Announcers

[Dr. Blackheart]

Dislikes:

1) Over-stating the obvious -- I loved George Thompson as a player and a person, but he was really really bad at doing this.

2) Know-Nothings -- Too often, we have both announcers and color commentators assigned to our games who really don't know our team. Many haven't taken the time to look at film, see what tendencies are and talk with Shaka and the players. Their aloofness is apparent in their commentary and in their lack of understanding of what's happening.

3) "I don't want to be heres" -- We don't see this too often but occasionally you get people whose attitude and lack of excitement suggest, "why am I here?"

4) Dick Vitale -- You ever love him or hate him! Vitale is exciting to listen to but he is all hype and no knowledge. He's a name-dropper extraordinaire. I question how much he knows about today's game.

Likes(d)

1) Al & Billy -- Obviously long gone but when Al and Billy were together, they were perfect. They knew the game. They wanted to be there and they were excited by it. With Dick Enberg as referee, they were the best college basketball trio ever.

2) Verne Lundquist -- Gosh was he good. Understated enthusiasm. The guy was and may still be a rock when it comes to NCAA basketball broadcasting. Really good in football too.

3) Respect -- Respect for the game means not talking over it. Letting people enjoy what's happening without talking and talking and even screaming. It's OK to be excited but let the viewers and listeners experience the moment, not the announcer's entertainment (why I hated Harry Carey and loved Vince Scully). My favorite lines were Jack Buck's simple, "go crazy folks, go crazy," or, when David Freese poked one in Game 6 of the World Series, "We will see you tomorrow night...." Another one was the late Ray Scott: "Starr, Dale, Touchdown!"

Some of my favorites:
Milo Hamilton
Vince Scully
Keith Jackson
Dick, Al & Billy
Ray Scott
Bob Uecker

Some of my least favorites
Howard Cosell
Dick Vitale
Harry Carey

Milo "The Jerk" Hamilton?  That says it all about this post. 

[Pepe Sylvia]

Benetti is the best, tell him not to leave the sox to be joe buck or whatever.

[panda]

Benetti is the best, tell him not to leave the sox to be joe buck or whatever.

1000% agree. I'm always excited when I see him listed for a national game. Just an awesome guy.

[wiscwarrior]

Always loved Ray Scott's descriptions of a play. Very succinct - on a defensive play, "Hanner, Davis, Nitschke... wow!"

[rocket surgeon]

"Bilas knows his stuff, but he sometimes suffers from "I'm smarter than everyone" syndrome."


What screen name does he post under here at scoop? 😳

[tower912]

Rocket Surgeon.   

[Mr. Nielsen]

As some have said they are greatfull that every MU game lands on national TV. I fear being on ESPN, as I don't want Big East games being on ESPN+. The rights for Big 12 basketball for 2 years left of the current TV deal on ESPN. Many of their football and hoops games lands behind a payway of ESPN+. Tomorrow, Kansas at WVU & Kansas State at Baylor lands on ESPN+. Ehhh for many.

Can't wait for Big Ten fan outrage when they try to find Michigan State/Wisconsin or Purdue/Indiana when that game lands on Peacock.

[4everwarriors]

"Bilas knows his stuff, but he sometimes suffers from "I'm smarter than everyone" syndrome."


What screen name does he post under here at scoop? 😳

Goes by dozens of screen names, hey?

[Uncle Rico]

Goes by dozens of screen names, hey?

And probably have dental practices, hey?

[BLWarrior91]

Marv Albert was the best basketball PBP announcer ever IMHO. Really good at football and hockey, too.

Always liked Mike Emrick for hockey. Kevin Harlan is outstanding for basketball, and quite good for football.

Pat Hughes has been a pleasure to listen to; his work with Santo, who was lovably terrible, was especially noteworthy.

Ian Eagle is excellent.

