Michael Tolajian: Once Brothers & Q Ball

Growing up in a blue collar town on the outskirts of Boston, Michael Tolajian’s love of Larry Bird and the arts helped him get his big break at NBA Entertainment in the early 90s. After getting his masters at USC Fim School Tolajian jumped back into the world of Sports Television, directing what is hailed as one of the best 30 for 30’s of all time, Once Brothers, and has gone on to be a top creative executive at the Pac 12 Network and Fox Sports. 

Michael details how a Civil War destroyed the once brotherly relationship between Drazen Petrovic and Vlade Divac. It’s impressive to find out how he was able to get Vlade and Drazen’s family to be so open and honest.  We then transition to a story you may not have ever heard of, Q Ball.  Well let’s just say Michael went to San Quentin Prison and filmed the story of convicts who earn the right to hoop vs members of the Golden State Warriors staff.  I simplified it but it’s much deeper than that and we get to hear all about it on this episode of Beyond the Lens.