Please enter a valid email and try again. I averaged 11 ppg, 12 ppg, and 16 ppg of the bench for a loaded Clippers team. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike was the youngest of 3, with two older brothers and two older sisters. [2], Azubuike attended Potter's House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. He finished his high school career as the second all-time leading scorer in Oklahoma prep basketball history after amassing 3,530 career points. [16] His field goal percentage broke the single-season record for Kansas and the Big 12 Conference. I remember him being a stud, especially in 2K. I hoped I might work in radio after leaving TV. Barnett fully expected to move into an ambassadors role with the team at the time. Kelenna David Azubuike (born December 16, 1983) is an English/American former professional basketball player. All I know how to do is be myself.. 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). A broadcaster obviously shouldnt have noticeable loathing for the team whose games they call. Later, when Azubuike moved into broadcasting, one of his first calls was to Barnett. Sorry fans of FDRs fireside chats, he just is. It may never get built, California snowpack hits highest level this century for March, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). [4] As a junior, Azubuike was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the Associated Press and the league's coaches after leading the team and ranking tenth in the SEC in points per game, averaging 14.7 overall. A few (masochists) tolerate the pair, because yes, it does take a certain amount of toil for some people to get worked up about an NBA teams local broadcasting duo. [9][10] Azubuike received offers from many universities including Duke, Texas, Kentucky, and shortened his final list of colleges to Florida State, Kansas, and North Carolina. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. Fitzgeralds homerism isnt the genuine, charming if sort of silly homerism of a drunk but passionate fan. I dont know. Carol FitzgeraldBob Fitzgerald / Spouse (m. 19902016). In the 200506 season, Azubuike averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in forty-one games with the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA's Developmental League. Cookie Notice Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies. Fridays news ended lingering uncertainty about Barnetts future with the Warriors. [30] According to KU coach Bill Self, Were all very excited about Udoka making the decision not to enter the [NBA] draft. 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. It seemed like he was going to progress into a solid player, and then poof a knee injury seems to end his career? Azubuike (ankle) has been ruled out for Fridays game against the Clippers, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. So lets reunite these disparate loose ends immediately and put a resounding end to the League Pass nightmare that is the Golden State Warriors broadcast stream. [13] Udoka started every game of the regular season but missed the Big 12 tournament after spraining his left MCL. ), there are zero hard feelings. Had too much integrity. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Magic, Timberwolves players exchange punches during wild brawl, Ex-Knick calls out Ben Simmons practice tale, NBA guard fumes over ejection for phantom elbow. Azubuike attended Victory Christian School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was recruited . 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-Warriors coach Don Nelson when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Hes going to be good. [4]Azubuike was selected to play in the 2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game,[5] Jordan Brand Classic,[6] and Nike Hoop Summit. After the Warriors matched a multi-year contract offer from the Clippers in the summer of 2008 - perhaps out of anger about the Baron Davis signing - Azubuike started nearly the entire 2008-9 season, averaging 14.4 points per game and making 44.8% of his three-pointers. [7] He was also a member of the National Honor Society. [3], He played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Georgia Stars in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). I enjoy breaking down what I see and just reacting on the spot, he said. Azubuike also works as an analyst for the NBA on ESPN Radio. 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). Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Net Worth: Undisclosed. Hes very capable and hes a class guy. They all but outright. The recently passed SECURE 2.0 Act is giving college savers more time to learn the benefits of compound interest. He was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a standout player at Victory Christian High School, and was eventually recruited to play for the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky. Endure it, and think what could have been, had the Warriors not put the universally beloved Jim Barnett out to pasture. Nationality: England. Something went wrong. Hes still very much a presence, involved in the team and the community. Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. The Warriors also will unveil a reshaped team, given the departures of Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompsons torn ACL. [1] During his time with the organization, Azubuike helped the Wildcats to earn two Southeastern Conference titles, two SEC Tournament titles, and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. Azubuike covered Warrior's games after he joined NBC Sports Bay Area in 2015. What ever happened to Kelenna Azubuike? 