In March 2009, Gil and his wife Sybille were featured as MVPs in the Grizzlies game program
Grizzlies super fan and ten-year season ticket holder Gil Noble talks the team and social media:
What would you like to see in a local blog about the Grizzlies specially or a sports blog in general?
The Grizzlies official website doesn’t report rumors about the team, trades earlier discussed, etc. NBA rumors are widely reported on popular sports websites such as the Bleacher Report, Hoops Hype, Sports Illustrated, and The Commercial Appeal
It would be interesting if Grizzlies website included hyper-links to the rumors from selected websites, and allowed Grizzlies fans, management, and players provide comments on the Grizzlies website. This would make the Grizzlies website more relevant for day-to-day interest.
Do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs)? If so, how often?
Yes, several times each day – about 30 minutes cumulatively.
How do you use social media for fun/hobby (for sports news, information or entertainment), for work, or both?
Fun/hobby: Interpersonal messages and information.
Has social media had a general impact on your interest in the Grizzlies?
No, I follow the Grizzlies via internet sports websites.
How do you communicate/interact with other fans/friends who share your interest in the Grizzlies?
Three or four times each week via email. Most of this interaction is with people who I have learned have interest in the NBA. A surprising number of basketball fans in Memphis are not interested in both the Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers – they prefer one but not the other. So I discuss Grizzlies with one set of fans, and I discuss Tigers with another set of basketball fans.
What types of blog posts about the Grizzlies might you like to read (game recaps, editorials about the team, players or management, my personal Grizzlies stories, etc)?
• Editorials about the team
• Stories about the players and their families
• Stories about the coaches and their families. e.g., Coach Hollins’ son was a top high school player in the area – but many Grizzlies fans don’t know it and would find it of interest.
Where do you go for news and information about the Grizzlies (traditional news organizations such as The Commercial Appeal or more untraditional outlets such as blogs or Twitter)?
Traditional news organizations such as Sports Illustrated, The Commercial Appeal, The Bleacher Report, and Hoops Hype
Are you more likely or unlikely to read blogs associated with traditional news organizations (for example The Commercial Appeal has its Memphis Edge blog)?
Yes. I assume that even the rumors are better founded.
What are the most important elements in your decision where to find information about the Grizzlies?
Receive email alerts [from sports websites] of interesting NBA stories.
Would the gender of a Grizzlies blogger affect your decision to read the blog (in a positive or negative way)?
Gender would have no effect on my decision, or on my view of blogger’s credibility. Although, I’d be interested in biographical phrases that identify who the blogger is.
Do you read any local or national Grizzlies blogs and if so which ones?
No – except on Commercial Appeal website.
Who is your favorite Grizzlies player and what is your most memorable Grizzlies game (from this season or a past season)? Who is your favorite Grizzlies player of all-time?
My favorite player of all time is Shane Battier – a great draft pick. Shane is a true winner, and the consummate professional as a player. My favorite player now is Zach Randolph.
In the 2002-2003 season the Grizzlies won only 23 games – but pulled-out a stunning and unexpected home upset against a dominant Lakers team which featured Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, and which went on to win that season’s NBA Championship.
Our fourth quarter “BEAT L.A.” chants was huge fun, and left a sweet and lasting memory.
iheartgrizz 