If you’ve somehow stumbled on this site, you probably have a lot of questions that begin with the words ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ ‘when,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how.’ So here it goes as I try to explain what this site is all about…
Who am I? My name is Arin Karimian and I’m an online editor in USA Today’s sports department and a graduate student in journalism at Georgetown University.
Why did I launch this site? To wrap up my degree, duh. OK, all kidding aside, this site will be my Capstone project, which is supposed to be the culmination of everything I’ve learned in the journalism program. Being a sports nut I’ve decided to do my Capstone on the NBA and its rule that players must be one year out of high school and at least 19 years old in order to enter the NBA draft. The rule went into effect with the 2006 draft, after a decade of straight-from-high-school-to-NBA success stories, but also some glaring failures. Kwame Brown anybody?
What do I hope to accomplish? I want to provide a thorough overview of the NBA’s history with players that were drafted directly from high school. I also want to focus on this year’s draft and new wrinkles that have emerged since the rule change. Integrated in all of this, I hope to shed some light on some of the key personalities who’ve played a part.
When will I do all of this? Starting today and going through early August when my work must be completed. I hope to post regular updates and featured stories throughout. Please check back regularly and share your thoughts, I’d love to get a conversation started.
How am I going to accomplish all of this? Through interviews, research, and maybe even some fancy spreadsheets. I’ll try to make this equal parts engaging and educated.
Where am I doing all of this from? From the comforts of my home in the suburbs of Northern Virginia, about a 25-minute drive to Washington.
Hopefully you’ve kept reading and will come along for the ride!
Arin Karimian
