With a full course load this fall and an NFL season that was one of the most exciting in recent memory, my college basketball viewing took a hit this year. But now that football season is done, and I have developed a full blown case of senioritis, I have had a chance to rediscover my love for my favorite sport. As I've found myself watching more and more college hoops, I've once again found myself thuroughly enjoying the work of Bill Raftery.
Bill Raftery has been broadcasting for over twenty years now, and has been with ESPN for almost a decade. There are few people in the broadcast world more passionate about the sport they cover. Whenever I find myself watching Big Monday on ESPN I find myself either chuckling at some joke "Raft" has made or I find myself enlightened by a point he has illustrated.
The broadcast world has seen people begin to take their jobs more and more seriously. And while the consummate professionalism is usually appreciated, hearing someone who is enjoying their time behind the mic is refreshing. When "Raft" sees something he likes, he lets the audience know with his inflection. He sounds like he genuinely appreciates his job. His catch phrases are also second to none. Using the term "Onions" to describe someone that is clutch is as clever of a way to describe intestinal fortitude as you will ever come across. His "Send it In, Jerome!" highlight is still one of my favorites of all time.
We need more people like Bill Raftery behind the mic. It's time more guys sitting court side start acting like they love being there!
