Thursday, 07 May 2026

Bill Rafferty

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Commentators 2026
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Basketball
Statistics & Accolades: National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame
Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Curt Gowdy Media Award
4x Sports Emmy Award Winner
Can anyone match the combination of whimsy and high-energy of Bill Rafferty?

Following his coaching career at Seton Hall, Rafferty joined ESPN as a co-host for ESPN’s College Hops Tonight, but it was a move to CBS that made him a household name in hoops. Rafferty delights fans with his catch phrases, namely with “Send it in big fella!” (For a dunk), “Onions!” (For a shot made late in a close game), and “with a little kiss” (when a shot banks in). Entertaining and creative, Rafferty is timeless and a rare example of a broadcaster doing his best work after retirement age.

We are proud to nominate Bill Rafferty for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.