Paul Vitelli From Yale Basketball to Italian Pro To Swish House
In this episode of the Stay On The Court podcast https://stayonthecourt.com/podcast/, we feature Paul Vitelli, a former Yale University basketball player who scored nearly 900 points from 2000 to 2004 and played professionally in Italy for four years. Paul shares stories about his time playing in Italy, his transition to life after professional sports, and his current role as the Chief Operating Officer of Swish House https://www.swishhouse.com/our-story, a basketball fitness business.
Hear The Podcast On Your Favorite Player
Key Highlights:
- Paul’s exciting and hilarious stories from playing in Italy 🇮🇹 (25:00)
- Adjusting exercise routines after 40 and dealing with arthritis 🏋️♂️
- Turning a passion for basketball into a successful business with Swish House 🏢
1. Playing Basketball in Italy
- Journey to Italy: Paul details his journey to playing professionally in Italy, including the process of obtaining dual citizenship, which allowed him to be counted as an Italian player rather than an American import.
- Cultural and Professional Experiences: He shares entertaining and insightful stories about the unique cultural and professional challenges he faced, such as the mafioso influence in Sicily and being paid in cash.
- Life Adjustments: Paul discusses the adjustments he made, including taking his girlfriend to Italy and other wild s
2. Adjusting Exercise Routines Over 40
- Exercise and Health: Paul talks about how his exercise routine has changed now that he is over 40, focusing on prehab exercises to prevent injuries and manage arthritis.
- Daily Practices: He emphasizes the importance of daily activities like band work, stretching, and yoga to maintain joint health and overall fitness.
3. Transitioning from Player to Business Owner
- Involvement with Swish House: Paul explains how he got involved with Swish House, starting from an investor to becoming the COO and opening the New York City franchise.
- Business Growth: He details the growth of Swish House in NYC, expanding from a few hours a week to a significant presence with multiple classes, and the challenges of finding consistent gym space in the city.
- Community Building: Paul highlights the importance of building a community through basketball fitness, creating a supportive environment for people who love the game.
Lightning Round
- Rapid-Fire Questions: Paul answers fun, rapid-fire questions about his basketball preferences, underrated skills in pickup games, and more.
- Coaches and Players: He shares which NCAA coaches he’d like to have a beer with and the best player he’s ever had to guard, providing insights into his basketball influences and experiences.
Conclusion
Paul’s journey from collegiate athlete to professional player in Italy, and now a business executive, is a testament to his adaptability and passion for basketball. His stories offer valuable lessons on managing transitions in life and career, and his involvement with Swish House underscores the potential to turn a love for sports into a thriving business. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or interested in sports entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with engaging and informative content.
Time Stamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Meet Paul Vitelli
03:00 – College Basketball at Yale
05:00 – Competing in the Ivy League
07:00 – Growth Spurts and Skills Development
09:00 – Recruitment Process
11:00 – College Experience and Playing Time
13:00 – Memorable College Games
15:00 – Transition to Professional Basketball
17:00 – Journey to Italy
19:00 – Challenges and Adventures in Italy
21:00 – Stories from Sicily
23:00 – Life as a Professional Player
25:00 – Deciding to Bring a Girlfriend to Italy
27:00 – Post-Basketball Career
29:00 – Joining Swish House
31:00 – Growth and Expansion of Swish House
33:00 – Fitness Routine After 40
35:00 – Dealing with Arthritis
37:00 – Lightning Round
39:00 – Favorite Coaches and Mentors
41:00 – Future of Swish House
43:00 – Community Engagement and Growth
45:00 – Overcoming Challenges in Italy
47:00 – Playing for Different Teams
49:00 – Insights into Italian Basketball Culture
51:00 – Getting Paid in Cash
53:00 – Unexpected Experiences in Italy
55:00 – The Importance of Screens in Basketball
57:00 – Balancing Work and Basketball
59:00 – Strategies for Staying Healthy
1:01:00 – Importance of Prehab and Rehab
1:03:00 – Handling Injuries
1:05:00 – More on Swish House’s Growth
1:07:00 – Building a Basketball Fitness Business
1:09:00 – Expanding Swish House in New York
1:11:00 – The Role of Coaches in Swish House
1:13:00 – Advice for Starting a Swish House Location
1:15:00 – Challenges and Opportunities in New Markets
1:17:00 – Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
1:20:00 – Final Reflections and Gratitude
Resources Mentioned:
- Swish House: https://swishhouse.com
- Jonathon Dues, Swish House CEO, Podcast Episode https://stayonthecourt.com/swish-house-founder-and-ceo-jonathan-dues-2/
- Paul Vitelli LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvitelli
- Paul Vitelli Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paulvitelli/
- Paul Vitelli Stats at Yale https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/1527/paul-vitelli
- Swish House NYC Instagram https://www.instagram.com/swishhousefitnyc/
- Yale Fight Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UXZ1cR1Qo0
- Yale Beats Baylor NCAA Tourney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw8U4KzRCU0&t=14s
- 1620 The Zone Mornings With Sharp and Handley https://1620thezone.com/mornings-with-sharp-handley/
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
Meaningful conversations happening daily about training, recovery, and injury-specific rehabilitation as well as sport-specific discussions on playing, coaching and refereeing your favorite sport. We welcome experts and those with curious minds seeking answers.
Join The Stay On The Court Community!