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At 81 years old, Bill Raftery is getting set to call his 10th Final Four on CBS and 30th overall across TV and radio. The college basketball lifer spoke with Front Office Sports about his future plans, the craziest moments he’s ever called, favorite haunts.
Front Office Sports: It seems like the chemistry with you, Ian Eagle, and Grant Hill has really picked up in your second season together. Do you think that things are starting to go more smoothly?
Bill Raftery: Well, I never thought it was any different, to be honest with you. Grant, I’ve worked with. With Jim [Nantz] obviously. And Ian, I’ve worked with for many, many years with the New Jersey Nets.
It’s all about teamwork. We all enjoy one another, like one another, sharing. Whether it’s being recognized by others, I’m not sure, but we always felt very good about it.
FOS: I’m not sure if any of my tweets have ever reached you, but I always love when I’m watching a game on CBS or Fox and you pop up. I still think you’re sharp as a tack, and it’s a joy to have you on any of these games. Have you given thought on how much longer you want to do it?
BR: Not really. I’ve been blessed with support from other people, so I never really think about it. I’m sure at some point they’ll let me know if you’re not doing your job, but I just sort of take each year as it goes. It’s been delightful this year. There’s never really been a year in my mind where I’ve felt tired. Plus, the tournament rejuvenates you. It’s like a whole different step up.
I just sort of do whatever they ask and, God willing, if they still want me I still enjoy doing it.
FOS: What do you think of NIL and the transfer portal?
BR: It’s almost like the rules of basketball, where commentators will say, “I don’t like the jump ball possession arrow.” Whatever the rules are, well, what are you gonna do about them? You adhere to them or you get out.
Whether you like it or not, whether it’s distasteful or not, it’s just another area where you just have to go full steam ahead. I think there had to be a correction at some point to let the young guys benefit. The level it’s gone has far exceeded what a lot of people thought, but I think calmer minds and heads will prevail and they’ll get it where it’s feasible and reasonable at some point.
FOS: What are your favorite college basketball venues?
BR: All the old ones, I hate to say that. Glaser [La Salle]—of course I played there. We love Duke other than the announce position—we’re all the way up at the ceiling. Gallagher-Iba [Oklahoma]. A lot of the Big Ten buildings are just phenomenal in terms of the fan base reaction. Kansas just jumps out there obviously.
I always miss one when this question comes up, but the Big Ten seems to have, just the reaction that’s consistent in all the buildings. You really better come prepared and armed to compete at that level.
FOS: What’s the craziest moment that’s ever happened in a game you called?
BR: It’s not the craziest moment, it’s moments and hours, but that’s the six-overtime Syracuse-UConn game [in 2009]. When Jim Boeheim was running out of bodies, and they’ve got four guys on the floor that have no energy left, they can’t even move, and he has a guard come into the game who’s frantic—jumping up and down, moving his arms. It was so out of character with the other four guys because of their exhaustion.
I guess Jerome Lane always stands out—the dunk in Pittsburgh, when he tore the backboard down. Send it in, Jerome!
FOS: I’ve always marveled from afar at your legendary stamina and nightlife. What are your favorite bars and restaurants in America?
BR: The one that doesn’t turn the lights on early! The legend seems to carry on about my natural proclivities being Irish.
Mo’s in Milwaukee is one we go to consistently. P.J. Clarke’s during the Big East tournament in New York. A lot of the places we used to go to are long gone. Gibson’s in Chicago is one that we still go to. We used to know one of the owners, Lombardo—his daughter went to Georgetown.
Most of them are more restaurant-type of places now as the years have gone on. We get to L.A. a little bit, the kids bring me to these good restaurants. Toscana is one. Prime 47 in Indianapolis. Jeff Ruby’s in Cincinnati and Louisville, and Tony’s in Lexington.
The bar scene is a little different now than when we used to do it.
