[burger]

I turned on the game today, and my wife was sitting across the room not facing the TV.  Danna said something dumb like "Let's play some shooty hoops."  My wife looked up said, "shooty hoops?  Well, at least it's not Bill Walton."

Mutual hatred of Bill Walton is a good thing in a relationship.

[burger]

I turned on the game today, and my wife was sitting across the room not facing the TV.  Danna said something dumb like "Let's play some shooty hoops."  My wife looked up said, "shooty hoops?  Well, at least it's not Bill Walton."

Mutual hatred of Bill Walton is a good thing in a relationship.

[JJJ]

Wow this is getting very personal.  I like Kevin Danna’s announcing and like MT have for quite a while. 
I enjoyed the game and the announcing.  Casey J also.

I'd like to be a member of this club, too. I also have a #23 Stanford jersey. :)

[JJJ]

Wow this is getting very personal.  I like Kevin Danna’s announcing and like MT have for quite a while. 
I enjoyed the game and the announcing.  Casey J also.

I'd like to be a member of this club, too. I also have a #23 Stanford jersey. :)

[pefloresjr]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

[pefloresjr]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

[teejers1]

[quote="martyup" pid='304569' dateline='1610237736']
I'll take Danna over Walton any day.  At least Danna calls the game.

Walton could spend the entire game talking about taking mushrooms at Dead shows and I would take him over Danna. Walton is the clown who knows he's a clown. However, Danna is the kind of guy who THINKS he's a pro. 

The fact he's a Stanford alum makes his performances even more unforgivable. He must be a smart guy but has no clue.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Come on, guys. Yes, he's a bit over the top, but there's no crowd in a good sized building. The atmosphere is weird. Maybe he'll listen to himself and tone it down a bit. I thought his play by play was just fine, accurate and timely. He's got the most important talent down. He will get better, methinks.

What did Danna do that was so offensive?  That's a serious question.

The one comment I thought was a bit geeky was analogizing Oscar (was it?) to some E-sports guy - that's if I "got" the reference, which frankly I did not.  So if somebody can clarify/edify, that would be appreciated.  And I thought Casey Jakes was damn good as the color guy.

P.S.  Walton is the color guy, so it's not his job to do PbP.  His job is to do . . . well . . . color.  I find him amusing, but can see why others object to his antics.  I do give him full credit for pimping the Pac 12 Conference of Champions.  I believe he is honestly a homer for the conference and talks it up (some might say incessantly/over-the-toppedly), and I view that as a net-positive.

[teejers1]

[quote="martyup" pid='304569' dateline='1610237736']
I'll take Danna over Walton any day.  At least Danna calls the game.

Walton could spend the entire game talking about taking mushrooms at Dead shows and I would take him over Danna. Walton is the clown who knows he's a clown. However, Danna is the kind of guy who THINKS he's a pro. 

The fact he's a Stanford alum makes his performances even more unforgivable. He must be a smart guy but has no clue.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Come on, guys. Yes, he's a bit over the top, but there's no crowd in a good sized building. The atmosphere is weird. Maybe he'll listen to himself and tone it down a bit. I thought his play by play was just fine, accurate and timely. He's got the most important talent down. He will get better, methinks.

What did Danna do that was so offensive?  That's a serious question.

The one comment I thought was a bit geeky was analogizing Oscar (was it?) to some E-sports guy - that's if I "got" the reference, which frankly I did not.  So if somebody can clarify/edify, that would be appreciated.  And I thought Casey Jakes was damn good as the color guy.

P.S.  Walton is the color guy, so it's not his job to do PbP.  His job is to do . . . well . . . color.  I find him amusing, but can see why others object to his antics.  I do give him full credit for pimping the Pac 12 Conference of Champions.  I believe he is honestly a homer for the conference and talks it up (some might say incessantly/over-the-toppedly), and I view that as a net-positive.

[2006alum]

We are joking right?
I have literally stopped watching games because Walton was on the scene.  

This. I just can't. He's like that entitled uncle who has to insinuate himself into every conversation and thinks every half formed thought that comes out of his mouth is genius. I've basically stopped watch Pac-12 games because he's so insufferable.

[2006alum]

We are joking right?
I have literally stopped watching games because Walton was on the scene.  

This. I just can't. He's like that entitled uncle who has to insinuate himself into every conversation and thinks every half formed thought that comes out of his mouth is genius. I've basically stopped watch Pac-12 games because he's so insufferable.

