Let's Talk – Stephen Verplanken: From Belgium to the Pros, NBA Draft Eligibility Debate, and Chris Johnson's ALS Battle

Let's Talk – Stephen Verplanken: From Belgium to the Pros, NBA Draft Eligibility Debate, and Chris Johnson's ALS Battle

Author: Carl Lee July 2, 2026 Duration: 55:50
Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey welcome professional basketball player Stephen Verplanken, a Dominican Republic native raised in Belgium who played at Taze Valley Christian School in West Virginia before moving through Glenville State, Southern Illinois, and Weber State on his way to a pro career in Iceland, Spain, and France. Verplanken shares his journey navigating performance anxiety, adapting to Europe's team-oriented playing style, and his recent transition to a graduate assistant coaching role at the University of Louisville. The panel then debates the NBA draft case of Auburn's Naseya Nongoy, who was selected by the LA Clippers under a draft-and-stash agreement before choosing to return to college — sparking a wide discussion on player freedom, the future of the draft, and whether athletes should have more control over their destinations. The show closes on a somber note as Carl reflects on Chris Johnson's public ALS diagnosis, connecting it to broader conversations about athlete health and West Virginia's recent ALS legislation.

Tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for new episodes of Let's Talk with Carl Lee, a space where the lines between the game, the culture around it, and the society we live in are all part of the same essential conversation. Hosted by former NFL All-Pro Carl Lee, this podcast moves beyond simple sports commentary. Alongside co-hosts Lisa Otey and Hollis Lewis, Carl facilitates a dialogue that is as insightful as it is direct, drawing from his own experiences to examine leadership, personal growth, and the broader social issues often reflected in the world of athletics. You'll hear discussions that are grounded in real perspective, where a debate about a team's strategy might naturally lead to a deeper exploration of community influence or educational values. For a different kind of weekly engagement, the conversation also airs every Sunday afternoon at 1:06 PM on 580 WCHS. This isn't just analysis; it's a thoughtful, unfiltered look at how sports and culture continuously shape our lives, making each episode a unique blend of reflection and candid talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Let's Talk with Carl Lee
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