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We wish the following was directed more to basketball but there's some mention of hoops, plus what is offered is 100% applicable to basketball announcing.

Pet phrases are cute...for about the first or second usage --- we don't tune in because of who is announcing but we might tune out because of who is announcing --- we want to know the 'why' of what we just saw, not some hoopin' and hollerin' by the supposed knowledge provider (the color announcer).

Anyway, enough of this and on to the article by longtime basketball coach Jack Fertig:

No One Watches a Game for the Commentators, But They Certainly Can Make It More Enjoyable
Jack Fertig
November 8, 2009

During part of my tenure at Fresno State, I did the color commentary for the Bulldogs locally televised basketball games. While it was nice to get noticed around town, especially when it was on an occasion either or both of my sons were with me, I fully realized that not one of the people complimenting me (the ones who think you’re awful may write a letter-to-the-editor, but at least they have the decency not to confront you publicly about it) were tuning into the broadcast because of my analysis.

It’s the same with any game on TV. I have heard of viewers mute a game because they can’t stand a certain announcer, but no one is watching or listening to a contest just because a certain person is doing play-by-play or color. Yet, having a competent color commentator certainly enlightens the experience and makes watching the game much more entertaining and enjoyable.

Here’s what makes a good color analyst. First of all, the person needs to be prepared. Knowing how to pronounce the names of the players from both teams, researching the strengths and weaknesses of the participating teams, having the up-to-date statistics and being aware of injured players and whether they’ll play or not.

Then, a thorough understanding of the game and its strategies is essential, as is a knowledge of the rules. Being able to explain what happened - in a language even casual fans can comprehend (without feeling you’re “talking down” to them) - and even to predict what will happen - but through the use of reasoning and not just what the guy at the end of the bar is saying because he heard somebody in a studio show say it...

Go here for the remainder.