Rutgers Student Is More Than Your Average NBA Fan

By Masiel Torres

Ben Sobsey, a sophomore at Rutgers University possesses an extensive knowledge of the historical components of basketball that make the game a favorite national pastime.

One thing is to keep up with the world of basketball during its current season, but how many people can say they understand the game on a historical level?

Sobsey is one person who takes his knowledge of the game to a whole new level. He knows way more stats than your average fan and can name NBA championship winners faster than you can google the answer.

“I think my knowledge of the history just comes from being a major fan today because I hear and learn so much about how the game has developed and changed over the years” Sobsey says.

When tested on various NBA Championship winners, Sobsey lived up to his claims. There was not a single year that he did not know not only who won, but also the little details that made the game.

Sobsey also explained some of the changes that he has observed and researched throughout the years. One major change in the style of the game, according to Sobsey, is the athleticism of the players today.

“With some exceptions with guys like Julius Erving and Oscar Robertson who were freak athletes, it is nothing like it is today,” he says.

Sobsey then goes on to say, “Players like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Blake Griffin are some of the fastest and strongest players in all of sports and that translates into a different style of play. These players are the most dominant now, whereas it used to be that games were dominated by size around the basket.”

Sobsey attributes his extensive knowledge to his older brother Dan, as well as his love for the San Antonio Spurs. But it was his father who stimulated his love of writing.

“I've always been a good writer and I love sports so I wanted to combine two of my passions to become a sports writer. Also, my dad is a poet, so writing runs in the family.”            

He is pursuing a degree in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in English and desires to take his sports expertise into the big leagues with a job at ESPN.

But before he can dream about the future, Sobsey is getting involved on campus now to prove he knows his stuff. It takes much more than simply watching a game to understand its structure. He currently plays for the Rutgers Club Basketball Team as a shooting guard is also a referee for the Keller League, a sport’s fraternity league at Rutgers.

“I think a great journalist is someone who is very knowledgeable about their topic and is also very curious to learn more” Sobsey says. It is clear that Sobsey has what it takes to be a great journalist.