Reprise | Joe Kleine: Former NBA Player, BBQ Restauranteur

Up in Your Business with Kerry McCoy

Ep 340 | Aired 3/17/2023 | Originally Aired 7/22/2022 This week, on Up In Your Business with Kerry McCoy I had the pleasure of talking basketball with one of Arkansas’ favorite sons, Mr. Joe Klein. We had a fun time reminiscing about all the “Greats” he played with and competed against, ie. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and Magic Johnson, just to name a few. And some of the legendary coaches he played for too, Razorback coach Eddie Sutton and Phil Jackson of the Bulls. Now, this 7 ft. gentle giant, nicknamed Smokey Joe, has made a slam dunk with his award-winning BBQ as the co-owner of two Corky’s Barbeque in Central Arkansas. Listen to how young Joe won an Olympic gold medal, played center position for the Arkansas Razorbacks, got his first contract with the Sacramento Kings and his NBA career on the Boston Celtics, LA Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. He also discusses being on the “Last Dance” series and how being an ESPN sports commentator still keeps him in the game.