Up Hill Down Under

#44: Festive Vibes, Record Nights & EuroLeague’s most impressive performers so far

In this episode, we mix some holiday cheer with a deep dive into the latest EuroLeague action and standout performances that have basketball fans buzzing.

It’s the season for festive vibes, and we kick off the episode with some lighthearted holiday banter.

We discuss the surprising news of D’Angelo Russell’s interest in playing for Lithuania, the impact it could have on the national team, and fun trivia about Ignas Brazdeikis, who’s proudly half-Lithuanian and half-Canadian.

Andi Obst broke the EuroLeague record for the most three-pointers in a single game, shooting an incredible 11/16 from beyond the arc and scoring 34 points.

TJ Shorts had another dominating Performance with a 21-point, 10-assist in Paris’ win against Efes as Shorts continues to impress.

We also debate which squads stood out the most this week?

Who’s leading the EuroLeague’s offensive charge so far? We discuss the most impressive players of the first third of this years EuroLeague season.

Get ready for an episode full of basketball magic, festive energy, and insightful takes on the players and teams lighting up the EuroLeague. Don’t miss it!

 

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

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#43: Showdown in Athens, Real Madrid Woes continue & Big Yaks monster season

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest EuroLeague action and catch up on the standout performances making waves in the world of basketball.

 

EuroLeague Recap:

Derby Time in Athens (00:06:01): We break down the thrilling showdown in Athens, where Panathinaikos hosted Olympiacos in a game that might just be the season’s best. From the unique glass floor to Panathinaikos’ fifth straight home loss, we discuss the ups, downs, and Fournier’s standout performance. Plus, the team’s rocky start and Coach Ataman’s intense reaction—what does it all mean for Pana’s season?

Trouble in Madrid (00:20:32): The powerhouse of Real Madrid seems to be struggling to find its groove. With Mario Hezonja in flux and the team unable to integrate new pieces, we assess the challenges facing Coach Chus Mateo as the seat heats up.

Power Rankings Analysis (00:34:07): Four teams currently share a 6-2 record in the EuroLeague standings: FC Barcelona, Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul, Zalgiris Kaunas, and FC Bayern Munich. We delve into their recent performances, key players, and overall form to determine which team stands out as the best among them at this point in the season.

NBA Spotlight - Jakob Pöltl on the Rise (00:41:36): Averaging a stellar 15 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, Jakob Pöltl is having his best season yet. But with numbers like these, could he be on the move? We discuss whether the talented center could become a valuable asset for a championship-contending team.

 

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

 

We officially ride the Zalgiris Bandwagon, some Coaching Chaos, and Netflix’s Big NBA Bet

In this episode, we tackle the latest Euroleague headlines, starting with a potential shake-up in the coaching scene. Could legendary names like Ettore Messina, Zeljko Obradovic, or even Luca Banchi be facing the hot seat? We dive deep into the possibilities, break down the potential for a first head coach firing, and analyze the top candidates, who are currently available on the market.

Next, we celebrate the unstoppable force that is Zalgiris Kaunas – a team that’s playing some incredible basketball this season. Head coach Andrea Trinchieri has his team playing at an incredible level to start the season. Question remains: can they keep this pace up?

 

Switching to the NBA, we discuss Netflix’s new “Starting 5” series, following players like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, and Domantas Sabonis through the 2023/24 season. We share our favorite moments so far, imagine which Euroleague stars would make a great counterpart, and speculate on who should be featured in a second season.

 

It’s a jam-packed episode covering all things Euroleague, NBA, and beyond!

 

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

#41: Hoops & Homeruns: Euroleague Highlights & MLB History

In this episode, we dive into the highlights of the past few Euroleague rounds, spotlighting the standout games and a surprising rise from Zalgiris that has everyone talking. We discuss an early Final Four preview in the making, as Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos clash in what could be a thrilling showdown later in the season, and we break down yet another impressive performance from FC Barcelona.

 

But we’re not stopping in Europe – we switch gears to the U.S. and change the sport as we unpack the historic MLB World Series matchup between the L.A. Dodgers and the NY Yankees. Join us for a cross-continental sports journey packed with action, analysis, and some predictions!

 

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

#40: From Fenerbahce’s Dominance to Partizan’s Troubles: Euroleague Early-Season Analysis

In this episode, we dive deep into the Round 2 of EuroLeague basketball, discussing standout performances, tactical strategies, and upcoming matches. We highlight key games and teams that have caught attention, such as Fenerbahce’s impressive early-season form, while also focusing on teams like Zalgiris and their strong potential. Barcelona’s underwhelming play despite a win, and Partizan’s need to turn their season around are also major talking points.

Furhther, we also explore the struggles of Virtus Bologna, who are yet to find their rhythm, while focusing on the stellar start by Panathinaikos and their ambitious aim to reach the final four. The (non-)surprising resurgence of Lorenzo Brown at Panathinaikos, alongside Sasha Vezenkov’s return to form for Olympiakos, which is deemed crucial for their title hopes.

The conversation further delves into the intense Istanbul Derby between EFES and Fenerbahce, the rivalry, and team dynamics. Notably, they analyze the unexpected results from the Baskonia vs. Red Star game, along with the rising pressure on coaches. Simon and Matej also make predictions on the future outcomes of key matches and share thoughts on how the season could unfold.

 

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

#39: Euroleague 2024/25: Round 1 Recap – Stars, Surprises & Teams Under Pressure

Welcome to the first episode of the 2024/25 Euroleague season!

We’ve tipped off in style, and Round 1 didn’t disappoint. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the best game of the week(00:01:55), analyzing the top teams and performances that caught everyone’s attention. From jaw-dropping individual displays to team efforts that set the bar high—who delivered, and who stole the spotlight?

We’ll also break down some early surprises and the unexpected twists that have already shaken the Euroleague landscape. Of course, not everyone met the hype—so we’ll cover the early disappointments, too. Which teams and players fell short of expectations, and what went wrong(00:24:56)?

And as we look ahead, we’ll highlight the players to watch for the upcoming season(00:34:15). There’s already buzz around some new and familiar faces—who’s poised to make a real impact?

Finally, with Round 1 in the books, we’re talking about the teams already feeling the heat heading into Round 2. Who’s under pressure to bounce back and avoid an early-season slump(00:42:30)?

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

#38: 2024/25 EuroLeague Over/Under Predictions for every team

As the new EuroLeague season approaches, we dive deep into all 18 teams and predict their over/under results for the upcoming year.
Who’s poised for a breakout season? Which powerhouse teams might fall short of expectations? We’ve got you covered with detailed analysis, bold predictions, and everything you need to know before tip-off!

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com

#37: Back on the Hardwood: The EuroLeague season 2024/25 is almost here

It has been quite a summer for all the Euroleague teams but two teams definitely stood out. Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiacos Pireus - the Greek nemesis - have been guns blazing with acquiring quite an All Star roster. But one question remains: Who actually had the better summer signings? (00:06:20).

Andrea Trinchieri is not known for mincing words and he recently had some very interesting comments regarding the future of young talents in European basketball (00:18:10).

Can Bayern Munich basketball reach the Final Four? Newly acquired HC Gordie Herbert seems to think so (00:30:18).

According to Zvezda president Nebojsa Covic, the Serbian team’s goal is to register at least 24 wins in the regular season. We discuss if this is a feasible feat or just wishful thinking (00:37:10).

The next Euroleague Final 2025 will either be played in Belgrade or....Abu Dhabi? Great move or just a bad idea? (00:42:47)

Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler
Producer: Simon Pichler

Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde)

You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder) Instagram (@uphilldownunder), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder) and on YouTube (coming soon).

For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail:

hello@uphilldownunder.com