I didn’t know your dad super well. In fact, Andy and I never met in person. But back in 2014, I was an Oklahoma City Thunder-obsessed aspiring screenwriter living in Los Angeles. I needed a creative outlet while trying to get my career off the ground, so I wrote about the Thunder. Just for fun. But then I decided to send it to some folks to see if anyone would put it on their website. That’s how I met your dad. He was overseeing SB Nation’s Welcome to Loud City site, and he graciously helped me turn my ramblings into a proper sports column. At that point in my fledgling career — having someone believe in something I’d written, even a basketball column for fun — meant more to me than he probably realized. It gave me confidence when I really needed it.

My interactions with your dad were ultimately small, but I could immediately tell he was a genuinely good guy. Thoughtful, encouraging, and generous with his time. He left a lasting impression on me. I’ll always be grateful I had the chance to learn from him, and I’m thankful for the role he played in my journey.