Jake Appleman ’06 on His Novel Brooklyn Bounce and His Days at the Chi Chapter

On February 4, 2014, a new book hit the stands (and, Amazon, of course). An account of the highs and lows of the Brooklyn Nets’ historic first season (2012) in the borough, Brooklyn Bounce by Brother Jake Appleman ’06 has been described as “a breezy, cautionary tale for modern sports fans in an era in which money trumps all, and owners who know nothing about the NBA meddle destructively.” The paperback version was released on the book’s one-year anniversary. We caught up with the native New Yorker to learn more about his inspiration behind the book and his days at Chi Chapter.

Tell us about your professional journey.
I did a high school senior project in which I went to Nets games in East Rutherford, N.J., and wrote about the games from the stands. While at Kenyon, I covered the Cleveland Cavaliers for SLAM Magazine — often borrowing cars from generous Chi members for the two-hour drive north. I then covered the Nets for NBA.com when the team moved from East Rutherford to Newark. Along the way, I wrote for The New York Times, GQ and ESPN.com. In 2012, an agent suggested that I write a book about the Nets’ first season in Brooklyn. The hardcover came out a year ago, the paperback earlier this year.

What inspired your interest in Nets’ basketball?
I was always a huge NBA fan growing up. The Nets provided a good counterpoint to the Knicks, a different viewing experience, both on TV and at the games.

What is one thing you learned during the writing of the book that surprised you?
I learned that Deron Williams, the Nets’ point guard and main character of the book, was born to two parents who played basketball at West Liberty State College (now West Liberty University) which is located a few miles down the road from Bethany College where DTD was founded.

What are some of the highlights of your journey while writing the book?
A seven-city, 13-day road trip stands out. Spending time in Vegas while trying to cobble together material for sample chapters before the project was sold was fun. Jay-Z’s concert that officially opened Barclays Center had a special feel to it.

What is your most memorable DTD Kenyon experience?
Playing stickball in front of Leonard with the actives.

Do you keep in touch with any of your DTD brothers?
I do. Among them are Dan Scharff ’04, Dan Alper ’04, James Beale ’06, Tim Greenwood ’07 and Brian D’Orazio ’08. I stayed with Tom Ashby ’05 in Denver while following the Nets.

Brothers can find Brooklyn Bounce at Amazon.com and can connect with Jake at [email protected].