The passion is still present when I’m not on the sidelines — Dear young, aspiring sportswriter, I’ve just finished writing my third article in two days — two about my NBA mock draft and one about trade rumors. It comes on the second day of my five-day quarantine. You read that right. I’m writing about sports while sick with you-know-what. A lot…

This story was written on October 23 and submitted for Cal State Northridge’s “Journalism Day” Conference, where it received first place in the “sports writing” category. Pushing, arguing, and chaos on the bench. That dramatic scene is all too familiar with any team, especially a new one trying to get…

Three keys that set each team apart in the championship battle — The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat clawed their way to the NBA Finals, spoiling many people’s dreams of a Lakers-Celtics rematch. Still, it has the chance to be more exciting than people think: an eighth-seeded underdog against a #1 seed looking for their first title in franchise history. But aside…

Hundreds of prospects, but only 58 spots. — After conducting a lottery mock, I decided that Memorial Day weekend was the perfect time to simulate the entire draft. 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition The Spurs won Wemby, but who else is on the board?medium.com First Round 1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama (7'4", C, France) 2. Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller (6'8", F, Alabama) Switching things up from the lottery mock early, taking Miller at #2 to…

From 2–10 to the Western Conference Finals — Moments after the final buzzer signaled the end of the Lakers’ season, LeBron James delivered cryptic remarks to end his postgame press conference. “I got a lot to think about, to be honest,” he told reporters. …

After being eliminated by the Lakers in the second round, some cleanup is in order — The Golden State Warriors had the opportunity to repeat and blew it. A squad that went 44–38 and barely escaped the Play-in ultimately fell to the Lakers in the second round of the playoffs. While Steve Kerr and Draymond Green have promised that the dynasty isn’t over yet and Steph…

The Spurs won Wemby, but who else is on the board? — Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs, who have won the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes! The ping pong balls fell into place Tuesday, cementing the selection spots of 14 teams in the NBA Lottery. There are other talented prospects in addition to Wemby who will hear their names called early in the…

Can fans still “Trust the Process”? — The Philadelphia 76ers had it made. Joel Embiid finally won the MVP award, James Harden found his groove with a full Philly season under his belt, and other Sixers, such as Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, excelled in their roles to a tee. Still, it wasn’t enough to advance to…

After another second-round exit, can the Valley be rallied for another run in 2023? — As James Droz said, “Phoenix Suuuns!! What haaaappened???!!!” After constructing one of the more formidable “big threes” in the league with the trade deadline acquisition of Kevin Durant, the Suns and their fans lived through deja vu last night, trailing by 30 at halftime in a second-round elimination game on…