I hoped I might work in radio after leaving TV. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. Jim was actually one of the first people I talked to when I was thinking about getting into broadcasting, said Azubuike, who retired in 2012. 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 . Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Kelenna Azubuike (Basketball Player) - Overview, Biography Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike was the youngest of 3, with two older brothers and two older sisters. Kelenna Azubuike | Golden State Warriors | NBA.com Azubuike (ankle) has been ruled out for Fridays game against the Clippers, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. He loves the game, he loves the players, and he very clearly loved his old job. Exclusive: Stunning photos show Yosemite National Park under 15 feet of Warriors treating Andrew Wiggins with understandable patience, but his James Wiseman, leadership genius? But most of us endure it. Curry and Draymond Green are the only members of the now-defunct Hamptons Five slated to start the season in the lineup. 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. Absolute legend. What can the Knicks do for an encore after the thrilling h MLB's rule changes will only bring needless new degree of confusion, Yankees may get solution to to glut of infielders after NL teams' misfortune, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. They all but outright. Azubuike said Barnett helped connect him to NBC Sports Bay Area and played a huge role in launching Azubuikes second career. 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]. [14] He returned for the NCAA tournament until KU's loss to eventual champion Villanova in the Final Four. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Azubuike moved to the United States as a child. On January 2, 2007, the Golden State Warriors signed Azubuike to shore up their injury-plagued backcourt. "The hope is that he can possibly help us this year. Green was signed out of free agency to a multi-year contract. Former National Basketball Association players, "Blow for Britain as London-born Kelenna Azubuike is denied passport", http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/us_sport/article3111497.ece, http://www.insidehoops.com/azubuike-waived-102406.shtml, "Warriors Sign Kelenna Azubuike to Contract", http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/Kelenna_Azubuike_Signing_Release.html, Warriors Re-Sign Kelenna Azubuike To Contract, Sources: Clips, swingman Azubuike agree to multiyear offer sheet, Sources: Warriors keep Azubuike, match Clippers' offer. Kelenna Azubuike to replace Jim Barnett as Warriors TV analyst Whatever we lose from not having someone explain a shot did or didnt go in will be more than made up for. And now Im going to work radio. He is moving to the radio booth to team up with longtime radio voice Tim Roye on 95.7 FM The Game. It's easy to forget that he's only 35, as his career was cut short by a brutal knee injury suffered playing for the Warriors early in the 2009-10 season. With Mickael Pietrus likely on the way out . He was having a stellar offensive season in 2009-10 before he ruptured his patella tendon in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Azubuike answered, "Soccer, that's what I was thinking. [27] He underwent season-ending surgery on January 9, 2019. Cookie Notice [7] He was also a member of the National Honor Society. 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. We've received your submission. 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. 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. He shot nearly 50% from three-point range, something that Don Nelson really liked. All I know how to do is be myself.. Email: rkroichick@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Azubuike moved to the United States as a child. Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 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. 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. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. "Utah Jazz take Kansas center Udoka Azubuike at No. [23], Azubuike was selected as an honorable mention to the 20182019 All-Big 12 preseason team. His then assistant coach Harry Coxsome and his wife Donna took care of him and soon became his legal guardians. Its fun.. The Jazz compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the leagues Western Conference, Northwest Division. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike was the youngest of 3, with two older brothers and two older sisters. As basically everyone who has ever been irritated with Fitzgerald on a nightly basis for years and years will grudgingly admit, hes a competent, even pretty good play-by-play guy. [21] Various of these games have been broadcast by ESPNU. The Bulls and the Warriors are the only teams to win at least 70 games in a single season. [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. 22 years (September 17, 1999)Udoka Azubuike / Age. He looked like a soccer player there." Warriors announcers Bob Fitzgerald (left) and Kelenna Azubuike Twitter 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). He obviously brings some history with the Warriors and their rise to prominence; Azubuike was Stephen Currys teammate on the 2009-10 team. ), there are zero hard feelings. His comments on myself and Facu were beyond disrespectful. Jim sat in this seat for a long time, he said. 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. 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. Azubuike Emanuel Egwuekwe (born 16 July 1989) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Rivers United as a centre back. The Warriors also will unveil a reshaped team, given the departures of Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompsons torn ACL. Adrian Duran, MBA LinkedIn: New SECURE 2.0 529 rollover rule He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. [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. Azubuike then played for the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League, leading the league in scoring during the 200607 season and eventually being called up to play for the Golden State Warriors. Warriors broadcasters mock Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo Clumsy jokes. This counts as a high-profile promotion for Azubuike, who has served as an analyst on Warriors Pregame and Postgame Live the past four years. Unfortunately for him, injury is the reason as he still cannot participate (at) what would be the NBA combine or workouts for the NBA teams. 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. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. And though Mr. Boom Dizzle opted out in 2008 and tried to start a super-team with Elton Brand in Los Angeles (weird sentence! Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. [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. They nearly replaced him after the 2013-14 season, when his contract expired. [2] Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. 