What is Bill Raftery saying? His start of game comments explained
We translated Bill Raftery's notoriously quick start-of-game comments ahead of the NCAA Championship between UConn and Michigan.
Since he became a color commentator for CBS Sports in 1983, Bill Raftery has coined numerous iconic phrases that have become synonymous with college basketball . But prior to his "Onions! ' and "With a kiss!
" calls that he makes throughout the broadcasts of the sport's biggest games, Raftery starts every game with a statement intended to help the viewer prepare for the game. Ironically, it's one that many viewers have a hard time picking up on. As the ball is tipped, Raftery quickly diagnoses the defense of the team that lost the jump.
He starts by addressing his two broadcasting partners, play-by-play commentator Ian Eagle and fellow color analyst Grant Hill, then names the team on defense first, followed by what kind of defense the team is playing in. The latest examples came during the NCAA Division 1 Men's Final Four games between UConn and Illinois and Michigan and Arizona. He pauses for a second before speeding up his cadence when addressing the type of defense being played.
"Ian Eagle, Grant Hill, right now Arizona goes a little... man-to-man! " Raftery said swiftly after Michigan won the tip.