Enjoy watching the four commentators between March Madness Basketball games. Kenny Smith, sitting with two analysts to his right, took a summer college course from this old professor.
Kenny also played basketball at Chapel Hill. Coach Dean Smith recruited him from New York. Kenny played guard. Called plays. Was one of his best, Dean told me.
Course was a survey of sports broadcasting. Fun part, each student demonstrated an on-air technique. Kenny read a commentary.
John Turtle—retired BBC training director—had come from England to teach a summer seminar. He joined me the day Kenny read his commentary. Asked John to critique Kenny’s analysis. Some flaws noted, but the BBC trainer told Kenny he read well.
Kenny graduated, played in the National Basketball Association league. CBS hired him to help us understand the nuances of the college game.
Looked online recently. Saw Smith’s reported earnings: $14 million a year, plus. Credit my course, or the BBC? Nah. Think Dean Smith was the best teacher.
Image via USA Today Sports/Kyle Terada
