10 Most Entertaining Basketball Broadcasters of All Time

Let's be honest, folks.  We surf Bleacher Report not just because we like sports, but because we love watching them as well.  I'll bet that a great number of you reading right now spend some of your weekends gathered with friends and family to watch whatever game might be on, arguing and bonding over the experience.

Yet, as we all well know, nothing ruins a televised game like a horrible broadcaster.  In a fast-paced and exciting game like basketball, whether it's Brent Musburger working out of his comfort zone or Kenny Albert attempting to be as awesome as his famous father, there are some men who just make you want to hit the mute button.

However, with a great broadcaster like Gus Johnson (pictured), fans get more emotionally involved in the games and do more than just watch the plays.  They become part of the action from their living rooms.  That being said, let's take a look at the 10 most entertaining basketball broadcasters of all time.

10. Verne Lundquist

Just like football had Pat Summerall, college basketball has Verne Lundquist.  The man has been calling games for over 40 years and his voice is just one that is perfect for broadcasting.  In his career, he has called football and basketball games on both the college and professional levels, and has also been a broadcaster for the Masters Tournament.

More importantly, despite getting up there in years, Lundquist isn't afraid to get excited about big plays.  One of his most memorable calls occurred in 1992 in the NCAA Tournament's East Regional final game between Duke and Kentucky.  This was the game where Duke forward Christian Laettner executed the perfect catch-and-shoot to send the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

Watch the clip and listen as Lundquist goes from zero to 100 in mere seconds.

9. Kevin Harlan

Though I'm personally not a fan of him, I can't not include Kevin Harlan on this list.  He has a confident voice similar to that of Marv Albert, combined with the enthusiasm of Gus Johnson.  Much like Verne Lundquist, he'll be calm and collected at one moment before going absolutely cuckoo over a dunk or a clutch three-point shot.

Simply put, Harlan gives an extra shot of zing to The NBA on TNT and provides something the fans can take seriously when Charles Barkley isn't speaking.

8. Kenny Smith

Whether he's filling in for Walt "Clyde" Frazier on a New York Knicks broadcast, or going at it with Charles Barkley in the studio, Kenny Smith is one of the most entertaining color commentators in all of basketball.  Not only does he have an extensive knowledge of the game, being an ex-player, but he also makes calling a game fun.  While some color guys will just give random insights about the action, Smith makes sure to banter with his broadcasting partner as well.

Love him or hate him, Smith's status as an elite broadcaster cannot be disputed.

7. Ian Eagle

Though most may know him for his play-by-play work for NFL on CBS, Ian Eagle actually does the same job for the New Jersey Nets and the YES Network.  He can also be heard on CBS during college basketball season.  His broadcasting strength comes from his voice, which is just one that sounds like it was born to call games.

On top of that, it is clear that underneath his somewhat reserved style of calling there is a deep passion for basketball.  Considering how his broadcasting career began as a student at Syracuse University, one of the biggest sports schools in the nation, I think it's safe to say that Eagle has his dream job.  He makes a game interesting, and while he may not get wild and crazy, his knowledge more than makes up for it.

6. Walt "Clyde" Frazier

Being a die-hard New York Knicks fan, I'll admit I might be a wee bit biased with this one.  Then again, how can I not be?  Former Knicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier is easily one of the most insightful and entertaining color commentary guys in all of basketball.

His greatness doesn't come from his extensive knowledge of the game, nor from the ridiculous suits he regularly wears.  Rather, Frazier's charisma as a commentator comes from his soothing voice combined with his playful choice of words.

Thinking about it now, watching a game called by Frazier is what I'd imagine watching a game with Bill Cosby would be like.  There wouldn't be any going nuts at a call or jumping out of one's seat.  The commentary on the game would just be a conversation between two people, one noting each action and the elder fan being nostalgic and insightful.

5. Mike Breen

Next we have Frazier's usual broadcasting partner, Mike Breen.  This man has been the main play-by-play guy for the Knicks since 2004, having taken over for a broadcasting legend in Marv Albert.

Breen also has nearly 20 years experience calling basketball games, having been one of the voices of NBA on NBC.  Besides his friendly disposition on the air, he is one of the greats because of his catchphrase.  While Marv Albert may punctuate an epic basket with a "YESSSSS," Breen will do one better.

Watch the video at the left to see Breen go BANG!

4. Charles Barkley

OK, I'll admit it.  Maybe Charles Barkley isn't the BEST basketball broadcaster out there.  I'll admit that I only watch the studio portions of Inside the NBA just so I don't miss anything that he says.

To put it bluntly, Barkley's commentary reminds me a lot of Estelle Parsons' character on The Golden Girls.  He has no filter when it comes to speaking on live television and he doesn't seem to care at all.  While some may call that a turn-off, I call it a reason to watch him.

As a seasoned NBA veteran, Barkley's brutal honesty is a breath of fresh air compared to some broadcasters who like to pussyfoot around controversial issues.  With Sir Charles behind the mic, you know you'll be getting some quality opinion.

3. Jim Nantz

You tell me that Jim Nantz isn't entertaining, and I'll tell you that he's been the voice of the Final Four for 20 years for a reason.  To this man, calling a game isn't just a job, but also a privilege and an honor.  Would he really open each broadcast with a heartwarming "Hello, friends" if he didn't feel that way?

Watching a game called by Nantz gives one the same nostalgic feeling of just kicking back at home with a couple of friends and discussing the game over some cold beers.  He has the perfect balance of professionalism and humor, knowing when to get excited and when to tone it down.

I'll be honest with you.  Even if my bracket is busted and I have nothing invested in the Final Four, I'll watch it solely because of Jim Nantz.

2. Gus Johnson

Easily my favorite broadcaster, Gus Johnson is a broadcaster whose games are more than just something you watch.  The man's enthusiastic and over-the-top play-by-play, make him not only a talking head on your TV, but a passionate fan.  Never before have I seen someone in Johnson's position get so excited and happy when calling a game.

On top of that, Johnson's fanbase is so wide that one even made an internet soundboard dedicated to him.  I can honestly say that this year's NCAA tournament will not be the same, seeing as how Johnson left CBS for Fox this past summer.

1. Marv Albert

At No. 1, we have the broadcaster I'm sure most of us heard when introduced to basketball.  Marv Albert has been a part of my basketball life since I was seven, and, to be honest, I can't even imagine what watching games will be like once he retires.

Though Gus Johnson may be my favorite, Albert is the one for whom I have the most respect.  He is the definition of old school, has a great broadcasting voice and his triumphant cries of "YES!!!!!" will fire up anybody.

People can say what they want about his past issues and the fact that they don't like him, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Albert is easily one of the most heralded broadcasters in basketball history.  I loved him when he was the play-by-play man for the Knicks, and I still enjoy him even though he's moved on to the national circuit.