There are many reasons Bob doesn't like the Spurs - their record against the Suns being the biggest. (NBAE Photos)

The summer between 7th and 8th grade I was watching one of many Cubs games on WGN and the thought occurred to me that someone, somewhere was getting paid to watch the game I was watching. At that time I had no idea what the role of a producer or director was, but I knew that it would be a pretty good gig to be paid for doing what I already liked to do.

Monday night I got to experience the wildly entertaining NCAA championship game with a sports bar full of hard-core Memphis fans. Every Tigers basket was followed with thunderous applause, each near miss with “ooohs” and “ahhhs”. As their team stretched the lead to 9 with just over 2 minutes remaining, the noise was deafening. The crowd cheered through entire timeouts, passing around high fives and hugs – their team was so close to the ultimate prize they could taste it. You know what happened next. Kansas hit a few shots, the rim shrunk on the Memphis end (just ask Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts) and the rest was history. As the CBS broadcast went to commercial break at the end of regulation after the miracle 3-point field goal from Kansas, I could hear Jim Nantz’s voice for the first time since I’d joined this crowd. The previously raucous bar was as quiet as an oncologist’s waiting room. After the game, the crowd filed out as if leaving a funeral.

The game was one for the ages, an instant classic. I would have enjoyed watching it by myself in my hotel room. But sharing it with those passionate fans elevated the experience and made it more than a game. My traveling broadcast crew (Tom Leander, EJ, Dan Siekmann and Greg Miller) and I talked as much about this great crowd as we did about the game. It was a moment that clarified why I love sports – it brings people together, gives them a sense of pride and unity. Now if only those same fans would show up at FedExForum to support the Grizzlies...

One more thought from Memphis – Rudy Gay is the real deal. A legit 6’8”, he is long, strong and athletic, gets to the rim at will and has a sweet-looking stroke from way back. If he can see the backboard, he’s in his range. He reminds me of my favorite player growing up, Dominique Wilkins, the way he easily navigates traffic and will dunk over people. In only his 2nd year in the NBA, he is as poised and polished a scorer at his age as anyone not named LeBron the league has seen for quite some time. I know that Shane Battier fills a nice role for the Houston Rockets, but can you imagine if they hadn’t made that draft day trade with Memphis and kept Gay? He and McGrady would be unstoppable forces – add Yao Ming to the mix and you’d have a championship contender for the next 5 years.

Speaking of draft day trades, one that I’m sure the Suns regret was in 1974 when they sent a 3rd round pick out of tiny Eastern Michigan to the San Antonio Spurs. His name was George Gervin. And except for the night Charles Barkley turned out the lights at the old Hemisphere Arena with a rainbow over David Robinson, the Spurs have been a nemesis ever since. Which leads me to my list of reasons I hate the Spurs (in no particular order):

• Dirty play: Call it physical, hard-nosed or gritty if you wish. But it’s dirty. I seriously doubt James Naismith would have approved of the clutching, grabbing and kicking (did I mention hip-checking?) that are hallmarks of the silver and black.
• Whining: Is it funny to anyone else that Gregg Popovich owns a winery in Oregon? Have the Spurs committed a single foul over the last 10 seasons without griping? You could take the square root of the number of words Pop says to the officials during a game and it would still be more than any other coach in the NBA. And Tim Duncan’s bug-eyed look at any foul called on him is more tired than the Energizer Bunny.
• Flopping: Just play the game, fellas. No need to act like you’ve been hit by a car every time an opponent drives past you. Raise your hand if you really believe Manu Ginobili can be one of the most graceful offensive players in the game and yet looks like a seizure victim on the defensive side – how does this happen? Bruce Bowen is a tenacious defender – does he really need to dive to the floor so often?
• The Slaughterhouse: If you’ve never been to the AT&T Center, you can’t fully appreciate this one. It’s a big metal barn in the middle of nowhere that looks like a place cattle go to become steak. In NBA terms, it’s exactly that (I think the Spurs are about 200-4 since they moved into the building.)
• The numbers: Truth be told, this is the biggest reason of all. The numbers 3-5 (Phoenix’s playoff series record vs San Antonio) and 4-0 (Spurs titles to Suns titles).

The Celtics are the team to beat in the east because they have three closers and the Suns can't double team all of them. (NBAE Photos)

Tough loss last night in Boston, no doubt about it. After playing the first half to a draw, the Suns came out sloppy in the 3rd quarter (3 turnovers in the first minute plus), shots didn’t fall and the route was on. Having seen both of the Eastern Conference favorites this week, Steve Nash was asked which is the better team. Being the NBA’s version of Switzerland, he said “It’s a toss-up.” I’m not so diplomatic. Boston is the best team in the East. Even though Rip Hamilton didn’t play Monday night and the Pistons have beaten Phoenix twice this season, the Celtics are the team to beat out east.

You hear comments about Kobe Bryant being the best “closer” in the game – a title he has earned through the years with his ability to dominate a game down the stretch at both ends of the floor. Boston has three of those closers. KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can be unstoppable offensive forces and all have the ability to score 20 points in a quarter. Since the NBA only allows five players on the floor at one time, you can’t double team all 3 of them. Garnett and Pierce are equally tough on the defensive end. Adding Sam Cassell to the mix will have its benefits in the playoffs as well – he’s a crafty scorer, clutch shooter and terrific decision-maker. Plus he always plays well in his first year with a team (see 2003-04 Timberwolves and 2005-06 Clippers) before things inevitably go sour. And while the Pistons have some scorers and play fantastic team defense, I can’t shake the memory of them losing to a one man team in the conference finals last year. They had better hope the Cavs fall out of the third seed or they will likely suffer the same fate – LeBron has their number and he knows it. Even more damaging is that they know it.

Meanwhile the wild west is still a big unknown. The Suns are 3-2 on this 9-game road trip (yes, 9-game road trip) and have tough games ahead against the red hot Sixers and two teams struggling for their playoff lives, the Nets and Nuggets. Take a look at the schedule and you’ll understand why this is a 9-game roadie. Phoenix began the trip last Tuesday in Portland and have played in a different city every game since. After the game in New Jersey on Saturday, we’ll get back to Phoenix about 3 am on Sunday, play the Nuggets at US Airways Center on Monday and leave immediately after the game for Denver and a game Tuesday. When you don’t even have time to unpack your bags (just ask my wife), you are still on a road trip. It’s just that games 3 and 8 of this trip happen to be in Phoenix – but all the negatives of a road trip still apply: long flights, late nights of travel, living out of suitcases and duffel bags, etc.

The one thing that seems clear to me is that of the 9 teams fighting for 8 playoff spots, the Dallas Mavericks are the odd team out. After watching Dirk Nowitzki go down with a serious ankle/knee injury on Sunday, it’s hard to imagine that team winning enough to hold on to their spot. They still haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since Jason Kidd arrived and 8 of their final 11 games are against winning teams from the West – including two with the 8th seeded Warriors and another with 9th seeded Denver. Throw in games against the Suns, Lakers, Jazz and Hornets – all of whom are playing for playoff seeding, home court advantage, etc. and it’s hard to see the Mavs making it. To think they were 6 minutes away from a commanding 3-0 lead in the 2006 Finals before losing 4 straight, then followed a 67-win regular season with a first round collapse to the Warriors last year. I hope the Mavs Suicide Prevention Hotline is well staffed.

A side note on Dirk’s high ankle sprain – Eric Piatkowski told me a story of his first year in Houston when he had a similar, albeit more serious, ankle injury in training camp and how difficult it was to bounce back. He couldn’t find the lift in his legs for a jump shot. Nowitzki is a tough hombre, but his style of play relies so much on his wheels (running, shooting, cutting) that it’s hard for me to imagine him being really effective after only 2 weeks on the sideline.

Big night ahead in Philly for the TV guys – heading out to find the best cheesesteaks in town. The tough part is that if you ask 10 people where the best is, you’ll get 10 different answers. Hopefully it’s like finding good Mexican food in Phoenix – even if you don’t get the best, you’re still getting pretty good.]]>Thu, 27 Mar 08 21:30:00 UThttp://suns.marqui.com/blog/suns01_03240801.aspx

Shaquille O'Neal has brought the fun back into the Suns' game - and it's translating into wins. (NBAE Photos)

Talk radio blared with fans ready to jump off a ledge, internet message boards ran amok with Mike Kryzewski wannabees and even the national media roundly killed the Phoenix front office for making, as one scribe wrote, “the worst trade in pro sports history.” Hmmmmm.

What a difference a couple of weeks can make. The Suns have not just won 7 straight, but have won them in a multitude of impressive ways. They beat the Evil Empire two weeks ago in a playoff-style slugfest that has become the Spurs’ calling card, holding Duncan and Co. to a measly two points over the final 5:30. A few nights later the Suns outran the fastest team in the league, pasting the Warriors with a 10-0 3rd quarter run that Golden State never recovered from. Mixed in with those wins were a couple of boat races that were over by halftime – the Suns led Memphis and Sacramento by 31 points (each) at the intermission. Are you kidding me? I know Memphis is having a rough season, but Sacramento just beat the Lakers in LA and it is unbelievably difficult to post a 30-point lead in the NBA. The players are too good and pro athletes in general have way too much pride to take a beating like that. Saturday’s dismantling of Houston was the latest indication of how good this Suns team can be. The Rockets are fresh off the 2nd longest winning streak in NBA history at 22 games – something none of Jordan’s Chicago, Magic’s LA or Bird’s Boston teams could do – and they looked more like a lottery team against Phoenix than a true title contender.

I’m sure you can see how Shaq’s conditioning has improved since his arrival, and Steve Nash has figured out how to exploit the nightly mismatches with a huge post presence at his disposal. You’ve certainly noticed how much Amaré Stoudemire has responded to being moved back to his comfort zone at power forward (28.8 PTS, 9.3 REBS, 57% FGs – 7 games of 30+ PTS since the All-Star break) and the respect he has for his new mentor. Grant Hill and Raja Bell have been outstanding defensively and are consistently shutting down great scorers (Brandon Roy – 3/14 FGs, Monta Ellis – 8/22 FGs, Manu Ginobilli – 7/19 FGs, Tracy McGrady – 11/31 FGs). But I think the biggest change of all doesn’t show up in any box score or stat line. At the beginning of this season, Mike D’Antoni told his team that this title quest they’ve been on over the last 3+ seasons is a journey that should be enjoyed, not just a destination to be sought. And although the Suns sat atop the toughest conference in NBA history (Denver is on pace to win 49 games and not make the playoffs – unprecedented!) when they made the Big Trade, they ranked near the bottom on the Fun Meter. And that’s what Shaq has changed. Following the world’s greatest crowd dive against San Antonio, Shaq sent the Suns’ bench scurrying like cockroaches when the light gets flipped on by chasing a rebound in their direction against Memphis. Last Tuesday in Portland, he followed up a blocked shot with a Brett Favre post route to Boris Diaw for a dunk, then erupted towards the bench in a show of emotion that brought the house down. A few minutes later he shook off 3 Blazers after another low-post mugging and walked over to greet Portland owner and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen with a handshake and smile. Classic Shaq – tough as nails between the lines, but truly just a big kid living the dream.

An Eastern Conference gauntlet awaits the Suns this week with Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia and New Jersey. Phoenix will have a little payback in mind for the Pistons after a humiliating home loss a few weeks ago. Boston has the best record in the NBA, Philly has played very well lately (remember the March 1st game in Phoenix?) and New Jersey is the second night of a back-to-back set and has a new point guard that has always been a tough matchup for Nash. It should be a pretty good measuring stick as the playoffs draw closer – and it’s guaranteed must see TV.
]]>Mon, 24 Mar 08 17:00:00 UThttp://suns.marqui.com/blog/suns01_03100802.aspxbig win over the Evil Empire was a reminder that the Suns didn't, in fact, forget how to play like a championship caliber team.

Eddie Johnson is able to give expert analysis during games because of his skill in shooting when he played. (NBAE Photos)

And perhaps a reminder that we all should have listened to Mike D’Antoni, Steve Kerr – even Shaq himself – when they said there would be some adjustments necessary to fully incorporate the Big Cactus.

I had another reminder a few nights ago as we began the 4th quarter of a home game against the 76ers. During the preceding timeout the Gorilla squad had inadvertently ripped the net off one of the hoops. There was a short delay as U.S. Airways Center engineers quickly replaced the net. Eddie Johnson immediately told Gary Bender and all the viewers watching FSN Arizona that he hated when a net had to be replaced during a game. Since the net would take a little while to get stretched out to its usual size, EJ said that the rim always looked smaller and it became a psychological detriment to any shooters on the floor. Phoenix went scoreless for the first 3 minutes and made a total of 3 FGs over the first 9 minutes of the quarter. Who else but a shooter (and were there any better?) would offer that nugget of insight? It was another example of the expert analysis Suns fans receive every night from the duo of Eddie Johnson and Dan Majerle.

Having worked in sports television for over 18 years, I’ve crossed paths with countless announcers. One thing I’ve noticed over that time is that you can learn a lot about someone by how their peers react toward them. I call it the RQ – Respect Quotient. Wherever Dan and EJ go with the Suns, they are universally respected for their knowledge of the game, the tenacious style they both brought to the court and, yes, even the fact that they are really genuine human beings. The only analyst I’ve worked with that comes close to the RQ of Dan and EJ is former Chicago Bears defensive back Doug Plank. His goes beyond respect, though. I think guys that played against Doug still avoid him as if they think he might drop them in the lobby of a hotel or stadium press box.

Dan Majerle's "Respect Quotient" is huge even outside of Phoenix. (NBAE Photos)

For television announcers, their RQ goes beyond their inner-circle of former teammates and coaches. A couple of seasons ago after a game against the Warriors, the Suns left for a Sunday afternoon game in Los Angeles. Since that game was being televised by ABC exclusively, the broadcast crew stayed the night in San Francisco and flew home the next morning. Dan, Tom Leander and I went out after the game to the Buena Vista – home of the Irish Coffee (just ask Tom if you ever run into him, he’ll tell you all about it.) On our way back to the hotel, and after a quick stop for a pizza, a black Suburban rolled up beside us at a stoplight. Both darkly-tinted driver’s side windows rolled down revealing 20-something men wearing black jackets and baseball caps – and not too friendly looks on their faces. Within 2 seconds, the driver broke into a huge grin and yelled “Thunder Dan – I love you, man!” A collective sigh of relief passed through our car and lots of high fives through theirs.

Dan and EJ connect with people – players, coaches, colleagues, viewers. Ultimately, that’s one of the biggest jobs of the television analyst. To engage the viewer and help them understand and enjoy the game they are watching more than they would have otherwise. Really great analysts (and hopefully producers and directors) will make you glad you’re watching on TV and not at the arena. And as much as I like the announcer swap we have done from time to time over the last couple of seasons, there’s not an analyst in the NBA that I’d trade for either of our guys.
]]>Mon, 10 Mar 08 23:37:00 UThttp://suns.marqui.com/blog/suns01_02120801.aspxNearly a week after the most dominant big man in NBA history moved to Phoenix, every journalist, fan, analyst, GM, coach and blogger has pontificated on the ups and downs of the deal. The shotgun blasts of opinion have riddled the Internet – and everyone (of course) is dealing in absolutes. The overwhelming sentiment is a combination of the following:

• Shaq has nothing left in the tank
• The Suns gave up too much (Shawn Marion)
• This officially marks the end of the Suns trademark run & gun offense
• Phoenix has mortgaged its future for one last, desperate attempt at a title

The Suns rolled back the clock when they hosted the Sonics on Jan. 3. (Barry Gossage/NBAE Photos)

The game was chosen in large part because the Suns’ first-ever game was a 116-107 win over Seattle back in October of 1968. If you watched the game on MY 45, you might have been wondering what happened to your television.

