Awesome baby! It's been three decades of fun
I can't believe it, baby!
This is my 30th season working basketball broadcasts at ESPN. Friday marks the 29th anniversary of the first college basketball game I called for ESPN. That's right, what an incredible ride working for the worldwide leader in sports!
It all began in the Windy City, with Wisconsin meeting host DePaul at Alumni Hall. I did the game with veteran play-by-play announcer Joe Boyle, and I did not know a thing about TV.
I was hired by Scotty Connal, who gave me this big break because he had seen me coach at the University of Detroit. He told me that I would be unique and called me after I got the ziggy from the Pistons. My friends, I have been so lucky to work with and become friends with so many people at ESPN over the years. I have seen so many people grow professionally, and I am so proud to be part of the network's family.
Let me tell you, the first game was a pretty interesting experience.
I went to Chicago the day of the game and checked into the hotel. After I'd gotten some lunch, I figured I'd just walk around for a while and enjoy the nice day. I had no idea about production meetings.
I finally strolled into the DePaul Arena about an hour before tip-off. I thought I'd gotten there in plenty of time, but people were frantically running around and everyone kept asking me, "Hey, where have you been? We've been looking for you. We've got a game."
I said, "But I'm early. We've got about an hour and 15 minutes."
They were, like, "Uh-uh, man. We've got to start."
That's when I learned about the television world baby. The game may tip-off at a certain time, but the production takes hours to put together. There are so many people working hard behind the scenes. My friends, I have had the greatest seat in the house for 30 years. I have coached the likes of UCLA, Duke, Indiana and North Carolina and never lost a game during that time.
That first game had lots of star power ... Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, Clyde Bradshaw, Wes Matthews. The legendary Ray Meyer was on the sidelines for the Blue Demons.
DePaul got to the winner's circle, 90-77. Bradshaw had a double-double with 18 points and 15 assists. I've been told I called him the greatest sleeper since Rip Van Winkle.
What has happened since that night has been awesome, baby with a capital A!
