No Retirement Plans:: Raftery (81) states he hasn't thought about retirement and plans to continue broadcasting as long as networks want him, feeling rejuvenated by the NCAA tournament.
On NIL & Transfer Portal:: He views these changes as rules to adapt to, acknowledging the need for player benefits while hoping for future balance. "Whatever the rules are, well, what are you gonna do about them? You adhere to them or you get out."
Broadcasting Chemistry:: Feels the teamwork with Ian Eagle and Grant Hill is strong, building on long-standing working relationships.
Catchphrases:: Surprisingly admits he's "actually tired of saying" his famous catchphrases like "Onions!" because they feel less natural now.
Memorable Moments:: Cites the six-overtime Syracuse-UConn game (2009) and Jerome Lane's backboard-shattering dunk ("Send it in, Jerome!") as standout moments.
Favorite Venues:: Prefers classic arenas like La Salle's Glaser, Duke's Cameron Indoor (despite the high announce position), Oklahoma State's Gallagher-Iba, and Kansas's Allen Fieldhouse, noting the consistent energy in Big Ten venues.
Why this matters:: Raftery's longevity and perspective offer a unique window into the history and evolution of college basketball broadcasting and the sport itself. His views on NIL reflect an adaptable approach many veterans share.
Bill Raftery's career spans decades, making him a living link to different eras of college basketball. His continued presence on major broadcasts, including his 10th Final Four on CBS (30th overall across TV/radio), speaks to his sustained energy and sharpness. His commentary on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal is pragmatic; rather than lamenting change, he emphasizes adaptation. This perspective is valuable as college sports navigate unprecedented shifts. Raftery's reflections on favorite venues (many classic arenas) and legendary moments (the Syracuse-UConn 6OT marathon, Jerome Lane's dunk) provide color and context that fans appreciate, reminding us of the rich history embedded in the sport. His insights into working relationships with broadcast partners like Ian Eagle and Grant Hill highlight the importance of chemistry in delivering a compelling viewer experience. Despite being famous for his catchphrases, his admission of tiring of them adds a layer of human honesty.
Q: How old is Bill Raftery and is he retiring?
Bill Raftery is 81 years old. He has stated he has no plans to retire soon and will continue broadcasting as long as networks employ him, saying, "I haven’t thought about it all."
Q: What are Bill Raftery's most famous catchphrases?
Some of his well-known catchphrases include "Onions!", "With the kiss!", "Nickel-dimer!", and "Send it in, Jerome!". Interestingly, he mentioned he's somewhat tired of saying them.
Q: What does Bill Raftery think about NIL and the transfer portal?
He believes in adapting to the current rules ("You adhere to them or you get out"), acknowledging the need for players to benefit while hoping for adjustments to make the system more feasible and reasonable over time.
Appreciate the experience and perspective veterans like Raftery bring to sports broadcasting.
Understand that adapting to change, like NIL in college sports, is crucial, even for long-time figures.
Raftery's enduring passion for the game ("the tournament rejuvenates you") is a key element of his longevity and success.
Bill Raftery remains a fixture in college basketball commentary. What's your favorite Raftery moment or call? Do you think his adaptable approach to changes like NIL is the right one? Let us know your thoughts!
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Source 1: Front Office Sports: Bill Raftery Opens Up on Future Plans, Favorite Restaurants on the Road target="_blank"
Source 2: Sports Illustrated: Bill Raftery, 81, on Retirement: ‘I Haven’t Thought About It At All’ target="_blank"
Source 3: Barstool Sports: The Greatest To Ever Do It: Bill Raftery Shuts Down Any Retirement Talk... target="_blank"
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