ESPN 540 needs to take action and change the color commentary for MU games.
In recent years, Jim McIlvaine has provided less than enlightening commentary during games. He seems more interested in buddying around with Homer and enjoying himself than providing insight about execution of the play at hand. He often interrupts Homer's calls with shouts of his own.
Today (11/8 vs. UWL), Dan Fitzgerald provided color commentary. I am unsure whether this was a one time stint or if he is replacing McIlvaine, but it was not an improvement.
If they were calling games for MU Radio, that would be one thing, but these are supposed to be professionals and I assume they are paid as such.
Homer is an exceptional play-by-play man and I enjoy listening to him. I'm sure Fitzgerald and McIlvaine are decent enough people but ESPN 540 needs to get serious about color commentary for MU games.
Mac will be back friday......
Mac is fine......you are making something out of nothing
I've also got no problems with Mac.
Quote from: MuMark on November 08, 2014, 05:06:01 PM
Mac will be back friday......
Mac is fine......you are making something out of nothing
I'm with you. Mac is just fine.
"Fine" is a poor and incomplete answer.
Can any of you elaborate on what you find endearing, or "fine", about his commentary?
As someone who lives far from Milwaukee and resorts to radio the vast majority of the time, I'm interested to know what you gain from his insights.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 06:20:55 PM
"Fine" is a poor and incomplete answer.
Can any of you elaborate on what you find endearing, or "fine", about his commentary?
As someone who lives far from Milwaukee and resorts to radio the vast majority of the time, I'm interested to know what you gain from his insights.
Hes fine as in, hes fine for a low budget AM radio broadcasting Marquette games. If you want higher quality, buy fs1.
Mac bleeds Marquette. He also points out weaknesses in the opponent that Marquette should exploit.
Dan tried but he came off as colorless. His shtick was agreeing with Homer.
Homer probably likes that but from what I heard, Dan just was overwhelmed by the job.
Glad Jimmy Mac is coming back. He does sound as if he's having fun at the game. And that's what it's about.
I loved rooting for Fitzgerald. But today he was terrible. You could tell homer was trying to get him to engage but Fitzgerald could not. Awful
But it is a one day thing.
I enjoy mac because, like someone pointed out, he bleeds blue and gold. He also played with success at marquette and made it to the NBA. He does have some valuable insight. I like that he hyper focuses on rebounds per minute.
Mac has his own identity now and probably offers better observations than #24 George Thompson.
And homer is great.
Go marquette.
Nephew...we're you privy to George Thompson's commentary? Just curious.
Brutal. Couldn't handle listenin' to Fitzgerald. Better to just turn down the volume and watch on your radio screen, hey?
Quote from: dgies9156 on November 08, 2014, 06:56:33 PM
Dan tried but he came off as colorless. His shtick was agreeing with Homer.
Homer probably likes that but from what I heard, Dan just was overwhelmed by the job.
Glad Jimmy Mac is coming back. He does sound as if he's having fun at the game. And that's what it's about.
Posters on this site frequently fail to comprehend critical, yet objective analysis. I am an MU guy. I've been there through every win and loss since I was a freshman in 2005. 2nd round tournament loss my senior year against Mizzou? Still hurts. DJOs shot(s) against Syracuse in 2011? Amazing.
But be honest.
It's not about having fun at that game if you're earning a pay check. I appreciate enthusiam, but it's about doing your job and educating the listener about the game.
TheBurrEffect posted earlier that if I want better commentary I should pay for FS1.
My response?
Marquette annually spends in the top 10 (maybe top 5) of any University in the country on men's basketball. They also call me weekly for money in addition to my annual contribution. You're saying they dont have an influence on who does color commentary for the game?
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on November 08, 2014, 07:13:02 PM
Nephew...we're you privy to George Thompson's commentary? Just curious.
I have no recollection of George Thompson's commentary.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on November 08, 2014, 07:13:37 PM
Brutal. Couldn't handle listenin' to Fitzgerald. Better to just turn down the volume and watch on your radio screen, hey?
Perhaps. It might be coming to that.
Don't lecture me Nephew. If you're not with me than you're my enemy!
Quote from: mueron on November 08, 2014, 07:34:17 PM
Don't lecture me Nephew. If you're not with me than you're my enemy!
Thank you, mueron, for proving my point better than I ever could.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 04:57:31 PM
ESPN 540 needs to take action and change the color commentary for MU games.
In recent years, Jim McIlvaine has provided less than enlightening commentary during games. He seems more interested in buddying around with Homer and enjoying himself than providing insight about execution of the play at hand. He often interrupts Homer's calls with shouts of his own.
