Introducing Jarrett Sutton, Rock M Nation Masthead

For those who have followed along, Jack and I host a podcast about Mizzou sports called Rock M Radio. On the podcast a few weeks ago we talked to Jarrett Sutton. Off the air Jarrett and I talked about him taking on a role here at Rock M Nation and helping us to round out our basketball coverage. He agreed to do so, and with that I'm pleased to announce our newest member to the Rock M Nation masthead: Jarrett Sutton!

With Jarrett being an official member of the Masthead here at Rock M Nation, I thought we'd give him the opportunity to introduce himself with a few questions to answer. With that, welcome our newest team member...

Questions & Answers

So first of all, welcome to the team Jarrett! We're very excited to have you on board. Let's start first with a little background! Who are you? Where are you from? And how did you get mixed up in Mizzou sports?

I'm Jarrett Sutton, born and raised from Kansas City, Missouri. My journey to Mizzou was something I always envisioned and worked towards, but never knew how it would play out and was always told it wouldn't happen. Little did I know one moment at the Student REC Center would change all that. The life experiences, 4 years of incredible memories, lifelong relationships made, and the legacy a group of men left behind is something I will always cherish. My love for the game continue after college in working with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in different roles of the front office.

When you look back on your Missouri career, what is your finest memory?

So many memories, I truly could list probably 100 great ones over 4 years. So many wins to share, or electrifying plays that changed a game or won a game, or even laughs and jokes with teammates in the locker room or on trips. However, the one memory that started it all was the first day. I’m new, I know no one, I just joined the team in mid preseason practice, and I walk into the locker room with a deer in the headlights look. I’m a red shirt freshman walk-on, and I have no idea what to expect, and there is the one player in the locker room that early before practice. That player was Kim English. He looked at me as I walked into our locker room for the first time, asked if I was "the new guy," walked over and gave me a bear hug with the biggest smile and excitement on his face. He said, "welcome to the team, Jarrett!" One of my best friends now, made me feel welcomed right from the start, and has been a brother to me ever since.

What was it that made you want to pursue a career in broadcast tv covering basketball?

Brian Scalabrine. Brian played in the NBA for 11 years, and is now an analyst for the Boston Celtics. He had done some broadcast work before excepting a position with the Golden State Warriors last season as an Assistant Coach. While I was with the organization, Scalabrine was demoted to our minor league affiliate where I was working. Brian and I got very close, we spent a lot of time together on and off the floor, and a lot of talks about the game, and about our backgrounds and interests. As the season ended, Brian and I were having dinner in Los Angeles before a playoff game. He told me through a text before dinner that he really wanted to talk with me about something. I wasn’t sure what it was, but as we began talking he told me out of the blue that my calling was broadcast. It caught me off guard, because I knew Brian meant it and wanted me to try it. He said he thought I could be the right fit, and my interest and passion was perfect for it. I really didn’t know how to respond, because I never had any broadcast experience and never saw myself in that role. When I returned, and was presented with the opportunity, I knew it was a sign and one that I needed to pursue. 1 year in the books, and Brian was right. I have loved every second of it, have worked with great people, and have loved learning about the industry on the fly. Jumping in the fire, and accepting that challenge, was the best decision I made.

Since you've been covering sports from the other side of lines, what has been the biggest change for you in learning how the media side workds/ What has been the toughest transition?

The toughest transition for me is being neutral. During Mizzou games, men’s and women’s, it’s been hard to not say "we, our, or us." Words I am so used to saying when describing our programs. Another challenge was learning how to talk while a producer is in your ear filling you in on where the broadcast is going coming back from a break, or a replay, or showing a graphic that is needed at that specific time and having a small window to break it down and dissect it. One thing I have been proud of is being completely prepared to discuss both teams at any given moment. Doing your homework, game prepping, and watching film was great for me because I did it every day with the Warriors. That’s what I love most about the job is the work you put into it before the broadcast even begins.

What do you hope to accomplish in your time here at Rock M Nation?

I think what Rock M Nation brings to Mizzou fans is great content. The articles, the breakdowns, the tough topics that you cover I’ve always appreciated in your work. I think you bring engagement to your readers, that includes myself. For me, I would love to be able to give my take on a Missouri Basketball program that is waiting to reach it’s potential. Whether that is men, or women. Both programs are taking steps, I’ve seen the work and the challenges that have faced each group, and seen their resolve. I expect to see improvement going forward, and would like to continue to break down these teams as they progress.

So, again, welcome Jarrett, we look forward to your contributions in the future! You can also follow Jarrett's exploits on twitter here:

Follow @JarrettTSutton