Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor, Author at CrownHoops
“There were so many people who told me I couldn’t play.” Craig Smith was nearly 3,000 miles from home, standing in a room full of unfamiliar people. It was 2001 and Smith had just arrived at the Worcester Academy campus in central Massachusetts, where he
Dec 04, 2020 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
The Phoenix Suns acquired All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in a blockbuster trade that sent Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, and a first-round pick to OKC. OKC has traded Chris Paul to Phoenix for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre,
Nov 16, 2020 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
The WNBA has been struggling for a long time. Fan attendance is low and overall interest in the league has never reached the level that it deserves to. Paige Bueckers is looking to change that. Basketball fans who have seen her play all agree —
May 26, 2020 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in Pop Culture
The worlds of hip-hop and basketball intersect constantly. You can see the world’s best rappers at basketball games pretty much on a nightly basis. Drake even takes a business role with the Toronto Raptors as their Global Ambassador. That goes both ways. Kevin Durant and
May 16, 2020 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in Pop Culture
Maryland star Len Bias was supposed to be better than Michael Jordan. The 6’8” forward was drafted second overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Draft with sky-high expectations after a standout senior season. At 22, Bias died of a cocaine overdose suffered in
May 09, 2020 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
“In my hood, bullies get bullied.” These infamous words embody the “Grit and Grind” Memphis Grizzlies. That never-back-down philosophy shaped one of the most unique teams of the decade into a championship contender. Zach Randolph, the man who said those words (albeit not while in
Dec 31, 2019 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
Spurs’ Struggles The San Antonio Spurs started the season looking like the San Antonio Spurs of late. That is to say, well-coached, with great chemistry, and a few talented guys, looking like a low-seed playoff contender. They started the season 4-1, with their only loss
Nov 26, 2019 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
Andrew Wiggins’ Potential When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for 6’8” SG/SF, Andrew Wiggins, they were banking on his superstar potential. At the time, Wiggins looked like as much of a sure thing as you’ll see in a draft. Wiggins averaged 17.1 points and 5.9 rebounds
Nov 15, 2019 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA
Athletes across the world, professional and amateur alike, rejoiced on Tuesday. This came at the news that the NCAA governing board unanimously agreed to allow NCAA athletes to profit. Now, it’s not like they’re being paid just to play the sport, as that would make
Oct 30, 2019 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NCAA
LaMelo Ball: 2020 NBA Draft Prospects When the Los Angeles Lakers picked Lonzo Ball second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, it was largely due to the hype surrounding his name, mainly generated by his father, Lavar. Ball’s 18-year-old younger brother, LaMelo Ball, will likely
Oct 10, 2019 by Ben Okazawa, Senior Editor in NBA