What Does Bill Raftery Say At The Start of A Game? Was Bill Raftery A Good Coach?

Bill Raftery is known for his catchphrases when a game is about to begin, during the game and at the end of the game. His trademark quotes include Onion! (when a shot is made late in a close game), Send it in big fella! (when a post player makes a slam dunk).

Other phrases include, With a little Kiss! (when a shot bank in, usually in a nonstandard way) and many others.

Another phrase Raftery is known for is “Man-to-Man!” which he announces very fast and excitedly at the start of most games. He is especially remembered for “Send it in Jerome!”, his call immediately after Jerome Lane of the University of Pittsburgh shattered the backboard with a powerful dunk during a 1988 game.

Was Bill Raftery A Good Coach?

From 1970 to 1981, Bill Raftery was the head coach of Seton Hall University, where he posted a 154-141 record and led the Pirates to four ECAC post-season tournaments and two National Invitational Tournament appearances.

In 1979, he was named Coach of the Year by the New Jersey Sports Writers Association. His 154 wins as a coach places him 5th on the all-time list at Seton Hall behind Honey Russell, P.J Carlesimo, Frank Hill and Kevin Willard.