Calling UConn Games is Not Easy

[my2cents]

Being a TV commentator on a UConn women's basketball game is not easy. Two things make games interesting, not knowing who will win, and back and forth clashes where the outcome is decided late. Neither of these conditions happen during most UConn games. It's like calling the "Little Big Horn Classic" where the Sioux are meeting Custer's 7th Cavalry. These announcers try to be balanced but the game is called in two parts.
The first part is the beginning of the game. Since both teams start the game 0-0, by definition the game is close. If UConn's opponents make the first basket, the news is that UConn is losing. One game where that happened it was stated that was the first time since Nov. 16 that we were behind.
Three to Four minutes later, if the score is tied 11-11, or 11-7, the cliche's become, the opponents are not intimidated or they came to play, etc.
Maybe they should wait until the first quarter is over. Here are the last 4 games scores after one quarter and half time.

Butler Q1 26-10, Q2 54-22 Providence Q1 30-7 Q2 48-19 Seton Hall Q1 19-11 Q2 38-18 St. Johns Q1 28-9 Q2 50-22

These games are basically over by half time, and the announcers are not left with much. Some just ignore the game, and blab incessantly ( Sarah Kustok) and others switch to nit picking UConn. Our turnovers are the main target. The other common call out is if we go 3-4 minutes without scoring, that's the issue. Even though we may up by 40. However, the other team is NEVER intimidated. How much would be up by, if the other team was intimidated. Funny.

These games are not easy to call. These announcers should just try to limit the silly cliches.

 

[trisailin]

Actually I disagree completely. If the announcers would just CALL THE GAME. Who fouled and what the call was. Tell us what we can't see watching TV. There is plenty to talk about. Many enjoy watching the poetry in motion of UCONN. Much of the time - Beautiful
Basketball regardless of the opponent.

Instead, the broadcast crew thinks we want to know what player x's grandmother had for breakfast and somehow think that is of interest.

 

[msf22b]

Actually I disagree completely. If the announcers would just CALL THE GAME. Who fouled and what the call was. Tell us what we can't see watching TV. There is plenty to talk about. Many enjoy watching the poetry in motion of UCONN. Much of the time - Beautiful
Basketball regardless of the opponent.

Instead, the broadcast crew thinks we want to know what player x's grandmother had for breakfast and somehow think that is of interest.

I agree completely with Tri.S...
It is essential to start with the basics

1. Line-ups and substitutions…who came in for whom...
2. Fouls …who they are on and the number
3. Score

Secondarily
4. Game trends
5 .Tactics…Examples: zone, exploiting advantages of height, speed. looking for hot players
5. Unusual plays…positive and negative
6. Coach’s reactions and resulting actions.
7, Stats: that they’re pretty good at.

There is plenty to comment about around the above...
Ithought Renee did a pretty good job with color the other day

 

[Vancat]

anybody else notice that when they showed the starting five lineups they had Allie in there instead of Serah? ooops

 

[schmendrick]

There is plenty to comment about around the above...
Ithought Renee did a pretty good job with color the other day

Agreed. Renee rarely backslid into tropes. She focused on what was working for UConn, not just during the game, but in the season--specifically, how KK has grown into her role as undisputed point guard for the team. And she discussed the growing pressures of being undefeated. Not the X's and O's, but fascinating and edifying.

 

[HuskyNan]

We used to complain about Ann Meyers and Dan Patrick. They sound pretty good now

This 2000 team - imagine bringing Tamika Williams and Asjha Jones off the bench as reserves. Wow

 

[Centerstream]

anybody else notice that when they showed the starting five lineups they had Allie in there instead of Serah? ooops

I noticed that on the Live Stats about 10 minutes before tipoff and posted it in the game Chat. Then right before tipoff, it was changed to the real starting lineup. I was beginning to think that I was seeing things.

 

[Centerstream]

I feel the same way when the game announcers go off on lengthy tangents that have nothing to do with the on court action. But when it comes to the actual play by play, I think most of it isn't really necessary. Why? Because I am watching the game and at every whistle, the ref making the call. I can usually identify each player on the court either by appearances (every UConn players, some opponents) or number (opponents). I also am looking at my phone for the Live Stats, which are usually quite a few seconds ahead of my tv. But what I do dislike is when a call is made, the refs hold a meeting and no one knows what is being discussed, even the announcers.