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. 1 college football recruit. He was having a stellar offensive season in 2009-10 before he ruptured his patella tendon in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Basketball Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. 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 . That remains to be seen. [2] Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. The convention brought together many of the world's political and business leaders to focus attention and resources on Africa's economic and social development.[25]. Azubuike relocated with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1989 when his father was offered a fellowship at Saint Francis Hospital; his family became American citizens. [1] While attending the University of Kentucky, Azubuike majored in business marketing. Azubuike underwent successful surgery today to repair multiple ankle and foot ligaments in his right foot to stabilize the Subtalar joint. Privacy Policy. He played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. Azubuike takes the job at a fascinating point in Warriors history. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike was the youngest of 3, with two older brothers and two older sisters. [24] On December 4, 2018, he severely sprained his right ankle against Wofford and missed the following four games. [9] On 17 July 2008, Azubuike signed an offer sheet with the Los Angeles Clippers for a three-year deal worth $9 million, with Golden State having seven days to match the offer. Dok All-Time NCAA Leader in Field-Goal Percentage; KU Athletics; 3 February 2020. Kelenna and Rona exchanged their vows in a traditional Christian wedding ceremony. As Barnett once said, the key to a successful career announcing games is talking about fundamentals and also being able to speak the Kings English. Sounds like hes very clearly describing Baron Davis. He will start his comeback with the Frisco-based Texas Legends, Dallas' D-League affiliate. "[31], Azubuike scored a career-high 29 points in a 9084 overtime win over Dayton on November 27, 2019. [35] Azubuike averaged 13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game as a senior. [4] Azubuike was the first Gatorade Call-Up of the 200607 NBA Development League season, and the 49th player overall to be called up to the NBA since the D-League began play in November 2001. He got up under Andre [Iguodala]., Fitzgerald asked, Well, whats the main sport in Argentina?, Azubuike answered, Soccer, thats what I was thinking. The most notable thing Azubuike did as a Knick was sell his No. Wikipedia. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The injury, plus a botched surgery that left his kneecap up against his quadriceps, ultimately ended his NBA career. He did not initially hire an agent, which would allow him to return before the combine. He instigated it. 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. Some FAQs Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? He was also the only player to ever earn Oklahomas Super 5 recognition three times, an honor bestowed upon the states top five players, regardless of classification. Its more about what sort of homer you are. [23], Azubuike was selected as an honorable mention to the 20182019 All-Big 12 preseason team. Lets bring Azubuikes fellow We Believe luminary to the booth, too. And still do now! Whatever we lose from not having someone explain a shot did or didnt go in will be more than made up for. [21] Azubuike was one of a record-high 69 prospects invited to the NBA Draft Combine that year. The double hype-man/yes-man experiment has failed. Azubuike was the first call-up of the D-League season. [14], On 23 March 2012, Azubuike was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. That was clearly a foul. Azubuike has also worked as an analyst for the NBA on ESPN Radio since 2022. 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. Theres nothing inherently wrong with being a homer! Trivia. His then assistant coach Harry Coxsome and his wife Donna took care of him and soon became his legal guardians. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about small forward Kelenna Azubuike on ESPN. 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. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. [2] His parents were doctors and had moved to London for work. Just to be clear, were not trying to get anyone actually fired here, even in this hypothetical dream scenario. His father, Fabian, was a police officer, and his mother, Florence, was a middle school teacher. Barnett was willing to criticize when the situation called for it, and Azubuike expects to do the same. 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. As part of his comeback, he was assigned to the Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. If not for him, who knows where Id be. In 2012, he caught the attention of recruiters with Basketball Without Borders and was offered a scholarship to . Or again, my preferred route, ignore this half-problem entirely. