Amazing Basketball Shots

By: Steve Hartman
Topics: Sneak Preview

(Dude Perfect)

A lot of people ask me what I look for in an Assignment Americastory.

Typically, I'm looking for something heartwarming or humorous. But sometimes a story doesn't have to be either. Sometimes a story just has to be fun to watch.

Web Makes College Kids (Shooting) Stars

In the TV news business we pitch those kinds of stories to our bosses by saying they have "great visuals." If a story has "great visuals," we'll make up any reason to call it news and put it on the air.

Last night's 60 Minuteswas a perfect example. If you saw the piece about people jumping off of cliffs wearing bird suits, that was epitomy of "great visuals." The story won't win them another Emmy for investigative journalism, but it was wonderful eye-candy.

Likewise, tonight's Assignment Americawon't win me any Cronkite comparisons, but it'll be a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

It's about a group of college students who set out to make the most amazing basketball shots ever caught on camera. No, it won't make you laugh or cry, but I guarantee it'll keep you glued to the screen.

As a follow-up, I'm hoping they next try to make a basket while jumping off a cliff wearing a bird suit! Of course, I'd have to fight 60 Minutes for that story.

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by LL6Thomas October 13, 2009 5:19 PM EDT: why don't you search on youtube for B.Manley? this stuff is what any kid with plenty of time and a basketball can do. B.Manley has made dozens of shots that have never even been attempted. He hits behind the back from the other foul line numerous times in his videos, along with shots where he can't even see the hoop and still nails it behind the back. he is a miracle worker with a basketball. he deserves to be on here.; Reply to this comment


by khilari October 12, 2009 10:28 PM EDT: Loved the story! I'm so glad you did it. I'm a news producer in Dallas and pitched the story about 3 weeks ago, but the bosses didn't think it was worth the drive down there to do it. I disagreed but don't have the power to do anything about it. Today they were watching it in the newsroom and laughing at how great the story was. The way you guys out it together was genious.; Reply to this comment


by tommycanna October 12, 2009 3:58 PM EDT: I'm looking forward to the Basketball shots but I do not think it will match your reporting. I thought your interview with the Pakistani Defense Minister was second to none. I enjoy your journalism in that you gain information but you also ask questions, important questions. When you asked the defense Minister if enough lives lost and enough money spent was enough to win the hearts and minds of the Pakistani's.. I thought that was exceptional. Thanks for speaking up as well as reporting..

Thomas Cannarozzi; Reply to this comment

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