All right NBA fans, here’s the lineup sheet for Hoops Business. Before the jump ball, let me say that we are an eclectic group of individuals from diverse backgrounds and diverse ages. We all have different experiences with basketball, but one thing is clear. We love NBA basketball, and we are going to cover the NBA like a full court press!
WRITING STAFF
RIEBEIL DURLEY-PETTY, SENIOR COLUMNIST
Riebeil, call sign S.O.B. (which stands for Son of Brilliance), is a former All-State high school and college basketball player and current journalist. BA in journalism from University of Northern Iowa and MA in print journalism with a sports writing concentration from Boston University. He has written for numerous online publications and blogs. He predicts San Antonio and Cleveland in the 2016 NBA Finals with Cleveland taking the prize.
STEVE HARVEY, SENIOR COLUMNIST
Steve, call sign Rookie, is a US Coast Guard veteran and student at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he is a digital media production major and athlete. AA degree in journalism from San Diego Mesa Community College. Also writes for the Net Set blog. Picks Cleveland to win the NBA trophy in 2016.
BILL HARVEY, SENIOR COLUMNIST and EDITOR
Bill, call sign Stats, is a former basketball player who grew up watching the Cincinnati Royals. He is a former basketball and volleyball referee, Army officer, and adjunct college instructor in technical writing with a public relations and journalism background. Works for the VA in St. Louis in the Education Division. BA degrees from Xavier University and St. Leo University and an MA degree in Information Management. Believes the Spurs will win the NBA finals in six.
LAWRENCE NORMAN, COLUMNIST and VETERANS ISSUES ANALYSIS
Lawrence, call sign Sarge, is a basketball fanatic with Texas ties and a retired Army senior NCO who loves to talk and write “smack” about basketball. Works for the VA in the Education Division in St. Louis. BA degree in progress from Columbia College.
ANALYTICS & CONTRIBUTING STAFF
BARRY BONNELL, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ANALYSIS
Barry, call sign Money Hitter, is a former Major League Baseball player (Atlanta, Toronto, and Seattle) who also played both baseball and basketball at Ohio State University, where his major was journalism. He is an entrepreneur and businessman.
TOBIN LINGAFELTER, D.C., MEDICAL AND INJURY ANALYSIS
Toby, call sign Dr. T, is a former golf teaching professional and a licensed chiropractor in the St. Louis area. He is an avid sports fan and a former radio show host about golf. BA degree from Truman State University and Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic.
DOUG PETTY, Ph. D., SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY ANALYSIS
Doug, call sign Doc Psych, is a Pastor and Psychologist (MA degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. in Christian Counselling) who provides a keen, provocative, and piercing insight into NBA basketball. Primary focus is the mental aspect of the game. MA degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. in Christian Counselling. Picks the West Conference winner, either the Spurs or the Clippers, to win the NBA finals.
Well, sports and basketball fans, that’s us in summary format. Over the next few weeks you will be able to get to know us much better as we cover the NBA year round and ride that crazy roller coaster of professional basketball. Give us a try and maybe you’ll like us.
The overwhelming choice to win the NBA in 2016 is Cleveland. What do you think??
