Omar Zahran
@omarzahran.bsky.social
Sports writer on Medium
Staff writer for KnicksFanTV
Host of the Deep Cover Podcast
Lover of sports, tech, and amazing food
Staff writer for KnicksFanTV
Host of the Deep Cover Podcast
Lover of sports, tech, and amazing food
Pinned
Omar Zahran
@omarzahran.bsky.social
· May 1
Deep Cover | Omar Zahran | Substack
Weekly sports analysis that goes beyond hot takes and highlights. Click to read Deep Cover, by Omar Zahran, a Substack publication. Launched 2 months ago.
deepcover.substack.com
Hey everyone.
If you ever want to read my stuff please subscribe to my Substack below. It’s free! And you’ll get a couple rambling sports essays from me every week!
It would mean the world to me if you subscribed!
deepcover.substack.com
If you ever want to read my stuff please subscribe to my Substack below. It’s free! And you’ll get a couple rambling sports essays from me every week!
It would mean the world to me if you subscribed!
deepcover.substack.com
You know who has a sneaky decent broadcast? The Pelicans with Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels. Antonio tonight wanted to know why NO didn’t get a call on a Chet drive and Joel is like “well they are 2-11, that’s why” and moved on to the next play. Amazing work.
November 18, 2025 at 3:20 AM
You know who has a sneaky decent broadcast? The Pelicans with Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels. Antonio tonight wanted to know why NO didn’t get a call on a Chet drive and Joel is like “well they are 2-11, that’s why” and moved on to the next play. Amazing work.
Every time I watch the Heat, I find myself impressed by Davion Mitchell. He has done a great job using his speed and first step to get inside and create opportunities for his offense.
He ended up with 18 on good efficiency tonight. A great development story and he’s really found a home in Miami.
He ended up with 18 on good efficiency tonight. A great development story and he’s really found a home in Miami.
November 18, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Every time I watch the Heat, I find myself impressed by Davion Mitchell. He has done a great job using his speed and first step to get inside and create opportunities for his offense.
He ended up with 18 on good efficiency tonight. A great development story and he’s really found a home in Miami.
He ended up with 18 on good efficiency tonight. A great development story and he’s really found a home in Miami.
Rough shooting night for the Knicks, shooting only 25% from three. Which happens. But man some of KAT’s shot selection was puzzling at best tonight.
November 18, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Rough shooting night for the Knicks, shooting only 25% from three. Which happens. But man some of KAT’s shot selection was puzzling at best tonight.
Young Dolph was murdered in Memphis four years ago. The loss of his life and the subsequent time without him has always impacted me.
I was exposed to his music and became a huge fan, I always respected his confidence in his work to stay independent and carve out his own lane.
I was exposed to his music and became a huge fan, I always respected his confidence in his work to stay independent and carve out his own lane.
November 17, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Young Dolph was murdered in Memphis four years ago. The loss of his life and the subsequent time without him has always impacted me.
I was exposed to his music and became a huge fan, I always respected his confidence in his work to stay independent and carve out his own lane.
I was exposed to his music and became a huge fan, I always respected his confidence in his work to stay independent and carve out his own lane.
The Eagles pass rush has done such a great job tonight in disrupting Jared Goff’s process. He has been rattled and cannot find his rhythm, constantly thrown off his spot. Batted balls, pressure, and the result is Goff missing passes he normally completes. They’ve played a complete game so far.
November 17, 2025 at 4:13 AM
The Eagles pass rush has done such a great job tonight in disrupting Jared Goff’s process. He has been rattled and cannot find his rhythm, constantly thrown off his spot. Batted balls, pressure, and the result is Goff missing passes he normally completes. They’ve played a complete game so far.
You honestly have to be so impressed with the Seahawks defense. They go down 14-3 early. Darnold throws a career high four interceptions and puts them in tough field position situations. And yet they get stops and give their offense a chance to win the game. Just a really good defensive unit.
November 17, 2025 at 12:05 AM
You honestly have to be so impressed with the Seahawks defense. They go down 14-3 early. Darnold throws a career high four interceptions and puts them in tough field position situations. And yet they get stops and give their offense a chance to win the game. Just a really good defensive unit.
Starting to feel like the Bears are this years version of what the Commanders were last year and what the Vikings were the year before. Another close call with a game winning kick. Wildly entertaining team!
November 16, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Starting to feel like the Bears are this years version of what the Commanders were last year and what the Vikings were the year before. Another close call with a game winning kick. Wildly entertaining team!
