Cookie Notice A possible solution to the pure play-by-play quandary is to bring a third person to the already star-studded booth. On January 17, while the Warriors' roster was depleted by an eight-player trade in progress, Azubuike played 48 minutes versus the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 28 points and collecting 7 rebounds. Golden State Warriors broadcasters Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike have been criticized for making fun of Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo The pair were calling the game on NBC. With Mickael Pietrus likely on the way out . I consent to the use of following cookies: Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. Warriors majority owner and trophy-cuddler Joe Lacob bet on the wrong horse, or rather, didnt want anything to do with the right horse. We've received your submission. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) / WireImage. He played four seasons with Golden State, starting with the 2006-07 We Believe team that beat top-seeded Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. His presence will add a new dimension to our TV broadcasts, and we are thrilled with the addition.. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. I averaged 11 ppg, 12 ppg, and 16 ppg of the bench for a loaded Clippers team. Kelenna David Azubuike (born 16 December 1983) [1] is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player and currently the Golden State Warriors television analyst on NBC Sports Bay Area . He was later included in Golden State's sign-and-trade acquisition of David Lee from the New York Knicks in the summer of 2010, but Azubuike never played a game with the Knicks and was released Feb. 28, 2011. Will Bay Bridge go dark forever? [30] According to KU coach Bill Self, Were all very excited about Udoka making the decision not to enter the [NBA] draft. Yet a specter haunts Chase Center (and other assorted arenas) on the sidelines: Festooned to the team like an albatross is the bewildering broadcasting tandem of Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike. [23], Azubuike has three siblings: Nonzo, Nesochi and Adaeze. Undrafted out of Kentucky, Azubuike began his pro career with the Fort Worth Flyers in the D-League and was regarded as a quality defender and 3-point shooter before his knee troubles (the Fort Worth franchise has since relocated to Reno, Nev.). [13] Udoka started every game of the regular season but missed the Big 12 tournament after spraining his left MCL. Nuggets guard Austin Rivers isnt happy with a pair of Warriors TV announcers for voicing copout and disrespectful comments about him and his teammate, Facundo Campazzo, during Denvers 89-86 win at Golden State on Tuesday. Azubuike said Barnett helped connect him to NBC Sports Bay Area and played a huge role in launching Azubuikes second career. [2] In 2012, he caught the attention of recruiters with Basketball Without Borders and was offered a scholarship to play basketball in the United States. Warriors replace Jim Barnett with Kelenna Azubuike as TV color analyst, How much are the Warriors worth? That remains to be seen. Rona Azubuike is the wife of former professional basketball player and sports analyst Kelenna Azubuike. Let Barnett explain triple-threat positioning or what Bill Russells favorite sandwich was as Baron Davis waxes rhapsodical about Laura Dern or what it was like to shame the entire country of Russia when he posterized Andrei Kirilenko. 7 jersey to Carmelo Anthony. Barnett fully expected to move into an ambassadors role with the team at the time. Im grateful that the Warriors are giving me a contract to do this. [3], Playing under coach Tubby Smith, Azubuike said that the biggest improvement to his game at Kentucky was the ability to create offense through intense defense. [10] In the final hour, Golden State matched the offer made by the Clippers on 24 July 2008, allowing Azubuike to remain a Warrior. Were excited he will continue to be a member of our family and broadcast team on the radio side, where he will provide his valuable insight and perspective., Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Azubuike was the first call-up of the D-League season. Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. His comments on myself and Facu were beyond disrespectful. Beginning in 2019, he became the television analyst alongside Bob Fitzgerald, replacing Jim Barnett, who had been the color analyst for the last 34 seasons and is now the color analyst on KGMZ-FM's 95.7 The Game. Since 2015, Kelenna has been a part of the station's sports team. Lets bring Azubuikes fellow We Believe luminary to the booth, too. After playing on the Golden State squad that upset Dallas in the first round of the 2007 playoffs, Azubuike averaged 13.9 points through the first nine games of the 2009-10 season under then . Baron Davis joining Barnett as his commiserating-mate is an obvious choice on multiple levels. 34 player in the nation in 2002. He played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. All I know how to do is be myself.. