Yes folks, I actually did survive my first televised and nationally televised at that basketball game. Honestly, it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but it certainly was nerve racking.
Here is the timeline of the day of the game and the aftermath:
7:00am--Wake up with flop sweat picturing I have to do the game naked which would turn straight women into lesbians. I then go back to sleep for about ten minutes in which Dick Vitale had a chance to scream, "You are terrible baby" in my head. I then decided that sleep may not be such a great idea.
8:30--Head to breakfast with Horace and Jason the killer agent. We yap, I ingest massive amounts of coffee and then the phone rings with a USBA disaster. Tension builds, I chew through a steel bar and eat that for a snack.
10:00--Head back to the room to continue with the USBA disaster and shower. Ponder hiding underneath the bed.
11:00--Production meeting at the arena in which I come to the realization that holy puck, I am going on national TV. The producer and the director were awesome at putting my mind at ease as these guys are total pros. Not a thing was left to chance and every detail was laid out for us. That is when I started to relax until I realized my spot charts still weren't printed out.
11:45--Leave meeting and try to find a printer.
12:00--Some very nice woman at the front lets me use her printer but the stupid *#^@ing computer doesn't print "docx" documents. I print what I can and smoke a carton of cigarettes to calm down.
12:15--Hacking up a lung, I head back in to watch the ODU shootaround.
1:00--We leave, and thankfully the Bradley SID will have a laptop connected to a printer so I can print the Bible known as my spot charts. I then declare March 31st "Bobby is God Day" and we head back for lunch.
1:30--I eat at the WORST buffet my stomach has had the displeasure of digesting. The chicken had more grease than an auto repair shop, sausage was plastic and the coffee was so strong it tried to walk away from me.
2:00--Vomit up the lunch from hell and head to the casino to watch the old people and have the traditional pre-game glass of red wine.
2:30--Back to the room to study, shower, study and get dressed. Man I hate ties.
4:00--Head to the arena but not after getting my pre-game pep talk from the King of the 49ers Matt Maiocco. Matt gives me great advice, cracks me up a bit and I relax.
4:20--Get to the arena and let the fun begin!!!!!
4:45--Get a breakdown of the pre-game from the producer and I get to head to the truck. Now if you haven't seen the inside of a TV production truck, it is a sight to be seen. There is more equipment in there than I thought was possible. The guys and gals went over everything they did, what each piece of equipment was and we went through the pre-game shots AJ and his gang shot that day. We go over the teaser for the game and I head back to the arena.
5:15--Down time which makes me nervous. Jason the agent keeps asking me if I am ok.
5:16--Jason asks again.
5:17--He asks again and I threaten to throttle him as he is making me nervous.
5:30--Quick interview for a documentary on the CIT. Four questions and out.
6:15--Record the teaser and it only took two takes. (I am picky, I didn't like the first one.)
6:35--SHOWTIME!!!! We record the intro which took three takes as I kept messing it up. Really, those are not as easy as they look. I kept looking at my notes and even then things got messed up a bit. Finally, we settled on the second take and it was gametime.
7:00--We are on the air and I relax as I am finally back in my element.
As the game went on I became more and more comfortable. I thought having the producer talking in my ear for replays and graphics would be distracting, but it really wasn't. AJ is such a pro that I knew he was speaking, but it was so to the point and so quiet that it didn't break my flow at all. AJ, if you are reading this, you are one of the best and you did a FANTASTIC job of putting me at ease.
I did make a couple of mistakes, and I did trip over my words quite a bit, but after reviewing the game, I did better as the game went on. I was not used to a three man booth, and the arena was LOUD so I had a difficult time hearing myself talk.
Overall I give myself a "C" for the game. It was a decent performance but I could have done MUCH better. (Oh yeah, getting the name of the network correct is usually a good thing. I called it "Fox Sports College" twice in a row. Sorry Fox guys.......) Hopefully I get more chances to do TV because man alive it was fun.........
