With the schedule of Comcast SportsNet’s Wizards reporter Chris Miller, you can tell that he loves basketball. Since last season, when the Wizards won the NBA Draft Lottery, Miller has seen the team he covers as much as his own family.
Miller will host “Wizards Central” and “Wizards Postgame Live” for road games and (former voice of the Orioles and the Cleveland Cavs) Michael Reghi will host the shows when the team plays at home. Analyst Ron Thompson will be featured, with play-by-play announcer Steve Buckhantz and color analyst Phil Chenier contributing from the arena.
Miller on John Wall » From the first time we met, I was impressed with this kid. He is smart, very well spoken, loves to interact with people and is a breath of fresh air. Since the Wizards targeted him as their first-round draft choice, I have traveled 8,100 miles covering Wall and I can tell you he loves basketball and can’t wait to start his NBA career in Washington. This not my first time covering a young superstar. When I was in Cleveland, I covered LeBron James in high school and in his early years with the Cavs. So I think that is why John and I have such a good reporter-player relationship.
Miller on Arenas and the Wizards in general » Gil is at heart a good person and that at times makes covering him a challenge. I really look forward to seeing him back on the court and playing basketball with John. Both guys really love to just play the game and both are at the best when they are being creative on the court, so I see no problems with the two of them being teammates on this team. As for the future, I think that Ted Leonsis (owner), Ernie Grunfeld (general manager) and Flip Saunders (coach) have a great master plan to rebuild this franchise the right way with all the draft picks they got from last season’s trades as well as staying so far under the salary cap. The Wizards can rebuild in a shorter time than fans may think.
Miller on his pregame preparations » I get to the arena around 4 p.m. and begin talking to the players during the shoot around. I get with the Wizards first, and as my time allows I talk with as many guys from the opposition as possible. By 6 p.m., I have my scouting reports done and I am ready for both “SportsNet Central” and “Wizards Central.” During the day, I have been in touch with game producer Rich Wolf and director Chris Grain about the storylines. And finally, I spend some time with Buck and Phil who will be calling the game to compare notes. Then we are set to go.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
