10 Years of The Pick and Roll: Michael Houben

Credit: Lara Sinclair

When I reached out to The Pick and Roll in hopes of becoming a contributor at the end of 2019, I had no desire other than to find a platform to pen my basketball thoughts in a longer form than Twitter would allow. Little did I know where it would lead.

Being a consumer of Australian basketball content, I had always held The Pick and Roll in high esteem - they were already the go-to destination online for basketball from an Australian lens. Joining the team, I quickly realised what made their content so strong. With no formal writing background, I was, and continue to be, mentored by my editor Kein Chua, who has quietly had a hand in the development of so many of Australia’s best basketball writers. Not only has he helped me articulate my thoughts and hone my direction as a writer, but more than anything, pushed me towards new challenges as I find myself deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole of the basketball media world.

From opinion pieces I started interviewing players, to attending events as media, to radio spots and on camera appearances. Suddenly, an inclination to blog in my spare time had turned into a full blown side hustle.

Yes, the site can act as a gateway to more mainstream basketball media opportunities, but as far as I’m concerned, The Pick and Roll has established itself as one of, if not the most quality platform for basketball content in the country in its own right. Uninhibited by the chase for clicks or the need to pander or dumb down content, I still find myself constantly awaiting the latest insightful piece from Ben Mallis or analytical gem from Jordan McCallum, to name just a couple of my favourite fellow writers, just as I did before I joined.

Personally, this platform has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities to interview or otherwise shine a light on players away from the spotlight. While the opportunity to interview established talents like Josh Giddey or Mitch Creek has been a privilege, I’ve always been drawn towards writing on lesser known topics and players other outlets may not be willing to touch. Speaking to Luke Travers when he was a relatively unknown development player in Perth, or seeking out Chima Moneke for a chat when he was struggling to make a name for himself in France’s second division are particularly memorable in retrospect considering both now have their names connected to NBA franchises. Following their journeys, as well as the countless college and high prospects I’ve had the chance to cover, is something I have really enjoyed.

Another favourite topic of mine to cover has been the rise of South Sudanese basketball within Australia. It’s a topic I’m passionate about and have revisited numerous times over the years, and covering it has exposed me to a wonderful pocket of our basketball culture.

None of these stories would’ve been told anywhere but The Pick and Roll.

The freedom to pursue topics of personal interest and to truly dive deep into them with longform pieces is something I’ll never take for granted. It has allowed me to remain motivated and inspired by the pieces I write to offset the often arduous prospect of creating content on top of a full-time job.

That is exactly why I think The Pick and Roll has and will continue to be so unique. No one is a standard journalist asked to cover basketball, or even a basketball lover asked to meet a quota or deadline - the content produced comes from intrinsically passionate basketball fans keen to share their content with the world.

Thanks to everyone that has read and supported our work at The Pick and Roll, particularly those that have subscribed. Your support keeps quality basketball journalism in this country alive.