Sports Illustrated sports media critic/columnist Richard Deitsch released his best and worst sports media list for 2011 Wednesday, and a pair of former Michigan greats were given mention.

Former Michigan basketball standout Chris Webber was named Deitsch's Most Improved sports television studio analyst, while ex-Michigan football great, and Heisman Trophy winner, Desmond Howard was named as an honorable mention in the category.

Currently a studio analyst for NBA TV and TNT, Webber impressed Deitsch with his dedication to being a professional television broadcaster.

"Webber has become a sharp studio analyst," Deitsch wrote. "Watching him this month on NBA TV's preview shows, he has great depth about the league and doesn't sugarcoat his opinions. He's a smart guy who acts like someone who takes broadcasting as a profession rather than a hobby."

Howard, who continues to be a fixture on ESPN's "College GameDay," was given honorable mention status — but received a special note from Deitsch for his performance this season.

"While I listed Desmond Howard in the honorable mention category, he received the most votes when I asked people on Twitter which sports broadcaster had improved the most," he wrote. "Indeed, he looked far more comfortable on the set of College GameDay this year."

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.