What Makes A Good Ref - by Steve Lavin

[JoeTheRef]

Did anybody see the ESPN2 college game day or whatever, right before the GA/ARK game? They were ripping the officiating and Steve Lavin gave his 5 characteristics of a good basketball official. Just curious if anyone saw that piece. THe other analysts was the most misinformed jackass on the telecast. I can't think of his name, but he chose to break down every "bad" call he saw this past weekend and rip the referees.

[refinks]

You must be referring to Doug Gottlieb? He sucked when he played at Oklahoma State, and he's even worse as an announcer. The guy has no clue about the rules of college basketball, and he's an embarassment to ESPN.

[mattmets]

When do we get the sequel from Lavin- "What Makes A Good Coach"?

[rgncjn]

It could have been Digger Phelps. He seems to be joining the bandwagon for complaining about officials. Doug Gottlieb is a fraud.

[socalreff]

Originally Posted by rgncjn

It could have been Digger Phelps. He seems to be joining the bandwagon for complaining about officials. Doug Gottlieb is a fraud.

Your signature sounds familiar.....oh yeah, that's my pregame.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by mattmets

When do we get the sequel from Lavin- "What Makes A Good Coach"?

I think Joey Crawford or Steve Javie should do that one.

[Coltdoggs]

I saw it and he was fair about it...He made one comment that he didn't just want a guy who studied the rule book, he'd like to have a guy who played in at least HS and understood the game...

His list had some things like: (Hope I'm not confusing it with something else I saw)

Understanding and application of the rule
Conditioning
Confidence to make the call
Communication/Approachability

[TheOracle]

Originally Posted by Coltdoggs

I saw it and he was fair about it...He made one comment that he didn't just want a guy who studied the rule book, he'd like to have a guy who played in at least HS and understood the game...

His list had some things like: (Hope I'm not confusing it with something else I saw)

Understanding and application of the rule
Conditioning
Confidence to make the call
Communication/Approachability

I also thought it was fine. Lavin has every right to his opinions, and everyone should listen to them, whether they agree 100% or not. Guys like him are the decision-makers.

With respect to Gottlieb and other folks, remember that criticism generates viewers and $$$ for the networks. It's easy for him to pick out mistakes and rant about them. Not too tough. Easy way to fill time. Also, for every criticism you hear on the highlight shows, you'll hear a broadcatser watch a replay and admit the official got it right, despite originally questioning the call. They're not all bad. Controversy makes money for them. Just like reality TV.

Officials make mistakes. Life goes on. Coaches, players, and officials have to deal with the opinions of the public.

[ILRef80]

Jimmy Dykes was also on with Lavin several times this weekend. It seemed like every time I saw him, he was complaining about officials.