FAST TALKERS

We asked some NBA insiders to name the league's fastest-talking
team announcers, the ones capable of calling a game in a way
thatsoundslikethis.

KEVIN CALABRO, Sonics. If The Flight of the Bumblebee had
lyrics, Calabro would be able to sing along. Loyal listeners
swear that Calabro--generally considered the best radio
play-by-play man in the league--usually takes his first breath
of the night midway through the second quarter.

CHICK HEARN, Lakers. Says former Lakers coach and current Heat
general manager Randy Pfund of the dean of NBA broadcasters. "He
can fit a whole dictionary into a two-minute timeout."

HOT ROD HUNDLEY, Jazz. As his name implies, Hundley often speaks
as though his jowls were being operated by Chuck Yeager.

JOSE PANEDA, Heat. Positively rapidisimo, even when one
considers he broadcasts en espanol.

GREG PAPA, Spurs. Honed his 78-rpm style in his previous
play-by-play post with the run-and-gun, defense-challenged
Warriors.

--L.J.W.

COLOR PHOTO: RICH FRISHMAN CALABRO'S RAPID-FIRE PLAY-BY-PLAY LEAVES HIS LISTENERS BREATHLESS [Kevin Calabro]