[TheFarm07]

I cannot stand listening to Bill Walton either. I root for our men's bball games not to be picked up by ESPN, because inevitably he will be assigned as one of the announcers.

My friend literally called me the other evening so that I could distract him while he was watching a game with Walton as one of the announcers because he could not listen to him anymore.

[TheFarm07]

I cannot stand listening to Bill Walton either. I root for our men's bball games not to be picked up by ESPN, because inevitably he will be assigned as one of the announcers.

My friend literally called me the other evening so that I could distract him while he was watching a game with Walton as one of the announcers because he could not listen to him anymore.

[JohnR34231]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Haven't heard much of Walton, but that's my impression too. His schtick is mildly amusing and entertaining but could get old very fast. Small doses, please.

[JohnR34231]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Haven't heard much of Walton, but that's my impression too. His schtick is mildly amusing and entertaining but could get old very fast. Small doses, please.

[Phogge]

My biggest problem with color people is that they talk too much, especially during football games. So many think that they have to fill the time between plays with chatter. Madden started it but he knew the game and he could spin a tale too. Walton spins chatter like he’s on a mushroom trip which he probably knows a lot about.

[Phogge]

My biggest problem with color people is that they talk too much, especially during football games. So many think that they have to fill the time between plays with chatter. Madden started it but he knew the game and he could spin a tale too. Walton spins chatter like he’s on a mushroom trip which he probably knows a lot about.

[Farm93]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Haven't heard much of Walton, but that's my impression too. His schtick is mildly amusing and entertaining but could get old very fast. Small doses, please.

Former player telling quirky stories works great on TNT for pre-game and halftime.   Walton on that type of studio show would be fine for me, since I can easily skip your average halftime show. 

Perhaps there are just not a lot of former Pac-12 types wiling to serve as color commentators.   Guess that is a good sign for CJ's long term prospects in that industry.

[Farm93]

I thought the play by play today was a little over-excited but well within the range of the many less than stellar announcers I hear regularly during sporting events.  I will take today's announcing 1000 times to avoid hearing Walton again.  I think Walton in small measure would be fun on a pre-game, half-time, or post-game show but he completely ruins a live game.  

Cheers,
Pete F.

Haven't heard much of Walton, but that's my impression too. His schtick is mildly amusing and entertaining but could get old very fast. Small doses, please.

Former player telling quirky stories works great on TNT for pre-game and halftime.   Walton on that type of studio show would be fine for me, since I can easily skip your average halftime show. 

Perhaps there are just not a lot of former Pac-12 types wiling to serve as color commentators.   Guess that is a good sign for CJ's long term prospects in that industry.

[TheWildJacko]

Came here to say I like Kevin Dana's announcing!

[TheWildJacko]

Came here to say I like Kevin Dana's announcing!

[lex24]

My biggest problem with color people is that they talk too much, especially during football games. So many think that they have to fill the time between plays with chatter. Madden started it but he knew the game and he could spin a tale too. Walton spins chatter like he’s on a mushroom trip which he probably knows a lot about.

Bingo on the talks too much.  That and the constant overhype.

[lex24]

My biggest problem with color people is that they talk too much, especially during football games. So many think that they have to fill the time between plays with chatter. Madden started it but he knew the game and he could spin a tale too. Walton spins chatter like he’s on a mushroom trip which he probably knows a lot about.

Bingo on the talks too much.  That and the constant overhype.

[WBB fan]

Re Walton, all I can say is that if he's announcing, I want to turn the sound off. He talks so much about things that are totally unrelated to the game that I find myself having no idea at all about what's going on with the game itself.

[WBB fan]

Re Walton, all I can say is that if he's announcing, I want to turn the sound off. He talks so much about things that are totally unrelated to the game that I find myself having no idea at all about what's going on with the game itself.

[Spiny_Norman]

The guy who did the 2007 SC/Stanford football game is right up there.

Do you mean the guy who called, "Touchdown, USC!" when Bradford scored? That's Ron Thulin. His color guy Kelly Stouffer was just as bad. Both are still working in the business.

[Spiny_Norman]

The guy who did the 2007 SC/Stanford football game is right up there.

Do you mean the guy who called, "Touchdown, USC!" when Bradford scored? That's Ron Thulin. His color guy Kelly Stouffer was just as bad. Both are still working in the business.

