I remember sitting in my living room as a teenager, watching my first NBA Finals, and what struck me wasn't just the incredible athleticism on display but the voices that brought the game to life. The commentary made me feel like I was right there on the court, understanding every strategic move and emotional moment. Throughout my years covering basketball media, I've come to appreciate how these voices don't just describe the action—they become part of basketball's cultural fabric, shaping how generations experience the game. The most influential commentators in NBA history haven't merely been observers; they've been storytellers, historians, and sometimes even participants in the drama unfolding on the hardwood.

When I think about basketball commentary's evolution, I can't help but draw parallels to that powerful quote from Thompson about how exposure through platforms like Palarong Pambansa can transform careers. In much the same way, great commentators have served as the ultimate exposure mechanism for the sport itself, bringing basketball into homes and hearts worldwide. I've always believed that the right voice at the right moment can elevate a good game into an unforgettable one, turning casual viewers into lifelong fans. My personal journey through basketball fandom has been profoundly shaped by these voices—from childhood memories of hearing certain catchphrases to my professional work analyzing how commentary impacts viewer engagement.

Marv Albert's distinctive voice and "Yes!" call remain etched in basketball consciousness, with his career spanning an incredible five decades and including approximately 25 NBA Finals. I've always considered him the gold standard for play-by-play commentary—his ability to build excitement during crucial moments while maintaining impeccable accuracy was something I studied extensively during my broadcasting courses. Then there's the legendary Chick Hearn, who literally invented basketball terminology we now take for granted—phrases like "slam dunk" and "air ball" originated from his broadcasts. Having listened to countless hours of archived Lakers games, I can confirm Hearn's influence extends far beyond his approximately 3,300 consecutive game broadcasts; he fundamentally shaped how we talk about basketball.

The analytical side of commentary found its master in Hubie Brown, whose deep understanding of basketball strategy has educated viewers since the 1970s. I've personally used Brown's broadcasts as teaching tools for young coaches—his ability to predict plays before they happen remains unparalleled. On the entertainment front, Dick Vitale's passionate, sometimes chaotic style brought college basketball to national prominence, though his occasional NBA work demonstrated his versatility. I'll admit Vitale's energy isn't for everyone, but his genuine love for the game is undeniable and has introduced basketball to millions who might otherwise never have tuned in.

Regional commentators deserve special recognition too—figures like Johnny Most, whose gravelly voice became synonymous with Boston Celtics basketball for nearly 40 years. Most's legendary call of "Havlicek stole the ball!" remains one of the most replayed moments in sports broadcasting history. Similarly, the Heat's Eric Reid has developed what I consider one of the most distinctive local broadcasting styles today, his excitement perfectly capturing Miami's vibrant basketball culture during their three championship runs.

The transition to television required a different skill set, and nobody mastered it better than Bob Costas, whose intellectual approach to broadcasting elevated the discourse around the game. Having met Costas briefly at a media event, I was struck by his depth of basketball knowledge beyond what appears on camera—his historical context during broadcasts comes from genuine study and passion. Meanwhile, Mike Breen's simple but powerful "Bang!" has become the soundtrack to countless NBA moments, including the 15 Finals he's called as of 2023. In my opinion, Breen represents the perfect balance of excitement and professionalism that defines modern basketball commentary.

The international growth of basketball owes much to commentators who adapted the game for global audiences. In the Philippines, for instance, commentators have played a role similar to what Thompson described—providing exposure and building bridges between local talent and the international stage. I've had the privilege of working with international broadcast teams and witnessed firsthand how they make the NBA accessible while honoring their own basketball traditions. This global perspective has enriched the commentary landscape tremendously, creating what I believe is a more diverse and interesting broadcasting ecosystem.

Women have increasingly shaped NBA commentary too, with Doris Burke breaking barriers as the first woman to serve as a full-time national NBA analyst. Having followed Burke's career from her early days calling Big East games, I've always admired her basketball IQ and refusal to conform to broadcasting clichés. Her presence has undoubtedly paved the way for newer voices like ESPN's Malika Andrews, who brings fresh perspective to NBA coverage. The inclusion of former players in broadcast booths has added another dimension—from the insightful analysis of Jeff Van Gundy to the charismatic storytelling of Shaquille O'Neal on TNT's immensely popular "Inside the NBA." I'll confess to being a huge fan of the TNT crew's chemistry, which demonstrates how personality can be as important as technical knowledge in connecting with viewers.

As I reflect on these influential voices, what stands out isn't just their individual talents but how collectively they've documented basketball's evolution while helping to drive it forward. The best commentators have served as both mirrors and architects of the game—reflecting its changes while shaping how we perceive them. They've turned players into legends, games into cultural touchstones, and moments into memories. The next time you watch an NBA game, pay attention to the voices guiding you through the experience—they're not just describing history, they're helping to write it, much like how platforms like Palarong Pambansa don't just showcase talent but actively create pathways for it to flourish on bigger stages.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.