Kent (c) had never called an NBA game before the restart and was given less than a month to prepareJORDAN KENT
The Trail Blazers hired Jordan Kent as their new TV play-by-play voice after Kent served in the role "temporarily when the Blazers competed in the NBA bubble this summer," according to Joe Freeman of the Portland OREGONIAN. Kent, who stepped in when veteran announcer Kevin Calabro "unexpectedly stepped away" in June, had "never called an NBA game and was given less than a month to prepare." But he "appeared comfortable form the beginning and exceeded expectations throughout, revealing strong on-camera chemistry with color analyst Lamar Hurd and a natural feel for the job." The Blazers received interest from hundreds of potential play-by-play broadcasters and "strongly considered 10 candidates," but they "respected how Kent handled being thrust into the hot seat, loved his on-air connection with Hurd and treasured his knowledge of the franchise." Kent will be the "fourth person of color to hold an NBA play-by-play job for a team next season" (Portland OREGONIAN. 11/10).
BACK TO THE MIC: In Sacramento, Jason Anderson cites a source as saying that NBA Kings radio voice Gary Gerould "will be back for his 36th season." Over the summer, Gerould "took on a temporary role as the play-by-play announcer on remote television broadcasts during the NBA restart, but the G-Man ... will return to radio this season." Sources said that Gerould's contract expired at the end of September, but both sides "have agreed to work out an extension" before the '20-21 season. Gerould has called Kings games on radio "since the franchise moved to Sacramento" in '85 (SACRAMENTO BEE, 11/10).
