SYRACUSE -- Class was in session Tuesday at Syracuse University, but the students were far from typical.

Five current and former NBA players are enrolled in Sportscaster U., a program that helps train players to be basketball broadcasters.

Newhouse School of Communications alum Dave Ryan of CBS sports and Syracuse University play-by-play announcer Matt Park co-direct the program that runs from Sunday through Wednesday. The players say it is an eye-opening experience.

Pat Burke played three seasons in the NBA and several more overseas. "As basketball players, we go out and try to be as good as we can and practicing everyday and doing that in front of large audiences," Burke says. "And then coming here into a studio and getting ready to talk in front of a camera... it's difficult."

All five players say being a sports broadcaster is harder than it looks, and the program has even given them a new appreciation for the media.

Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon says, "We just look at the media a little bit differently, and again, just a different level of respect that you give them."

Dave Ryan says he hopes one day the program will expand to serve NHL and MLB players as well.