Leocciano Callao

A Brooklyn-based sports writer and journalist. Callao currently serves as a site co-expert (editor) for FanSided's NBA website HoopsHabit and a contributor for FanSidedMMA.

Callao interned at The Brooklyn Paper while studying in the NYC Semester in Journalism program at The King’s College in 2021. He studied Media, Culture, and the Arts at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California, and played four years of college soccer. He hosts and produces his own sports show/podcast on Instagram TV called "The Final Minute" (@thefinalminute_ on Instagram) which he supports with a Patreon page.

Bylines in HoopsHabit, FanSided, The Brooklyn Paper, AM New York, Religion Unplugged, The Empire State Tribune, SeaBeggars.com, and Pasadena Now Magazine.





Hoops Habit •

Game 7: Butler’s prediction, Boston’s downfall, and the NBA Finals

The Miami Heat are heading to the NBA Finals after a decisive 103-84 win against the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of what was a series for the ages.

A rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, this matchup saw a different result in 2022. But after Boston bested Miami in seven, Jimmy Butler’s prophecy was spoken. “We’re gonna be back in the same situation,” Butler said then. “And we’re gonna get it done.”
Hoops Habit •

The Morning After: Celtics impressively win Game 5 to extend series

“It ain’t never been done, and it ain’t done yet,” Charles Barkley captioned this situation perfectly.

But after the Boston Celtics’ impressive 110-97 Game 5 victory over the Miami Heat, eyebrows are raising, wondering if they could do what 150 teams before them couldn’t. After going down 3-0, the Celtics had back-to-back impressive wins to force a Game 6. Game 5 was especially spectacular for the men in green.
Hoops Habit •

The Nuggets and Heat are up 2-0, what now?

The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have 2-0 leads in their respective Conference Finals series. Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler have led their squads to cushions ahead of their Game 3s. But it does not get easier from here. While a two-nil lead looks great on paper, these are the NBA Playoffs– everybody is deprived of breathing room until a series is concluded.

However, it is hard not to think of the hypotheticals given the current situation. Not only are these two teams poised to spoil a potentia
Religion Unplugged •

Gervonta Davis Vs. Ryan Garcia: How Religion Made An Unusual Appearance At The Fight

The biggest talking point on Gervonta “Tank” Davis going into his highly-anticipated April 22 fight with Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was that he was one of boxing’s hardest hitters.

It was no surprise to some that Davis knocked Garcia out with a shot to the ribs in the seventh round. The bigger surprise might be that, after intense prefight smack talk, Garcia walked into the ring to the tune of a haunting Christian song, hinting that his personal faith — and perhaps his influence
FanSided MMA •

TUF 31: Who is Rico DiSciullo

The 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter is a little over a month from premiering. This season is met with high expectations as it parades Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the Octagon. McGregor has been sidelined since breaking his tibia in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. However, McGregor is expected to fight Michael Chandler this year, a return preluded by a season of TUF with both men as opposing coaches.
FanSided MMA •

UFC 287: 3 things we learned

To say that UFC 287 delivered would be a disservice to the event. After 20 years, the UFC returned to Miami and served a treat for an eager live audience and millions watching from home. But it was not just the quality of the fights that made it a memorable evening, but the moments and the sentiments that came with them that made for a monumental night.

The two headlining bouts were the crowning jewels for the UFC's return to the 305. Hometown hero Jorge Masvidal retired in front of his home cr
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