Doris Burke "NOT" the President of the Saniya Chong Fan Club

[UConnNick]

Doris Burke maybe a champion of WBB and Uconn but she has continually bashed Chong for the past 4 years. I bet if someone else had drawn that charge (Kia, Lou..) all we would have heard was what a great play it was. I have been sick of the Chong Bashing for the past four years.
She had another solid game last night and is putting together a great season on her way out the door. Congrats to her.
Good thing she was there last night to play good D and steady the offense, Kia attempted to play lame, hope Gino has enough sense to rest her and let that ankle heel until crunch time.
As for Lou, she was pretty poor last night but I think the continual beating she took had something to do with that, SC bigs were BIG and played like they were in the WWE.

It looked like Staley had gotten a hold of some old VHS tapes of UConn vs. Rutgers and was running Charlene's game plan to a tee. Beat 'em up physically and hope they wilt, because you'll never have the horses to beat 'em fair and square. It rarely worked for Rutgers, and Staley found out the hard way that it isn't going to work against this UConn team either.

 

[tower1]

While I do think Doris goes outta her way sometimes not to sound bias in favor of UConn, you really seem to be reaching for things to be angry about.

I can't stand her blabber mouth, And she is not a Uconn fan at all.

 

[tower1]

I like Doris Burke! Ever since she once said on TV that she wished that she had played for Geno in college, I have had a high regard for her.

She is doing her job as she has been told and as she has defined it. I have no problem with that.

Last night she made the comment when South Carolina was in the lead for a short period of time that this could be a "program changing moment" for South Carolina, should they continue and beat UConn. And what that would mean for South Carolina and future recruiting for South Carolina. Well, not last night! But, she is entitled to interject all of the drama and sensationalism into her broadcast that she likes.

Kara is great too!

Kara is the Best. Doris should shut up once in awhile and learn from Kara, Instead of trying to out talk everyone else doing the game.

 

[BigBird]

Kara is the Best. Doris should shut up once in awhile and learn from Kara, Instead of trying to out talk everyone else doing the game.

They had three people on the game mikes, four if you count Holly. That is a director's nightmare, IMHO. Three is typical for ESPN. Beyond that, everybody in Gampel was charged up (it seemed), and I think Doris was too adrenal and ended up with a so-so performance, not at her best. I replayed the game with a closer ear to the PBP and color. Not a great telecast, but certainly not a real bad production either. Some folks here seem awfully whiney about the game, the players, the media, and probably their pet goldfish.

Cripes, people. It's a game. It's entertainment. UConn won. Please enjoy?

 

[BobbyJ]

Doris Burke has always made my ears bleed. I can't ever recall her giving praise or making a fair comment about UConn or a UConn player. Thank God for the mute button!

Please stop. You're not even close.

 

[OssiningPride]

Last evening, as I watched this very exciting game against South Carolina, with the ESPN Analyst Team of Doris Burke and Kara Lawson, I was hoping to hear a fair and equitable analysis of the play by play both. Sadly "AGAIN" while Kara Lawson continued her fair and balanced analysis of the game, and notably the players on the court for both teams, Doris Burke "CONTINUED" her apparent (at least to me) bias against Saniya Chong's game. Outside of the errant 3 point attempt in the 2nd half, that I agree (as would Saniya Chong if you would ask her today) was not a smart shot to take at that point in the game, I feel that Saniya's overall game last night (Especially on the defensive end) was ROCK SOLID. However, Doris Burke continued to slam Saniya's game, being critical every chance she had, and when Saniya had a moment in the game where she 'shined' Doris had NOTHING to say (however, Kara Lawson was quick to mention how well Saniya has played this season). What put the dagger in my back, was the great play that Saniya made, taking the charge call, late in the game. But there was Doris Burke, coming on an saying that the charge call was 'questionable' at best. If Doris's style is to be super critical, then fine, but make it across the board for all of the players, on both teams (UCONN and South Carolina).

Sorry folks, but I for one, has gotten very tired of Doris Burke as a Women's Basketball Analyst for ESPN and believe that Kara Lawson is leaps and bounds better than Doris Burke (as it Meg Cuomo for SNY)

As far as the two charges... I agree with Burke that they weren't fouls.
What I didn't like is that she didn't give Saniya any praise for putting herself in position and selling the charge to the officials.
I believe what got the CHONG-MASTER so upset was when Chong shot an airball and Burke said the following:
"that was not a good shot and that's the one you see on film if your Saniya Chong...and her reaction was priceless after she shot it...she sort of leaned her head over...that's probably not the smartest thing I've done"
(after some praise for Saniya by O'Brien, who seemed to come to her defense, and a three pointer for South Carolina)
Burke says: "but that's that's a big change and that's why her taking that shot...what's important...right...you miss because you take a bad shot that could be considered a turnover and then they make a three"

Speaking of Saniya she has made her last 22 foul shots and her assist to turnover ratio has increased to 4.89!

