Quick Info
| Profession | Basketball Analyst and Former College Basketball Coach |
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| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 19/04/1943 |
| Age | 83 years |
| Birthplace | Orange, New Jersey |
Latest News about Bill Raftery
23/04/2026
Bill Raftery received the Peter Carlesimo/Jack Powers Distinguished Service Award from the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association in April 2026. The honor recognized his long career as a college basketball analyst and former coach, along with his continued influence on the sport through broadcasting.
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | William Joseph Raftery |
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| Overview | American basketball analyst and former college basketball coach known for his work as a broadcaster for CBS Sports, ESPN, and FOX Sports. Raftery transitioned from a coaching career in the 1970s to become a critically acclaimed sports commentator. |
Physical Stats & More
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Educational Qualification(s)
| Undergraduate | Bachelor's degree in History from LaSalle University |
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| Graduate | Master's degree in Education from Seton Hall University |
| Honorary | Honorary Doctorate from LaSalle University (2001) |
Personal Life
| Residence | Jupiter, Florida |
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| Religion | Devout Catholic |
| Family Background | Parents emigrated from Ireland; sister was a nun |
Relationships & More
| Spouse | Joan Fleming (married 27 June 1969) |
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Family
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Career
| Playing Career |
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| Coaching Career |
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| Broadcasting Career |
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| Business | President of W.J. Raftery Associates (events/marketing firm, since 1981) |
Style Quotient
| Broadcasting Style | Known for colorful catchphrases and excitable announcing |
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Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Set Hudson County prep scoring record that stood until 1999 | |
| 2. Named All-State in soccer, basketball, and baseball at St. Cecilia High School | |
| 3. Met legendary New York sportscaster Bob Wolff as a college senior, which laid groundwork for broadcasting career | |
| 4. Inducted into Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in December 2017 | |
| 5. Three-time Sports Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Sports Personality/Sports Event Analyst (2015, 2016, 2018) | |
| 6. First-ever Honorary Inductee to LaSalle University Alumni Association's Hall of Athletes (2004) |