Where were you when Jameis Winston ran a QB sneak and got 10 yards? This man is the definition of a cult hero lmao
November 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Where were you when Jameis Winston ran a QB sneak and got 10 yards? This man is the definition of a cult hero lmao
The usage of AI and genAI tools has been a hot button issue in almost every medium. But it has especially been one that provokes a lot of emotion in the writing and art space. As someone who writes pretty regularly I figured I’d share my experiences and where I’m at on GenAI as a tool for writers.
November 16, 2025 at 1:57 AM
The usage of AI and genAI tools has been a hot button issue in almost every medium. But it has especially been one that provokes a lot of emotion in the writing and art space. As someone who writes pretty regularly I figured I’d share my experiences and where I’m at on GenAI as a tool for writers.
Something that I think the NBA has struggled with during the regular season is that broadcasts often don’t make the games feel big with the way they presented it.
November 12, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Something that I think the NBA has struggled with during the regular season is that broadcasts often don’t make the games feel big with the way they presented it.
New podcast episode!
I was joined by Jarrett Spence to talk about the future of the Wizards, what it’s like covering a rebuilding franchise, and the nuances between covering th NBA and WNBA. Hope you all enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/6gMi...
I was joined by Jarrett Spence to talk about the future of the Wizards, what it’s like covering a rebuilding franchise, and the nuances between covering th NBA and WNBA. Hope you all enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/6gMi...
#87 - The Strange Allure of the Washington Wizards w/ Jarrett Spence
open.spotify.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
New podcast episode!
I was joined by Jarrett Spence to talk about the future of the Wizards, what it’s like covering a rebuilding franchise, and the nuances between covering th NBA and WNBA. Hope you all enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/6gMi...
I was joined by Jarrett Spence to talk about the future of the Wizards, what it’s like covering a rebuilding franchise, and the nuances between covering th NBA and WNBA. Hope you all enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/6gMi...
The ongoing dispute between Google and Disney has disrupted two sports weekends. This impasse and inevitable price hike that will follow is another example of fans being forced to pay the cost of billion-dollar negotiations. Wrote more about this in my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/deepcove...
open.substack.com/pub/deepcove...
In the Fight Between Google & Disney, the Fans Always Lose
Another carriage dispute on YouTube TV shows that the pivot to streaming services for sports content was always a house of cards
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:40 AM
The ongoing dispute between Google and Disney has disrupted two sports weekends. This impasse and inevitable price hike that will follow is another example of fans being forced to pay the cost of billion-dollar negotiations. Wrote more about this in my latest:
open.substack.com/pub/deepcove...
open.substack.com/pub/deepcove...
Anfernee Simons has such a smooth offensive game. Love watching him work and get buckets.
November 12, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Anfernee Simons has such a smooth offensive game. Love watching him work and get buckets.
These last few games, we’ve seen what this Knicks offense is building towards. Everyone sees the motion, passing, and three point volume.
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 AM
These last few games, we’ve seen what this Knicks offense is building towards. Everyone sees the motion, passing, and three point volume.
I know that many are happy that Nico Harrison was fired today. But I have long felt that he was the scapegoat vessel for bad decision making that has arisen with this new Mavs ownership group.
November 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I know that many are happy that Nico Harrison was fired today. But I have long felt that he was the scapegoat vessel for bad decision making that has arisen with this new Mavs ownership group.
The Pistons are 9-2 and sit atop the Eastern Conference. The reason? Their best player, Cade Cunningham, is taking the next step of his development into one of the best players in the sport. Wrote more about Cade and his rise in my latest on Substack 👇
deepcover.substack.com/p/the-ascens...
deepcover.substack.com/p/the-ascens...
The Ascension of Cade Cunningham
The Pistons guard has continued to refine and improve, showing that he is on the cusp of greatness
deepcover.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:02 AM
The Pistons are 9-2 and sit atop the Eastern Conference. The reason? Their best player, Cade Cunningham, is taking the next step of his development into one of the best players in the sport. Wrote more about Cade and his rise in my latest on Substack 👇
deepcover.substack.com/p/the-ascens...
deepcover.substack.com/p/the-ascens...
Every time I watch the Bucks, I feel like Ryan Rollins is making plays. Nice development story for the Bucks who needed someone to step up at that point guard spot this year. Just love watching this guy play.
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Every time I watch the Bucks, I feel like Ryan Rollins is making plays. Nice development story for the Bucks who needed someone to step up at that point guard spot this year. Just love watching this guy play.
