Two Writers Slinging Yang

Lia Assimakopoulos: Dallas Stars and SMU beat writer, Dallas Morning News

On the joys of covering an NHL team and the difficulty of not traveling on the beat. On the transition from college to a major newspaper. On what type of access hockey offers reporters in 2026.

Luke Epplin: Author, "Moses and The Doctor: Two Men, One Championship and the Birth of Modern Basketball."

On the joys and complications of writing a book on a reclusive dead man and a highly exposed living one. On finally landing an interview with Julius Erving. On life inside a publishing house.

Devon Henderson: Staff writer, The Athletic

On landing at The Athletic at age 22. On learning to be edited when it's not particularly fun. On avoiding career jealousy. On the benefits of Arizona State. On the saga of a young basketball phenom fighting back.

Howard Bryant: Author, "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America"

On what America misunderstands about Jackie Robinson and needs to understand about Paul Robeson. On what history can teach us about 2026 madness. On why the mythology of Branch Rickey is a departure from reality. On the modern approach to book PR.

Terry McDonnell: Former Sports Illustrated, Us Weekly, Men's Journal, Rolling Stone editor

On working with many of the greatest writers of the past century. On coming to Sports Illustrated with no ties and lots of questions. On how he views a lifetime in print. On the joys of the written word.