Bill Raftery! The Voice of March Madness on ONIONS!! and Unforgettable Game Moments

We’re thrilled to welcome the incomparable Bill Raftery to the JustIn Time Podcast! Known for his iconic catchphrases like “Onions!” and “Man-to-Man,” Raft takes us on a journey through his remarkable career from LaSalle University player to legendary college basketball broadcaster. In this candid conversation, Raft shares the origin stories behind his famous catchphrases, recalls the six-overtime Syracuse-UConn thriller that stands as one of his broadcasting highlights, and reveals how his Irish upbringing shaped his humble approach to life. The chemistry between Justin and Raft is palpable as they reminisce about their time calling games together, sharing memorable meals, and the camaraderie that defines the broadcasting world. Join us for this special episode with one of the most beloved voices in sports broadcasting history!

⏰ Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Introduction to Bill Raftery and his current schedule

(00:03:09) - Raftery’s thoughts on NIL and the transfer portal in college basketball


(00:05:33) - Discussing Raftery’s upbringing and how his family shaped his humility


(00:07:48) - Raftery’s basketball career at LaSalle and transition to coaching


(00:13:35) - How Raftery moved from coaching to broadcasting


(00:16:08) - Raftery’s preparation process and broadcasting philosophy


(00:19:19) - Justin and Raftery’s first game working together


(00:22:51) - Discussing Raftery’s legendary broadcasting partners

(00:25:16) - The origin of Raftery’s famous catchphrases like “Onions!”


(00:29:32) - Raftery’s first Final Four broadcast experience


(00:31:47) - Relationships with coaches and maintaining trust


(00:37:04) - Stories about coaches seeking out Raftery after games


(00:42:33) - The Big Monday crew and the golden era of the Big East


(00:44:56) - Discussing the greatest college basketball players Raftery has seen


(00:50:06) - Reflections on legendary coaches and their personalities


(00:55:37) - Raftery’s family life and his wife’s role in raising their children


(00:58:21) - Rapid-fire questions about favorite venues, drinks, and memorable games

💡Key Topics:

📌 The evolution of college basketball broadcasting and Raftery’s iconic catchphrases


📌 Behind-the-scenes stories from the Big East’s golden era with Sean McDonough and Jay Bilas


📌 How Raftery built trusted relationships with legendary coaches like Tom Izzo and Jay Wright


📌 The six-overtime Syracuse-UConn game and Villanova’s championship as career highlights


📌 Raftery’s transition from player to coach to broadcaster and his broadcasting philosophy

🏀 About Bill Raftery:

Bill Raftery is a legendary college basketball analyst who has called games for CBS Sports, ESPN, and Fox Sports for over four decades. After playing at LaSalle University and coaching at Seton Hall, Raftery became one of the most beloved voices in sports broadcasting, known for his colorful catchphrases and deep basketball knowledge, culminating in his first Final Four broadcast assignment for the 2016 Villanova championship.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔔 Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

#BillRaftery #CollegeBasketball #CBSSports #Onions #BigEastBasketball #SportsAnnouncer #BasketballBroadcasting