TNT's Chris Webber in an interview with VICE SPORTS talked about developing his broadcasting voice, saying, "The first rule is you have to be yourself. Whatever personality traits I have, I brought to the table." He admitted he initially had to "challenge myself to open up." Webber: "Take all the help where you can get it. I had so many people looking out for me at Turner. I watched how Reggie Miller took notes. My style is a little different, but I followed his approach. Kevin Harlan showed me how to prepare for a broadcast. Dick Stockton got me ready for my first playoff games. Ernie Johnson gave me insights on approaching 'Inside the NBA.'" Asked what unique qualities he brings to a broadcast, Webber responded, "I wouldn't say I bring anything different, but we're all different people with different backgrounds. ... I have, however, been the best player on a team who receives the bulk of the criticism, so I have no problem criticizing a player in the same position" (SPORTS.VICE.com, 5/16).
LEADER IN THE BOOTH: In N.Y., Bob Raissman noted former MLBer David Cone "brings many skills to YES' Yankees booth." He "tells meaningful stories, clearly explains a variety of statistical information and brings original analysis to the art/science of pitching." He also is "the adult in the booth, especially when Paul O'Neill is behind the mike." When O'Neill and play-by-play man Michael Kay "get too far out there, Cone is able to put a halt to recess" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/15).
ONE MORE YEAR? In Baton Rouge, Scott Rabalais noted LSU football radio analyst Doug Moreau will "return to the broadcast booth -- for this season at least." Moreau said he did not want his departure "to overshadow" fellow LSU radio announcer Jim Hawthorne, who "retired at the end of the basketball season." After "some thought and talks with folks at LSU Sports Properties -- and the new 'Voice of the Tigers' Chris Blair -- Moreau decided to return." He said, "I thought I’d see how it works out. It’s an intriguing prospect" (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 5/15).
LAST MAN STANDING: In Boston, Gary Washburn noted with Mike Tirico leaving ESPN for NBC, Mark Jones is now the "only full-time African-American TV play-by-play man in the NBA." Jones, whose brother Paul is the radio play-by-play man for the Raptors, "has been with ESPN" since '90 (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/15).
