Georgetown vs Syracuse: The Joy of Great Broadcasters

Last night ESPN had on the Hoyas and Cuse at 7pm. The game, not well played, was made enjoyable by the terrific trio broadcasting it: Sean McDonough on play by play with Jay Bilas and Bill Raftery doing color. These guys not only love and respect the game but seem to enjoy each other's company. This was a matchup of two of the best teams in the nation that, despite the lackluster game, was made better by the fact that the best trio of college basketball announcers was doing the game. Thanks to ESPN.

Bob Knight is another announcer who makes watching a game something to be cherished. Despite his abrasiveness and dour personality, Coach Knight may be the most incisive color man for college hoops working today. It is a given that very few folks know more about the game than Knight and he brings that coach's perspective to his announcing. I loved hearing him rip Frank Martin's Kansas State offense during and after their big time win over then number one Texas last week. Not many broadcasters would have the guts to call out a coach during a game that his team was winning for having an ineffective and inefficient O. Good job by Coach Knight.

And then there's the awful Dick Vitale. Rarely will I listen to a game that he is doing. Instead I mute the man and just watch, which detracts from my enjoyment since crowd noise is such a key part of the college basketball experience. But I, like so many others, simply cannot stand Vitale's schtick. I have never, never ever, met any serious fan of the game who enjoyed listening to Vitale.