[Blue Hawk (Mizzou) Card]

Hey Gang. Hi to Bob K and many others!

Long time member of TOS (where I am "MizzouCard") who still hangs out there. Son MiniMizzouCard advised me of the CARDboard some time ago. I have been lurking here every once in a while, though a new job does not leave me as much time as I would like for Stanford sports. Much enjoy the conversation here, even when I disagree with the views of some (as in this post), as it is fun to be among rabidly passionate Stanford sports fans. Have been tempted to post here before on several occasions, but have resisted until today as time really is limited so it is probably a mistake for me to take the step from lurker to poster.

FWIW, I enjoy Kevin Danna's work and I enjoyed listening to him on yesterday's game. As a big Stanford baseball fan, I have benefitted from his work many times in the past. I think he does a very good job of letting us know about game situations, which is the primary of the play be play announcer. He also, in my mind, does a good job of balancing his love for the Cardinal with his duty to be neutral. That generally tilts more toward the former on his Stanford baseball gigs than it did yesterday, but that is entirely appropriate. In my opinion, Casey Jakes and he did a great job on yesterday's game, especially under the unusual circumstances of a game in an empty gym and announcers presumably in their own homes or offices. 

Admittedly, I am biased, as I also like the broadcasting work of Dave Fleming, Troy Clardy, RGO, Coach Monty, etc. Stanford is rather "sui generis," as we lawyers like to say, so I believe it helps when announcers have an insider's understanding of that reality. [I can still develop a good rage when I think about the late Craig Sager's (sp?) pre-game blast at Stanford for not admitting Reggie Bush, who claimed that Stanford was his dream school. Just an example, but a very good one, of the many sports announcers who do not understand Stanford. I consider us fortunate when we have someone who does on the call.]

Bill Walton, who I had a couple of law school classes with, is a bit tougher to take, though he almost always says something I find interesting. In a recent game, for example, he took on the officiating in the Carolina game and pointed out how a certain dribble move exposed the ball to being stolen. I like it when I learn something about the game from an announcer--indeed, that is one reason I am always glad to learn that Casey J is assigned to a Stanford game. I learn something about basketball when Casey J is the color man. If one was able to get smaller doses of Bill and larger doses of what is going on in the game itself, perhaps via moving him to pre- mid-, and post-game work as someone here suggested, I think he would be more fun.

To a great extent, these things are simply a matter of taste, so all who disagree with me about Kevin Danna are certainly entitled to their view. When one takes a position as public as play by play announcer, the deal is that there will be criticism. Thus, I realize that I am only entitled to one vote. My vote is undoubtedly influenced by having become familiar with Kevin Danna's work via Stanford baseball. FWLIW . . . .

If anyone is keeping track, put me down as delighted to have Kevin Danna (and Casey J, of course) assigned to any Cardinal game I am able to catch.

[Blue Hawk (Mizzou) Card]

Hey Gang. Hi to Bob K and many others!

Long time member of TOS (where I am "MizzouCard") who still hangs out there. Son MiniMizzouCard advised me of the CARDboard some time ago. I have been lurking here every once in a while, though a new job does not leave me as much time as I would like for Stanford sports. Much enjoy the conversation here, even when I disagree with the views of some (as in this post), as it is fun to be among rabidly passionate Stanford sports fans. Have been tempted to post here before on several occasions, but have resisted until today as time really is limited so it is probably a mistake for me to take the step from lurker to poster.

FWIW, I enjoy Kevin Danna's work and I enjoyed listening to him on yesterday's game. As a big Stanford baseball fan, I have benefitted from his work many times in the past. I think he does a very good job of letting us know about game situations, which is the primary of the play be play announcer. He also, in my mind, does a good job of balancing his love for the Cardinal with his duty to be neutral. That generally tilts more toward the former on his Stanford baseball gigs than it did yesterday, but that is entirely appropriate. In my opinion, Casey Jakes and he did a great job on yesterday's game, especially under the unusual circumstances of a game in an empty gym and announcers presumably in their own homes or offices. 

Admittedly, I am biased, as I also like the broadcasting work of Dave Fleming, Troy Clardy, RGO, Coach Monty, etc. Stanford is rather "sui generis," as we lawyers like to say, so I believe it helps when announcers have an insider's understanding of that reality. [I can still develop a good rage when I think about the late Craig Sager's (sp?) pre-game blast at Stanford for not admitting Reggie Bush, who claimed that Stanford was his dream school. Just an example, but a very good one, of the many sports announcers who do not understand Stanford. I consider us fortunate when we have someone who does on the call.]