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
How I prep for a game
People often tell me they think all I do is sit in front of a microphone and yap about a basketball, baseball, hockey game, etc. What people don't realize is there is a ton of other work that goes into actually preparing for a game. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is to look or sound like a fool on the air. Here is a general list of what goes into my preparation for a basketball game:
Two days before:
Go to each team's website and grab rosters, stats, and media guides. I then go to the conference and NCAA sites and grab the leaders. Print those out and start highlighting stats, accomplishments (Player of the Week, academic honors, etc.) and comparing common opponents the two schools may have played. I then highlight (With the trusty yellow highlighter) the leaders on each team in each category and where players rank in the conference and in the NCAA.
Contact each SID and ask for game notes, pronunciations, etc. Start a general review of the players so I have a base knowledge before I start the rest of my prep work.
One day before:
Take all of the information I have and create what I call a spot chart. This has the player's number, name, hometown, stats and any other information I think will be pertinent throughout a broadcast. This can be quite tedious, but reinforces the information in my head. Also, if a name is difficult to pronounce, I make sure the name is phonetically spelled out on the sheet. This way I am not guessing and pronouncing it in 300 different ways. Really, what I end up doing here is taking about 70 pages of information and condensing it into two sheets of paper.
Next, on that same chart I take the team rankings in PPG, defense, rebounding, three point percentage, three point percentage defense and turnovers and put it a bit apart from the individual information. This always comes in handy during pre-game. I then print it all out and staple the information by team and by league. Really, I want everything at my fingertips when I need it.
Day of:
Check my bag for highlighters, pens, media guides, throat drops, stats, etc. If I forget something, I tend to go into a panic and that is the last thing I want before a game.
Before the game I grab a bite to eat and have ONE glass of red wine. It is superstition as I was told once that red wine is good for the pipes. Especially if I am doing a game solo, I need my voice to be as strong as it can be. While eating, I either look over stats and info or just read my book. Both are actually quite relaxing.
Upon arrival at the arena, I check the setup, talk to the coaches, talk to the SID's, watch warmups and do sound checks. I am compulsive about getting to the arena at least an hour and 15 minutes before a game so if anything goes wrong, it can be fixed before the game starts.
About 30 minutes before airtime, just don't bother me unless you have to. I am usually going over things with my PBP or color guy and like to get into my little zone. I hate not being prepared and this is my last chance to do so. I will say each name about five times, regardless of how easy it is to be safe.
Ten minutes before, we do a final sound check which takes all of about 30 seconds to do. People hear us going "Check, check, check", singing, swearing (We like to get it out of our systems) or having a running conversations with the officials. Many of the refs are very cool, so we will give them a hard time when they think we are on the air.
One minute before, we are ready to go and it is the time of the day I love the most......Gametime. The proverbial red light goes on and I just hope I don't screw up too bad.
Total time it takes to prep is about four to five hours. When I was with ESPN Radio in Vermont and doing this three to five times a week, I would spend countless hours doing prep. The more work one does, the better the broadcast will be.
Two days before:
Go to each team's website and grab rosters, stats, and media guides. I then go to the conference and NCAA sites and grab the leaders. Print those out and start highlighting stats, accomplishments (Player of the Week, academic honors, etc.) and comparing common opponents the two schools may have played. I then highlight (With the trusty yellow highlighter) the leaders on each team in each category and where players rank in the conference and in the NCAA.
Contact each SID and ask for game notes, pronunciations, etc. Start a general review of the players so I have a base knowledge before I start the rest of my prep work.
One day before:
Take all of the information I have and create what I call a spot chart. This has the player's number, name, hometown, stats and any other information I think will be pertinent throughout a broadcast. This can be quite tedious, but reinforces the information in my head. Also, if a name is difficult to pronounce, I make sure the name is phonetically spelled out on the sheet. This way I am not guessing and pronouncing it in 300 different ways. Really, what I end up doing here is taking about 70 pages of information and condensing it into two sheets of paper.
