As a fan and purveyor of this culture for nearly all of my life, it has always been evident that sports and the competitive culture we call Hip Hop go together like bread and butter. And with the growth of social media, along with television titans like ESPN, NBC Sports, TNT, etc, there are now a multitude of outlets to find out who won what game and why virtually 24/7 nowadays. But even though knowing the end results are the ultimate goal, I doubt I’m alone when I say I like a little personality to add with my daily helping of sports info/verbiage. Here is a Top 10 list of the dopest sports personalities in the game RIGHT now (sorry Bob Costas, John Madden, and the like).

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Woody Paige.

If you’re familiar with ESPN’s long running show, Around The Horn, them I’m pretty sure you’re quite familiar with mainstay Woody Paige’s humorous antics, along with his witty and sometimes insightful memos on his trusty blackboard. Even though we all love sports we know the talk can get redundant, but Woody’s unique flavor keeps the show lively and entertaining to say the least.

Gonzalo.

Though not an official sports analyst/commenter, his presence on his son Dan Lebetard’s show is priceless. His oblivious attitude plays sort of like a proverbial Flavor Flav to his offspring’s Chuck D and tends to make for great TV. Also, if you ever get the chance to read this story, I guarantee you’ll have a new found respect for the old fella.

10. Michael Irving

The Playmaker and former Dallas Cowboy wideout now resides as NFL Gameday’s resident sometimes goofy, yet wise man, delivering commentary on what separate’s the winners from the losers on the field, which he should know all about if his three Superbowl rings are any indication.

9. Jalen Rose

Aside from his knowledgeable insight from his experience as a former NBA player, Jalen is the guy who shitted on Duke whilst laying a major hand in the 30 for 30 special for the Fab Five, as well as single handedly taking down the much hated Skip Bayless during the infamous “Water-Pistol Pete” debacle. That alone, and his penchant for always keeping it 100, guarantees him a spot on this list.

8. Hugh Douglas

Since making standout appearances on First Take and Numbers Never Lie among other shows, Hugh Douglas has displayed a penchant for hilarious commentary, as well as the scoop on the ins and outs of defensive play on the football field. Though one of the greener selections on this list, Douglas is definitely catching on as a fan favorite and could be a voice we will be hearing from for a long time to come.

7. Tony Reali

As the long running HNIC of the guy who pays the light bill here’s favorite sports show, Mr. Reali is known for his witty pop culture references, as well as his infamous mute button. With his cool (emphasis on cool), calm, and collected demeanor to go along with his slick one liners, Reali could become this generations sports version of Bob Barker. And last time I heard Bob Barker is the fucking man, so there you go.

6. Stephen A. Smith

After a distinguished career primarily as a sports journalist, Stephen A. Smith has climbed the ranks of sports media and is currently a constant fixture on that widely popular morning show on the Worldwide Network Of Sports. His knowledge of and relationships within the NBA give him a certain cache that your average sports analyst doesn’t have, not to mention his slick demeanor and animated debating style makes for a good watch (though sometimes it seems forced and gets a little tired after a while). While running to the aid of current butt buddy Skip on countless occasion has knocked him out of my Top 5, he is still a respectable voice and sports and definitely deserves a spot on any list of this type.

Check Back Tomorrow For The Top, And Feel Free To Follow Me @Preezydakid To Let Me Know What You Think Of The Selections So Far And Who Should Be #1 On The List. Thanks For Reading.