If a Mount Rushmore for sports play-by-play men existed, Vin Scully would be there for Major League Baseball, Pat Summerall would be there for the NFL and Marv Albert would be there as the voice of the NBA.
While we were both snowed in this week, I spoke to the voice of “The NBA on TNT” as he was getting ready for Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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JW » Where did your signature call “Yesss!” come from?
Albert » Growing up in Brooklyn, playing basketball on the school yard. A couple of kids would do play-by-play of the game as we played. They would always say ‘Yes and one!’ when a kid would hit a basket and get fouled. So as I began to do games, each time a guy would hit a shot I found myself saying “Yesss!” and it stuck. It is fun and flattering the phrase caught on. I will be watching shoot arounds before the game and players will be saying [it] when they hit a shot. It’s funny how things become famous without even trying, but I guess that is the best way.
JW » You have such a great rapport with Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello and Doug Collins at TNT. What makes a good color analyst?
Albert » I like the fact that the group of analysts that we have can break down a game and interject humor as well. Watching the NBA should be both entertaining and fun — a philosophy that we employed at TNT not just on our games but also in our outstanding pregame show.
JW » Both Mike Breen and Mike Tirico at ESPN have told me you are the best and that you have influenced their styles. Who influenced you as a broadcaster?
Albert » Marty Glickman was my mentor and a second father. He was the voice of the Knicks and he taught me how to be a good broadcaster. He also encouraged me to develop my own style. Over the years, because I have a number of great assignments, I think that my style has matured. Fans know I enjoy the games and most of all, I enjoy being an entertaining broadcaster.
JW » You have done many All-Star Games. For this game, what are some of the things you are looking forward to?
Albert » To be honest, I can’t wait to do the game from Cowboys Stadium. I think that venue will be amazing. We know this game is about the stars — LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard to name a few. This is schoolyard basketball where we see the sheer talent, athleticism and creativity of the best basketball players in the world and that is what makes this game special.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
