Beyond the Bylines: Getting to Know the Nothin’ But Nets Team

Nov 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) is seen on the floor during player introductions prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) is seen on the floor during player introductions prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Witmondt

Favorite NBA team: Brooklyn Nets

Favorite NBA player(s): Vince Carter

Player(s) you want to meet: Vince Carter

How did you become interested in NBA basketball?

Growing up just 20 minutes from both the IZOD Center and Prudential Center, I had an easy time getting to New Jersey Nets games. Earlier in my childhood, I was blessed with the opportunity to watch Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson dominate other teams. As time went on, things got worse for the Nets, but I continued to make the 20-minute trip to watch the Nets play.

If you’re pursuing sports journalism as a career, when did you realize this was what you wanted to do? If not, what is your career goal, and what drives you to cover sports?

Though I love my Nets, I will always be a New York Giants fan first and foremost. I began my writing career at the age of 15 by opening a section on SportsBlog.com, where I wrote articles of my choice. After a few months of writing for my own section, I received a spot with a small fan-based site dedicated to the Giants. Soon after, I received a great opportunity with Scout Media to be a writer for their Giants section. Writing nearly 75 articles for Scout, it became clear to me that sports journalism is my true passion. Just a few weeks ago, I was offered a position to write for The Giants Wire of USA Today, where I currently write about anything and everything Giants-related. And of course, I am fortunate enough to be a member of this great site as a Nets writer.

What is your favorite piece you’ve written for NBN? If you haven’t been here long enough, what is your favorite piece you’ve written for any publication?

Though I have only written about 10 articles for NBN (having joined the site less than a month ago), my article about why Sean Kilpatrick will win the Sixth Man of the Year award is easily my favorite. As a Nets fan, I have enjoyed witnessing the emergence of Kilpatrick. Thus, writing an article on why he will win Sixth Man of the Year was quite enjoyable.