College Basketball: The WCC All-Twitter Team

To conclude our analysis of the WCC Basketball marketing, it's time to name our All-Twitter team. This is not simply a list of the most followed or most active on Twitter. That's not why you come here. This is a chance to recognize those who are doing an amazing job of sharing original insights. I'm looking for that perfect balance of quality and quantity. This is a recommendation on who you should follow. And it's open to any coach, school, or conference official.

Before I get going, click here if you'd like to follow everyone in WCC Basketball on Twitter. (Everyone I've been able to find - all the coaches, programs, and insider blogs). If you see someone who isn't included, please let me know and I'll get them dropped in.

Moving along, here we go. I hope you dig it...

WCC First Team All-Twitter. To make the First Team, I have to be willing to follow them myself. Sounds fair, huh?

Portland Head Coach Eric Reveno. The West Coast Conference Twitterer of the Year. As you can see by clicking here, Coach Reveno succeeds on Twitter because he brings a combination of honesty, consistency, and originality to what he's sharing. He gives you his honest opinion of what he brings to your Tweetdeck. Check out this sample post:

"Just finished editing tonight's 74-53 win over SCU. They really made us adjust on "O" but we responded. Lots to improve on with Zags Thurs"

Simple but very telling...



As of now, Coach Rev has 779 followers. (Hopefully this post will help him!) As you can see below, Portland pumps in Coach Rev's latest Tweets into their basketball site. Great stuff, as it expands the audience for his words.

And, finally, as you can see in the image below, Coach Reveno posted this image of Senior Nick Raivio rehabbing in the training room to his Twitter feed. I loved this, as it both gave you real time info on the team and it showed that he is with you when you're trying to get better. Solid.



Santa Clara Coach Kerry Keating. Click here to see one of the best in the country on Twitter (he definitely gives Coach Rev a push for that title nod!) Coach Keating does a nice balance of sharing observations on his team, himself, and the world through his Twitter site. He's got 807 followers, and is one of the few willing to let his guard down on Twitter. Check this example:

"Baby is due mid april. We waited until family got here to find out gender - hence, the boy. Class of 2027 recruit already committed!"

Revealing your future baby on Twitter? Now that's personal.


WCC Commissioner Jamie Zaninovich. This Twitter site, linked here, is a nod at leadership. There are a lot more reasons to not start up on Twitter if you're the Commish of the WCC than to do it. Won't it take too much time? What if people don't follow you? What if people follow you and razz you online? (I could go on...) But the reason to do it is simple: it makes you both more approachable and allows you to get your vision out to those who are passionate about the programs in your league. You can support teams after big wins and be there with them after a tough loss. He's only got 82 followers thus far, but that's certain to grow. Check this example:

"Great mtgs today w/our WCC AD's. A very smart group who is taking leadership role in moving the conference forward. Phenomenal to work with."

Nice.



Santa Clara Assistant Dustin Kerns. Coach Kerns, linked here, has 214 followers. He brings a lot of energy and passion for the Broncos on Twitter. Check this example:

"On ESPN2 tonight at home against Gonzaga! The Ruff Riders in the Leavey Center are going to be rocking tonight!"

And seeing that can't help me get to thinking the power of the assistant coaches in these leagues have to build the brand of your team up in the eyes of (prospective) recruits and fans.



Finally, Pepperdine Athletics. Linked here, the Pepperdine Athletics Twitter page has 294 followers. While they cover all sports, they also have some fun with Twitter, offering a spirit poster contest for fans to win tickets to the WCC tourney in Vegas. If only I had any artistic ability...


That's a wrap. I hope you dug this.

Again, if you're interested, click here to follow the WCC on Twitter (every team, coach, conference, and blog site).

And click here to follow me on Twitter.

Thanks!

Andy