Welcome to the first Riding The Bench since 2020 with Johnjay Van Es. Today I sat down with JaVale Mcgee and boy am I glad I did. He teaches us an important lesson about achieving your dreams and goals.. for example... You can still Party in College, just don't indulge in things that aren't helping you reach your goal. If you want to be an Uber Driver for a living, don't drink and drive.. If you want that NBA opportunity, work toward an NBA friendly diet. SIMPLE! JaVale drank Gatorade during Beer Pong! What is YOUR equivalent. Sit down with us and get the whole scoop! ITS AN ALL NEW EPISODE of RIDING THE BENCH! For more information on the charity, the cause, and the WATER FOR LIFE SOFTBALL GAME please visit JUGLIFEWATER.COM/ Johnjay will be playing in this event.

Today, Johnjay sits down with Athletic Director of PHHoenix Prep, John Ortega, and Mikey Davis of The Grind Session. The Grind Session is the FIRST EVER winter circuit of elite High School Basketball Events and Mike Davis is their Videographer and Sportscaster. Find Mikey on social! @grindsehMikedog

Johnjay sits down with women's WBB coach Erik Deroo about his coaching style, tips on youth training, and his TikTok account that Johnjay is obsessed with!

In this COVID-19 edition of Riding the Bench, Johnjay again sits down with Phil Beckner who is involved with NBA player development, as well as consulting for the league. In addition to that, he's the personal shooting coach for Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers!​

Johnjay sits down to have a conversation with Samson Kayode who is the assistant director of the men's national team for USA. They talk about all things basketball, and the 5 traits of DNA that are looked for in a young player.

Johnjay sits down with Attitude is Free founder, Brett Hardt Sr. The topic of conversation centers around Bret's story of being a Dad involved with youth basketball. The podcast takes a turn when the subject turns to Kobe Bryant. Listen to the end to hear the story about how Kobe was at Brett's house just a little over a month ago. EXCLUSIVE: When you listen to this podcast you have a chance to win a Peleton bike & an Apple watch!

Johnjay sits down with 2nd year Portland Trailblazers player Anfernee Simons, along with his father Charles. They discuss Anfernee's path to the NBA as well as what his father instilled in him to make it to where he is today!

Johnjay sits down with former NBA All-Star & current Dallas Mavericks VP, Cedric Ceballos! Cedric talks about his days playing with the Suns-Lakers-Heat as well as his current role in the NBA. Also, stay stick around to hear the story about how Cedric was discovered at a Taco Bell.

Melvin Booker sits down with Johnjay to talk about his days playing in the NBA as well as how he molded his son Devin Booker into the superstar he is today.

Johnjay sits down with former Portland Trailblazers player, and current coach Craig Neal. In addition to being Nevada's current AHC, John has coached for 3 college teams and played for over 6 NBA teams. John Ortega sits in this podcast as well!