Although the idea of a “retro” broadcast is hardly new (we did one against Milwaukee five years ago in celebration of our 35th anniversary season), this was the first one done in the age of high definition. Viewers got to experience a history lesson of sorts through a few distinct eras of sports television. By the time halftime rolled around and you had been watching the first quarter in grainy black and white and the second quarter with not-so-sharp color images and obnoxiously big graphics, your new HD set looked even better. Here is how the broadcast played out from behind the scenes, era by era.

Game open / First Quarter – There was a short “tease” segment in which Tom Leander’s voice explained the course the broadcast would be taking over some great old highlights from the Madhouse on McDowell. David Hughes, who produced the broadcast with me, did a fantastic job of putting together this piece. The shots of Dick Van Arsdale, Connie Hawkins, Alvan Adams and Cotton Fitzsimmons brought back a flood of memories.

From this we had a short segment with Tom and Eddie Johnson (with the biggest afro wig I’ve ever seen!) giving a brief verbal history of the franchise, a decade at a time, followed by the usual pre-game rituals - starting lineups, player matchup and keys to the game. All of this was done as if it was the late 1960s - few camera angles, black and white, grainy picture, very simple white graphics and even simpler transitions to (extremely infrequent) instant replays.

Of all the comments we have received regarding this broadcast, 95 percent of them had to do with this first quarter. The phrase of the day was “effect over authenticity,” meaning that we were trying to give the effect of a 1960s (or 1980s, later) broadcast while still making it enjoyable to watch. We attempted to walk the fine line between interestingly different, entertaining and annoying. With 82 Suns games of four quarters each, we thought messing with two out of 328 quarters should be okay.

Some of you loved the nostalgic feel and could see how much fun we had reaching back into the history of television as well as that of the Suns’ franchise. Others would rather have seen the game in HD – as you have become accustomed this season. Either way, thanks for all your comments. We broadcast for your enjoyment and love to hear your feedback.

Second Quarter – One of my favorite elements to this special broadcast was the inclusion of past Suns’ TV announcers. The second quarter began with Al McCoy and his former analyst Greg Schulte behind the mic. Tom and EJ moved over to join Tim Kempton on the KTAR radio broadcast. Al and Greg shared memories of their many years of calling Suns games.

Among Greg’s memories was seeing Chris Webber receive the 1994 rookie of the year award (prior to Sir Charles torching him and the Warriors for 56 in a playoff game) and dropping the crystal trophy to the floor of the Oakland Arena where it shattered into about 75 pieces.

Al’s memories ARE the history of the Suns. He shared his insights into the 1976 and 1993 Finals teams, and told a story about Ronnie Lee and the “floor score” that he kept for the number of times the former Sun would hit the floor during a game. I’ve asked Al on a number of occasions if he intends to write a book – no progress so far, but maybe if I keep asking he’ll do it just to shut me up.

After the second timeout of the quarter, Al and Greg moved over to radio and Tom and EJ returned with another special guest, former ASPN play-by-play voice George Allen. George shared his memories of the night Tom Chambers lit the Sonics up for a franchise-record 60 points and even took the play-by-play reigns from Tom for the final minute of the half (“Nash for three – got it!”) as the Suns closed with a flurry. EJ shared some of his memories of the games George called during Eddie’s time as a player with the Suns. This was my favorite part of the night – hearing the voices of those I grew up listening to while watching Suns games.

