Courtesy the Sports Commentary

(September 2, 2010) This week The Sports Commentary launches a new column, “In the Broadcast Booth,” which features professional athletes who have successfully made the transition to a broadcasting career. Up first, former NBA pro Mateen Cleaves.

Before becoming a studio analyst for FOX Sports Detroit, Mateen Cleaves enjoyed a nine-year professional basketball career. Cleaves is most remembered for his brilliant career at Michigan State where he led the Spartans to a National Championship victory in 2000. Drafted as the fourteenth pick by the Detroit Pistons later that year, Cleaves has played for NBA/NBDL teams including the Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Huntsville Kings, and Bakersfield Jam. After moving off the court, Cleaves became the NBA studio analyst for Fox Sports Detroit. He has also provided on-air commentary for outlets like ESPN, NBA TV, Big Ten Network, ABC Channel 12 in Flint, MI, and Sacramento News 10.

TSC: This year, you started a new career in broadcasting, but it wasn’t something you’d actually planned, was it? Tell us how it all came about.

I did some work with the Big 10 Network when they featured our Michigan State Championship team’s [10th Anniversary of the Spartans NCAA Championship] win. They interviewed me and asked some questions about Coach Izzo, and it was a good interview. One of the guys said I should try commentary and broadcasting. I laughed and didn’t take it seriously, but later I went to a celebrity basketball game that Curtis Granderson [Detroit Tigers] held for his foundation and a guy who worked at Fox Sports Detroit said they’d been looking for me and asked if I ever thought about doing sports commentary.

TSC: As someone who was used to being on camera and talking to the media day in and day out as a professional athlete, describe how different it is being on the other side of the microphone.

There is a big difference because usually you’re interviewed about yourself, and it’s easy to talk about yourself. The media will ask questions like, “How did you play?” or “What do you think your team needs to do?”. The questions were always about me or my team. When you’re on the broadcast side, you have to watch what you say and all eyes are on you. It’s definitely not the same. I went from playing basketball and now I’m explaining the game, and making points about the game. I’m talking about other players and guys I played with, and I’m trying to entertain people and keep their attention, all while trying to get my points across clearly.

TSC: Right after your first appearance on Big Ten Network, you enlisted the help of a broadcast coach. What did you find most challenging about being in the broadcast booth and how did coaching help you?

My coach helped me out a lot. He gave me the do’s and don’ts — more emphasis on the don’ts — the things you can’t do on camera. After the time I spent with him, I felt more comfortable being on camera. There were a lot of little things I didn’t know, like how to make a point succinctly and explain it properly, how to sit in the chair and even what attire works best for television cameras. I was nervous at first, but after meeting with him I felt more confident about myself and about being a broadcaster. He went over my tapes and we watched the film and he was a big help for me. He helped me with being myself on camera and told me not to try to be other people. I realized the reason I was on was that they liked my personality and didn’t want me to be shy in front of the camera.

TSC: For athletes thinking of going into broadcasting post-career, what advice would you have for them after experiencing the transition for yourself?

Do your homework and always be prepared. Some athletes take it for granted, but if you can afford it and you have the time you should definitely hire a coach before you jump up there. All of the mistakes I would have made, I didn’t because my coach helped me fix them before I made them. Know the stats, know the guys names and do your homework and prepare yourself. I think athletes think they can go up there and talk about the sport because they played it their whole life, but some guys don’t prepare enough and they fall short. You are already behind the eight-ball because people prepare and go to school for broadcasting, so you definitely have to take the time and put in the work.

TSC: Who are the athletes on air now that you most admire as broadcast personalities?

I admire Chris Webber and Steve Smith, who are also my mentors. I also like Jim Jackson. Kenny Smith on TNT does a good job and I like his personality. He’s not just stiff, he’s being himself and his personality comes through on camera. Doug Collins, an analyst for TNT, brings the game to life. He simplifies the complexities of the sport and helps people understand. I like Mark Jackson’s energy and he knows what he is talking about. You can tell he is having fun doing what he does. The knowledge he brings to the game is incredible and he definitely brings personality to the screen.

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