While operating at my work-station, scanning statistics in an effort to materialize some cutting-edge content for whatever show I was helping out on, my manager called me over to his desk. Expecting the impending discussion to be an ordinary one, I wandered over in conventional fashion. Had I known what was about to be divulged, I would have added a bit more pep in my step.
The ESPN broadcast team needed to fill a vacant spot at an upcoming college basketball game. Whoever the on-site researcher was that had been assigned to the event had to drop out, and the crew needed to act fast to find his replacement. For those unaware, whenever a company like ESPN covers a live event, there’s a researcher on-location that works hand-in-hand with the broadcasters, and feeds them interesting statistics as the game plays out. Since the people calling the game don’t have any time to catch their breath during the action, the researcher serves as their primary support, and makes sure that they don’t forget to mention any interesting statistical tidbits. For example, if someone gets a double-double, the on-site researcher, using his laptop, would figure out how many times that player has recorded a double-double, write down the answer on a notecard, and pass it over to one of the broadcasters so that they can inform the listeners.
Though I had never done something like this before, as all the work I had published up to that point was molded within the office, I offered to do it without hesitation. I agreed so fast, that I hadn’t even heard where the game was, or what teams were playing. After accepting with little to no information, my manager informed me that I would be headed to New Orleans, and serve as the on-site researcher for a battle between the Memphis Tigers and the Tulane Green Wave.
Instead of a figurative light bulb going off in my head, a metaphysical penny burst into my imagination. Of all the coaches in the nation, there wasn’t one cooler than Memphis’ Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. One of the biggest, ‘What If’ stories in NBA history, Penny burst onto the scene in emphatic fashion. After finishing runner-up for Rookie of the Year in the 1993-94 season, Penny, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, led the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. Though they came up short against Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets team, a young Penny had already established himself as a star. In his 2nd year (age-23), he averaged 20.9 PPG, and 7.2 assists and was named to the All-NBA First Team, a squad that included John Stockton (32) , Scottie Pippen (29), Karl Malone (31), and David Robinson (29). The next year, in his age-24 season, Hardaway kicked it up a notch, increasing his PPG to 21.7. He finished third in MVP voting, and again, snatched one of the two guard spots (Michael Jordan claimed the other) on the All-NBA First Team. Three season in and already an NBA Finals appearance, and two First Team nods, it would be hard for a player to envision a hotter start to his career.
Yet, as many know, Hardaway’s NBA journey was derailed by his lingering knee issues. Us basketball junkies were robbed of seeing him at his peak form, and because of it, are forced to imagine what could’ve been. Still, because of his mystique, impeccable skills at full health, and tangible swagger, Penny remains one of the coolest icons in basketball history. Even outside of his electric game tape, to this day, people still talk about his great performance in Blue Chips (1994), the mid-90s Lil Penny” Nike commercials—voiced by Chris Rock—, and of course, his Nike Air Penny kicks. So to a 90s kid like myself, the idea of getting to cover a game that he was coaching was like a dream come true.
On the other side of the coin, was Tulane. Though not known as a powerhouse, the Green Wave play at a distinctive venue, which for a researcher who loves history, was a match made in heaven. Devlin Fieldhouse, also known as Avron B. Fogleman Arena, opened its doors in 1933, and resides as one of the oldest active basketball venues in the country. It sits just a couple thousands, giving it a very intimate feel.
Above is a photo I snatched, prior to the public entering. When you’re working on the game, you get to show up before everyone else so that you can get setup. Since it takes about 5 seconds to plug a computer in and place your notes down in your sitting area, I spent a ton of time getting shots up by myself. It was awesome. Below was the view I had while I worked on my game.
Once the doors opened up, and the team’s arrived, the first thing I did was run up to Penny to express my fandom. He was super cool about it and we snatched a photo (Featured Image) to commemorate the moment. I also got to meet his assistant coach, NBA veteran, Mike Miller, who was warming up with the team, and shooting the ball at an insane clip while doing so. As the Researcher, you get to sit right at mid-court, directly next to the broadcasters, and I remember sitting there watching Mike lace the longest threes from right inside the half-court logo. It was awesome.
Due to the nature of the job, the game itself felt like a blur, as I was locked-in on the task at hand. From the best seat in the house, I got to witness a surprisingly great game. Though Memphis had a 15-point lead heading into halftime, the Green Wave had a strong 2nd half, and almost stole the game. However, the Tigers, led by Jeremiah Martin (Ended up playing a handful of games with the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers), sealed the deal. Martin finished with a game-high 27, and Memphis edged out Tulane, 83-79.
Even though it was my first time doing it, my time as an on-site Researcher was a success. The team and I executed to perfection, and because of the referenced circumstances, I was fortunate to be a part of something special.
I’ll never forget the fact that I got to work a game that Penny Hardaway coached, and do so at a historic arena!
LIFE LESSON: Value history in fields that you cherish.
Jeremy’s Journal is Jeremy’s way of expressing his gratitude to the world. At the end of each 500-1,000 word post, he will include a ‘Life Lesson’ of some kind. His goal is to remind himself, and his readers, how awesome everyone’s journey can be when perceived through the proper lens.