Bill Raftery
Synopsis
Bill Raftery is an American basketball analyst and former basketball player and a coach. Later on, he became a color commentator.
Early Life and Education
The artistic player was born on April 19, 1943, in New Jersey, U.S. He holds the American nationality and belongs to White Ethical background, with Irish American ethnicity.
Bill attended Saint Cecilia High School in New Jersey and started playing basketball and gained state honor in basketball. He led his team to the state championship in his senior season and was named Mr. Basketball USA in 1959.
Later on, he joined La Salle University and played under coach Donald Moore. He followed his basketball career from his University and was selected in the 14th round of the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Career
The promising player began his career at the Fairleigh Dickinson University as a coach of basketball. He also served as an a s sociate athletic director and coached golf. He was the head coach of the Seton Hall University and was named Coach of the Year by New Jersey Sports Writers Association in 1979.
Additionally, Bill has served as an analyst and play-by play announcer for the CBS Sports College basketball coverage for more than 33 years. He also worked as an analyst for ESPN, along with Sean McDonough and Jay Bilas. He broadcaster games along with former basketball player, Jay Bilas.
Furthermore, he served as an analyst for the New Jersey Nets and was an on course commentator for the PGA Tour Champions Tour events. He was involved with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association’s Hall of Fame.
Apart from being the coach and a commentator, he was also the president of W.J. Raftery Associates, an event marketing firm.
Personal Life
Bill Raftery, better known as William Joseph Rafter grew up in Irish Catholic family with Irish immigrant parents. He earned a B.A. in history and an M.A.E. in education. He has a nun sister. In 2001 he earned an honorary doctorate from La Salle.
Currently, Bill lives in Florham Park, New Jersey along with his wife. He was married to Joan and have four children together. He has four grandchildren as well. Billy, his son produced and narrated a doc u mentary titled a Kissabout his father, Bill’s life in basketball.
Net Worth and Body Measurement
Bill Raftery is living a luxurious life along with his wife, Joan and his four children. He was a head College coach for 16 years and is known for his unique Trademark Phrases.
The president of a marketing firm, Bill is living with his wife in his own residence at New Jersey. His net worth is reported to be more than $2 million.