 

[DaddyChoc]

Speaking of Saniya she has made her last 22 foul shots and her assist to turnover ratio has increased to 4.89!

 

[Beemer]

View attachment 19773

Hey I said I can't remember. I didn't say she hasn't.

 

[tower1]

They had three people on the game mikes, four if you count Holly. That is a director's nightmare, IMHO. Three is typical for ESPN. Beyond that, everybody in Gampel was charged up (it seemed), and I think Doris was too adrenal and ended up with a so-so performance, not at her best. I replayed the game with a closer ear to the PBP and color. Not a great telecast, but certainly not a real bad production either. Some folks here seem awfully whiney about the game, the players, the media, and probably their pet goldfish.

Cripes, people. It's a game. It's entertainment. UConn won. Please enjoy?

Wish you were a goldfish so i can flush you down the toilet!

 

[nyfanofwbb]

Last evening, as I watched this very exciting game against South Carolina, with the ESPN Analyst Team of Doris Burke and Kara Lawson, I was hoping to hear a fair and equitable analysis of the play by play both. Sadly "AGAIN" while Kara Lawson continued her fair and balanced analysis of the game, and notably the players on the court for both teams, Doris Burke "CONTINUED" her apparent (at least to me) bias against Saniya Chong's game. Outside of the errant 3 point attempt in the 2nd half, that I agree (as would Saniya Chong if you would ask her today) was not a smart shot to take at that point in the game, I feel that Saniya's overall game last night (Especially on the defensive end) was ROCK SOLID. However, Doris Burke continued to slam Saniya's game, being critical every chance she had, and when Saniya had a moment in the game where she 'shined' Doris had NOTHING to say (however, Kara Lawson was quick to mention how well Saniya has played this season). What put the dagger in my back, was the great play that Saniya made, taking the charge call, late in the game. But there was Doris Burke, coming on an saying that the charge call was 'questionable' at best. If Doris's style is to be super critical, then fine, but make it across the board for all of the players, on both teams (UCONN and South Carolina).

Sorry folks, but I for one, has gotten very tired of Doris Burke as a Women's Basketball Analyst for ESPN and believe that Kara Lawson is leaps and bounds better than Doris Burke (as it Meg Cuomo for SNY)

I watched the game again last night. It seems to me that Doris Burke tends to dwell on Saniya's mistakes more then the rest of the team. She was harping on a 3 pointer that didn't go in like she's not qualified to take those shots but yet Kia (or any others) can take same shot and miss and she says nothing. They were talking so much that they didn't notice Kia left the game and ran down the tunnel with the trainer until she was out of sight. I'm also surprised Geno didn't pull Kia earlier. If you watch the replay you can see where Kia gets tripped up (you could miss it if you weren't looking for it) early in the game and she played on it and it was obvious something wasn't right.

 

[Vancat]

I like Doris and she's super knowledgeable. But sometimes (also during mens games) we don't know what the h@ll she's talking about.

 

[Geew1992]

As far as the two charges.. I agree with Burke that they weren't fouls.
What I didn't like is that she didn't give Saniya any praise for putting herself in position and selling the charge to the officials.
I believe what got the CHONG-MASTER so upset was when Chong shot an airball and Burke said the following:
"that was not a good shot and that's the one you see on film if your Saniya Chong..and her reaction was priceless after she shot it..she sort of leaned her head over..that's probably not the smartest thing I've done"
(after some praise for Saniya by O'Brien, who seemed to come to her defense, and a three pointer for South Carolina)
Burke says: "but that's that's a big change and that's why her taking that shot..what's important..right..you miss because you take a bad shot that could be considered a turnover and then they make a three"

Speaking of Saniya she has made her last 22 foul shots and her assist to turnover ratio has increased to 4.89!

I am no Doris fan, but if this is what everyone is harping about, she said nothing wrong. It was a horrible shot. What she said about the charges was dead on. Just like what she said about the offensive charge called against Pheesa.

 

[CTisballers]

I disagree. What she said about Chong was very true. It's not like Doris don't like Chong's game because I think she loves Geno and Uconn. Doris is an basketball analyst that knows her stuff. Yes Chong had a soso career at Uconn up until this point and that shot she took was a bad shot but me with the momentum I understood Chong taking that shot. She was trying to put the dagger in SC.

 

[OldAlum]

I don't know that Doris dwells on Saniya's mistakes repeatedly. I did feel that in this game, her harping on the "bad" shot Saniya took was excessive. She was open although it was early in the shot clock and she can nail that shot.
When Lou fouled Wilson on a breakaway that she had no chance of disrupting, Doris did not say a word. I thought that was an even poorer choice. Maybe Doris had another story she wanted to tell instead...

