Hickory-High was created in February 2010, a project born of my frustration that no one was paying attention to Troy Murphy. Many parts of me wish that was a joke. At that time, I was just a passionate Pacers’ fan with a curiousity about advanced statistics. I found myself paralyzed by confusion with the way Murphy was viewed as one of the most productive players in the league by systems like Win Shares and Wins Produced, yet viewed as so incredibly counter-productive by Adjusted Plus-Minus. When Henry Abbott understandably ignored my repeated emails on the subject, I began looking for another outlet.
Hickory-High began as a way for me to explore and learn about basketball. I’m happy to say I’ve resolved my confusion on Troy Murphy, although a post on the subject never materialized. I write because it helps me understand. Of course this means I have a lot more writing to do. Although you’ll find plenty of statistics-based analysis here, there are rambling rants as well. I’d like to think there’s something for everyone.
Since I started out I’ve been incredibly lucky and had the opportunity to contribute at several other wonderful websites. In addition to my regular work here at Hickory-High, you can now find my unique brand of nonsense at Indy Cornrows, The Two Man Game and HoopSpeak U. The best part of this hobby is the discussion that goes with it. Please share your thoughts in the comments to any of my pieces. You can also find me on Twitter @HickoryHigh, Facebook, or send me a long winded diatribe by email, Levy2725@gmail.com.
The rest of this page is my original Statement of Purpose, the very first thing I wrote at Hickory-High. Although some of it is out-of-date, I’ve left it up as reminder to myself (and readers) of where I started.
Introduction
Let me begin by saying that I recognize and freely admit the self-indulgent nature of this undertaking. To my knowledge, no one has ever expressed the slightest desire to hear or read any of my opinions about basketball. Despite being a passionate fan, I am utterly unqualified as a basketball analyst. Despite my bachelor’s degree I am a barely proficient writer.
Now that my shortcomings are out of the way, let me talk briefly about my strengths. I love basketball. I watch as much as I can, while balancing the commitments of being a husband and 3rd grade teacher. I read as much as I can about basketball. I actively work to deepen my understanding of the many aspects of this wonderful game. I have many thoughts and opinions. I have a burgeoning desire to put those thoughts and opinions into writing.
Vision
This blog will be a place for me to add my own thoughts, admittedly simple and unqualified, about the world of basketball to the vast cacophany of opinions expressed over the internet and other media forms. In all likelihood, I will be the only person reading or discussing these opinions for the forseeable future. As I don’t anticipate having much in the way of readership, this blog will serve first and foremost as a vehicle for me to analyze, codify and expand my own opinions and understandings of the world of basketball, through the use of the written word.
Practices
To begin, I am setting a modest goal of at least one post per week. At first these posts may take a myriad number of forms. I hope that as I become more proficient as a blogger and a basketball thinker a structure to my opinions and discussions will emerge, which will guide the nature of future posts.
*All aspects are subject to revision!
