Wolves Media Profile: William Bohl

Posted By: Dan Slaubaugh

The Minnesota Timberwolves community is extremely fortunate to have a large collection of dedicated, knowledgeable Wolves writers who cover the team year in and year out. Here at OTP, we are giving fans an opportunity to find out more about these talented individuals. Our eighth profile feature is William Bohl, who contributes to A Wolf Among Wolves as well as SB Nation's Cleveland Cavaliers blog "Fear the Sword".
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Name: William Bohl
Affiliation: A Wolf Among Wolves
Web Address: www.AWolfAmongWolves.com
Twitter: @BreakTheHuddle

​William! How are you? Thanks for your time!
 
I’m doing great! Thanks for asking me to be part of this – I love the series, it’s been really fun learning about all of the (vastly more talented and qualified) people who cover the team. I’m honored to be included!
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How long have you been covering the Wolves for A Wolf Among Wolves?
 
This will be my fourth year. I started in 2013, otherwise known as The Final Kevin Love Season – 40-42, nine games out of a playoff spot. It feels like forever ago, already. 
 
What sparked your interest in writing and how did you get affiliated with A Wolf Among Wolves?
 
I’ve been interested in writing for as long as I can remember. I loved the Matt Christopher books about baseball, would read Sports Illustrated cover to cover when it arrived every week, and wrote short stories that I was way too shy and afraid to show anyone else. I studied creative writing and English literature at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, but didn’t really start writing about sports until later on, when I moved to Minnesota in 2010. I started following the NBA really closely that year; when Ricky came over from Spain in 2011, I founded my now-defunct blog (BreakTheHuddle.com), which is where Steve McPherson discovered me two years later. He asked me to come on over the A Wolf Among Wolves, and it’s been a terrific ride ever since.
 
What will viewers find by reading your content at AWAW?

Appalling cynicism. (Just kidding.) Hopefully, they’ll find writing that makes them think, and/or is a little offbeat. The thing I love about our site is that it’s writer-driven, and writer-centric. Steve McPherson, Zach Harper, Tim Falkis and I each have a distinct voice, and we have the freedom to explore using our voices in creative ways.
What keeps you driven and motivated to cover the team with excellence? 

Honestly? Trying to keep up with everyone else, primarily on our own site, but also elsewhere. Steve, Zach and Tim are incredible, but there are a ton of talented people who devote themselves to covering the team. I want to show I’m worthy of being part of that conversation.

The Wolves are one of the NBA’s best young squads. Why should fans be sure to follow the team next year?
 
Well, the Timberwolves have three of the best young prospects in the sport, one of the better head coaches in the business at the helm, and a real chance to show they’re on the rise. If that doesn’t do it for you, I don’t know what could convince you to watch.
 
Do you have a favorite Wolves memory in the time you’ve been covering them?

Oh, man. There are two that really stick out.
 
The first is pretty random, because it’s about Jeff Adrien, whose Wolves career lasted all of a month and a half. He was signed during the 2014-15 Tank-a-thon; the Wolves went 1-18 while he was on the roster, with the lone victory coming at home over the Blazers. Adrien played really well in that game: 8 points, 11 boards, 2 assists and 2 blocks. In the locker room afterward, most of the assembled media wanted to hear from Andrew Wiggins (duh) or Corey Brewer, and I was on the outside looking in at both of those scrums. I noticed Adrien sitting alone at his locker, looking around with a little smile on his face, like he was just waiting for someone to speak to him. Finally, I ask, “Hey Jeff, do you have a minute?” His smile gets bigger, he claps his hands together, and says, “MAN, I’ve got FIVE minutes.” It was hilarious, and I probably used all five he had for me. He was terrific.
 
The second was a random fan interrupting a Rick Adelman postgame press conference by blurting out, “SLOW START TO THE FIRST QUARTER” while Rick was in the middle of an unrelated answer. Adelman just sort of stared at him for a beat, then abruptly ended the presser. It was awkward and amazing.
 
What was the most enjoyable storyline in the past NBA season and why?
 
The Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead with homecourt advantage in the NBA Finals, culminated by LeBron’s block, Kevin Love locking down Steph Curry (twice) on what could’ve been a clutch possession, and Kyrie hitting the game-winning shot right in Curry’s face. That was sweet. That was really, really sweet.
 
Which are some of your favorite NBA and Wolves related writers you follow?
 
I read everything Britt Robson writes, and if you’re not doing the same, you’re really missing out. He’s the absolute best. I also love the Punch-Drunk Wolves guys (Andy and Patrick) and Zach Bennett as well. League-wide – I do some work with Fear the Sword, so I’m a big fan of that whole crew. Jacob Greenberg at The Diss is essential. Dancing with Noah as well. As far as nationally-known people (and I know everyone says it), Zach Lowe is the cream of the crop. 

Rapid Fire (Flame Emojis)
 
Favorite sports movie? A League of Their Own

Favorite food? My mom makes the world’s best strawberry pies.

Favorite weather/season? Fall. 

Favorite TV show? All-time? The Wire. Currently? Bojack Horseman.

Hidden talent? I love to garden, and I love canning food. Not to brag, but I make terrific salsa. 

'95-'96 Bulls or '15-'16 Warriors? Bulls. The ’15-’16 Warriors blew a 3-1 lead on their home floor in the Finals.  

Favorite NBA player of all-time? This says a lot about me, but since I’ve devoted so much time writing about him, the answer has to be Kevin Love. I’m weird.

Space Jam or Like Mike? Space Jam, I guess.

When do the Wolves finally end the NBA's longest playoff drought? 2017-18. They’re just a little too thin this year for my taste. ​