlem project.</p><p>At 79, this legendary actor just got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and describes LeBron James like poetry, calling him "built like a centaur but graceful as a gazelle." Glynn shares incredible stories from his New York roots, his 66-year entertainment career from Broadway's "A Raisin in the Sun" to Disney's current hit "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," and his evolving friendship wi...

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