Bill Raftery is dialing back his famous catchphrases for his first college basketball broadcast of the season, citing Pope Leo XIV's potential presence. Raftery will serve as Fox analyst when Villanova faces Notre Dame in Rome for the Eternal City Tip-Off, created to honor the first American pope. Known for phrases like "onions!" for clutch baskets and "lingerie on the deck" for fancy footwork, Raftery acknowledges he must restrain spontaneous commentary. "I've got to refrain from some probably in deference to the pope," Raftery told the AP. "But something might pop out that might cost me a day in the confessional booth." The event includes a private audience with the pope for the four teams and their fans.
Raftery, 86, is relishing his first Rome trip since his 1969 honeymoon. The doubleheader features men's and women's teams, though Raftery calls only the men's game. He wishes the late Rollie Massimino could experience the trip, the coach who guided Villanova to the 1985 NCAA title.
After 11 seasons coaching Seton Hall, Raftery became a pioneer in college basketball commentary alongside Dick Vitale. Despite longevity, Raftery wasn't elevated to CBS' lead Final Four analyst until 2015. He reflects on the current college landscape dominated by transfer portal chaos, noting concern for kids who don't make it to the professional level.
Raftery continues calling games for Fox with Gus Johnson, emphasizing that every game matters to the schools and communities involved.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing