Amanda Knapp
The Michigan State University (MSU) men's basketball team has had several announcers over the years. In 2000, it was announced that George Blaha would serve as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Spartan Sports Network, with Josh Lewin also working a split schedule during the regular season. Will Tieman has also been a play-by-play announcer for MSU men's basketball for about two decades, and Matt, who played for MSU in the '90s, has been a color commentator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Announcer for MSU Men's Basketball in 2000-01 | George Blaha |
| Announcer for MSU Men's Basketball until 2017 | Gus Ganakas |
| Play-by-play announcer for MSU Men's Basketball | Josh Lewin |
| Play-by-play announcer for MSU Men's Basketball | Will Tieman |
| Color commentator for MSU Men's Basketball | Matt |
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What You'll Learn
George Blaha, the lead play-by-play announcer for the 2000-01 season
George Blaha, the legendary broadcaster, was the lead play-by-play announcer for the 2000-01 season of Michigan State University's men's basketball team. Blaha had already been the voice of Spartan football for over 20 years at that point and was set to work a split schedule with Josh Lewin, who had experience in basketball coverage. Former Spartan basketball coach Gus Ganakas, who was to handle the colour commentary, was also thrilled to have Blaha on board, stating that his name had "meant basketball across the state of Michigan for over a generation".
Blaha's distinctive style includes coining iconic phrases to describe the action on the court, such as "from behind the long line" for a 3-point shot, and his signature call "count that baby and a foul" for a Pistons basket. He also often refers to players by their first names or nicknames, such as "The Worm" for Dennis Rodman and "Rip" for Richard Hamilton. His style adds a layer of enthusiasm to the game, and his skill has been recognised with awards, including the prestigious Ty Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting, presented by the Detroit Sports Media Association in 2002.
Blaha's career has spanned decades, and he has been the voice of the Detroit Pistons since the 1976-77 NBA season. He has also witnessed and broadcast many historic moments for the Spartans, including six Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl victory, a College Football Playoff appearance, and 12 total bowl wins over 53 seasons. His impact on sports broadcasting was further acknowledged in 2025 when he received the Curt Gowdy Electronic Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
George Blaha's selection as the lead play-by-play announcer for the 2000-01 season of MSU men's basketball was a testament to his talent and experience. His distinctive style and enthusiasm for the game have made him a beloved figure among Spartan fans and listeners across Michigan.
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Josh Lewin, who worked a split schedule with Blaha
Josh Lewin is a veteran broadcaster with an extensive history in sports broadcasting. He has worked as a play-by-play announcer for several prominent sports teams, including the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. Lewin's experience also includes broadcasting Major League Baseball, NFL football, and NHL games for FOX Sports. He has also worked as the radio play-by-play voice of the Chargers.
Lewin's career in sports broadcasting began while he was an undergraduate at Northwestern, where he broadcast Wildcat football and basketball games. Before joining MSU, he had also gained basketball experience covering the University of Detroit, Oakland University, the Mid-American Conference, and MHSAA championships on Fox Sports Net.
Lewin joined the Michigan State University Athletics Department in 2000, working alongside George Blaha as the play-by-play announcer for the Spartan Sports Network's men's basketball team. Blaha, who had been the voice of Spartan football for over 20 years, was excited to add basketball to his repertoire. The pair worked a split schedule during the regular season, and their national recognition brought legitimacy to the MSU broadcasts.
Lewin expressed his enthusiasm for joining the MSU team, stating, "I am excited to be joining a nationally recognized program like Michigan State basketball. It is a first-class program, and I look forward to bringing my talents to the broadcast." Lewin's addition to the Spartan Basketball Broadcast was praised by Will Tieman of the Spartan Sports Network, who highlighted the strength of having both Lewin and Blaha on the team.
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Gus Ganakas, who provided colour commentary
Augustus George Ganakas, known as Gus Ganakas, was an American sports broadcaster, athletics administrator, and coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Ganakas was born on July 3, 1926, in Mount Morris, New York, to Greek immigrant parents. He served in World War II in the United States Marine Corps and attended Michigan State University on a G.I. Bill scholarship. Ganakas began his career in sports by teaching and coaching basketball at East Lansing High School, where he won the 1958 State of Michigan High School Championship with an undefeated season.
