Sam Davis, Natalie Stoberman, Sherman Hamilton, Paul Jones, Michael Grange, Holly MacKenzie, and James Herbert pose for a photo at the end of the Hoop Talks Live show on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Derek Deonarain)
By Willy Phan
Humber journalism student Natalie Stoberman starred on a media panel of distinguished sports personalities at the Hoop Talks Live basketball speaker series on Thursday night at the Bad Dog Theatre.
The third-year journalism student joined Toronto Raptors analysts Paul Jones and Sherman Hamilton, Sportsnet correspondent Michael Grange, National Post columnist Eric Koreen, NBA.com reporter Holly MacKenzie, and CBS Sports writer James Herbert. The inaugural show debuted on Jan. 29 when it was previously known as FULL COURT PRESS.
Stoberman told Humber News that she was initially excited and nervous to take part in the event with a seasoned panel of basketball pundits.
“I didn’t know what to expect so the unknown was what freaked me out a little bit,” said Stoberman. “But once I started, it was one of the most favourite things that I’ve ever done.”
Host Sam Davis opened the show with Stoberman, who discussed her experience as a reporter for NBA TV Canada, the Humber Hawks and Mississauga Power of the NBLC (National Basketball League of Canada).
Never thought I’d be talking @NBLCanada at #hoopstalklive. Thanks for the perspective @Nat_Stoberman
— Piotr Makuch (@PMakuch) February 27, 2015
When Davis asked Stoberman who she models her reporting style after, the student journalist responded with some helpful advice for the audience.
“As a student, you want to emulate someone but you don’t want to be somebody,” said Stoberman. “You want to be your own person and find that brand and I’m learning that right now.”
However, Stoberman still referred to ESPN basketball reporter Doris Burke as her role model.
“(Burke) is so direct with her questions,” said Stoberman. “You’ve got to get right to the question and that’s what I appreciate about Doris Burke.”
. @HoopTalksLive was fun. @Nat_Stoberman was awesome. So were @outsidethenba, @stackmack and @ekoreen. Solid night of basketball talk. — Christopher Walder (@WalderSports) February 27, 2015
Stoberman’s father attended the show and told Humber News that he was extremely proud of his daughter’s involvement with Hoop Talks Live.
“I’m glad that Natalie’s able to take it to the next level, come out here, let the people know what she’s doing and tell them good stories in what she does,” said Dan Stoberman.
Ryerson University journalism student Luke Galati told Humber News that he previously met Stoberman at NBA TV Canada and believed the Humber student’s role at Hoop Talks Live was well-deserved.
“(Stoberman) has been working hard at the NBLC and Humber,” said Galati. “It’s just motivation because it shows that where there’s a will, there’s a way.”