BallinEurope has launched a new podcast, Barely Hoops, and its debut episode sets the tone with a conversation that blends basketball fandom, identity, and personal journeys. Host Emmet Ryan is joined by Lev, aka Lisco 2000, who is widely known for their fandom of Dario Šarić. Emmet and Lev explore what it means to follow the game, and a player, in the age of social media.
Lev first discovered Dario Šarić while watching the Philadelphia 76ers in high school. Their admiration quickly grew and became a defining part of their online presence. They describe the highs and lows of being a superfan and the attention that comes with it. Lev also explains how it feels when the player personally acknowledges that support, even in subtle or unexpected ways.
More than Dario
The conversation explores Lev’s academic and creative work in more detail. This includes their graduate thesis on player empowerment and gender in sports. They also discuss their explorations of myth‑making and the afterlife in NBA narratives, ideas inspired by online communities and basketball storytelling. Lev’s perspective demonstrates how basketball stories often extend far beyond the court and shape the culture around the game itself.
A shift in fandom
Emmet and Lev talk about how fandom has evolved over the years. They describe the shift from team-based loyalties to player-driven communities and how social media fuels that transformation. The discussion highlights challenges this change creates for modern fans, especially balancing admiration for individuals with support for entire teams. The pair also look back at Šarić’s career highs and his battles with injury. They share hopes for his future, both in the NBA and potentially back in Europe, where his career began.
To close out the debut, Lev outlines plans to continue creating work centred on basketball culture and community. Emmet also hints at what listeners can expect in the next episode of Barely Hoops.
You can listen to the first episode via the embedded player above or find it on all major podcast platforms.
If you enjoy this debut of Barely Hoops, please subscribe on your preferred podcast platform and leave a review. Reviews help more basketball fans discover the show and encourage future episodes. Upcoming editions will explore unique stories from around the game, featuring both familiar names and fresh voices from across Europe and beyond.
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