In 1964, Ganakas transitioned to the role of Coordinator of the Ralph Young Fund, MSU's athletic fund-raising organization. However, his passion for sports led him back to basketball when Coach John Benington hired him as his assistant basketball coach at MSU in 1966. Three years later, Coach Benington passed away, and Ganakas became the head basketball coach for the Spartans from 1969 to 1976. During his tenure, he compiled an 89-84 record over seven seasons. After his coaching career, Ganakas remained actively involved in Michigan State athletics. He served as an assistant athletic director from 1976 to 1998 and worked as an aide to Tom Izzo from 1998 to 2000.
Gus Ganakas is particularly renowned for his contributions as a colour commentator for Michigan State men's basketball. For over 20 seasons, he provided insightful and engaging commentary, becoming one of the distinctive voices of the team. Ganakas worked alongside play-by-play announcers like Will Tieman and George Blaha, who led the play-by-play action. Ganakas' expertise, passion, and selflessness made him a beloved figure among fans and colleagues alike. His partnership with Will Tieman, in particular, blossomed into a deep friendship that extended beyond their time in the broadcasting booth.
Ganakas' impact on Michigan State athletics extended beyond his coaching and broadcasting roles. He played a crucial role in recruiting local high school superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson to Michigan State. Despite being replaced as head coach, Ganakas demonstrated remarkable character by supporting his successor, Jud Heathcote, and ensuring the continuity of the basketball program's success. His selfless dedication to the team was recognised by Tom Izzo, who acknowledged that "Spartan Basketball wouldn't be what it is today without Gus Ganakas." In 2002, Ganakas received the Men's Basketball Distinguished Alumnus Award, a testament to his enduring contribution to the program.
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Will Tieman, who leads play-by-play on Spartan Sports Radio
Will Tieman is one of the lead play-by-play announcers for Michigan State University's men's basketball team, alongside George Blaha and Josh Lewin. Tieman is also one of the owners of Spartan Sports Radio, which is broadcast on around 35 stations in the Midwest during athletic events. He has been leading the play-by-play for the past two decades and is known for his familiarity with the team and rapid-fire ball movement descriptions.
Tieman is praised for his ability to bring the game to life for listeners, providing a "nice mental TV game" that allows fans to follow the action closely even when they are unable to watch the game on television. His passion for the team and his friendly personality have also been noted, with one fan commenting that he is an "absolutely amazing guy" who is "super personable to everybody he meets."
In addition to his role with the men's basketball team, Tieman is also involved in football game commentary at MSU. He works alongside color commentator Matt, a former MSU player from the 90s, to bring the action to life for Spartan fans across the Midwest.
The Spartan Sports Network is the official broadcaster for Michigan State University Athletics, and it is clear that Tieman plays an integral role in delivering exciting and engaging content to Spartan fans near and far. His longevity in the role and his connection with the team and fans are testaments to his skill and dedication as a broadcaster.
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Matt, the colour commentator paired with Will Tieman
Matt, the colour commentator, is paired with Will Tieman, who has led the play-by-play for Michigan State University basketball games for over two decades. Tieman is one of the owners of Spartan Sports Radio, which is broadcast on about 35 stations in the Midwest during athletic events. He is also one of the announcers during football games.
Matt played for Michigan State University in the 1990s. He is described by a listener as a "natural".
In the 2000-01 season, George Blaha served as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Spartan Sports Network for men's basketball. Blaha has served as the play-by-play announcer for Michigan State football for over 20 years. He worked a split schedule with Josh Lewin, who has experience covering basketball for Fox Sports Net. Former Spartan basketball coach Gus Ganakas handled the colour commentary on all broadcasts for the 15th straight year. Ganakas continued to be a part of the Michigan State Athletics Department after being fired as coach in 1976, serving as an assistant athletic director and then as an aide to coach Tom Izzo from 1998 to 2000. He was an MSU basketball radio announcer until 2017 and passed away in 2019.
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