The thing you notice when you watch Wemby is such a mental advantage that he has. Opposing players are forced to think twice before putting up a shot at the rim.
November 11, 2025 at 3:28 AM
The thing you notice when you watch Wemby is such a mental advantage that he has. Opposing players are forced to think twice before putting up a shot at the rim.
Cade Cunningham dropped 46 on 45 shots tonight in an OT win against the Wizards. That’s some Iverson and Kobe type activity! First player since Kobe in ‘02 to have 30+ missed shots in a game. What a time to be alive.
November 11, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Cade Cunningham dropped 46 on 45 shots tonight in an OT win against the Wizards. That’s some Iverson and Kobe type activity! First player since Kobe in ‘02 to have 30+ missed shots in a game. What a time to be alive.
Just want to say how cool it was to do this. Harvey Araton won the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2017. It was an honor to be able to interview him. If you told me that I'd be talking on my podcast with someone of that stature when I started I would have said you were crazy. Surreal moment for me tbh.
New episode!
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
#86 - Modern Youth Sports Culture & "The Goal of the Game" w/ Harvey Araton
open.spotify.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Just want to say how cool it was to do this. Harvey Araton won the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2017. It was an honor to be able to interview him. If you told me that I'd be talking on my podcast with someone of that stature when I started I would have said you were crazy. Surreal moment for me tbh.
New episode!
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
#86 - Modern Youth Sports Culture & "The Goal of the Game" w/ Harvey Araton
open.spotify.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 AM
New episode!
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
I was joined by author and journalist Harvey Araton to talk about his new book "The Goal of the Game", the commercialization of youth sports, and the pressures that young athletes face. This was such a great conversation, and I hope that you enjoy it!
open.spotify.com/episode/3MH6...
Recent comments have reignited thoughts about Carmelo's Knick tenure. Many have positioned him as great scorer that couldn't win, is it fair to place all that on him alone? Wrote more about how we remember Carmelo in my latest for Knicks Fan TV below
knicksfantv.beehiiv.com/p/the-dualit...
knicksfantv.beehiiv.com/p/the-dualit...
The Duality of Carmelo Anthony
Recent comments by Amar’e Stoudemire and Phil Jackson force us to remember the good and the bad of Melo, and why his Knicks legacy is so complicated.
knicksfantv.beehiiv.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Recent comments have reignited thoughts about Carmelo's Knick tenure. Many have positioned him as great scorer that couldn't win, is it fair to place all that on him alone? Wrote more about how we remember Carmelo in my latest for Knicks Fan TV below
knicksfantv.beehiiv.com/p/the-dualit...
knicksfantv.beehiiv.com/p/the-dualit...
Watching the Sixers in those 2001 throwbacks with the matching court just transported me into such a nostalgia moment. Made me think about the NYC hip hop scene at that time that led me to falling in love with the genre.
I'll be listening to mixtape Fabolous for the rest of the night if you need me
I'll be listening to mixtape Fabolous for the rest of the night if you need me
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Watching the Sixers in those 2001 throwbacks with the matching court just transported me into such a nostalgia moment. Made me think about the NYC hip hop scene at that time that led me to falling in love with the genre.
I'll be listening to mixtape Fabolous for the rest of the night if you need me
I'll be listening to mixtape Fabolous for the rest of the night if you need me
When you’re a good team, it’s important to not overlook developing teams and take care of business. The Knicks did that tonight.
During this homestand, I’ve been really impressed with the way they have made the extra pass. It’s been beautiful basketball. And the shots were falling again.
During this homestand, I’ve been really impressed with the way they have made the extra pass. It’s been beautiful basketball. And the shots were falling again.
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
When you’re a good team, it’s important to not overlook developing teams and take care of business. The Knicks did that tonight.
During this homestand, I’ve been really impressed with the way they have made the extra pass. It’s been beautiful basketball. And the shots were falling again.
During this homestand, I’ve been really impressed with the way they have made the extra pass. It’s been beautiful basketball. And the shots were falling again.
This is shaping up to be a real stinker of a late window of NFL games. Not even halftime yet and we have winning margins of 35, 21, and 17.
Brutal watch.
Brutal watch.
November 9, 2025 at 10:17 PM
This is shaping up to be a real stinker of a late window of NFL games. Not even halftime yet and we have winning margins of 35, 21, and 17.
Brutal watch.
Brutal watch.