Today (11/8 vs. UWL), Dan Fitzgerald provided color commentary. I am unsure whether this was a one time stint or if he is replacing McIlvaine, but it was not an improvement.
If they were calling games for MU Radio, that would be one thing, but these are supposed to be professionals and I assume they are paid as such.
Homer is an exceptional play-by-play man and I enjoy listening to him. I'm sure Fitzgerald and McIlvaine are decent enough people but ESPN 540 needs to get serious about color commentary for MU games.
It was an exhibition game, not the NCAA final. Lighten up!
Quote from: WolverineWarrior85 on November 08, 2014, 07:49:39 PM
It was an exhibition game, not the NCAA final. Lighten up!
Please re-read my post. It was about color commentary, past and (recent) present, on the ESPN 540 broadcast.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 07:23:04 PM
Posters on this site frequently fail to comprehend critical, yet objective analysis. I am an MU guy. I've been there through every win and loss since I was a freshman in 2005. 2nd round tournament loss my senior year against Mizzou? Still hurts. DJOs shot(s) against Syracuse in 2011? Amazing.
But be honest.
It's not about having fun at that game if you're earning a pay check. I appreciate enthusiam, but it's about doing your job and educating the listener about the game.
TheBurrEffect posted earlier that if I want better commentary I should pay for FS1.
My response?
Marquette annually spends in the top 10 (maybe top 5) of any University in the country on men's basketball. They also call me weekly for money in addition to my annual contribution. You're saying they dont have an influence on who does color commentary for the game?
it's only radio. I am either at the BC or watching on TV, so I only catch the post game shows. They are fine. As for in game, they can't be any worse than the ilk of Dick Vitale, etc.
Nephew please (in my best snoop voice). MU us an acquired taste, but just like beer/whiskey etc, is great once you get used to it. Homer, is well, a homer that announces in a hybrid color / play by play manner. No one would do as good of a job as Mac because no high level color guy would work with the crazy style of Homer. Mac is fine because that's all Mac needs to be.
"You live by the trey, and you die by the trey" George Thompson after every three point shot, either team, make or miss.
I too enjoy Mac's passion for MU, and am perfectly happy with Indiana's Homer being a homer for MU.
They should bring back Al McGuire.
Quote from: niquejamesfan on November 08, 2014, 08:07:51 PM
Nephew please (in my best snoop voice). MU us an acquired taste, but just like beer/whiskey etc, is great once you get used to it. Homer, is well, a homer that announces in a hybrid color / play by play manner. No one would do as good of a job as Mac because no high level color guy would work with the crazy style of Homer. Mac is fine because that's all Mac needs to be.
Love the Snoop voice. Don't agree with you, but love the Snoop voice.
For what it's worth, I've been an MU fan for several months short of a decade. I've acquired the taste.
In my opinion, Marquette is extremely fortunate to have McIlvaine as involved as he is. He's a breath of fresh air and adds a ton. Homer is also a huge asset to the MU community.
This is a silly thread.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on November 08, 2014, 08:44:03 PM
In my opinion, Marquette is extremely fortunate to have McIlvaine as involved as he is. He's a breath of fresh air and adds a ton. Homer is also a huge asset to the MU community.
This is a silly thread.
Silly thread? An objective, yet critical thread is not silly.
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Agree with you about Homer, he's great. Homer makes you feel like you're in the stands even if you're driving 70 down the freeway. As I've said before, McIlvaine is, I'm sure, a fine individual and a real MU man.
You may like him personally, but you failed to provide evidence that he is him a qualified color commentator.
Listen to Mac and decide for yourself. IMHO Mac is good. Evidence or no evidence.
Mac is great!
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 07:56:17 PM
Please re-read my post. It was about color commentary, past and (recent) present, on the ESPN 540 broadcast.
It sounds like you feel Mac doesn't take his job seriously enough for your liking and doesn't provide detailed enough analysis of every nuance of the game. Who should MU go out and get to replace Mac since he isn't good enough for you?
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 09:02:00 PM
You may like him personally, but you failed to provide evidence that he is him a qualified color commentator.
Qualified? Who's more qualified?
Please provide evidence he's not "qualified."
By unwholesome radio broadcasts are junk. We are very fortunate In Wisconsin to have some of the best. Ueck, Lepay ( I'm a badger football fan) Larivee and Ted Davis. Homer is Homer if your and Mu fan he's great. If not he below average. Just as a"Homer" should be. Anyone that is honestly trying to have a career in radio would not sign up to be a color man at MU.
It sounds like you are wanting an analyst versus color guy. Ron Santo was a horrible analyst for the Cubs and a great color guy. Ron Coomer is an analyst. Radio as a medium needs a color guy. Ron Coomer puts me to sleep while driving my car, breaking down the crap that is the Cubs.
