Breaking: At The Columbian - Hendrickson Bids Farewell, Enter Brian T. Smith

by Ben Golliver on Jul 14, 2009 2:00 PM PDT in News

You might have noticed that recent Full Court Press posts haven't included many links to The Columbian.

The reason: esteemed beat writer Brian Hendrickson announced shortly after draft night that he will be leaving the paper and moving with his family out of state to pursue other writing opportunities. Hendrickson's Blazers Banter was consistently a must-read for Blazers fans and his friendly personality and helpful advice will be missed by colleagues during the long grind of the NBA season.

Blazersedge has learned today that Hendrickson's replacement will be Brian T. Smith, formerly of Tennessee's Bristol Herald-Courier.

Earlier this week, it was announced Mr. Smith recently earned some hardware...

Bristol Herald Courier sports writers Brian T. Smith and Allen Gregory each earned awards in the 2008-09 Tennessee Sports Writers Association writing contest.

Smith earned second place in the best series/investigative category for three stories documenting a five-year decline in East Tennessee State University men's basketball home ticket sales.

Mr. Hendrickson writes...

[Brian T. Smith] got his start at the Columbian a few years ago and [has] been covering East Tennessee State for the last two years.

The Columbian's Blazers coverage definitely won't drop with Brian on board, which makes me very happy and relieved to say.

In May, The Columbian sought Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection from its creditors. The paper had a choice whether or not to fill this position and it's nice to see that it remains committed to Blazers coverage despite any financial uncertainty.

Bon Voyage, Brian! And... Bienvenidos other Brian!

Hopefully, Jay Jensen is at the airport to greet him.

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

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Huh that's too bad, he was pretty good

Especially considering what he had to work with

Blazer Fan

by leeroyjenkins on Jul 14, 2009 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

I hope the Columbian survives

But I kind of doubt it will. I just don’t think their market share is big enough.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Jul 14, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions

Oh man, that's a shame

Brian did some outstanding stuff, I’ll miss reading it. I’ll go out of my way to check out Brian’s stuff though.

by Timmay! on Jul 14, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions

Yes, he had some good interviews after everybody else had left, or behind the scenes reports

Any news if his move out of state is work related, or is he retiring?

If you want to trade our spare parts for Devin Harris, I have three quarters I would like to trade for your dollar

by Norsktroll on Jul 14, 2009 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Brian

took the time to visit my small-time summer Sports Writing class at PSU a couple years back. He dropped some real knowledge on us. Great guy. Joe Freeman came, too. Canzano turned us down.

http://following-thetrail.blogspot.com

by BigCelPhone on Jul 14, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

How bad would it suck to be in the newspaper business right now?

I hope that both Brians are successful. I can’t imagine studying really hard at a school and getting good grades in order to find out that there are no jobs to be had in your chosen profession. – Elgin

Without you out there, we're nowhere here

by 22baylor on Jul 14, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions

This is sad news.

Brian Hendrickson was easily the best guy covering the Blazers. He may not have had all the inside contacts that Quick did for personal stories, but he was the only one that had actual understanding of the CBA and knew how to interpret statistics. Couple that incredible work he did on those two subjects with his sprinkled in personal-side of basketball stories and Blazer fans have lost a great resource :/

by TSE on Jul 14, 2009 3:30 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Welcome to Brian Smith

You have big shoes to fill. I have no doubt you will do just fine. My advise:

1. Stay connected to Blazers Edge – where perspective is wide and deep.

2. Stay away from ~~the Caustic Couple~~ ~~Toxic Twins~~ Canzano and Quick in forming your opinions.

by lee3022 on Jul 14, 2009 4:48 PM PDT reply actions

Jay Jensen is at the airport...

…wearing a cowboy hat and holding a sign that says, “Howdy!”

Pubert Jones > Hedo

by rockingharder on Jul 14, 2009 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

OK, why exactly are we bashing on Jay Jensen?

Because he went along to meet Hedouche at the airport, now we have to expect him to meet any arrival?

Boy, he’s going to get to know airport staff real quick at this rate…

Blazers win!

by The X-man on Jul 15, 2009 12:13 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Not trying to bash.

Just poking fun at the idea that Jensen is apparently the team’s designated greeter.

For more, follow the Blazersedge twitter feed. Ben’s full of them.

Pubert Jones > Hedo

by rockingharder on Jul 15, 2009 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Sorry to see Hendrickson go

He would come up with good stuff, and I like his writing style.

Welcome Brian Smith. Good luck.

"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)

by G_dubs on Jul 14, 2009 6:14 PM PDT reply actions

Rats

Sorry to see Brian H go. Nice guy. Got to meet him at the B.E.N. and we chatted about the future of the Columbian and papers in general. I wish him all the luck in the world.

Welcome to Brian S. Hope he gets to stick around for awhile. Glad to know someone who has spent time here is taking over.

"Portland's best years are still ahead. The Blazers aren't stalled yet. They have a ton of time left on the clock." - Dave, 06/29

by jorga on Jul 14, 2009 9:31 PM PDT reply actions