Bill Walton, who I had a couple of law school classes with, is a bit tougher to take, though he almost always says something I find interesting. In a recent game, for example, he took on the officiating in the Carolina game and pointed out how a certain dribble move exposed the ball to being stolen. I like it when I learn something about the game from an announcer--indeed, that is one reason I am always glad to learn that Casey J is assigned to a Stanford game. I learn something about basketball when Casey J is the color man. If one was able to get smaller doses of Bill and larger doses of what is going on in the game itself, perhaps via moving him to pre- mid-, and post-game work as someone here suggested, I think he would be more fun.

To a great extent, these things are simply a matter of taste, so all who disagree with me about Kevin Danna are certainly entitled to their view. When one takes a position as public as play by play announcer, the deal is that there will be criticism. Thus, I realize that I am only entitled to one vote. My vote is undoubtedly influenced by having become familiar with Kevin Danna's work via Stanford baseball. FWLIW . . . .

If anyone is keeping track, put me down as delighted to have Kevin Danna (and Casey J, of course) assigned to any Cardinal game I am able to catch.

[martyup]

Hey Blue Hawk,

[martyup]

Hey Blue Hawk,

[BostonCard]

Hey Gang. Hi to Bob K and many others!

Long time member of TOS (where I am "MizzouCard") who still hangs out there.

Hi MizzouCard!  Good to see you again.

BC

[BostonCard]

Hey Gang. Hi to Bob K and many others!

Long time member of TOS (where I am "MizzouCard") who still hangs out there.

Hi MizzouCard!  Good to see you again.

BC

[BobK]

Great to have you back Blue Hawk ah the Dickerson State alum

Today during the Raven Titan game a 15 or so yard completion and a flag as the ref signally personal foul the announcer says it’s going to be intentional grounding
That’s bad. Go Kevin

[BobK]

Great to have you back Blue Hawk ah the Dickerson State alum

Today during the Raven Titan game a 15 or so yard completion and a flag as the ref signally personal foul the announcer says it’s going to be intentional grounding
That’s bad. Go Kevin

[Softball Fan]

One of the most annoying qualities a play by play guy can have is to overhype.  Drives me nuts.  Which is why I watch a lot of sports with the sound off.  Been switching between hoops and football game. And I agree wit( you.  He is not good.....

That's my issue with ESPN announcers for WNBA.  Every routine play is portrayed as the greatest athletic move in the history of sports.

But Walton is the worst for me.  I'll never have sound on if he is announcing.

[Softball Fan]

One of the most annoying qualities a play by play guy can have is to overhype.  Drives me nuts.  Which is why I watch a lot of sports with the sound off.  Been switching between hoops and football game. And I agree wit( you.  He is not good.....

That's my issue with ESPN announcers for WNBA.  Every routine play is portrayed as the greatest athletic move in the history of sports.

But Walton is the worst for me.  I'll never have sound on if he is announcing.

[winflop]

Apples & oranges.

Danna is a play-by-play guy. I agree 100% he should be more like Ted Robinson

Walton is a color guy. He should be less about stuff that isn't relevant to the game. He has a vast knowledge of basketball. He should try to impart more of that and less of the other schlock he peddles

[winflop]

Apples & oranges.

Danna is a play-by-play guy. I agree 100% he should be more like Ted Robinson

Walton is a color guy. He should be less about stuff that isn't relevant to the game. He has a vast knowledge of basketball. He should try to impart more of that and less of the other schlock he peddles

[doubledub]

Apples & oranges.

Danna is a play-by-play guy. I agree 100% he should be more like Ted Robinson

Walton is a color guy. He should be less about stuff that isn't relevant to the game. He has a vast knowledge of basketball. He should try to impart more of that and less of the other schlock he peddles

I am guessing that Walton has forgotten quite a bit of his "vast knowledge", you know with him regularly taking 'shrooms and all.

[doubledub]

Apples & oranges.

Danna is a play-by-play guy. I agree 100% he should be more like Ted Robinson

Walton is a color guy. He should be less about stuff that isn't relevant to the game. He has a vast knowledge of basketball. He should try to impart more of that and less of the other schlock he peddles

I am guessing that Walton has forgotten quite a bit of his "vast knowledge", you know with him regularly taking 'shrooms and all.