No Dunks The Drop | Leigh Ellis Returns To Talk Traveling, Basketball & Life
Jan 16, 2026
Leigh Ellis, an Australian basketball traveler and creator of 'Lee's Basketball Passport,' returns to share his globe-trotting hoop adventures. He discusses his ambitious goal of playing 20 games in 20 countries and highlights memorable spots like the Emoja Court in Kenya and a unique cooling tower in Beijing. The conversation veers into NBA topics, from Jonathan Kuminga's trade demand to standout performances this season, all while reflecting on the essence of basketball culture worldwide.
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Always Travel With A Ball
- Pack a deflated basketball and a pump in your carry-on so you always have a ball if luggage is lost.
- Bring extra balls to give away as prizes and to support local pickup games.
EuroLeague Faces Existential Crossroads
- Ellis sees EuroLeague's future hinging on which clubs join new NBA-backed competitions and licensing deals.
- He notes Barcelona's long license and Real Madrid's potential move could reshape European club basketball.
Fortress Nights And Postseason Memories
- Ellis talked about being a regular at the Fortress, meeting players like Dyson Daniels and Kyle Lowry, and doing EuroLeague work for ESPN Australia.
- He recalled attending Knicks-Pacers playoff games and memorable arena moments.