FOX Sports puts the spotlight on the second annual Jr. NBA Global Championship this week with play set to begin Aug. 6-11 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The event features the top 13- and 14-year-old boys and girls basketball players from around the world with Fox Sports set to broadcast 16 games across FOX, FS1 and FS2 throughout the weeklong event. Game analysts and play-by-play talent include Vince Carter, Brian Custer, Noah Eagle, Mark Followill, Sarah Kustok, Donny Marshall and Charissa Thompson. The company will air 16 games throughout the week, totaling 24 hours of programming across FOX, FS1 and FS2, including the girls and boys Global Championship games on Aug. 11 at 3p and 4:30p on FOX, respectively.
Cynopsis asked FOX Sports Vice President of Production Bardia Shah-Rais about its plans.
Shah-Rais on FOX Sports’ interest in the JNGC: It’s always a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the NBA on a groundbreaking project. The popularity of the league, and basketball in general, is booming so it was a no-brainer to get involved in a grassroots project like the Jr. NBA Global Championship.
On the telecast: With the help of the NBA, viewers can expect to see more access and storytelling this year. We’ll aim to mic-up coaches and have the ability for our announcers to interact with them during game. Also, our operations team has invested in some unique gadgets that will help bring viewers closer to the action. Lastly, we’ll implement the use of Sky Cam that will give the event a video game (NBA2K) feel to it.
On production: There are far less restrictions at this event when it comes to access. We’ll have the ability to eavesdrop in on huddles and show pregame speeches. The NBA has been a fantastic partner in helping us push the envelope when it comes to access and technology, and our goal is to replicate the tremendous success we’ve had with our Big East Basketball coverage when it comes to taking viewers closer to action. Also, being able to assemble an All-Star roster of talent is pretty unique – we’re crosspollinating our college basketball group (Donny Marshall and Brian Custer) with seasoned NBA voices (Sarah Kustok and Mark Followill) and a future Hall of Famer Vince Carter.
On storytelling: Adding context to the event is extremely important and we’ve had all the players fill out questionnaires that we’ll highlight with graphics. We had success with this last year, but we’ll continue to produce mini personality vignettes that will show off the player’s personalities. Lastly, in conjunction with the NBA, we’re doing a massive promo shoot with all the teams that we’ll use throughout the broadcasts.