 

[Chong-Master]

I would like to see Doris Burke provide both critical analysis as well as commentary on positive contributions made by ALL players from both sides during her coverage of UCONN Women's Basketball. Yes, and deservedly so, for Sanyia Chong's first 3 years as a UCONN Husky, her play has not been up to the expectations of the program. And thru the past 3 years, Doris Burke has been critical of Saniya's game. However, we all have seen what a superb season Saniya is having during her final and Senior Year campaign. I am just saying that I would like to hear Doris come on a UCONN broadcast and make mention, during the broadcast, on how well Saniya has contributed to the team this and notably any plays made during the game that warrants positive comment. (it just appears to me, that Doris just doesn't want to make any positive comments towards Saniya's play). Just want to see it equitable across the board for everyone on both teams. That, to me, is "responsible and professional journalism"

 

[CocoHusky]

Nothing personal, simply just would like to see praised given when it should and criticism handed out when it should, equitably across the board, for all players on both team, from Doris Burke, exactly like Kara Lawson and Rebecca Lobo does for ESPN and Meg Cuomo does for SNY (nothing more and nothing less).

That is exactly what you are getting, unfortunate that you can't recognize it.

 

[phil sampieri]

That is exactly what you are getting, unfortunate that you can't recognize it.

exactly- watch out Siskel & Ebert some on this board will next be critiquing your critiques. Lets talk basketball.

 

[HopJim]

I haven't been attuned to this issue, but it sounds like you may have a good case.
I will say, though, that I don't care for Doris' commentary at all. She has always questioned calls against UConn opponents and rarely questions calls against UConn. Moreover, she is never quiet, and often is talking about other stuff while the game is going on.
But for this game, I avoided all the stress that builds up when I listen to her and her usual partner (I like Lawson). I muted the sound and tuned into WTIC radio! What a joy to listen to commentators who are staying focused on the game and doing a good job.

Doris, over the past few years, appears to try to get more personal PR by being more controversial. Her post SC question to Gabby about being the best player in the nation a good example. Gabby played the best game of her life but not sure Doris's question was any more than a way for Doris to get her name in the press machine.

 

[HopJim]

I am no Doris fan, but if this is what everyone is harping about, she said nothing wrong. It was a horrible shot. What she said about the charges was dead on. Just like what she said about the offensive charge called against Pheesa.

Doris is often wrong but we all make mistakes. Anyone who can have a knowledgeable conversation about UConn and women's basketball has my support. Doris is part of small group that understands and adds value to the sports world with her knowledge.

 

[Scotter]

Doris did a radio interview before the South Carolina game where she said she had ESPN pull highlights of the big shots that Saniya has hit to talk about during the game because she wanted to acknowledge Chong's play. The right moment to play that highlight package didn't appear during the game, but Doris certainly recognizes Chong's play.

 

[PacoSwede]

I don't agree with every point made by Chong-Master, but I too have observed Saniya has been covered unfairly, alongside some current praise.

It began with the 2014 Stanford loss, when she played an excellent game (with some mistakes, like every other Husky who played). But Doris continously declared her defense was horrible.

I'd guess this belabored commentary was derived from her game preparation. I suspect the coaches -- probably A coach -- while talking to her about the upcoming game, bitched about her defense.

I watched a replay of that game the other day and found that Chong's defense was fine, often good, with a few mistakes like every other member of the team.

Even though she scored 18 (?) points, more than all but Stewie, she wasn't starting in the next game. We don't know why. Maybe Geno just felt Kia was better in the role, or was 'sending a message' to Saniya about poor practices or something. (And maybe she took the message as an indictment instead of as a challenge, thus destroying her confidence for a long while.) Whatever, we just don't know the reason -- but still a reason had to be found. Some in the BY seized on the idea that the reason was that Chong sucked on defense, in the Stanford game and always.

I suspect the 'expert' analysis of Doris predisposed BYers to that conclusion. Saniya's 'poor' defense became a false narrative -- if it were true, then it was true for most of the team.

Thereafter, a continuing mantra was that Chong sucked at defense (just as many other Huskies, according to Geno's famous 'motivational' comments, did). 'Twas unfair for the media, and some of us, to collar her with that.

 

[Geew1992]

I don't agree with every point made by Chong-Master, but I too have observed Saniya has been covered unfairly, alongside some current praise.

It began with the 2014 Stanford loss, when she played an excellent game (with some mistakes, like every other Husky who played). But Doris continously declared her defense was horrible.

I'd guess this belabored commentary was derived from her game preparation. I suspect the coaches -- probably A coach -- while talking to her about the upcoming game, bitched about her defense.

