The Players' Tribune

The Weekly Roundup

The Players’ Tribune

The Players' Tribune

The Voice of the Game

As we arrive at the conclusion of another week, the team at TPT wanted to take a moment to reflect on a few of the posts that we’ve put up on the site that you might have missed (it’s okay, these things happen) while also highlighting a few other stories from around the web that caught our eye. Here’s our Weekly Roundup:

“One of the Guys” by Nancy Lieberman

Nancy Lieberman, the second female assistant coach in NBA history, reflects on her basketball journey.

Playing in men’s leagues is normal for me. I’ve played my whole life against and with the guys. Pat Riley and I laugh about it now, but his first coaching gig was with the Lakers in 1980 when he became their assistant. He was the head coach of their Summer League team and I was his point guard. I’d show up for practice, and for three hours, they beat the crap out of me. I never cried and I never sat down. I even tried to start two fights. Every time coach would say, “OK, I need five guys out here to run this drill,” I’d step onto the court.

“The Finish Line” by Meb Keflezighi

At 40 years old, Meb Keflezighi is one of the most decorated long-distance runners in American history. In his first contribution to The Players’ Tribune, he reflects on what keeps him motivated to continue running as he prepares to participate in his 10th New York City Marathon.

It doesn’t matter how often you do it or how much you accomplish, in general, not running is a lot easier than running. So I think it’s the fact that this activity is inherently difficult that ultimately bonds us. When I stop and talk to another runner, we discuss what we’re running for, what we hope to accomplish and what he have accomplished. No matter who it is, we’re all working towards something. As runners, we eventually get to a point where it is more painful not to run, than to run.

“A Return to Play” by Jim Tuttle

When the Ebola outbreak occurred in Liberia in 2014, one of the biggest cultural impacts was the government’s decision to ban all soccer play in an effort to reduce to spread of the virus through physical contact. After the country was declared Ebola-free, Players’ Tribune contributing photographer Jim Tuttle was on hand to capture images of the soccer loving nation once again partaking in the sport they love.

“Elite Mr. Octobers 101” by Reggie Jackson

Who are the best World Series performers of all-time? We reached out to a true expert to get his thoughts.

I think we throw “Mr. October” around a little too loosely these days. There will always be guys who come out of nowhere like Daniel Murphy and have a big game, or a big series, or even a big postseason. But to truly be a Mr. October, you have to do it year after year, like the guys on this list did. So with that in mind, starting with three hitters from my era and moving forward to three from the modern era, let’s take a look back at the guys I consider to be the most feared, most clutch postseason hitters I’ve ever seen. After all, I am still the original Mr. October, and it takes one to know one.

“My First NBA Game” by Cody Zeller

Entering his third NBA season, Charlotte Hornets big man Cody Zeller looks back at the not-so-glamorous start to his NBA career.

This is the first week of the new season and it got me thinking back to my first NBA game as a rookie three years ago. More accurately, it got me cringing back. Let me take you through it. If nothing else, I hope it may help other rookies feel a little more confident when they take the court for the first time.

Five Good Reads From Around the Web

1. Understanding the Greatness of Green (MMQB)

2. New York City Marathon in 6 Charts (NY Times)

3. A Mets Fan Shows His Heart for the World Series — Literally (WSJ)

4. The State v. Robertson (SB Nation)

5. Thabo Sefolosha Tells His Story of Assault by the NYPD (GQ)

One Fine Vine

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