Why Returning to Ridiculous Upside Is An Easy Choice

Being a part of SB Nation’s NBA writing community is truly an enjoyable experience that I believe any basketball scribe would be lucky to have. This eclectic group of personalities makes up one of the best professional families I’ve ever been a part of. Each person is unique in their own way and talented enough to make you want to push yourself every day. As I’ve taken on a different role with the network over the last year or so, that’s something I look to convey when speaking to incoming contributors.

When talking to prospective writers about joining the SB Nation NBA umbrella, I’m about as passionate as they come because I know how great it can all be. That’s exactly why when the opportunity arose to return to Ridiculous Upside, I jumped at the chance. No convincing necessary.

The NBA G League is a special place, highlighting the drive some of the hungriest yet humble people you’ll ever meet possess. The growth of individuals from all walks of life —- players, coaches, executives, broadcasters, trainers, etc. —- is an incredible thing to observe, especially when all the hard work pays off and they move on to even bigger and better things. That opens the door for the next wave of hungry people to inch closer to their dream. I’d like to think that RU has continued to leave its mark on that special place along the way.

How can you not root for the underdog? Support them when things get tough, and celebrate when everything starts to go well. There’s joy in that.

The funny thing about RU is that, we don’t just document the up and comers: we put them on display, too. Some of your favorite writers have come through here, and as Managing Editor, there was joy in that too.

All of this should indicate why returning, for me, is such an easy choice. I look forward to once again shedding light on basketball individuals who deserve it, while providing scribes who crave a platform of their own just as much with one as well. It’s important to note that one of your aforementioned favorite writers, Dakota Schmidt, will be along for the ride! He’s one of the most talented people I know and is as knowledgeable as can be about this league. I’m excited for this transition to allow him to focus on writing pieces that he’s passionate about, and our readers should be as well!

Much like we built high performance staffs during my first stint here, we’ll be looking to do so again. Readers, stay tuned. Writers, if you’re interested, we want to hear from you!

With that said, I’m excited to get started (again).