Next, on that same chart I take the team rankings in PPG, defense, rebounding, three point percentage, three point percentage defense and turnovers and put it a bit apart from the individual information. This always comes in handy during pre-game. I then print it all out and staple the information by team and by league. Really, I want everything at my fingertips when I need it.
Day of:
Check my bag for highlighters, pens, media guides, throat drops, stats, etc. If I forget something, I tend to go into a panic and that is the last thing I want before a game.
Before the game I grab a bite to eat and have ONE glass of red wine. It is superstition as I was told once that red wine is good for the pipes. Especially if I am doing a game solo, I need my voice to be as strong as it can be. While eating, I either look over stats and info or just read my book. Both are actually quite relaxing.
Upon arrival at the arena, I check the setup, talk to the coaches, talk to the SID's, watch warmups and do sound checks. I am compulsive about getting to the arena at least an hour and 15 minutes before a game so if anything goes wrong, it can be fixed before the game starts.
About 30 minutes before airtime, just don't bother me unless you have to. I am usually going over things with my PBP or color guy and like to get into my little zone. I hate not being prepared and this is my last chance to do so. I will say each name about five times, regardless of how easy it is to be safe.
Ten minutes before, we do a final sound check which takes all of about 30 seconds to do. People hear us going "Check, check, check", singing, swearing (We like to get it out of our systems) or having a running conversations with the officials. Many of the refs are very cool, so we will give them a hard time when they think we are on the air.
One minute before, we are ready to go and it is the time of the day I love the most......Gametime. The proverbial red light goes on and I just hope I don't screw up too bad.
Total time it takes to prep is about four to five hours. When I was with ESPN Radio in Vermont and doing this three to five times a week, I would spend countless hours doing prep. The more work one does, the better the broadcast will be.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The shot clock in high school basketball
Mike Ridaught, my partner in crime for broadcasts of UNF women's basketball games, sent out an article on a low scoring game that took place last week. (http://jacksonville.com/sports/high_school/2009-01-11/story/pointless_strategy_results_in_victory) For those who can't click on the link, the halftime score was well, scoreless with Mandarin defeating Sandalwood by the football score of 17-14.
This then begs the question as to if a shot clock should be implemented in high school basketball. I am of the opinion that there should be a shot clock for the following reasons:
1) Games like this one just make the game look bad. Who in the world wants to actually watch a game that is scoreless at the half and only 31 points are scored for the entire contest? My niece's six year old team scores more in a quarter than that!!
2) A shot clock helps kids get ready for the next level. I have seen kids on the UNF women's squad who have no clue how to manage the shot clock. I have seen countless 30 second violations because it is almost like the kid doesn't remember the clock is even there. Implement the rule and players will be better prepared to play at the collegiate level.
Here are some of the responses from Mike's e-mail:
A shot clock would be nice, but likely won't happen because of finances. Would cost too much to put in every school.
Boy that's really teaching the kids a lesson. "Hey guys, lets try to find a loophole in the rules so that we can win" "Lets dont try and work hard in practice and try with everything we have to win the game" "Instead lets (in a round-a-bout way) cheat to win"
Way to be a leader coach! I'm guessing he would tell me that he's teaching them to be winners?!? Yeh, you bet coach!
ACD / Rex Morgan, would do the same thing with 2-3 minutes remaining in each of the 4 quarters of almost every game. What a weak move. There's a time and a place to ice the clock. Not taking a shot the entire quarter, and icing it with 3 minutes to go, is not the time and place
I find any coach that does that appalling. I guess I just miss the lesson learned from kids playing the game that way.
Shot clock MUST BE implemented.
If schools are having to drop games and sports, they probably can't pay for shot clocks. This is the world we live in right now.
Opinions are welcomed........