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. Gambling problem? Media column: Al Davis '30 for 30 review; Warriors' Kelenna Azubuike settles in. Hed still be great, or at least pretty good in that role. In Azubuikes 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). Before I extol the virtues of this particular pair, I must say a few (hundred) words about the play-by-play man I hope to exile. Barnett spent 11 seasons as a guard in the NBA, including three with the Warriors, when he averaged 11.9 points per game. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. So, Im eternally grateful., Said Barnett: Im glad I was able to help him get into this profession. He went 4/4 from the field in that brief stint. 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. Kelenna Azubuike, a member of the We Believe Warriors of 2006-07, is joining the squad as an analyst working alongside longtime NBC Sports Bay Area play-by-man voice Bob Fitzgerald. Early life. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? This site uses different types of cookies. Seemed to work out alright., Azubuike asked, Are you saying there was some nepotism there? to which Fitzgerald said, Im just saying, if youre gonna give the money, might as well give it to your kid., Rivers continued to defend himself in his comment, writing, Do u know how many guys in league made more than me while not doing half as much?! Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. Azubuike has been involved with many humanitarian causes during his time in the NBA. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Regular Season, Playoffs, All-Star) Theres no one more deserving.. 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. Kelenna Azubuike (@KelennA7) . Two adults who talk on television for a living should know better than to mock the accent of a player from a different country, as. Exclusive: Stunning photos show Yosemite National Park under 15 feet of Warriors treating Andrew Wiggins with understandable patience, but his James Wiseman, leadership genius? 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. 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.[1]. 7 jersey to Carmelo Anthony. And though Mr. Boom Dizzle opted out in 2008 and tried to start a super-team with Elton Brand in Los Angeles (weird sentence! 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. [23], Azubuike has three siblings: Nonzo, Nesochi and Adaeze. A daily roundup of Golden State Warriors news from Golden State of Mind, By submitting your email, you agree to our, This date in Warriors history: Kelenna Azubuike debuts. Jazz center Udoka Azubuike underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair multiple ligaments in his right ankle and foot, the team announced. The season cant come fast enough., Where Livingston wants to end career after Warriors release. Absolute legend. Azubuike spent five years in the NBA (averaging 14.4 pts a game in 2008-2009) before he had to hang up his sneakers. And now Im going to work radio. The couple recently made headlines after getting married earlier in October 2022. With a year of NBA experience under his belt, Azubuike has quickly developed into a legitimate NBA shooting guard, displaying a much more well rounded skill set than he did earlier in his career. [17] This high percentage was in part due to the majority of his field goals being slam dunks, which typically have a higher completion percentage than jump shots or layups. On July 17, 2008, Azubuike signed an offer sheet with the Clippers of a three-year, $9 million contract , with Golden State having seven days to match it. 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). Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team to come back after being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals and win Game 7 (2016). I dream light years. 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. [20], On April 20, 2018, Azubuike announced his intention to enter the 2018 NBA draft. The shimmering Bay Lights turn off Sunday night as the effort to raise $11 million to fund a bigger, better version is only partway there. Hes done an outstanding job the last few seasons as a member of our pre, halftime and post-game shows on NBC Sports Bay Area, and his familiarity with our team, our players and our fans dating back to the We Believe days will serve him well in this new role. 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. He is moving to the radio booth to team up with longtime radio voice Tim Roye on 95.7 FM The Game. 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. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. [26] An MRI revealed he tore a ligament in his right hand. The fit is wrong. Kelenna Azubuike talks life after basketball. Im very grateful for everything Ive had over the years. Odds & lines subject to change. While he was somehow able to keep pace with the other guards, he knew it was time to retire if he wanted the retain the ability to walk in future years. 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. And also, at least at one point, a dangerous one. Davis, despite his relatively short stint in the Bay Area, is very much beloved. Pilfer Mark Jones from the Kings. Azubuike accepted a personal invitation from Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, to take part in Leon H. Sullivan Summit VIII, a five-day convention held from 2 to 6 June 2008 in Arusha, Tanzania.The convention brought together many of the world's political and business leaders to focus attention and . [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. He was too tall (this is very threatening to the extremely wealthy). He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. The same will apply to their telecasts and radio broadcasts. Radio doesnt show age. In 2016, Kroichick and photographer Michael Macor earned "Best Sports Feature" from the California Newspaper Publishers Association, for their series on Antioch High running back Najee Harris, the nation's No. On August 4, 2006, the Houston Rockets signed Azubuike to their training camp roster, but waived him on October 24 after only two preseason games. Remove the outlier, and he averaged 9.