Mac is actually a blend of the two and is awesome as a result. Nothing was better radio than when Santo's tupee caught on fire in the pressbox (overhead heater).
Quote from: WolverineWarrior85 on November 08, 2014, 09:22:52 PM
It sounds like you feel Mac doesn't take his job seriously enough for your liking and doesn't provide detailed enough analysis of every nuance of the game. Who should MU go out and get to replace Mac since he isn't good enough for you?
Let's clear up inaccuracies in your post first. I have no idea how seriously Mac takes his job. I don't know him except for the voice through the radio waves. He's a working man, as am I, and I'm sure he takes his job seriously enough. As I've said before, that has nothing to do with his performance.
Suggestions for a replacement?
Someone who can consistently express the changes in Marquette's defensive and offensive tactics. Someone who doesn't get caught up in how high a player got for an alley-oop, but rather, why he was that open for that alley-oop in the first place. I could go on. The lack of citable examples is unfortunate.
I don't pretend to know who the replacement should be.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on November 08, 2014, 09:30:15 PM
Qualified? Who's more qualified?
Please provide evidence he's not "qualified."
Please see my previous response to WolverineWarrior85.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on November 08, 2014, 09:52:51 PM
It sounds like you are wanting an analyst versus color guy. Ron Santo was a horrible analyst for the Cubs and a great color guy. Ron Coomer is an analyst. Radio as a medium needs a color guy. Ron Coomer puts me to sleep while driving my car, breaking down the crap that is the Cubs.
Mac is actually a blend of the two and is awesome as a result. Nothing was better radio than when Santo's tupee caught on fire in the pressbox (overhead heater).
My opinion is that a play-by-play commentator offers just that. He tells me who's "bringing it up the left side of the court", who had the assist, or the distance of the mid range jumper. Homer is excellent in this capacity.
A color comentator should offer enthusiasm and, especially if he/she is a former professional player, insightful analysis into the state of the game. For reasons that I've mentioned throughout this post, I don't feel McIlvaine accomplishes these tasks.
Dr. Blackheart, I've long enjoyed your posts though I disagree with you on this point.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 10:36:31 PM
My opinion is that a play-by-play commentator offers just that. He tells me who's "bringing it up the left side of the court", who had the assist, or the distance of the mid range jumper. Homer is excellent in this capacity.
A color comentator should offer enthusiasm and, especially if he/she is a former professional player, insightful analysis into the state of the game. For reasons that I've mentioned throughout this post, I don't feel McIlvaine accomplishes these tasks.
Dr. Blackheart, I've long enjoyed your posts though I disagree with you on this point.
I enjoy the combination of the two and think they work well together and communicate accurately. It is an asset for Marquette to have guys like this on the radio crew.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 07:23:04 PM
Posters on this site frequently fail to comprehend critical, yet objective analysis. I am an MU guy. I've been there through every win and loss since I was a freshman in 2005. 2nd round tournament loss my senior year against Mizzou? Still hurts. DJOs shot(s) against Syracuse in 2011? Amazing.
But be honest.
It's not about having fun at that game if you're earning a pay check. I appreciate enthusiam, but it's about doing your job and educating the listener about the game.
TheBurrEffect posted earlier that if I want better commentary I should pay for FS1.
My response?
Marquette annually spends in the top 10 (maybe top 5) of any University in the country on men's basketball. They also call me weekly for money in addition to my annual contribution. You're saying they dont have an influence on who does color commentary for the game?
Are you suggesting they pay for espn's 540 am radio commentary? You might want to return that degree if thats what you believe.
Quote from: Nephew on November 08, 2014, 09:58:39 PM
Let's clear up inaccuracies in your post first. I have no idea how seriously Mac takes his job. I don't know him except for the voice through the radio waves. He's a working man, as am I, and I'm sure he takes his job seriously enough. As I've said before, that has nothing to do with his performance.
Suggestions for a replacement?
Someone who can consistently express the changes in Marquette's defensive and offensive tactics. Someone who doesn't get caught up in how high a player got for an alley-oop, but rather, why he was that open for that alley-oop in the first place. I could go on. The lack of citable examples is unfortunate.
I don't pretend to know who the replacement should be.
"more interested in buddying around with Homer and enjoying himself" What other interpretation of your words is there other you feel Mac is not serious enough for you in his job performance? I doubt Mac is doing this for the money, considering the huge contract he had in the NBA, but rather for his love of Marquette basketball. Many Marquette fans appreciate Mac for that very reason, because he loves Marquette. For whatever reason you don't seem to have that appreciation and would prefer Marquette (or ESPN) hire someone more analytical and less colorful and would recommend anyone other than Mac but no one in particular. Pretty flimsy argument.
