The better route

TV sports personality's (either an announcer or an analyst) all seem to have taken one of two routes to get to their positions. Most of them have taken the sports route. They were players of their sports who exhibited a certain charismatic ability to speak to the cameras. The other route seems to be of the way of sports journalism. Sports journalists start normally in college. After college most write in Newspapers and for Magazines before ever getting a shot at being a radio or local television announcer. The ones who make it though are masters of their craft and have spent the better part of their lives studying sports for a living, not just playing one.

A stunning example is Tony Kornheiser who I don't believe has ever announced a live game before being thrown onto ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasts this year. He took to the spot naturally though. He shows that he understands the sport and what is going on. He makes Theisman, who has been doing this for years, sound like a bumbling idiot some of the time. Have you ever noticed the long pauses from Theisman and Tirico (Yes I know Tirico took the route of journalism, but he is a college football specialist)?

And Its not just Theisman look at all the horrible analysts they show on an ordinary sunday. Terry Bradshaw, Shannon Sharp, Michael Irving, Phil Simms I could list them all day. Why do the company's keep hireing these idiots? Do people actually tune in to see which of their favorite players is making a fool of himself on national tv?

Players just do not seem to translate into good sports analysts or announcers. Coaches, although lacking the charisma needed, can at least show a good understanding of the game. I don't know though, maybe they should just let the professionals do their jobs.

Don't worry Shaq will be back

I was watching the Miami Heat game on Thursday and the announcers started to discuss if they thought the Heat had a chance at winning the title. One announcer came out and said of course they do Shaq will come back refreshed and hungry again, and they will make a run for the title.

Is it really that easy? Miami is only 5 and a half games back in the east right now, and they could easily vault to the top with the return of Shaq. But I only see that happening if he can return at 100% and be able to sustain a high level of play for a good stretch. Shaq turns 35 this year and although that might not sound old remember he is a big guy. NBA Basketball is a high paced sport that is very rough on even young guys joints and ligaments.

Also Shaq has had trouble keeping in shape for the past few years. Is an out of shape and deteriorating Shaq better than 99% of the big men in the league? Sure, but can he carry a team that is currently standing 9th in the east for a title run? I highly doubt it.

Congrats Anthony

The Associated Press announced on tuesday that Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets had been announced as the USA Basketball Player of the Year. Carmelo Anthony led the USA team to a 3rd place finish at the World Championships in Japan last year. He Averaged 19.9 points per game, and was the only USA player named to the all-tournament team.

Carmelo has blossomed into one of the most well rounded players in the world, and he is not even 23 years old yet. If you were trying to build a team who better to build around? Remember he led Syracuse to a title in his 1 year at college.