Chris Duhon: Take 1

August 24, 2010

Duhon prepares for a broadcast at Sportscaster U.

With a mission to provide NBA players with valuable programming to help them grow personally and professionally, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) works year round to see to it that NBA players have a wide variety of learning opportunities at their fingertips.

Sportscaster U., the NBPA’s three-day interactive seminar for players interested in pursuing a broadcast journalism career, recently was held at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Participants gained hands-on experience in broadcast basics, as well as game coverage, interviewing techniques, studio performance and equipment technology. This year’s participants included current NBA players Chris Duhon and Steven Hunter, as well as retired players Pat Burke, Antonio Daniels and Gary Trent.

NBPA.com’s Talia Bargil talked with Duhon about his Sportscaster U. experience. Check out what the Orlando Magic point guard had to say about a potential future in sports broadcast:

TB: You’ve been taking advantage of the NBPA’s programs. First, you participated in the NBPA Coaching Development Program earlier in the summer, then Sportscaster U. What is prompting you to take advantage of these off-season opportunities?

CD: I always try to be prepared…you never know what’s going to happen or how long my playing career will last. I want to know that I have options for a future career. I like to have a plan, a back-up plan and a back-up plan for that. The earlier I can get my feet wet and get an understanding of what I want to do, it’s better for me.

TB: What was the most surprising aspect of sports broadcast you learned while at the Program?

CD: Almost everything! First, I didn’t realize how you have to make your point in a certain amount of time. It’s very different talking sports with your friends and teammates than it is in front of a camera. Also, I think people take the preparation for granted…it’s a lot of work!

TB: After completing Sportscaster U., what is the most valuable skill you learned or improved upon? What skill do you have to work on the most?

CD: I learned that it’s important to just be yourself, not to try to imitate other commentators. Be personable, show your personality. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be on camera...I have to work on staring at the camera without getting distracted and looking elsewhere. Eyes glued to the lens!

TB: Do you see sports broadcast in your post-playing career future? If so, what is your ideal role in the broadcast field?

CD: I do. Coaching is my first choice for now, but this is something I’d definitely like to try. Color commentating is fun…it gives you an opportunity to put your own spin on it and educate viewers about the game of basketball. As a player, knowing how the game works from an inside perspective, I can provide additional insight.

TB: Who is a current or former broadcaster that you would like to emulate?

CD: I always like watching games commentated by Doug Collins. He does a great job of painting a clear picture for a person who may not know the game well. He commentates in a way that helps people understand.

ABOUT CHRIS DUHON
Chris Duhon, a native of Louisiana, is a point guard for the Orlando Magic. After competing with the Duke Blue Devils Men’s Basketball Team from 2000 to 2004, he was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2004 NBA Draft. Duhon spent four seasons as a Bull before joining the New York Knicks for two seasons. He earned the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2007 and the 2006 “Good Guy Award” from The Sporting News for his efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Organizing the Chris Duhon Stand Tall Foundation in 2005, immediately following Katrina, he worked to aid victims and assist in rebuilding efforts of his hometown of Slidell.