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.