On Thursday, January 18, I had the privilege of interviewing Delbarton alumnus Brendan Brown '88. After graduating from Delbarton, Mr. Brown attended the Northwestern school of Journalism, and is now the radio announcer for the New York Knicks. Brendan is the son of hall of fame coach, Hubie Brown. Brendan followed in his father's footsteps by coaching high school basketball, college basketball, and professional basketball. Upon completing his four years at Northwestern University, Brendan went on to coach basketball at the Wake Forest University. After his time at Wake Forest, he worked as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies. Following his great run in Memphis, he became a scout for the New York Knicks and was then offered a job as a radio broadcaster for MSG.

Brendan was coming off of a long flight to Utah, in which he landed at 2 a.m. The interview still lasted a solid hour and was filled with laughter and fun. Usually, when an interview starts out it is slightly uncomfortable, but Brendan was very jovial. He has a great personality and that helped lighten the mood. While on the second stop of a 12 game road trip, Brendan and I spoke about his work in the NBA, his time at Delbarton, and any advice he had for a student looking to get into sports media.

Gianni Restifo: How did you first get into sport analytics, were you involved in any sports at Delbarton.

Brendan Brown: When I was a sophomore in high school my two best friends were on the varsity soccer team. I was able to become manager and keep the stats for the team. I had to use a specific method of stat keeping that I still use today. I really being the manager and keeping the stats. It offers a different perspective to the game that I didn't see before.

GR: All great analysts prepare and do tons of research before games. Do you think your Delbarton experience prepared you as far as preparation and organization?

BB: When I was the soccer manager, our coach Dave Bell had me compose a unique shot chart. This was my first experience of sport charting. At Northwestern, this chart really helped me in basketball. A lot of the basketball charting was sparked in my sophomore year soccer charting. I still use these charts today for the Knicks.

GR: Your father has a Hall of Fame legacy as both a coach and an analyst. What stand out the most that you observed during your time coaching with your father in Memphis? What advice did he give you when you started working an an analyst for the Knicks?

BB: The main thing he told me was to be myself. Often times it is hard to find a time to speak. I've worked with a couple people where I really need to assert myself. As the analyst, it is my job to explain and break down the specific plays. I need to make sure the audience understands what is happening. This can be especially hard, because the listeners cannot see the action.

GR: Do you still find yourself checking out sports results for Delbarton time to time? Do you enjoy coming back on campus for various events each year?

BB: I did five different Delbarton alumni events last year. I enjoy meeting old friends and coming back to the school. I loved the alumni baseball event last year. I thought it was a great idea and I had a lot of fun. Very often I find myself going on NJ.com and seeing the latest scores in football, soccer, and especially basketball.

GR: You've been around the NBA for decades. What is your favorite memory from coaching in either college or the NBA?

BB: I actually have two. The first was when I was with Memphis in the 2003 playoffs. It was the city of Memphis's first ever playoff game. You could feel the electricity in the building. What this game meant to the city was unbelievable to be a part of. The one game that sticks out the most to me was the Knicks versus the Heat after Hurricane Sandy. To think about what was going on in the city was terrible, but the game was so riveting. It was beyond a playoff game and our players played amazingly well. The fans never let up the entire game and we blew out the Heat. This is truly special to me.

GR: You were a terrific basketball player for Delbarton. Obviously you were around the NBA a lot as a kid. When did your love for Basketball spark?

BB: As a kid I was all around the NBA. I remember meeting Kareem and Oscar. Getting to meet them and watch the games really sparked my interest in basketball. I loved the atmosphere of NBA basketball. You would think these experiences early on would spoil me, but it did the opposite.

GR: Overall, what is your biggest takeaway from Delbarton?

BB: It all started with soccer charting, building to Northwestern and Wake Forest, being with Tim Duncan, working in the NBA for 12 years. I never forgot being an assistant for Delbarton. Because I have this skill for the charting is why I became successful in the NBA. What Delbarton is all about is the enthusiasm for what you do. To have harmonious spirit to strive for excellence is what made me who I am today. I am always trying to be as helpful as possible to the alumni group. I will forever have a passion for Delbarton, and will remember the countless memories I created in High school.

I remember listening to Knick games on the radio. As soon as the interview started, I instantly recognized who I was talking to. It's crazy how you can relate to someone without even knowing it. You can hear Brendan call Knicks games on ESPN NY 98.7 FM. Good luck to him and the Knicks this season. Roll Wave!