Analysts:

Spanarkel is about the best college hoops has. Bilas knows his stuff, but he sometimes suffers from "I'm smarter than everyone" syndrome. I'm always glad to see Brian Butch doing one of our games. Jim Jackson is solid. I think Raf is a little overrated -- tries too hard to belt out his next catchphrase, and makes a few too many non sequiturs referring to crapola that happened in freakin' 1972 -- but I'll definitely take him over most others.

Greg Olsen is outstanding; thought he'd be good but he's even exceeded my expectations. I think Fox would be insane to throw bazillions at Brady, when Olsen is already one of the best.

Johnny Miller was fun to listen to; he'd say anything and criticize anyone.

I know I'm leaving out lots of good PBP folks and analysts. As I said in an earlier post, the really good ones add to the quality of a broadcast.

Agree completely about Marv Albert. The absolute best at calling a basketball game. 

Kevin Harlan has a similar style to Marv so he's very good as well.

For an NCAA game, I'd take Verne over just about anyone.  He's a true pro.  Also, Verne called our wins over Kentucky in 94 and 2003.

[brewcity77]

As some have said they are greatfull that every MU game lands on national TV. I fear being on ESPN, as I don't want Big East games being on ESPN+. The rights for Big 12 basketball for 2 years left of the current TV deal on ESPN. Many of their football and hoops games lands behind a payway of ESPN+. Tomorrow, Kansas at WVU & Kansas State at Baylor lands on ESPN+. Ehhh for many.

Can't wait for Big Ten fan outrage when they try to find Michigan State/Wisconsin or Purdue/Indiana when that game lands on Peacock.

All the more reason to go with ESPN, because those will end up with one streaming service, and it's the one that does sports streaming best. We could get a big payday from a Paramount, Peacock, or Apple partnership, but it'll make games harder to find for casual fans. As more and more cut the cord, I'd rather go with the best sports streamer.

[4everwarriors]

Albert's toupee is a bad look. Probably a better announcer in a bra snd panties, aina?

[Mr. Nielsen]

All the more reason to go with ESPN, because those will end up with one streaming service, and it's the one that does sports streaming best. We could get a big payday from a Paramount, Peacock, or Apple partnership, but it'll make games harder to find for casual fans. As more and more cut the cord, I'd rather go with the best sports streamer.

I hear you on the streaming part. Yet, it would it be better for the Big East Conference to just stick with FOX Sports with every game on national TV?

[MarquetteDano]

"Bilas knows his stuff, but he sometimes suffers from "I'm smarter than everyone" syndrome."

Agree on Bilas. Enjoy his insights but I find his tone to be "I am right, you are wrong,"

[pbiflyer]

Albert's toupee is a bad look. Probably a better announcer in a bra snd panties, aina?

Many women enjoy his biting commentary I've heard.

[brewcity77]

I hear you on the streaming part. Yet, it would it be better for the Big East Conference to just stick with FOX Sports with every game on national TV?

I'm not sure that will be an option. With the Big 12 & Big 10 already having a lot of content there, they may not need another CBB option, and being the third choice league isn't optimal.

[tower912]

...."that's a 50-50 call that could go either way".....

[real chili 83]

He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.

[tower912]

Butch announces like he doesn't detest MU with every fiber of his being and actually enjoys up-tempo basketball.

[Viper]

.

[WarriorFan]

Butch announces like he doesn't detest MU with every fiber of his being and actually enjoys up-tempo basketball.

Gotta agree.  He's done his homework, watched a few games, and has valuable commentary.  Almost made me forget he wore red.

[tower912]

Always funny during badger week.    Other than that, moved on and appreciate his announcing.   

[BLWarrior91]

Enjoyed the announcers today.  Butch was very good.

[The Sultan]

Butch has really grown into his role. Makes a bunch of nice observations and doesn't get weird.

[warriorchick]

The announcer at the Creighton game who said that out of all the teams in the conference, the Bluejays play in the stadium that is closest to an NBA arena.