Teen essay: Youth Media Day with the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors Youth Media Day was held at their practice facility, the Oakland Convention Center. The practice court and offices are located on the fifth and sixth floors. Ten young journalists, ranging from elementary age to high school students, received an invitation and an opportunity of a lifetime. Along with me, Kid Scoop News sent another reporter from Sonoma County - Jaret Bosarge, a fourth-grader at Corona Creek Elementary School in Petaluma.

Shortly after arrival, outside the doors of the practice facility, we met Rusty Simmons. He is the Warriors beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. He talked about working as a sports writer. “I have the coolest job! I get paid to watch basketball.” Sportswriting is a dream job for so many, including me.

We observed practice for a few minutes. Forward Draymond Green came to meet us. When I spoke with him, he told me if he wasn’t playing for the NBA, he would be working with the game he loves in some way, perhaps even coaching. He shared that his mom and brother have had the greatest influence in his life and career. They pushed him to do better. He started playing basketball because his brother played. He liked the game and was good at it.

We watched guard Stephen Curry make three half-court shots in a row. Forward Harrison Barnes then greeted us. During the Q & A, I learned that Barnes believes his greatest achievement is making it to the NBA. Inconspicuously, 7-foot center Andrew Bogut approached us and fed a question to Kid Scoop News reporter Jaret Bosarge. He was told to ask Barnes about the “Black Falcon.” Barnes laughed, realizing his teammate was behind this. An ESPN sports analyst had referred to Barnes as a “Black Falcon” and the nickname stuck.

Upstairs was our next stop, the office of Rick Welts, the president and chief of operations for the Warriors. The back wall of his office is glass with a great view overlooking the city. His office is filled with tons of great basketball memorabilia. He said that he has always loved the game, but by high school he realized he was “vertically challenged.” His career in basketball began when he was 16, as the ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics. He has come a long way.

All the young reporters were given Draymond Green bobble heads. These will help commemorate the day.

It is one that I will not soon forget.