ESPN networks extensive 2015-16 men’s basketball season coverage is complimented with the addition of six new analysts and four new play-by-play commentators. The new crew join an established line-up of the nation’s leading experts covering approximately 1,200 exclusive games across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, SEC Network and Longhorn Network.
SEC Network
- Glen “Big Baby” Davis – a Baton Rouge, La. native, “Big Baby” Davis brings a wealth of college and NBA knowledge to SEC Network as a studio analyst. Davis was a McDonald’s All-American that led LSU to its first NCAA Final Four in appearance in 20 years in 2006. He was voted SEC Player of the Year (2006) and went on to play in the NBA for the last eight years, winning an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
- Andrew DeClercq – a former Florida standout, NBA player and coach, DeClercq joins SEC Network as a game and studio analyst. As a player at Florida, DeClercq was pivotal in the Gator’s first NCAA Final Four appearance (1994) and was drafted by the NBA in 1995. Since retiring in 2005, DeClercq’s focus shifted back to Florida, coaching high school basketball for nationally ranked Montverde Academy and later Foundation Academy.
- John Pelphrey – a member of the Kentucky basketball Hall of Fame, Pelphrey played and coached basketball in the SEC before joining SEC Network as a game analyst. As a player (1988-1992) Pelphrey is a member of an elite group, coined by Coach Rick Pitino as “the Unforgettables”. He went on to coach at several colleges, including Florida under Coach Billy Donovan – leading the Gators to a National Championship game and four straight NCAA Tournament appearances – and head coach at Arkansas (2007-11).
- In addition, it was announced earlier that the SEC Network has hired longtime Georgia women’s basketball coach Andy Landers and Tennessee Lady Vols standout Candace Parker as analysts.
ESPNU
- Antwan Jamison – “North Carolina Mr. Basketball,” Jamison will contribute to ESPNU for the first time this season. Jamison was awarded both the Naismith and Wooden Awards while playing college basketball at UNC and is one of only seven UNC players to have their jersey retired. In addition to All-American and ACC player of the Year awards, he was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft. Jamison’s NBA career spanned three decades and included NBA All-Rookie Team, two-time NBA All-Star, NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and playing for the USA National team. Jamison currently contributes to Lakers studio coverage in Los Angeles, and will work select ESPNU games and studio in addition to that role.
- Jason Capel – also a UNC standout, Capel speaks from a former player and a former coach’s experience. He played basketball at Chapel Hill from 1998 to 2002 and went on to be the Appalachian State Head Coach (2010-2014). Capel also contributes as an analyst for Raycom. His first ESPNU assignment was the UNC at Kentucky alumni game.
- Chris Spatola – the fifth all-time leading scorer at the United Station Military Academy, Spatola was a four-year starter at West Point (1999-2000) before serving in the Army for five years. After completing his service, he went to work for Duke basketball coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski and was a member of the coaching staff for four ACC tournament title wins and a National Championship.
- New to ESPN, Ted Emrich, Alex Faust, Kevin Fitzgerald and Jenn Hildreth bring a depth of play-by-play experience to the ESPNU booth. Hildreth will also contribute to SEC Network games.
The season gets underway across networks on Friday, Nov. 13 with an SEC Network doubleheader showcasing Albany at No. 1 Kentucky at 7 p.m., followed by Eastern Washington at Mississippi State at 9 p.m. and an ESPNU doubleheader – an early-round game of the 2K Classic featuring Siena at No. 5 Duke at 7 p.m., followed by McNeese State at LSU. Game assignments will be announced in the coming week.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
