ESPN's College Basketball Rules Special

[bballref3966]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Funny how the two of you pick two of the sportscasters that actually do know the rules better than most. They're not perfect and may have other annoying qualities, but they're actually pretty intelligent about the game.

I have never watched a single Dick Vitale-called game on TV that would convince me that he has a "good" knowledge of the rules, or officiating philosophies in general.

Bilas does have some knowledge, but his interpretations are often erroneous, and he makes ridiculous statements that mislead viewers (e.g. "75% of block/charge plays are blocks").

Fran Fraschilla is ESPN's best commentator, IMO, in terms of knowing the rules.

[so cal lurker]

Originally Posted by bballref3966

Bilas does have some knowledge, but his interpretations are often erroneous, and he makes ridiculous statements that mislead viewers (e.g. "75% of block/charge plays are blocks").

Hmm. Is that actually wrong? Sounds about the right ratio to me from non-methodical, non-referee observation over the years. (Though I suppose what counts as a "block/charge" play as opposed to "just" a block could skew that number either way.) Whether it is relevant or useful is another question . . .