5 questions for... Maria Taylor
Maria Taylor, the new host of “NBA Countdown,” talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about her expanding ESPN role, her draft interview with an emotional Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett’s Knicks future.
Q: How have you prepared for this new role?
A: I spent a lot of time studying the Bobby Marks bible for front office insiders, a lot of time picking the brain of Woj (Adrian Wojnarowski), Doris Burke, talking to my analysts and being on the calls where they discuss what they are interested in. The biggest thing is just having so many conversations about the NBA. I think NBA fans are some of the smartest you’ll ever come around. They are very invested. You have to be able to deep dive and know your stuff, otherwise you’ll get called out on it.
Q: What’s going through your head as Williamson starts breaking down in your draft interview?
A: I was in complete and total shock. I had been around him for a whole year and I had never seen him with that type of emotion. I thought it was going to be euphoria, excitement, then I see the tears falling and I am just doing everything in my power to not also cry. I am just so happy for him and excited in that moment. So, I am just trying to stay in the moment and just get what he’s going through. I remember when he walked away, I looked at my field producer and was like, “Wow, did that even just happen?”
Q: How do you see RJ Barrett fitting in for the Knicks?
A: He has a very high basketball IQ. He is a tireless worker. They call him the “Maple Mamba” and it’s true because he just has this fearless nature about him. I’ve just been impressed with his maturity. He landed in exactly the right spot, he can handle the spotlight of the city of New York. His game is going to continue to grow and it’s going to be a perfect fit.
Q: What is the key to growing chemistry in a studio show? A: Reps are important. Spending time together, like (Wednesday) on “Get Up!”, me, Jalen (Rose) and J-Will (Jason Williams) all had two segments together. That’s just going to make us better, because I already know what they are thinking. Just being in the group chat together and having conversations. I see it on “College Gameday.” This is my third year with them and I feel like I know what the guys are going to say before they say it. Q: What is your relationship with Michelle Beadle, and have you talked to her during this transition? A: I didn’t hear from her, but I’ve talked to her in the past when I was joining “Get Up!” She’s been super supportive. She’s always been an easy person to talk to. I shadowed her at “Get Up!” and she was like, “Everything is going to be fine, you’re going to be fine.” So I do appreciate her for that.