Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with former BYU basketball standout and professional player Eric Mika. From his high school days at Lone Peak to his time at BYU and his professional career around the world, Eric's journey is one of determination, growth, and continuous improvement.

At BYU, Eric's impact was immediate, earning WCC All-Freshman Team honors. After serving a two-year mission in Italy, he returned to dominate, averaging 20.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in his sophomore season. His decision to leave BYU early for professional basketball led him on a journey across Europe and into the NBA G League.

Throughout this episode, Mike and Eric dive into the highs and lows of Eric's remarkable career, from his high school glory days to his experiences playing professionally in Italy, Germany, Serbia, and the United States. They also explore the profound impact of Eric's mission and time at BYU, which shaped his approach to basketball, personal growth, and life beyond the court.

Download the full podcast here:

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@btg45podcast/videos

Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-game-podcast/id1734495692

Follow Beyond the Game on Social Media:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/btg45podcast⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:00 - Discussion of basketball vs football players

01:41 - Memories of Greg Kite

02:19 - Eric's high school basketball career at Lone Peak

03:29 - Eric's team's national recognition

04:00 - Pregame perceptions of Eric's team

05:22 - Eric's transition game and training

06:51 - Eric's role and development at Lone Peak

08:02 - Eric's time at BYU

09:04 - Training with Brandon Davies

09:50 - Experience with Bronson Kaufusi

11:11 - Eric's mission to Italy

13:03 - Unique circumstances of Eric's mission

15:41 - Eric's experiences in Italy as a tall missionary

18:52 - Changes in basketball and scouting young players

21:51 - Discussion of current NBA players' skills

24:01 - Eric's decision to leave BYU early

27:55 - Recovering athleticism after mission

29:13 - Hypothetical about NIL and college career

30:20 - Eric's professional career and travels

32:23 - Now for Later Podcast and post-basketball preparation

35:32 - Eric's internship experience

38:24 - Eric's current family life

44:37 - Final reflections and gratitude