Color commentary can make or break a sports broadcast. It must be good to really draw fans in. It should entertain, teach and help us appreciate the game more. It shouldn’t distract, annoy and induce headaches.
Case in point: Dick Vitale vs. Bobby Knight. I can’t believe I’m about to write this, but I like Bobby Knight. At least in this context.
Dickie V loves the game, but much of his commentary detracts from the current game while he spouts as many names of players and coaches as possible that might someone be remotely connected to someone in the building for the current game. He adds volumen.
Coach Knight, on the other hand, coaches from his color commentary seat, explaining why he likes or doesn’t like each play. He calls to attention to the little things that cause a play to work or fail. He adds perspective.
I’ll take perspective over volume almost any day.
