Steeped in the world of basketball since childhood, Amin Elhassan first became a known name when he joined ESPN as an NBA commentator. Recently, he’s taken his signature humor and commentary style to a new venue: podcasts.
He has appeared on the hit comedy-sports podcast The Dan Le Batard Show, and hosts two podcasts of his own.
Amin Elhassan breaks out on ESPN
Elhassan played basketball in high school, and studied engineering at Georgia Tech. But basketball never quite left his blood. He turned to assistant coaching, scouting, and joined the Phoenix Suns Organization. He also earned his MBA from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State.
In 2013, Elhassan made his big move to ESPN. His business acumen, science background, and interest in basketball made for an insightful commentator, able to talk easily about stats, and made for a compelling analyst.
At first, he wrote as a freelancer, but soon moved to full-time employee. At ESPN he had opportunities to work with some of the biggest and best names in basketball.
“You get to meet all types of people from different eras and talk to them about their experiences,” he told ASU. “And that’s the great part of it, because you all share a bond — the love of the game.”
From Sudan to NYC
Elhassan was born in Sudan. Though his parents moved the family to New York City when he was an infant, he returned to Sudan for several years as a boy before settling back permanently in the states.
Like many young boys, Elhassan loved basketball and sneakers. But in many ways, his upbringing was far from usual.
Catch Amin Elhassan on Podcasts
Podcasts have rapidly become a global phenomenon for commentators and public personalities. Elhassan has made appearances on many pods, including the renowned Dan le Batard Show. But he also hosts his own podcasts.
The first is a basketball insider podcast called “Basketball Illuminati”. “Tired of agenda-driven basketball talk that only offers glimpses of the truth?” the podcast asks. “Wish there was a place you could get the full picture? Basketball Illuminati offers you salvation.” Elhassan and his co-hosts go in-depth and behind the scenes on all things NBA.
His other podcast is a bit different. Titled “Cinephobe”, this comedy podcast features Elhassan and his co-host reviewing the worst-rated movies of all time, from Nic Cage’s Wicker Man to Ryan Reynolds’ universally abhorred Green Lantern.
Check out Amin Elhassan here.
