We sit down with Casey Jacobsen, Stanford All-American, McDonald’s All-American, and Phoenix Suns first-round pick, for a real look at how careers are built. We revisit the letter-writing push that got him added to the McDonald’s Game, then the full-circle twist of wearing No. 23, scoring 23, and later handing Michael Jordan that jersey to sign. We go inside Jordan Flight School pickup runs where MJ talked trash and missed the fadeaway, Casey’s 49-point night against Arizona State, and the banked game-winner vs Duke. Casey opens up about redefining himself in the NBA, learning from Steve Nash, the trade that sent him to New Orleans, and the joy of becoming “the Stanford Casey” again in Europe. From draft-night shoes and Craig Sager to Berlin life and the wildest arenas in Greece, this is equal parts nostalgia and honest insight. If you love the stories behind the box score, you’ll be at home here. Hit play and ride with us.

Timestamps:
(00:00:00) – Welcome and Casey’s intro, All-American credentials
(00:05:00) – How he was left off McDonald’s and the initial disappointment
(00:08:00) – 300 letters, the reversal, and arriving with a chip
(00:11:00) – The 1999 class roll call and who impressed most
(00:14:00) – Jordan Flight School, nightly pickup runs, why counselors showed up
(00:16:00) – The signed No. 23 McDonald’s jersey and authentication
(00:17:00) – Switched onto MJ, one-on-one moment, the trash talk and miss
(00:19:00) – Back-cut on MJ in the NBA and rookie memories
(00:20:00) – Draft-night suit, two-tone wingtips, and Craig Sager
(00:22:00) – Fashion era talk and why the big suits happened
(00:23:36) – Why Stanford over Duke, system fit and opportunity
(00:26:00) – Seeing himself in Stanford’s scheme and immediate role
(00:28:22) – 49 vs Arizona State without in-arena stats
(00:30:00) – Starting 1-for-5 with an air ball, staying confident
(00:33:00) – Free throws for 50, Maples record context
(00:34:49) – Transition to the NBA, role shift from scorer to shooter
(00:36:40) – Rotation minutes, defense, the hard truth about sticking
(00:38:54) – Gratitude for four NBA seasons and perspective
(00:40:22) – Europe calling, the green light, and winning again
(00:43:56) – Family life abroad and being embraced by the community
(00:45:07) – Practice cadence in Europe vs NBA, why some struggle
(00:48:22) – Language, coaching ties, and long-view career takeaways
(00:49:24) – Euro crowds vs NBA crowds, drums and chants
(00:50:33) – Athens chaos, fire sticks, smoke, and intensity
(00:53:17) – Berlin apartment story and the nightly landmark
(00:55:26) – Stanford’s Olympic classmates and stacked campus talent
(00:56:29) – Best NBA teammate, Steve Nash’s 6 a.m. standard
(00:57:23) – Greatest game vs most meaningful moment, Duke dagger
(01:00:13) – Basketball family, ABCD brothers, and dad at SDSU
(01:03:02) – Jim Jackson trade chain, holdout context, and fines
(01:06:39) – Friendly jabs, perspective, and sign-off

Key Topics:
McDonald’s All-American selection drama, 300 letters, second chances
Full-circle Michael Jordan stories, signed 23 jersey, Flight School pickup
49 vs Arizona State, Duke game-winner, Maples record
NBA role shift, Steve Nash work ethic, trade realities
European hoops culture, wild crowds, life and family abroad

About Casey Jacobsen:
Casey Jacobsen is a Stanford All-American, 1999 McDonald’s All-American, and first-round NBA pick by the Phoenix Suns. After four NBA seasons, he starred in Germany for multiple championship runs and later moved into broadcasting and basketball analysis. His career bridges college stardom, the realities of the NBA, and the culture of European basketball.

️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:
The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you will not hear anywhere else.
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