For anyone who remembers Mac's first few games, he was worse than Fitz... except he usually had some insight from his connections to team/players/coaches which always add value. He continues that today.
I remember saying to my brother after his first or second game how much better he was than George Thompson with his "three syllable word of the day", "die by the three", and other idiosyncrasies while usually murdering the English language.
Mac does color the way someone who has several million in the bank and doesn't need the job should do it - he can say nearly anything, and often does. BUT, he still does his research.
I'm sure Fitz was doing someone a favor today, or perhaps playing for 2nd division in Spain is no longer lucrative so he's looking for a new gig. Either way, we could do much worse than having Fitz around the program because he's a knowledgeable guy, a solid citizen, and has always represented MU well.
Quickest poster on ignore for me, anyone else?
Quote from: PandTandMand... on November 09, 2014, 07:48:31 AM
Quickest poster on ignore for me, anyone else?
Is this because you can't stand to see a position expressed that is so contrary to your own?
That's what message boards are for.
This weekend we've learned that I am the only person on MUScoop who would prefer someone other than McIlvaine. That's worth something, no?
Quote from: TheBurrEffect on November 08, 2014, 11:12:56 PM
Are you suggesting they pay for espn's 540 am radio commentary? You might want to return that degree if thats what you believe.
Pays for ESPN 540 commentary? No, I did not suggest that.
You might want to consider an MBA or even real world business experience if you think MU has no power to influence who holds the position. For the record, I don't think they care enough about the broadcasts at present to use their influence. I also don't think they would use it to remove anyone from the job. But if there were a vacancy, it is entirely conceivable that MU would say, "Hey ESPN 540, here are a few people we'd like you to strongly consider for our games."
Quote from: WolverineWarrior85 on November 09, 2014, 12:02:55 AM
"more interested in buddying around with Homer and enjoying himself" What other interpretation of your words is there other you feel Mac is not serious enough for you in his job performance? I doubt Mac is doing this for the money, considering the huge contract he had in the NBA, but rather for his love of Marquette basketball. Many Marquette fans appreciate Mac for that very reason, because he loves Marquette. For whatever reason you don't seem to have that appreciation and would prefer Marquette (or ESPN) hire someone more analytical and less colorful and would recommend anyone other than Mac but no one in particular. Pretty flimsy argument.
Fair enough.
I'm of course glad that he loves Marquette and want that in a color commentator, but that, in my opinion, does not fully qualify someone for the position.
For the other 99% of Scoopers who responded, it's clear that enthusiasm for the game/program is the primary requirement of the position.
Now we know.
Also, from the beginning this thread was not intended to provide replacement suggestions. The fact that I have provided none has no bearing on the quality of the argument.
Perhaps a poll would be in order.
Nephew - You might consider getting in touch with JM and letting him know that a bit more of "x" and "y" analysis might make his commentary even more effective. Honey vs. vinegar and all that.
Quote from: AZWarrior on November 09, 2014, 08:53:55 AM
Perhaps a poll would be in order.
Nephew - You might consider getting in touch with JM and letting him know that a bit more of "x" and "y" analysis might make his commentary even more effective. Honey vs. vinegar and all that.
A poll is a great idea.
Your sarcasm is rich. I'm sure Mac reads Scoop from time to time, he can get in touch with me if he has questions.
Quote from: Nephew on November 09, 2014, 09:01:05 AM
A poll is a great idea.
Your sarcasm is rich. I'm sure Mac reads Scoop from time to time, he can get in touch with me if he has questions.
Nope. You may have interpreted sarcasm, but none was intended.
My perception is that you are far more likely to attain a modification/improvement in JM's announcing style by proactively contacting him, in a more private forum, than in criticizing him in a public one.
Expecting him to contact you is likely not a realistic expectation. But perhaps it was you who was being sarcastic in that statement.
Hmmmm.....Nephew defending his POV to the bitter end? Feeling the need to respond to every post?
I am actually a Chicos fan, but anyone else notice we haven't heard from him since Nephew came online?
Quote from: AZWarrior on November 09, 2014, 09:20:05 AM
Nope. You may have interpreted sarcasm, but none was intended.
My perception is that you are far more likely to attain a modification/improvement in JM's announcing style by proactively contacting him, in a more private forum, than in criticizing him in a public one.
Expecting him to contact you is likely not a realistic expectation. But perhaps it was you who was being sarcastic in that statement.
I'm concerned you don't understand the concept of a message board. Disucssion.
