The Pac-12 Networks Arizona Basketball and NBA great Richard Jefferson will announce basketball games this season.
What’s one of the best things that could happen at the Pac-12 Networks? Arizona Basketball’s own Richard Jefferson added to the lineup of talent to announce games, that’s what!
After 17 seasons playing in the NBA for eight teams and earning an NBA Championship with LeBron James in 2016 for a starving Cleveland fanbase, Jefferson has transitioned easily to the sports broadcasting world. Welcome, Rich!
His Road Trippin’ Podcast became a fan favorite. His personality is off the charts. I believe he is a key reason, along with Channing Frye’s leadership on the Cavs, that the team brought home the trophy. The two kept things light and gave us insight into the chemistry of the team through social media, both are very active.
A Los Angeles native, raised in Phoenix, Jefferson was the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets drafted him and then traded him to the then New Jersey Nets. The 38-year old started out as a McDonald’s All-American. He played in the most NBA games as a player from 2007-2009.
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Jefferson was elected into the University of Arizona Basketball Hall of in 2012. He played for Lute Olson in Arizona from 1998-2001. He ranks in the top 100 all-time in true shooting percentage, a Career 56.7%. He has earned a whopping $116,009,560 in total playing for the NBA and he is one of the few alums that has donated back in a big way. Richard blessed the University with a donation of $3.5 million for what is now called The Richard Jefferson Gymnasium.
Jefferson was recently added to the Pac-12 Networks roster of on-air broadcasters and expert analysts in what they dub the “most coverage yet” of Men’s College Basketball. Former Arizona assistant coach Kevin O’Neil is no longer listed as a Pac-12 announcer, according to Bruce Pascoe O’Neil is “focusing on family concerns.”
Jefferson makes his debut on Sunday, November 11, for Arizona vs. Cal Poly at 2 pm PST/ 3 pm MST.
Does this mean we will see/hear less of Bill Walton? We asked the Pac-12 Network.
Per Pac-12’s Josh Ishoo, “Richard is calling the Arizona game this weekend and definitely has another Arizona game on the Pac-12 Networks schedule this season, as well as some studio dates. Bill Walton will call a couple Arizona games this year for Pac-12 Networks, along with other analysts. I am not certain of Bill’s dates for ESPN, so could not speak to that.”
Jefferson will be so much fun, you know he’ll have more of the inside scoop and insight into the program. I am hoping we hear a lot of stories we never knew about being a wildcat under Lute Olson and playing in Tucson. He isn’t one to fib, he is one to tell you the story behind the story. Just love his “who cares what you think” style. Jefferson is one of the most positive and joyful sports broadcasters around, and we cannot wait to see what he brings to the airwaves for Arizona Wildcats fans. Bear Down Rich! Let’s have some fun!