ESPN needs a new host for their “NBA Countdown” show, and they have two leading candidates in mind, according to a report.
OutKick’s Bobby Burack reported on Tuesday that ESPN is considering Elle Duncan or Michael Eaves to host the program. Both Eaves and Duncan are “SportsCenter” hosts for ESPN but do not have a specific NBA focus.
“Countdown” is the program the precedes ESPN’s coverage of NBA games. Jay Williams and Jalen Rose are the two current analysts on the program.
Burack reports that Cassidy Hubbarth, who covers the NBA and serves as both a host and reporter, is also being considered for the job. Burack suggests two others the network should consider as hosts for the show.
The hashtag #girldad has become a trending topic on social media over the past day. Many men are posting photos across social media showing themselves with their daughters, using the #girldad hashtag.
So why is the hashtag trending?
On Monday night, a day and a half after Kobe and Gianna Bryant died in the helicopter crash that killed nine people, ESPN’s Elle Duncan shared a story on “SportsCenter” that captivated many. Duncan recalled a conversation she had with Kobe where the Lakers legend boasted about Gigi’s basketball talent and ability.
Duncan was pregnant at the time, and Kobe asked what she was having. When she said she was having a girl, Kobe high-fived her and told her what a blessing it was. Bryant told Duncan that he would “have five more girls” if he could.
“I’m a girl dad!” Kobe told Duncan.
The video of Duncan’s story went viral, and fathers around the world who watched it began tweeting photos to show they were proud “girl dads” as well.
After the #girldad hashtag began trending, Duncan said she was “moved” by the support for her story and loved that fathers were inspired to share their photos.
I’m so moved by the outpouring of support behind my story about Kobe. And I love that #girldad is trending.. so for all those proud fathers who still have their girls to love on can you flood my timeline with pics of you and your flock. Honestly I need it as much as anyone rt now
Kobe would also be proud that the hashtag is trending. He had four daughters and was heavily involved in their lives, supporting them in their respective interests. He died while taking Gigi to her basketball game and doing what he loved the most, as Duncan said — being a dad.
More Larry Brown Sports coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death:
