Even on a national holiday, yes, we're here to set up what to watch for next in the NBA, share another round of Numbers Game gems and pretend, just for fun, that this can also be a Tech Substack
Marc - The other day in the chat, you mentioned how you enjoyed being an "old head" now, after having once been the youngest beat writer in the business back in the day. I was going to ask, who were the "old head" mentors to you when you started? The first name that came to mind, of course, was Peter Vescey, who sort of dominated basketball reporting in the early days when it went from newspapers to cable TV. Other names I could think of were Jackie MacMullan, who just retired from ESPN (the pioneer female reporter), Jack McCallum, Bob Ryan, Mitch Lawrence, Phil Jasner, Sam Smith, Fred Mitchell, Scott Ostler.. and the first writer I remember covering my Warriors, Ron Thomas. I know I'm forgetting some.
Just to be clear.. my basketball awakening happened around 7-8 years old, when I'd listen to Bill King call Warriors games on TV. Robert Parish was still a Warrior. By the time I was in colege, I was a voracious newspaper reader, and at my school, I'd go find all the periodicals (we got newspapers from every major city) just to read the sport stories. So, other than Ron Thomas, most of these names I remember from the late 80's to early 90's.
Love the tidbyt. Pre-smart phones I had this amazing white pager with scrolling scores. Never left home without it as I did a little gambling in those days.
The Tidbyt reminds me of being on vacation in Florida with my parents around 1979 or so and seeing the Reuters news service on the condo's rudimentary cable. Nothing but news headlines and ledes typed in a huge font on screen, but as a fan of media technology as a kid, it was fascinating!
For people from our era it's a very fun gadget ... I love having it on my desk and imagine I will really love it in the fall when all my sports are happening.
With the Mavericks filling two of their three assistant coaching vacancies today, are they still trying to nab JVG for that last spot? Especially, with him being laid off by ESPN.
Marc - The other day in the chat, you mentioned how you enjoyed being an "old head" now, after having once been the youngest beat writer in the business back in the day. I was going to ask, who were the "old head" mentors to you when you started? The first name that came to mind, of course, was Peter Vescey, who sort of dominated basketball reporting in the early days when it went from newspapers to cable TV. Other names I could think of were Jackie MacMullan, who just retired from ESPN (the pioneer female reporter), Jack McCallum, Bob Ryan, Mitch Lawrence, Phil Jasner, Sam Smith, Fred Mitchell, Scott Ostler.. and the first writer I remember covering my Warriors, Ron Thomas. I know I'm forgetting some.
Just saw this week-old question. Please ask me in a chat one of these days and prepare for a LONG answer. Was blessed to have many many mentors.
Just to be clear.. my basketball awakening happened around 7-8 years old, when I'd listen to Bill King call Warriors games on TV. Robert Parish was still a Warrior. By the time I was in colege, I was a voracious newspaper reader, and at my school, I'd go find all the periodicals (we got newspapers from every major city) just to read the sport stories. So, other than Ron Thomas, most of these names I remember from the late 80's to early 90's.
Love the tidbyt. Pre-smart phones I had this amazing white pager with scrolling scores. Never left home without it as I did a little gambling in those days.
LOVE Peter Vecsey. I used to subscribe to his faxed newsletter, which dutifully showed up around midnight, west coast time, 3 times a week.
Thanks Marc. Enjoy your holiday !
The Tidbyt reminds me of being on vacation in Florida with my parents around 1979 or so and seeing the Reuters news service on the condo's rudimentary cable. Nothing but news headlines and ledes typed in a huge font on screen, but as a fan of media technology as a kid, it was fascinating!
For people from our era it's a very fun gadget ... I love having it on my desk and imagine I will really love it in the fall when all my sports are happening.
I have to say Marc that your work ethic is second to none. Very impressive! Posting on the 4th - even in Canada we are 👏👏👏👏👏 you!
Very kind of you to say.
With the Mavericks filling two of their three assistant coaching vacancies today, are they still trying to nab JVG for that last spot? Especially, with him being laid off by ESPN.