I watched a replay of that game the other day and found that Chong's defense was fine, often good, with a few mistakes like every other member of the team.

Even though she scored 18 (?) points, more than all but Stewie, she wasn't starting in the next game. We don't know why. Maybe Geno just felt Kia was better in the role, or was 'sending a message' to Saniya about poor practices or something. (And maybe she took the message as an indictment instead of as a challenge, thus destroying her confidence for a long while.) Whatever, we just don't know the reason -- but still a reason had to be found. Some in the BY seized on the idea that the reason was that Chong sucked on defense, in the Stanford game and always.

I suspect the 'expert' analysis of Doris predisposed BYers to that conclusion. Saniya's 'poor' defense became a false narrative -- if it were true, then it was true for most of the team.

Thereafter, a continuing mantra was that Chong sucked at defense (just as many other Huskies, according to Geno's famous 'motivational' comments, did). 'Twas unfair for the media, and some of us, to collar her with that.

Geno said numerous times, Chong may have scored 18 points, but gave up even more. Look, announcers aren't there to say how great someone is or isn't playing, but should be telling it like it is. And before this year, Chong was very inconsistant and lacked the confidence needed to receive regular minutes. Yes, she has made big shots, but they have been far and few between.

 

[PacoSwede]

Geno said, "Yeah, she scored 20, but she gave up 30."

He's said similar with many others players. Motivational, you know. Hyperbole. Please don't take all Geno says literally.

 

[CocoHusky]

I suspect the 'expert' analysis of Doris predisposed BYers to that conclusion. Saniya's 'poor' defense became a false narrative -- if it were true, then it was true for most of the team.

Thereafter, a continuing mantra was that Chong sucked at defense (just as many other Huskies, according to Geno's famous 'motivational' comments, did). 'Twas unfair for the media, and some of us, to collar her with that.

Saniya's needing to play better defense was not a false narrative. The BY was not the origin of the narrative unless you consider Jim Fuller to be part of the BY.
" Only reigning national player of the year Breanna Stewart and All-American Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis had more points in the first two regular-season games than the 32 scored by Chong. However, her defensive struggles came into play during an overtime loss to Stanford so despite scoring a career-high 20 points against the Cardinal, Chong’s brief tenure as a starter came to an end.'
Saniya Chong adjusts to coming off bench for Huskies
I'm not sure there needs to be a narrative at all because it is a simple as UCONN had a better option =Kia Nurse.
Kiah Stokes was also taken out of the UCONN starting line up at the same time. Kiah is among best UCONN defense players ever, UCONN had a better option=Morgan Tuck. If there is to be a narrative then it should be about the best player playing/starting. Geno and staff seem to get that right at a extremely high rate. Us fans seem to get our feeling hurt
because we all have "our" favorite players.

 

[mdakota]

I didn't really hear her be critical of a specific player... she was critical on several calls throughout the game. She does go off topic or uses other references a little too much, but she's still better than most. I absolutely love Kara. She has her stuff together. I love Rebecca as well... she makes me laugh several times during the game she's calling.

Soniya's play this year has been stellar. She stopped thinking and started reacting. Making a world of difference.

 

[mbr33ct]

Unfortunately, there are some announcers who seem to think they've become bigger than the games they're announcing, and they've fallen in love with the sound of their own voice. "Dollar" Bill Walton is example No. 1, and he has no close seconds. Vitale also qualifies for this club, and Doris is flirting with becoming a member.

Now, there's a trio I would love to have broadcast UConn's next game, who will get the last line in?

 

[watanabe]

All the other schools hate her. Their forums all seem to indicate that the sound is turned off for them to be able to listen to her.
Personally I don't care. As long as SNY never airs that Bank commercial they overplayed last year.

 

[ju6381]

I don't know that Doris dwells on Saniya's mistakes repeatedly. I did feel that in this game, her harping on the "bad" shot Saniya took was excessive. She was open although it was early in the shot clock and she can nail that shot.
When Lou fouled Wilson on a breakaway that she had no chance of disrupting, Doris did not say a word. I thought that was an even poorer choice. Maybe Doris had another story she wanted to tell instead..

Actually Doris pointed out, correctly, that Lou did not touch her.

 

[Hongster]

I don't like Doris and her mono tone. And I did noticed how she has been quick to criticize Chong a lot. Maybe she has something against Chong.

 

[Phil]

Doris Burke has always made my ears bleed. I can't ever recall her giving praise or making a fair comment about UConn or a UConn player. Thank God for the mute button!

We're being trolled.

This is just not a possible claim. I don't think I've ever accused anyone of trolling, but I can't think of another possibility, unless they haven't actually ever listened to her.