My Turn to Give Thanks
by Andrew Monaco | Nov. 23, 2012
This time of year, I can't help but think about -- and thank -- all my broadcasting partners I have been blessed to work with. No matter the sport; basketball or hockey, football or baseball, even soccer and volleyball, all these men and women have made me into a better broadcaster. I appreciate them sharing their knowledge and their insight, and showing me how to better prepare for a broadcast.
As much as I have enjoy those moments calling the games together on radio and television, the moments traveling together, eating together, in broadcast meetings together that I treasure. If it sounds like we have having fun on the air, here's a little secret ... we are. In our business, it helps to like the person you work with. I have hit the jackpot with my broadcast partners.
Thanks, also, to all the coaches I have had the good fortune to work with and be around. Thank you for your time, your knowledge and (at times) your patience. I enjoy the insight, the interviews and the conversations.
To the trainers and equipment guys, thank you. I don't think I can so justice imparting the importance of these men and women. They are the backbone and the lifeblood. I appreciate that they allow me to spend time with them, share stories -- and don't forget me when we're on the road or in the airport. I am thankful that I am still friends with them today.
I am thankful for the conversations (both deep, and many not-so-deep) that have occurred on buses and planes, in airports and clubhouses, locker rooms and dressing rooms, benches and batting cages. The stories that have been shared, the pranks that have been pulled, the topics that have been discussed, have all been enjoyable.
There are some truly memorable moments during our broadcasts, but I think I am most thankful for the unforgettable moments that surround the broadcasts.
Follow the Leaders
by Andrew Monaco | Nov. 16, 2012
As part of their season preview of the Spurs, NBA TV asked me to talk with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, as well as head coach Gregg Popovich, about what makes the Spurs successful, and why they've been successful year in and year out. Little did I know it would turn out to be an example of playing "Follow the Leader." Or in this case, "Follow the Leaders."
The Spurs' Big Three of Tim, Tony and Manu are not just the most talented players, but also the most competitive, and that makes for an unbeatable combination.
No one knows that better than head coach Gregg Popovich. "Those guys set the tone. They are not just the most competitive, but also the most coachable and they are able to handle criticism," Pop said. "It becomes very difficult for everyone else not to fall into line and to be able to look at themselves and be responsible."
Former Spur, and current head coach of the Celtics, Doc Rivers, agrees. "They are professional, coachable and team-oriented," Doc said last year before a Spurs / Celtics game in Boston.
Pop adds that what the Big Three do behind the scenes pays winning dividends on the floor. "When you see them come early to work every day, stay late at practice, pay attention in drills, understand film criticism, others mature more quickly," Pop said. "Their teammates understand the concept of team and get over themselves more quickly."
Former teammate Bruce Bowen explains how their leadership pays off, telling USA Today, "I think when you have those players that have been together for that long, what they do is they enhance other people's games."
All because the Big Three set the tone, lead the way and lead by example. And who wouldn't want to follow? It's a path to victories, and ultimately, to championships.
Thanks to Those Behind the Cameras
by Andrew Monaco | Nov. 4, 2012
They are the names you see at the end of a Spurs telecast. That's where I would like to begin this blogging adventure.
You see, they are the men and women who make us all look good and sound good on the broadcasts. Our outstanding crew of directors, producers, camera operators, audio techs, engineers, utilities, teleprompter operators (c'mon, you know I need all the help I can get), stage managers, statisticians -- both on site and in studio -- are the people who make our telecasts shine. And in my case, make-up. LOTS of make-up.
It truly is a team off the court, bringing into your homes one of the best teams -- the Spurs -- on the court. I can't thank them enough and I hope they know how much I appreciate their efforts.
So this will be my blog during the season. The M Blog. Unless I should hit upon a moment of inspiration and think of a different name for it. You'll get my thoughts, my feelings, my friends and colleagues -- all will be a part of this blog. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I will enjoy sharing it with you.
I look forward to seeing you at the AT&T Center, and I would like to thank all of you for being loyal viewers of Spurs basketball on Fox Sports Southwest, KENS 5 and the CW 35. See you all soon.