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. [2], Azubuike attended Potter's House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Azubuike (ankle) is out Friday against the Hornets. They all but outright. Warriors TV announcers Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike targeted the Denver . Both Azubuike and Barnett will travel with the team for road games. [29], On April 22, 2019, Azubuike announced he would return to Kansas for his senior season. Azubuike, 35, has spent the last four seasons mostly as a studio analyst at NBC Sports Bay Area while also occasionally providing analysis on radio alongside Roye. This is cause for celebration. Carol FitzgeraldBob Fitzgerald / Spouse (m. 19902016). Rivers was at the free-throw line when Fitzgerald and Azubuike, who played five seasons in the NBA with the Warriors and Mavericks, struck up the conversation about his time in LA under his father, who is now head coach of the Sixers. Its time to pay the broadcasting luxury tax and pair Barnett, irreplaceable living legend, with Baron Davis, the bearded dynamo who taught long-suffering Warriors fans to respect themselves once again, or perhaps, for the first time. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? While Kelenna scored just four points in his debut, he was in the starting lineup the next night. Andre Iguodala might be free next season if he hasnt achieved his final form as an NFT. [3] On January 28, 2016, he announced his choice to play college basketball at the University of Kansas.[11]. After the blockbuster trade that sent Dunleavy and Troy Murphy to Indiana, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington soaked up many of Azubuikes minutes, and he played sparingly in the teams playoff run. [12] Before the injury, he averaged 5.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 62.9% field goal percentage. 8 small forward and the No. On January 2, 2007, the Golden State Warriors signed Azubuike to shore up their injury-plagued backcourt. As part of his comeback, he was assigned to the Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. [2] His parents were doctors and had moved to London for work. You know one of nicest things about working radio? This site uses different types of cookies. But when youve fought your way into the league as an undrafted D-Leaguer and rehabilitated a bad knee for years, dealing with Bob Fitzgerald on a nightly basis is no big deal. Its important to note that while Azubuike is moving into the seat Barnett occupied for 34 years, he owes a debt of gratitude to Barnett, who entered broadcasting nine years after his retirement in 1977. The Golden State Warriors signed him for four years worth $7 Million. He cannot believe they called that on him. "The hope is that he can possibly help us this year. Some FAQs Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? High School Potters House Christian Academy [Fla.]. From Sleepy Floyds incredible playoff performance in 1987 to our most recent stretch that has included three championships and five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, his outstanding work has been an everyday staple on the airwaves., [RELATED: Where Livingston wants to end career after Warriors release]. Pilfer Mark Jones from the Kings. But its been the great honor of my life to plot this coup on his behalf. Warriors vs. Pelicans injury report: So many absences for both teams. U. Azubuike Ankle: Game Time Decision Udoka Azubuike Ankle: Game Time Decision, B. Bogdanovic Jazzs Bojan Bogdanovic: Plays well but cant hit big shot Bojan Bogdanovic Jazzs Bojan Bogdanovic: Plays well but cant hit big shot. Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. After Azubuike retired from professional basketball, he started his career as a TV analyst. Nationality: England. Rivers, a former Knick, fired back in an Instagram comment after the game. If chaos is in the cards, trade up for the fun kind. He holds both Nigerian and US citizenship; his application for British citizenship was turned down in December 2007 due to problems with the immigration status of his parents at the time of his birth. Dub Hub:Bob Myers gives an update on Andrew Wiggins absence. Theres no one more deserving.. Udoka Timothy Azubuike (/judok zbuki/; born September 17, 1999) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 22years (September 17, 1999)Udoka Azubuike / Age. [16] On 20 April 2012, Azubuike played in his first NBA game since 14 November 2009, against the Golden State Warriors. Rivers, the son of veteran coach Doc Rivers . [1] He eventually became an All-State selection, averaging 39.1 points and 13.3 rebounds and leading his team to the Class 4A State Championship Game as a senior. Fitzgeralds homerism isnt the genuine, charming if sort of silly homerism of a drunk but passionate fan. Azubuike appeared to suffer a dislocated ankle in a G League contest on March 10, his third right ankle injury in the past 13 months. [1] He is a Christian music fan and enjoys creating his own music. I really couldn't find much and was wondering if I'm missing something? Hopefully roles where they can avoid unforced errors like impersonating Facundo Campazzos accent, but that remains to be seen. [3], He played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Georgia Stars in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). The former Mansfield (Texas) High School standout played in 24 games on multiple assignments to the Mavericks' D-League affiliate in Frisco, averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for the Del Harris-coached Texas Legends. When the Golden State Warriors are rolling, they're one of the leagues biggest draws. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. [14] He returned for the NCAA tournament until KU's loss to eventual champion Villanova in the Final Four. After a stint at Syracuses Sportscaster U and a recommendation from Warriors broadcaster Jim Barnett, Azubuike became the color commentator we all know and love. So, Im eternally grateful., Said Barnett: Im glad I was able to help him get into this profession. The Warriors' broadcast team of Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike have drawn ire from off-hand remarks during Tuesday night's Golden State-Denver broadcast. You make that deal. Details on the contract were not disclosed. Images via Getty Images; Illustration by Charles Russo, Horoscope for Saturday, 3/04/23 by Christopher Renstrom, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Even Salesforces tower HQ isnt safe from office cuts, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, In search of vegan food, I found a world-class Mendocino inn, Escape to Long Beach, Washington before the summer crowds, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Azubuike covered Warrior's games after he joined NBC Sports Bay Area in 2015. While his NBA career was cut short by a devastating freak injury less than three years later, a broadcasting career was born that night. Im looking forward to it. He's previously contributed to The New Yorker, Vice, GQ and more. Here's what his return means for KU", "K-State, KU well represented on All-Big team", "Jayhawks sit out Udoka Azubuike due to wrist injury", "Kansas' Udoka Azubuike to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery on Right Hand", "Self: Doc says Azubuike's surgery 'couldn't have gone any better', "KU Coach Bill Self Laments Loss of Azubuike", "Udoka Azubuike to return for senior season", 7-foot center Udoka Azubuike returning to KU for senior season, "No. He currently handles San Francisco 49ers preseason broadcasts and served as the play-by-play voice for the Arena Football Leagues San Jose SaberCats, an organization which is now defunct. In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. Barnetts replacement, Azubuike, is a likeable guy (and Ive always admired his biceps) and also a competent in-studio analyst, but the synergy isnt there. He finished his high school career as the second all-time leading scorer in Oklahoma prep basketball history after amassing 3,530 career points. [7] He was also a member of the National Honor Society. [36] Azubuike's career field goal percentage of 74.9% is an NCAA record.[37]. Endure it, and think what could have been, had the Warriors not put the universally beloved Jim Barnett out to pasture. As shambolic as the broadcasts have been these Barnett-less years, were now used to a somewhat unorthodox approach. But Kelena's an analyst for the Warriors local broadcast station now, offers some pretty good insight. The Warriors also will unveil a reshaped team, given the departures of Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompsons torn ACL. He looked like a soccer player there., Then, Azubuike mocked Campazzos accent and said, How can you call this? or is he playing somewhere else? But much like modern basketball, lets consider this a position-less broadcasting team. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? Barnett was willing to criticize when the situation called for it, and Azubuike expects to do the same. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. But because my last name, its an easy diss and cop out. [12], On 9 July 2010, Azubuike was traded to the New York Knicks along with Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and a future second-round pick in a sign and trade deal for David Lee. Kroichick writes features on the Warriors during the NBA season, and various other topics - ranging from the 49ers/NFL and major-league baseball to college football and basketball - the rest of the year. 1 college football recruit. Go full super-team. While being a two-way player yet he called me overpaid?, Seems the Warriors announcers arent too fond of Austin Rivers pic.twitter.com/KL2yIIYfs0. [4]In 2007-08, he averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds in 21 minutes of action. It may never get built, California snowpack hits highest level this century for March, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). It seemed like he was going to progress into a solid player, and then poof a knee injury seems to end his career? Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. Azubuike will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. His father, Fabian, was a police officer, and his mother, Florence, was a middle school teacher. Im not trying to be Jim Barnett hes one of a kind, and nobody can do that. [13] Azubuike never played in a game for the Knicks. Media column: Al Davis '30 for 30 review; Warriors' Kelenna Azubuike settles in. [5] Or again, my preferred route, ignore this half-problem entirely. He eagerly embraced the idea of working alongside play-by-play veteran Tim Roye on radio broadcasts. [6] In August 2006, Azubuike was signed by the Houston Rockets as a free agent, but eventually waived by October. Hes very capable and hes a class guy. Hes still very much a presence, involved in the team and the community. [1] Azubuike is a Christian. They nearly replaced him after the 2013-14 season, when his contract expired. It ended badly, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. In the studio, we talk about what we think is going to happen (in Warriors Pregame), or our interpretation of what has happened (in Warriors Postgame). Azubuike was the first Gatorade Call-Up of the 2006-7 NBA season, after leading the NBA Developmental League (later the G League) in scoring for the Fort Worth Flyers. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Azubuike moved to the United States as a child. The most notable thing Azubuike did as a Knick was sell his No. I enjoy breaking down what I see and just reacting on the spot, he said. Klay Thompson scores 27 as Warriors keep rolling in 108-99 win over Pelicans. A 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) center/forward from Seton Hall University, Fitzgerald played two seasons in the Basketball Association of America as a member of the Toronto Huskies, New York Knicks, and Rochester Royals. Big 12 Men's Basketball Player of the Year winners, "Kansas star will get amazing Final Four moment: Seeing Mom", "Think Reaching the Final 4 Is Tough? Fifteen years ago. Current Projects. Utah JazzUdoka Azubuike / Current team (#20 / Center)The Utah Jazz are an American professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City. During his career as a professional Basketball player, He played for various teams including Texas Legends, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Fort Worth Flyers. That whole dance was an awkward misfire on the part of the Light Years Brain Trust, and even a few years later, leaves a not entirely un-sour taste in Dub Nations collective mouth. [18] He was waived by the Cavaliers on 14 October 2012. Oops. After that, Fitzgerald and Azubuike laughed while they mocked the accent of the Argentinian Campazzo. Draymond Green (left) is introduced by Warriors analyst Jim Barnett at a press conference held to announce the re-signing of Green at the Warriors team practice facility in Oakland, California, on Thursday, July 9, 2015. newsletter, future vice president of basketball operations. For sure unprofessional., The Golden State Warriors broadcasters need to honestly be stopped. On 17 November 2009, it was announced that Azubuike would miss the rest of the 2009-10 season after tearing his right patellar tendon in a game at the Milwaukee Bucks. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He was having a stellar offensive season in 2009-10 before he ruptured his patella tendon in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Nellie loved Azubuikes shooting and athleticism, but mostly he hated Mike Dunleavy Jr. And Im grateful to the Warriors, to (co-owners) Joe Lacob and Peter Guber for giving me this opportunity. Its also something that one doesnt really have to make the case for. Barnett, 75, has on numerous occasions worked with Roye on radio, usually in postseason games on national TV. In his first year, Kelenna took home $251,000.Then in the following years, he earned $2.9 Million and $3.3 Million.In the 2010/11 season, Kelenna signed with New York Knicks for $3.3 Million. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 4 Kansas beats Dayton 90-84 in overtime for Maui title", "Kansas snaps Baylor's Big 12-record win streak", "Men's Basketball All-Big 12 Awards Announced", "Udoka Azubuike named defensive player of the year by NABC", "NBC Sports College Basketball All-American Teams". [2], He was rated by Rivals.com as a five-star recruit and was ranked as the 27th best overall player[8] while ESPN ranked him 22nd overall in the Class of 2016. [16] His field goal percentage broke the single-season record for Kansas and the Big 12 Conference. A huge thank you to the NBC Sports Bay Area for preparing me for this, said Azubuike, who has done color commentary for multiple media outlets. [18] He was awarded All-Big 12 third team by the conference's coaches[19] and second team by the AP. The Warriors named Kelenna Azubuike as their new television color analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area, replacing Jim Barnett, a longtime staple of the game broadcasts. In Azubuike's defense, he is very eager to point out split-action or a nice hesitation (hesi) move and is always cognizant when someone achieves Beast Mode (and occasionally God Mode). Though, you can, much like the aggrieved party, forgive. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Theres nothing inherently wrong with being a homer! Azubuike is also the co-founder of The Athletes' Corner, which is a nonprofit organization working with professional athletes to create faith-based and family-focused media content. He loves the game, he loves the players, and he very clearly loved his old job. Why the Warriors should replace Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike with Jim Barnett and Baron Davis. [19], In the summer of 2015, Azubuike attended the Sportscaster U. program at Syracuse University sponsored by the NBPA, training for a career in broadcasting. Strange references. In his freshman season he started in six of the 11 games he played in before tearing ligaments in his left wrist, which ended his season. Hes too noble for this kind of skullduggery. Trivia. Azubuike averaged 10.5 points during his career. The Clippers' offer was matched by the Warriors on July 24, 2008, allowing Azubuike to remain a Warrior.[6]. 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