This then begs the question as to if a shot clock should be implemented in high school basketball. I am of the opinion that there should be a shot clock for the following reasons:
1) Games like this one just make the game look bad. Who in the world wants to actually watch a game that is scoreless at the half and only 31 points are scored for the entire contest? My niece's six year old team scores more in a quarter than that!!
2) A shot clock helps kids get ready for the next level. I have seen kids on the UNF women's squad who have no clue how to manage the shot clock. I have seen countless 30 second violations because it is almost like the kid doesn't remember the clock is even there. Implement the rule and players will be better prepared to play at the collegiate level.
Here are some of the responses from Mike's e-mail:
A shot clock would be nice, but likely won't happen because of finances. Would cost too much to put in every school.
Boy that's really teaching the kids a lesson. "Hey guys, lets try to find a loophole in the rules so that we can win" "Lets dont try and work hard in practice and try with everything we have to win the game" "Instead lets (in a round-a-bout way) cheat to win"
Way to be a leader coach! I'm guessing he would tell me that he's teaching them to be winners?!? Yeh, you bet coach!
ACD / Rex Morgan, would do the same thing with 2-3 minutes remaining in each of the 4 quarters of almost every game. What a weak move. There's a time and a place to ice the clock. Not taking a shot the entire quarter, and icing it with 3 minutes to go, is not the time and place
I find any coach that does that appalling. I guess I just miss the lesson learned from kids playing the game that way.
Shot clock MUST BE implemented.
If schools are having to drop games and sports, they probably can't pay for shot clocks. This is the world we live in right now.
Opinions are welcomed........
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My wishes for Minor League Basketball
As it is close to the end of the year, there are things I wish for in the world of minor league basketball.
You see, I love the game. I love the bizarre promotions, games played in old historical gyms (See the Vermont Frost Heaves), and I love the fact there is a one in a thousand shot I will see a future NBA player or coach.
The game itself has been tarnished due to the antics of the ABA, the instability of teams and even the once proud CBA down to four teams. With this, here are my wishes for the new year:
1) Keep the rules of basketball the way they are. Ditch the four point basket, the 3-D rule and awarding an extra point in the last minute of a quarter. Yes, the fans love the quirky rules but it isn't good for the players. They need to develop their inside game, clock management skills and shooting skills. They don't need to be worrying about putting up what could be a five point shot when they are down 30 in the third quarter.
2) Have the CBA, PBL and NBA sit down and find a way to create a true minor league basketball system. For example have the D-League be equal to baseball's "AAA"; the PBL "AA" and the CBA be "A" ball. (Sorry Dennis, this is all off the top of my head) Create affiliation agreements and have the minors subsidized by the NBA. The Celtics would have the Manchester Millrats of the PBL; the Lakers would have Reno of the D-League, etc. I know this takes money, and there may not be enough teams to create three levels, but I believe this all needs to start somewhere.
3) Implement straight FIBA rules and leave it at that. These guys have a chance to play overseas and FIBA rules are used. Guys like Randy Gill, Hugh Jones and Anthony Anderson aren't going to stay in the minors forever. Get them used to international rules so they can succeed at a higher level.
4) The ABA must go and it must go now. ABA CEO Joe Newman will not like me for this, (Well, he doesn't like me anyway) but he has to sell the league for the $1.56 it is worth and get out. 38% of games played last year, COO Quinton Townsend arrested for fraud and forgery; 230+ teams that have folded or left in seven seasons; teams not showing up for games and players not getting paid is a disgrace to the game. How in the world can a fan base be developed if fans don't know if their team will be there from one day to the next?
5) Leagues like the PBL, CBA and the newly formed USBA need to conduct trainings on how players, coaches and league administrators deal with the media. What people fail to realize is that when a press release looks like a three year old wrote it; a lack of game notes for the media, and players who shoot their mouths off to a guy like me who is just trying to do his job, just makes a team look bad. Teach GM's how to write a solid release, (See the Georgia Gwizzlies and their typo infested releases) and teach players what to say and what not to say to the media. This only improves the impression of a team, league and player.
