Category: ‘UNITE’

posted by on May 1, 2013 8:00 AM

New generation of trivia buffs hoping to stump ‘The Schwab’ in UNITE playoffs

In other words, it’s good to be “The Schwab.”

Front Row sat down with him to discuss “The Schwab” playoffs that start tonight during UNITE on ESPNU at midnight ET. The field in this bracket has been narrowed from 27 to nine college contestants who will represent their respective conferences in the semifinals of the late-night show’s sports trivia game. continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, UNITE

posted by on February 19, 2013 3:46 PM

Behind the scenes of UNITE’s first basketball game: Iona at Manhattan

Last Friday, Feb. 15, hosts Danny Kanell, Reese Waters and Marianela Pereyra traveled from their Bristol-based UNITE studio to the Big Apple to call their first basketball game, Iona at Manhattan, on ESPNU.

The MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) contest lived up to its ESPN Rivalry Week designation. Manhattan outlasted Iona 74-73 in double overtime.

Rookie basketball analysts Kanell and Waters and sideline reporter Marianela were helped by veteran play-by-play voice Doug Sherman.

The pictures above capture some of the UNITE team’s behind-the-scenes preparation and on-air presentation.

Front Row talked with Kanell, also known for his role as an ESPN college football analyst, prior to the game.

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, ESPN College Basketball, UNITE

posted by on February 14, 2013 12:00 PM

ESPN football analyst Danny Kanell joins U NITE mates to call Iona-Manhattan college basketball game

ESPN college football analyst Danny Kanell (@DannyKanell) has always been a versatile athlete.

Drafted by both the NFL (Giants, 1996) and MLB (Brewers, 1992; Yankees, 1995), the former Florida State quarterback (and two season Seminoles baseball player) cherishes athletic competition of any sort. That’s one of the many reasons he is able to host a show like UNITE that addresses various sports.

Kanell puts his analytical skills to the test when he and fellow UNITE hosts Reese Waters and Marianela Pereyra call the MAAC Rivalry Week matchup of Iona at Manhattan on ESPNU (Friday, 7 p.m. ET).

Kanell has called baseball games for ESPNU, but this will be his first time providing analysis for a basketball game. Waters and Kanell will join play-by-play voice Doug Sherman, and Pereyra will handle sideline reporting duties.

Recently, UNITE has been the postgame destination for ESPNU action with Kanell and Waters providing recap analysis, highlights and interviews with the game’s coaches and players. Front Row sat down with Kanell to see what he’s learned:

How have you prepared for the game?
We have been reading game notes along with research and media clippings of both teams and we watched several of their game highlights online. Also, we are going to go to both team’s shoot-arounds on Friday where we will talk to the coaches and players. [Note: UNITE also had two Iona players on the show this week -- see video above.]

What do you know about ESPN’s Doug Sherman, who will be providing the play-by-play?
Doug Sherman is a staple of MAAC basketball. He’s been covering the conference for nine years and knows the players and teams inside and out. There is a rumor that we are going to give him a UNITE makeover throughout the game so we’ll have to see if it that happens.

What is the best advice you’ve received? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, ESPN College Basketball, UNITE