The second quarter was done visually in a mid-1980s look. A few more cameras and more graphics, all of which had a huge drop shadow (something we thought was cool way back then) and using colors like cyan and yellow. Who’s idea was that back in the day? Has cyan EVER been a good color to look at? More replays and a few more visual effects crept into the broadcast as an indication that the technology had advanced. Once we reached halftime, we figured that our viewers deserved to watch the remainder of the game in high-def and we updated our on-air look to the one you see each night on MY 45 broadcasts.

Third Quarter – Jude LaCava joined Tom and EJ for part of the third quarter. Jude served as an analyst on ASPN broadcasts during the magical 1992-93 season and had some great memories of games, brawls (thanks, Greg Anthony) and parades. Jude’s day job at that time was as the host of the 620 Sportsline on KTAR (a position George Allen also held for some time) and had yet to make his move to Fox10 TV.

Gary Bender finished out the third quarter by sharing many of his memories as both a Suns broadcaster and a national broadcaster (with CBS and TNT) who covered many historic Suns games. Gary called the game (for TNT) in which Charles Barkley hit the game-winner over David Robinson in the 1993 playoffs, closing out both the Spurs and the Hemisphair Arena.

Bender's best memories, however, were of the late, great Cotton Fitzsimmons and the years they spent together on Suns broadcasts. Gary’s memories were a fitting tribute to a man that did so much to shape the history of NBA basketball in Phoenix.

Gary Bender is another person who should write a book of stories from sporting events and the TV business in general. His first book, The Call of the Game, was released in the early 90s and chronicled some of his tale of evolution from Kansas farm boy to national broadcaster. But he has got more stories than anyone except – well, Al McCoy. Maybe I should offer to represent both of those guys and get these books done. Tell me what Suns fan wouldn’t head to Border’s to grab a copy of each.

As I was preparing for this 40th anniversary game, I thought back on the number of games I have helped televise and the great moments in Suns history I have been a part of – moments that need no qualification if you have seen them (Majerle’s big three to beat the Lakers, Rex Chapman’s three against the Sonics, double OT wins in New Jersey and Dallas last year, 17 game winning streak). The first game I covered was November 21st 1990. KJ hit a runner down the lane, a bank shot, as the buzzer sounded to beat the Chicago Bulls 109-107 at the Coliseum. I knew this is what I wanted to do when I grew up.

But mostly I remember the people I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with along the way. George Allen was a mentor to me and a lot of others in the sports broadcast community. Scott Geyer, now the VP of broadcasting for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was the Suns’ TV director for 10 years and another great mentor. I’m lucky enough to still work daily with another of my mentors, Dan Siekmann, who is the Suns’ Director of Broadcasting and the person I travel the country with during basketball season. The list extends to all the audio and video technicians (camera and replay operators, audio techs, etc.) that work so hard to get our broadcasts on the air looking and sounding as great as they do each night (insert violin music here.)

So thanks for the memories. Thanks to the Suns, to the television industry and that talented group of broadcasters who have helped us enjoy them.

Just like the movie, the Suns will trade places with the Kings in back-to-back games starting Tuesday night. (NBAE Photos)

• recap the Suns offensive explosion at Houston
• look at Grant Hill and his assimilation into the Suns’ fast style of play
• highlight Brian Skinnner’s defensive prowess of late
• give you a look at young Sacramento shooting guard Kevin Martin who is 2nd in the NBA in scoring

Shawn Marion outrebounded both O'Neal and Mourning in Miami on Friday. (NBAE Photos)

Maybe even give you a fresh perspective on something that you’ve been acquainted with for some time. As the Suns return home from a successful 3-1 Eastern Conference road trip, here are a few reminders that this team you’ve come to love, and probably take for granted sometimes, is truly amazing:

