The Voice of the NBA

Me with Mike Breen

Tonight was an exciting night in Marist College's Nelly Goletti Theatre as Mike Breen, a leading NBA commentator, came out and spoke with Sports Communication majors on what it takes to succeed in the sports industry. For those not familiar with Breen, he is currently the play-by-play announcer of NBA games televised on ABC (alongside Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson), a prominent commentator for the New York Knicks on the MSG Network, as well as the NBA's go-to commentator for its NBA Finals. Throughout Breen's 19-year broadcasting career, he has also broadcasted 5 Olympic games, including the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens when the US won the Gold Metal.

Breen is a 1983 graduate of Fordham University and started calling play-by-play for basketball games here at Marist back in 1985. Perhaps the most important advice Breen gave to all students in attendance is do whatever it is you have a passion for as you should always want to go to work and love what you do. No matter what career path you choose, "you are going to need to start at the bottom by doing the work nobody wants to do", but it's "how you carry yourself through those tasks" that are going to make people notice how hard, dependable, and respectful of a person you truly are. Breen also added that "you are going to have to make sacrifices", and your willingness to do so will demonstrate how hard of a worker you are. Things are never going to be handed down to you easily; instead, you need to prove to those above you that you are suited for the job and willing to do what it takes to complete the job correctly. Another interesting and personal piece of advice Breen gave came as a response to the question "What would you do differently if you had to start your career over?" Breen responded that he would have been an English major and a communications minor, as the ability to speak English properly can be a huge distinguishing factor between you and the other 70 people applying for the same job. Finally, Breen added that you should never stop networking yourself, as you never know who you might need to turn to in the future for help, or, in return who they might look to for an available position.

(Mark Jackson, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy)

After sitting through this presentation I, as a manager, could relate to how hard one needs to be willing to work to break into the sports industry. Being a manager is a great way to get your foot in the door and prove to your coaches that you are dedicated and passionate. If this ends up getting you exposure or networking opportunities, how hard you work will hopefully determine how far you will go.