Just as logical criticisms are allowed of a head coach, assistant coach, etc, they are allowed of other people who are paid to do work related to mubb. I do not criticize players or student managers.
Additionally, my criticisms have not been toward Mac personally. In fact, I have gone out of my way to clarify this. My criticisms have been solely focused on the several hours I hear him during each game. Again, I'm sure he's an exemplary individual.
As for your poor sarcasm, of course it would be easier if I contacted Mac directly. It would also have been easier if I had contacted Buzz directly when I had a gripe with him. But that's not how things work.
This is what message boards are for.
Quote from: warriorchick on November 09, 2014, 09:32:11 AM
Hmmmm.....Nephew defending his POV to the bitter end? Feeling the need to respond to every post?
I am actually a Chicos fan, but anyone else notice we haven't heard from him since Nephew came online?
Nah, CBB isn't that dense and provides far more logic.
Don't cha just like dat "IGNORE" function/ option ?? ;)
Quote from: warriorchick on November 09, 2014, 09:32:11 AM
Hmmmm.....Nephew defending his POV to the bitter end? Feeling the need to respond to every post?
I am actually a Chicos fan, but anyone else notice we haven't heard from him since Nephew came online?
Speaking of Chicos, and other MIA posters, anyone seen Legs lately?
Buzz messed with Mac. Buzz ain't here anymore.
Quote from: ZiggysFryBoy on November 09, 2014, 06:44:33 PM
Buzz messed with Mac. Buzz ain't here anymore.
Early contender for post of the year.
Showing a little Premium ZFB, eh?
Quote from: PandTandMand... on November 09, 2014, 07:48:31 AM
Quickest poster on ignore for me, anyone else?
No kidding. This is hilarious. Makes a username and posts 18 times in a thread regarding the color commentary that is just fine on 540 AM for Marquette games. Must be a recent communications grad who was looking for a job with 540 and didn't get it.
Quote from: ZiggysFryBoy on November 09, 2014, 06:44:33 PM
Buzz messed with Mac. Buzz ain't here anymore.
That's a damn shame.
Include me in the JMac fan club. I believe he adds a ton of perspective from being a former MU and NBA player. He understands the game, the coaches, and sees the game from a unique perspective, sharing that with listeners.
With great luck, he and Homer will be doing MU games for another 20 years. Lots of fans mute the TV just to listen to these guys.
Nephew, the reason people have put you on "ignore" .. should be taken as a hint that your position that JMac is bad / should be replaced / should alter his commentary .. isn't that people just disagree with you, but that it's so over-the-top dumb that people are taking an immediate dislike to you. Sorry.
I think Mac does a great job.
If you ever read his blog, he is a very interesting guy.
Factually speaking, MU radio broadcasts are a low rated, low priority property.
MU does pretty well in attendance, but as far as overall "fandom", MU just doesn't resonate that much locally. "Joe Six pack" is more likely to listen to a Packers scrimmage than an actual MU conference game. That's just the way it is.
So, while I think it would be cool if MU had high-end broadcast talent, the revenue from the broadcast don't really support that investment.
That's why MU has (insert broadcast person).
I think legit critiques are valid, but expectations for the staffing need to be realistic.
There is absolutely no scale on which to judge a Color Commentator.
Ron Santo was horrid. Absolutely horrid. Yet, he'll go down in Cubbie history as one of the best CC's there was because he always said exactly what Cubs fans were thinking:
"ahhhhhhhhh"
"nooooooooo"
"rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"
"dahhhhhhhh"
Larry McCarren is football's Santo. Again, horrid, but endearing to Packer fans because he know exactly when to inject his dose of neanderthalic utterances.
The most important characteristic of any CC is knowing when to talk. There's nothing worse than a CC who isn't on the same page as his partner.
Very rare do you have a PBP guy who can carry a broadcast without a CC. Whoever the Ted guy is that does Bucks games is difficult to listen to without Krause. Guys like Scully and Uecker are a dying breed. Frankly, if you have the talent to survive without a CC, they pull you out of the booth and put you into a suit in front of a camera. Personally, I'd like to see Bob Costas get his ass out of the studio and back into a booth. When a guy like Troy Aikman can be your A-Team color guy, that's pretty much all you need to know about the intellect needed in front of the CC mike.
Color Commentary is one of those jobs that has the lowest talent to "significance-of-role" ratio of any profession. He/she is nothing more that someone who fills a gap. There are good CC's, and there are bad CC's, but the river that divides the two camps has just about run dry.
Mac is good. He knows the game. He has a great rapport with Homer. He doesn't have a squeaky voice. And he loves Marquette. That's exactly what I want on the radio broadcast.