• Steve Nash scoring 11 straight points down the stretch in Miami on Friday night, turning a 5-point deficit into a 6-point lead the Suns would never give back. If it’s possible to be a 2-time MVP and be underrated, Nash is just that. After all the huge shots he’s hit in the past few years (last season’s amazing double OT win in New Jersey when Steve hit the tying 3 pointer when everyone in the Tri-State area KNEW he was going to take the shot and while heavily guarded by one of the best defensive players of the last 20 years comes to mind), how can the Heat not guard him? They went under screens and left him with open jumpers twice in that stretch. Who’s scouting report are they reading? He’s shooting 50% from behind the ARC!
• Shawn Marion’s performance that same night. He shared the floor with 2 first-ballot Hall-of-Fame centers in Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning and outrebounded them 24 to 14. Matrix is 6’7” in shoes and weighs about as much as Shaq’s left leg, but continues to prove that rebounding is all about desire – which he has in abundance. Did I mention he added 17 points and 5 steals against the Heat?
• Leandro Barbosa’s career-high 39-point effort Saturday night at Orlando. A last-minute starter due to Raja Bell’s ankle injury (thanks, Shaq), LB showed off a Magic touch from the outside. When that shot is falling, guarding him is like being in one of those gruesome predicaments in SAW. Give him space to get off the shot or take away the shot and watch him blur by you for a layup. It’s your choice, but either way, you’re dead.
• Grant Hill’s comeback. I know it’s early and he’s had some struggles with his shot (Eddie Johnson assures me that the shot will come as Grant gets more accustomed to playing at this pace), but this is a guy who missed almost 400 games and has had countless ankle surgeries. He played – and played well if not spectacularly – 4 games in 5 nights and looked as good Saturday in Orlando as he did on game one of the trip. He’s so smart on both ends of the floor and there is nothing he CAN’T do.
• Amare’s ability to foul both Shaq and Dwight Howard with his face – now that IS amazing.

Now you can see all the Suns games in HD. (NBAE Photos)

As one who has been on the cutting edge for most of his career (creation of NBA all-star weekend is just one example on a long list), and with all of the Suns home games already sold out for this season, we were not surprised when Rick informed us that the Suns would be the first NBA team to produce all of its local broadcasts in high definition (HD). We were all excited at this opportunity and what it would mean to our viewers – extraordinarily sharp pictures and graphics.  Honestly, this is the biggest transformation in television since we moved from black and white to color.

Selfishly, I knew it meant I would get some of the very best equipment to work with in producing these broadcasts. Since we hire production facilities and technical crews in each city from which we broadcast, I’ve worked in some pretty shaky places with equipment that had seen better days. (Imagine going to work each day to a new office with new equipment and an entirely different set of co-workers.) Since HD technology is fairly recent, all of the TV production trucks I would see this year would be state of the art (or close).

I also knew there was a lot of work ahead. The high definition format we use has 6 times the resolution of your standard definition TV you’ve been used to. All of our graphics, animations and edited videotape packages needed to be redesigned and made better, sharper, clearer.

That was June. As I write this, on the Suns charter flight between Charlotte and Atlanta, we have finished our very first HD broadcast on MY45. The first two local broadcast of the season were also in HD on our broadcast partner FSN Arizona. But unlike the FSN broadcasts, where the Fox network graphics design group produces all of the tape and graphic elements of the broadcast, we do all our own work on the MY45 shows.

We’ve done 10 or so HD broadcasts on FSN in each of the last few seasons – but all from the comfort of our home at US Airways Center and with the power of the nation’s largest regional sports network behind us. This was our first on MY45 and first on the road. It certainly wasn’t without its challenges and even a few rough spots on the air, but it was a tremendous step in bringing Suns fans the best TV coverage possible. And with 8 Suns players scoring in double figures in a 32-point win – it’s hard to complain about anything that happened in Charlotte.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience an NBA game in HD, I urge you to call a friend that has an HD set at their house or head out to a restaurant that shows one of our upcoming broadcasts in HD. Wednesday’s broadcast in Atlanta is followed by Friday and Saturday games in Miami and Orlando. Check it out – and let us know what you think.

See you on TV.
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