The Big Ten Network Adds Gus Johnson And Others For BBall Coverage
Monday, October 27, 2008
Gus Johnson obviously felt that he needed to fill that 12th open job spot, that was left open after Elite XC folded last week. The ever-busy Johnson has been hired by the Big Ten Network to work College Basketball broadcasts this season. Not only that, but the network is also bringing back two of the conference's more famous alums. Kendall Gill (Illinois) will be working in studio and former Atlanta Hawks' announcer Steve Smith (Michigan State) will be an analyst for games....
CHICAGO – Nationally renowned play-by-play man Gus Johnson will join the Big Ten Network for men’s basketball telecasts this season, network executives announced today, along with former Big Ten stars Kendall Gill of Illinois and Steve Smith of Michigan State.I'm not sure that this hire will make people "demand" the BTN now, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And not that he needs it (because the guy is a machine), but it will also allow Gus to get some CBB work in before the Tournament. The Big Ten keeps trying to tap into the younger audience, and one of these days, they might actually pull it off. Here's how their lineup will look come this winter....
“We couldn’t be more excited about having such a talented lineup for our studio and game coverage. These play-by-play announcers and analysts have a great understanding of the history and tradition of the Big Ten and many of these individuals themselves are a part of that legacy,” said Leon Schweir, Big Ten Network Executive Producer and Vice President for Production.
Johnson will be joined on many Big Ten Network broadcasts by Smith, the former Michigan State All-American, NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. Smith was selected in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He enjoyed a 14-year NBA career before starting a career in broadcasting. Smith has served as an analyst on Atlanta Hawks television broadcasts.
Studio Team: Dave Revsine, Gene Keady, Jim Jackson, Tim Doyle and Gill
Play-by-Players: Wayne Larrivee, Gus Johnson, Craig Coshun, Tom Hamilton, Mark Neely and Revsine
Analysts: Steve Smith, Greg Kelser, Tim McCormick, Trent Tucker, Shon Morris and Spencer Tollackson
(Via BTN PR)
10 Comments:
I'd love it if they paired him with Greg Kelser. Definitely one of the best analysts in the game today.
While Gus is a stud, this won't make me watch the BIG 10 Network. Jim Delany is a loser, give us a college football playoff already, a-hole.
The knicks deciding it was a good idea not to resign Gus is just another example of how awful a franchise they are.
There won't be any highlights like this in the middle of a Michigan-N'Western 50-45 clank fest.
RJBO, seems interesting the clip you used to say the Big 10 sucks prominently features someone who played in the Big 10.
That's two mistakes in two days (Indiana, not Georgetown; Blanton-Tastykakes, not Cupcakes)
I will immediately be placed on the Physically-Unable-To-Post list.
Don't tell me Spencer Tollackson already gave up on his NBA dreams!!
That said, kudos to signing Steve Smith - one of the all-time class guys.
Seeing Gene Keady's combover in HD is reason enough to subscribe to the Big Ten Network. It's mesmerizing in its audacity.
YES!!! Finally, the Big Ten Network is watchable.