You see, I love the game. I love the bizarre promotions, games played in old historical gyms (See the Vermont Frost Heaves), and I love the fact there is a one in a thousand shot I will see a future NBA player or coach.
The game itself has been tarnished due to the antics of the ABA, the instability of teams and even the once proud CBA down to four teams. With this, here are my wishes for the new year:
1) Keep the rules of basketball the way they are. Ditch the four point basket, the 3-D rule and awarding an extra point in the last minute of a quarter. Yes, the fans love the quirky rules but it isn't good for the players. They need to develop their inside game, clock management skills and shooting skills. They don't need to be worrying about putting up what could be a five point shot when they are down 30 in the third quarter.
2) Have the CBA, PBL and NBA sit down and find a way to create a true minor league basketball system. For example have the D-League be equal to baseball's "AAA"; the PBL "AA" and the CBA be "A" ball. (Sorry Dennis, this is all off the top of my head) Create affiliation agreements and have the minors subsidized by the NBA. The Celtics would have the Manchester Millrats of the PBL; the Lakers would have Reno of the D-League, etc. I know this takes money, and there may not be enough teams to create three levels, but I believe this all needs to start somewhere.
3) Implement straight FIBA rules and leave it at that. These guys have a chance to play overseas and FIBA rules are used. Guys like Randy Gill, Hugh Jones and Anthony Anderson aren't going to stay in the minors forever. Get them used to international rules so they can succeed at a higher level.
4) The ABA must go and it must go now. ABA CEO Joe Newman will not like me for this, (Well, he doesn't like me anyway) but he has to sell the league for the $1.56 it is worth and get out. 38% of games played last year, COO Quinton Townsend arrested for fraud and forgery; 230+ teams that have folded or left in seven seasons; teams not showing up for games and players not getting paid is a disgrace to the game. How in the world can a fan base be developed if fans don't know if their team will be there from one day to the next?
5) Leagues like the PBL, CBA and the newly formed USBA need to conduct trainings on how players, coaches and league administrators deal with the media. What people fail to realize is that when a press release looks like a three year old wrote it; a lack of game notes for the media, and players who shoot their mouths off to a guy like me who is just trying to do his job, just makes a team look bad. Teach GM's how to write a solid release, (See the Georgia Gwizzlies and their typo infested releases) and teach players what to say and what not to say to the media. This only improves the impression of a team, league and player.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The ceremonial first post.........
Well, I guess I had to do this eventually. Yes folks, the wayward writer/sportscaster/blogger is now tormenting the internet as we know it. Sorry Al Gore, I know you invented the web and all, but it is now mine to take over so THERE!!!
Now, I will of course be ranting and raving about anything that pops into my three brain celled head. Some have asked when I will resurface, so after getting laid off from the "real job", here I am again. Now for questions from the audience:
Joe Newman: "Why is some unethical, immoral twit allowed to write whatever in the world he wants? I mean really, you could be providing fan friendly and affordable entertainment to the masses and you are doing this??"
Me: "Joe, stop trashing minor league basketball and run your excuse for a league. NEXT!!!"
My editors: "Chris, will you be doing something to make actual money, or is this all you are going to do?"
Me: Nope, I have a honey-do list to work on and a kitten to babysit. Other than that, bring it all on."
Anonymous: "Chris, just how bad is the ABA"?
Me: Does the term "trainwreck" mean anything to you? I mean seriously, 230 teams in seven years??? My six year old niece can run the ABA better than Joe can.
Joe Newman: "Don't you have hobbies? Why do you have to trash my beloved league"?
Me: Good Lord Joe, because with all of the antics you and your owners have pulled, it is GREAT comedy!! People think the stuff I write is fiction, but this trainwreck is larger than life!! I need a laugh and I thank you for providing Chris friendly and affordable entertainment.
