Bad Color analysts

I watch a lot of women's basketball games, pros and college (even high school) on TV. Women's basketball, regardless of what family and friends say about it, is great. I will not apologize for their abilities (Yeah, they don't dunk). The one issue I will take heat for is bad color analysts/commentators. Most of them are women but they are some males ones too. They don't coordinate well with the main announcer. No chemistry or sense of respect for each other's ability. There are some exceptions and circumstances that create this. But it is what it is.

Usually, you have an announcer who did news programs for local affiliates before moving to the broadcast booth. Likewise, they have covered "mundance" stuff like eating contests or other events. They are either trying to move up, help out, or trying to get back up after hitting bottom. The color analyst are either former solid player/citizen or mediocre player/coach. Reason they are there? Same as an announcer but not in media.

I like the experienced announcers because they have a great sense of history. However, if he tries to make a reference of "tipped rebounds" to Moses Malone, the female color commentator invariably stays silent or says "oh, yeah him. He was good." Ah, man. A turn-off but if she is a good listener, its okay. But if that commentator gets on her high horse and starts acting "thou art more holier than you" when criticizing players. I'm taking her outside. At least, Bill Walton knows and appreciates basketball history including the women's game.

These women don't even know and appreciate their own history. Unless, its a one day seminar where old-timers meet the players and the announcers. Whats worse about this? The same commentators will criticize today's players for not appreciating what "these women" have gone through. Yet, ask them about who won the 1985 NCAA Tournament. They couldn't even tell you who Dawn Cullen was much less appreciate what she did in the final to sacrifice her body. Anne Gregory. Clarissa Davis. Molly Bolin. Val Whiting. Saudia Roundtree (damn shame her knees). I'm sure they know about Cheryl Miller, Lynette Woodard, and Immaculata University. And if these commenators know something, share it.

The worse is Doris Burke when she covers the women's game. Debbie Antonelli does the same thing but comes second because she knows basketball history from Kay Yow and on. Yet, in the men's game, they are better listeners because both are men in a women's body when it comes to commentating. They don't go on their high horse like like they do in the women's game, they calls it like it is with tact (Funny thing about those two, the announcers in the women's game give respect to them).

Now, why is this? Well, remember what I said about Moses Malone and "the tipped rebounds" comment. In the women's game, its okay because the viewers are just happy to see women playing. But in the men's game, fans and advertisers are watching to see if you got game. Those talk shows won't let you forget it. Likewise, if they get on their high horse about morals, the commentators will make a reference to John Havlicek which they bull around but what about Larry Siegfried (Bill Bradley or Mike Riordan). Who? "Yeah, good man." Not going to work.

To you analysts/commentators: if you don't know your history, get off the box. You are not a preacher. But if want to preach, learn your history. Since you don't have time or an interest (most were too focused as kids) for that, be a good listener and an appreciate the players now and then. Show some pointers and make observations. Finally, get it together with the announcer. Okay, if he or she disrespects you, don't take it out on the players. Because, I'm watching you.

If You Hit Once, You Hit Again

When thinking about Yeardley Love death's that title says it for me. It is a quote by a counselor/therapist at UNC-Charlotte by Dr. Lisa Brandyberry around 1995-1996 period. She said this at a forum about domestic violence among college students. Looking at her, she seemed to know what she was talking about. She was very obese then but it seemed more out of pain than negligence. I think it took place at a dorm room or an events center. Can't remember anything else but that quote.

I couldn't even tell you if it was mostly men or women at that seminar. I think I was invited by the another counselor, not sure. Here I was being angry not being able to get a date much less a girlfriend. Now, I'm hearing this lecture. My family and others who "know me" think I'm a nice guy but the girls then and now think I was a creep. I was thinking to myself and laughing, "ha, ha" you all got beaten by the cool and acceptable guys but not by me. My mind blasted back to the past concerning family members, female acquaintances, and associates. I smiled inside for a bit. Then, Lisa gave a stern, indirect look and said those magic words.

Yeah, she was talking to me too. She mentioned that no matter how soft or what the motive of the other person, if you hit, you will hit again. She wasn't concerned about being aggravated or wanting to control somebody. I tried to block it off by thinking "I would only hit a person when aggravated." But, she wouldn't have it. She said it, again and again.

As for Yeardley, her coach said about her "being great without trying to be." Yet, she only started 3 games in her senior year compared to 9 games, her junior year. It indicates to me that the coach knew about her relationship with George and that it was affecting her play. A good player is supposed to get better from freshmen to senior year and that never happened to Yeardley. This happens to players who have injuries, maturity issues or is a star player on a bad team. But Yeardley didn't seem to have injuries, issues, and was not a star. Yet as a senior, the coach put her on the defense coming off the bench.

I'm not blaming the coach because this has happened to me. My main point, I think had Lisa given the lecture to the team before all this, she would have educated both the women and the men lacrosse teams including George. He may not have changed but the coach and Yeardley probably would have taken action, sooner. Likewise, maybe George would have benefited from her seminar because it sure benefited me.

Hannah Storm, Revised

I have been a critic of Hannah Storm since she started her career at CNN. I didn't like her because she acted like a bitchy, Indian woman, all stuck up and married to a nice guy (Isn't America supposed to be different from those countries? I like Dan Hicks, though). Her father was the ABA (American Basketball Association) Commissioner, Mike Storen. I think he was GM for a couple of teams and even owner. Back to her, I remember the Albert Belle incident, guess who I favored? Now, I'm her biggest fan.

I don't know what happened when she moved to CBS. Maybe covering those wars and those tragedies or perhaps admitting that she had port-wine stain under her left eye. Whatever it is since she moved to ESPN, I absolutely adore her. Its not those skimpy outfits that Tony Kornhiser got suspended for (player-hater). She has this confidence, you can't shake. Something I truly admire.

She have evolved from the Lisa Kudrow to Jennifer Anniston and now, Courtney Cox. Hell, yeah.