Bringing You Up to Speed on the Stories of Season Two
If you’ve missed the first few episodes of Season Two of “The Break, presented by The General,” fear not! There is still plenty of time to get up to speed on the journeys of the three featured personalities—Matas Buzelis, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Pooh Jeter. With episode three marking the halfway point, season two has already delivered an equally inspiring basketball experience as the monumentally impactful first season. Let’s take a closer look into the lives and careers of the remarkable basketball figures featured in the docuseries:
Episode 1: The Pro Route – Matas Buzelis
“The Pro Route” kicks off by following Matas Buzelis, the youngest featured athlete of season two of the docuseries. The episode gives background on Matas, a charismatic 19-year-old who is projected to be an early first-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA draft according to ESPN. The episode takes you through Matas’s basketball journey, showcasing his early days in the Chicagoland area where he became a McDonald’s All-American, and providing a glimpse into his decision to join the G League as a stepping stone to the NBA – similar to season one star Scoot Henderson.
Episode 2: El Capitán – Juan Toscano-Anderson
“El Capitan” shifts the spotlight to Juan Toscano-Anderson, a former NBA player renowned for his ability to play multiple positions on the court. Born in East Oakland, Juan maintains dual citizenship in Mexico and returned this year as a leader for one of the G League’s newest franchises, the Mexico City Capitanes. A hero in his community, Juan is the second player of Mexican descent to win an NBA Championship. The episode reflects on his experiences playing overseas, contributing to the Golden State Warriors during the 2022 championship, and advocating for basketball as a premier sport in Mexico. Check out the episode for an intimate look at Juan’s journey—a testament to overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and embracing culture.
Episode 3: The Dream Starts Here – Pooh Jeter
“The Dream Starts Here” unravels Pooh Jeter’s story—a journeyman whose career spans from Portland University to countries such as Spain, Ukraine, China, and Israel. The episode follows Pooh as he ventures into a new realm, trading a player number for a clipboard as the Player Development Coach for the Portland Trail Blazers and Assistant GM for the Rip City Remix. Witness Pooh’s dynamic coaching style, shaped by connections across borders, contributing not only to his career but also to the globalization of basketball.
The Impact of The G League on the NBA
The incredible stories captured in “The Break” perfectly showcase the increasing impact of the NBA G League on the broader basketball landscape. To start the 2023-2024 season, a record 50% of players on opening-night NBA rosters had NBA G League experience. Similarly, at the end of the 2022-2023 NBA regular season, 55% of players on rosters had G League experience, marking the second-highest percentage of all time. This trend extends to the postseason, with 57% of players on 2022-2023 NBA postseason rosters boasting G League experience—the second-highest percentage in history.
There’s more than enough time to catch up before Episode Four’s release on February 21. Watch what you’ve missed on the G League’s YouTube channel or Tubi, and stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at NBA All-Star Weekend, potential NBA call-ups, and much more in the final three upcoming episodes.