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game in the previous 5 contests. In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. [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. Azubuike said Barnett helped connect him to NBC Sports Bay Area and played a huge role in launching Azubuikes second career. 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. 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. I remember him being traded to NY from GS and am pretty sure he was dealing with injuries..was he forced to retire? Appreciating Klay Thompson filling in the superstar shoes. You dont have to put on makeup.. [5] The Warriors ought to be an electrifying affair for both casuals and die-hards. [2]He returned to the Flyers, where he averaged 26 points and 5 rebounds, while leading the D-League in scoring and ranking third in three-point field goal percentage.[3]. As I mentioned, Azubuike was a solid in-studio analyst. 8 small forward and the No. The Denver Nuggets are the only NBA team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit multiple times in the same year (2020). And the fan base adored him, so much so that the outpouring of support (and the inability to secure Brent Barrys services) when his forced retirement was announced even delayed his exile for a few years. [2] Azubuike was a four-year starter averaging 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game his senior year. He retired after playing the 2011-12. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. A possible solution to the pure play-by-play quandary is to bring a third person to the already star-studded booth. Barnetts continued involvement is sure to be embraced by fans, who have grown accustomed to his knowledgeable point of view and ability to articulate the nuances within the game. 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". But when youre doing color commentary, youre reacting on the spot. His comments on myself and Facu were beyond disrespectful. 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. He got a big contract extension when, oh wait, his dad was the coach, said Fitzgerald. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? [13] Azubuike never played in a game for the Knicks. Weird vibes. 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. You know one of nicest things about working radio? [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. Azubuike (ankle) is out Friday against the Hornets. [27] He underwent season-ending surgery on January 9, 2019. Nellie loved Azubuikes shooting and athleticism, but mostly he hated Mike Dunleavy Jr. [6] Playing for Fort Worth of the Development League again, Azubuike averaged 5.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.17 steals, and a league-best 26.0 points in 37.7 minutes per contest, shooting 51.4% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range over twelve games. High School Potters House Christian Academy [Fla.]. Both Azubuike and Barnett will travel with the team for road games. You know, he might just be the perfect guy to take on the team ambassador role, whatever that means. Golden State Warriors television broadcast announcers Bob Fitzgerald and Jim Barnett at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, March 31, 2019. "We like him as a player," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle told reporters in San Antonio on Friday morning following the team's shootaround. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. Its also something that one doesnt really have to make the case for. Im excited to bring my personality to it and talk to fans about why things are happening. It gets Jessica Alba back in the building. Dub Hub:Bob Myers gives an update on Andrew Wiggins absence. Kelenna completely tore is patellar tendon. [20] Since then, he has been assigned to announce 11 of the 19 NBA D-League games produced by NBA TV in 2016. [28], Kansas won all nine games Azubuike played including against top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan State. [7] During his second season with Golden State, Azubuike expressed an interest in playing for the British team during the build-up to the 2012 London Olympic Games, but was denied British citizenship under the 1981 British Nationality Act. Strange references. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Heres who has offered big bucks so far. and our Clumsy jokes. W Kelenna Azubuike, a member of the "We Believe" Warriors of 2006-07, is joining the squad as an analyst working alongside longtime NBC Sports Bay Area play-by-man voice Bob Fitzgerald. Azubuike was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents Kenneth and Chi Azubuike. Azubuike will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. Oops. 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. Golden State included him in the David Lee trade in 2010, but he didnt play a game for the New York Knicks.