In Episode 213 of the Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and Doug discuss the last show, the Alex Caruso trade (again), the ongoing Josh Giddey negotiations, and the Bulls’ bleak placement at #11 in ESPN’s rebuild rankings by Tim Bontemps. They also react to the Billy Donovan extension and debate whether the Bulls will go over or under their Vegas-projected 32.5 wins.

0:00 – Doug’s Mad at Mark / The Caruso Trade Debate (again) 16:30 – Josh Giddey Negotiations
22:22 – No Sign-and-Trades 31:00 – Billy Donovan Extension
32:50 – Vegas Win Totals: 32.5 for the Bulls
45:00 – Tim Bontemps’ ESPN Article: Rebuild Rankings
55:00 – Get an Actual Bus?

• Intro – Coldplay Concert & Iconic Images

• 3:30 – Pleading to the 5%

• 5:15 – Josh Giddey

• 9:45 – AKME Improvements

• 17:00 – Yuki Mania

• 21:00 – The Trajectory of the Team
  Where is this Bulls team really headed? A sobering analysis of direction, ambition, and expectations.

• 35:00 – AKME’s Five Biggest Mistakes
  Mark provides his analysis on the five most damaging moves made by the front office, with context, accountability, and passion.

🎙️ Episode Breakdown:

Segment 1: Bulls Summer League Breakdown (00:00 - 07:00)
Fred opens with a passionate rant about the Bulls’ first two Summer League games — calling them a “calamitous disaster.” He critiques the lack of shooting, questionable roster construction, and missed opportunities for player development.

Segment 2: Interview with Coach Lafayette Bell (07:00 - End)
A wide-ranging and insightful conversation with one of the most respected voices in AAU basketball.

Topics Covered:

1. Coach Bell’s Basketball Journey
   – How he got started in the game
   – His transition into coaching
   – What led him to work with FAST

2. Coaching Philosophy & Style
   – His approach to player development on and off the court
   – Emphasis on fundamentals, accountability, and mental toughness

3. What Makes FAST Special
   – How the program develops young athletes for life beyond basketball
   – Success stories and how they define growth

4. The State of AAU Today
   – Myths and realities of AAU basketball
   – Balancing competition, exposure, and development
   – The pressures from parents, scouts, and social media

5. NIL’s Impact at the Grassroots Level
   – Whether NIL conversations are reaching youth athletes
   – How families are shifting expectations
   – The challenge of keeping players grounded amid outside noise

6. College Recruiting & Coach Involvement
   – How the recruiting landscape has changed in the last 5–10 years
   – The growing importance of AAU coaches in the process
   – Advice for families navigating the world of scholarships and offers

7. Player Development & Character Building
   – Why character, commitment, and resilience still matter most
   – Stories of players who exemplified the FAST culture
   – How to build leaders through basketball

🔴 Final Takeaway:
Coach Bell pulls no punches in discussing both the promise and pitfalls of AAU basketball, sharing wisdom for players, parents, and coaches alike. A must-listen for anyone who cares about youth hoops and the future of the game.