Bill Raftery

"With a kiss!" A signature phrase heard during almost every basketball telecast is Bill Raftery's patented line for a basketball bank shot.

Over his 21-year broadcast career, the excitable announcer has called the NCAA Final Four on CBS, the Big East Tournament, and New Jersey Nets telecasts. Raftery brings his playing and coaching experience to every telecast, offering keen analysis and opinion during the games. He began his broadcasting career with SportsChannel New York (now known as FOX Sports Net).

1982 marked Raftery's first season with ESPN, where he serves as a game analyst for college basketball. Beginning 1982 Bill distinguished himself as an analyst on CBS's college basketball coverage. From 1970-1981, Raftery served as head basketball coach at Seton Hall University, where he revitalized the program and led the Pirates to seven straight winning seasons and a record of 154-141. Raftery led the team to four ECAC post-season tournaments and two National Invitational Tournament appearances. His 154 wins as a coach place him fourth on the all-time list at Seton Hall behind Honey Russell, P.J. Carlesimo and Frank Hill. From 1979-1981, he also served as President of the Big East Coaches Association. Prior to coaching at SHU, Raftery spent five years coaching at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. He led the Jersey Devils to a 63-48 record from 1963-68. In his final year at FDU, he led the team to an 18-6 record and earned Coach of the Year honors from the New Jersey Basketball Writers Association. His .572 winning percentage is the highest in school history and his 63 wins rank him second on the all-time list.

A standout on the court as well, Raftery played three seasons at LaSalle University under legendary coach Donald "Dudley" Moore. During the 1959-1960 season, he set a freshman scoring mark with 370 points. The next year, he led the varsity team with 17.8 points per game and in his senior year, he co-captained the Explorers to the National Invitational Tournament. Following his senior year at LaSalle, he was drafted by the New York Knicks.

Prior to attending LaSalle, Raftery was an All-State selection in basketball, soccer and baseball at St. Cecilia High School in Kearny, New Jersey. On the hardwood, he posted a New Jersey state record, scoring 827 points in his senior year, and leading the team to the state championship. During his high school career he scored 2,192 points, which at the time was also a New Jersey state record.

Raftery lives with his wife Joan in Florham Park, NJ. They have four children. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf.

Bill Raftery is available for personal appearances at your next corporate or special events - contact us today to arrange an appearance.

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