On the latest episode of ALL THE SMOKE, 6-year NBA vet and 2000 NCAA champion, Mateen Cleaves, joins Matt & Stak for an energy filled sit down. Cleaves looks back on his high school and college days as a highly touted prospect, including playing in the 1996 McDonald’s All-American game with Kobe and winning the National Title over Florida in 2000. Plus, he explains what it was like playing under Tom Izzo and what makes him such a special coach.
Also, he reflects on his NBA career, including being drafted by his hometown Detroit Pistons, being traded to Sacramento, and facing Kobe & Shaq in the highly controversial 2002 Western Conference Finals. Cleaves also speaks on the impact Suns majority owner, Mat Ishbia, has had on his life post-NBA and why players should be flocking to Phoenix.
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