Ok, questions are over, here is the real scoop: I just moved to Jacksonville, FL from Vermont and am loving every second of it. The weather is great, there are two for one drink specials, and darnit, the weather is great.
I am the former Sports Director for ESPN Radio Vermont and used to jock at WOKO in Burlington. I have written for Our Sports Central, US Basket, Varsity Magazine, the Vermont Times, Vermont Guardian and d3football.com. Up until last week I was doing customer service for a mortgage company but got the boot because the company over-hired. Oh well, life goes on.
Currently, I am still writing and broadcast University of North Florida basketball for the Atlantic Sun conference. Before basketball I did soccer and volleyball for the school.
Now why do I do what I do for a living? Darnit, it is flat out fun. Being able to broadcast and write about sports isn't working, it is just a blast. I meet great people, I get to polish my craft and my office is courtside, rinkside, or at the 50 yard line. I mean seriously, does it get any better than that???
What am I doing now? After being back in corporate America, I am convinced I would rather be eaten by lions and am trying to find a full-time media gig. UNF is awesome to freelance for, hopefully I will be working with the Premier Basketball League, and there may be another gig in the works with a minor league football franchise and another with the newly formed USBA. (Duane, you had better be reading this...........I need a job!!!)
Other than that, I am making sure the kitten doesn't eat the bird........More later.
Now, I will of course be ranting and raving about anything that pops into my three brain celled head. Some have asked when I will resurface, so after getting laid off from the "real job", here I am again. Now for questions from the audience:
Joe Newman: "Why is some unethical, immoral twit allowed to write whatever in the world he wants? I mean really, you could be providing fan friendly and affordable entertainment to the masses and you are doing this??"
Me: "Joe, stop trashing minor league basketball and run your excuse for a league. NEXT!!!"
My editors: "Chris, will you be doing something to make actual money, or is this all you are going to do?"
Me: Nope, I have a honey-do list to work on and a kitten to babysit. Other than that, bring it all on."
Anonymous: "Chris, just how bad is the ABA"?
Me: Does the term "trainwreck" mean anything to you? I mean seriously, 230 teams in seven years??? My six year old niece can run the ABA better than Joe can.
Joe Newman: "Don't you have hobbies? Why do you have to trash my beloved league"?
Me: Good Lord Joe, because with all of the antics you and your owners have pulled, it is GREAT comedy!! People think the stuff I write is fiction, but this trainwreck is larger than life!! I need a laugh and I thank you for providing Chris friendly and affordable entertainment.
Ok, questions are over, here is the real scoop: I just moved to Jacksonville, FL from Vermont and am loving every second of it. The weather is great, there are two for one drink specials, and darnit, the weather is great.
I am the former Sports Director for ESPN Radio Vermont and used to jock at WOKO in Burlington. I have written for Our Sports Central, US Basket, Varsity Magazine, the Vermont Times, Vermont Guardian and d3football.com. Up until last week I was doing customer service for a mortgage company but got the boot because the company over-hired. Oh well, life goes on.
Currently, I am still writing and broadcast University of North Florida basketball for the Atlantic Sun conference. Before basketball I did soccer and volleyball for the school.
Now why do I do what I do for a living? Darnit, it is flat out fun. Being able to broadcast and write about sports isn't working, it is just a blast. I meet great people, I get to polish my craft and my office is courtside, rinkside, or at the 50 yard line. I mean seriously, does it get any better than that???
What am I doing now? After being back in corporate America, I am convinced I would rather be eaten by lions and am trying to find a full-time media gig. UNF is awesome to freelance for, hopefully I will be working with the Premier Basketball League, and there may be another gig in the works with a minor league football franchise and another with the newly formed USBA. (Duane, you had better be reading this...........I need a job!!!)
Other than that, I am making sure the kitten doesn't eat the bird........More later.
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