It’s hard to fathom the transformation college basketball has undergone since Bill Raftery ventured to La Salle University in 1960. When he joined CBS Sports in 1983, the game was markedly different—there was no three-point line, and the NCAA Tournament featured only 48 teams. In recent years, changes have come swiftly with the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal, prompting some of the sport’s most notable coaches to step away rather than navigate this new landscape.
Now at 81, Raftery shared with Front Office Sports that adaptation is essential in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. He remarked, “It’s almost like the rules of basketball, where commentators will say, ‘I don’t like the jump ball possession arrow.’ Whatever the rules are, well, what are you gonna do about them? You adhere to them or you get out. Whether you like it or not, whether it’s distasteful or not, it’s just another area where you just have to go full steam ahead.” He acknowledges, however, that the pendulum may have swung too far in favor of players, stating, “I think there had to be a correction at some point to let the young guys benefit. The level it’s gone has far exceeded what a lot of people thought, but I think calmer minds and heads will prevail and they’ll get it where it’s feasible and reasonable at some point.”
Raftery’s remarkable adaptability has contributed to his enduring presence in the sport, as he prepares to call his 10th Final Four on CBS, in addition to almost two dozen other Final Fours on radio. He remains a cherished figure among fans and media alike. Yet, as retirement looms closer, FOS inquired if he has contemplated this transition. Raftery candidly replied, “Not really. I’ve been blessed with support from other people, so I never really think about it. I’m sure at some point they’ll let me know if you’re not doing your job, but I just sort of take each year as it goes. It’s been delightful this year. There’s never really been a year in my mind where I’ve felt tired. Plus, the tournament rejuvenates you. It’s like a whole different step up.” He concluded, “I just sort of do whatever they ask and, God willing, if they still want me I still enjoy doing it.”