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. 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. In short, nobody loves this relatively new-ish duo. 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 . Now that they appear to be emerging from their recent, unsettling slump, they should be a squad reliably worthy of a nightly League Pass Alert. why did kelenna azubuike retire - mrleeprojects.com Select a random fan. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? Not exactly my problem. 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. Kelenna Azubuike is a Basketball Player, zodiac sign: Sagittarius. Alex Siquig (@ThomasAwful on Twitter) is a Bay Area expat based in Baltimore who still stays up way too late to watch Golden State play. On 9 April 2012, he was recalled by the Mavericks. [25] On January 5, 2019, Azubuike injured his wrist during practice. Kelenna Azubuike talks life after basketball - On3.com Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. A broadcaster obviously shouldnt have noticeable loathing for the team whose games they call. Yes, that's a toucan flying around Walnut Creek, Map shows which parts of California exceeded entire years worth of rain, Hit bean company Rancho Gordo embroiled in discrimination lawsuit, San Francisco citizens once traveled by gondola. Azubuike was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents Kenneth and Chi Azubuike. Unlike past years, Lucia did not include any analysis and/or fan commentary with the rankings, so we don't know exactly what kind of gripes fans had against the work of Fitzgerald and Azubuike. If Barnett made the perpetually dungeon-bound Warriors bearable from the sidelines, it was Davis who restored pride to the franchise, gave them a jolt of renewed life when they needed it most, while briefly foreshadowing an era of dominance. Kelenna Azubuike (@KelennA7) . 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. [1] He is a Christian music fan and enjoys creating his own music. [1] He was the top scorer in the state of Oklahoma during his last three seasons of high school, averaging 28.5 points as a sophomore and 38.7 points as a junior. [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. Barnett spent 11 seasons as a guard in the NBA, including three with the Warriors, when he averaged 11.9 points per game. 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. 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. 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]. 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. [2], Azubuike attended Potter's House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. He excelled in his first season in the D-League, collecting All D-League honours while leading his team to the championship, which they lost to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Will Bay Bridge go dark forever? I feel like if the Warriors can just stay above water while Klay is out hopefully, he gets back by the All-Star break they can get into the playoffs. Endure it, and think what could have been, had the Warriors not put the universally beloved Jim Barnett out to pasture. 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. [24], Azubuike has been involved with many humanitarian causes during his time in the NBA. High School Potters House Christian Academy [Fla.]. Theres nothing inherently wrong with being a homer! Heres who has offered big bucks so far. Carol FitzgeraldBob Fitzgerald / Spouse (m. 19902016). Austin Rivers blasts Warriors announcers for mocking him, accent of [36] Azubuike's career field goal percentage of 74.9% is an NCAA record.[37]. [17] On 28 June 2012, during the 2012 NBA Draft, Azubuike was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Im excited to bring my personality to it and talk to fans about why things are happening. [1] Azubuike is a Christian. Basketball Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. 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. Austin Rivers is not happy with comments that the Golden State Warriors' broadcasting team made on Tuesday night. 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). (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) / WireImage. [8] He was also eligible to play for the Nigeria national team. Azubuike (ankle) is out Friday against the Hornets. 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. Its Baron Davis. I dream light years. 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. Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. Ridiculous stuff. Go full super-team. Hes fairly knowledgeable about the game, reasonably prepared, generally knows how to pronounce last names and always seems to remember if someone is from one of the Congos. The most notable thing Azubuike did as a Knick was sell his No. 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. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? Barnett was willing to criticize when the situation called for it, and Azubuike expects to do the same. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The Warriors ought to be an electrifying affair for both casuals and die-hards. Read More, In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kelenna David Azubuike (born December 16, 1983) is an English/American former professional basketball player. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about small forward Kelenna Azubuike on ESPN. Odds & lines subject to change. In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. [3], He played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Georgia Stars in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). He always comes equipped with the latest talking points from on high. 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). Theres no one more deserving.. His presence will add a new dimension to our TV broadcasts and we are thrilled with the addition., Barnett said of Azubuike, I really mean this: Im so happy its Kelenna and not someone else. Its even the sort of splashy move that would appeal to Lacobs Light Years brain. 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. As shambolic as the broadcasts have been these Barnett-less years, were now used to a somewhat unorthodox approach. Im not trying to be Jim Barnett hes one of a kind, and nobody can do that. [15] He averaged 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and led the nation with a 77% field goal percentage for the season. Both Azubuike and Barnett will travel with the team for road games. It's time to dump Warriors TV announcers, swap in dream duo - SFGATE Kelenna Azubuike - Wikipedia Jazz center Udoka Azubuike underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair multiple ligaments in his right ankle and foot, the team announced. Barnett truly was (is) the best sort of broadcaster: a font of knowledge with a requisite respect for the past who, at the same time, is excited for both the here and now and the future. I was wronged!, The incident came just a week after Rivers had a pair of fans removed from aNuggets-Thunder game in Oklahoma City,after he said they were talking about [his] family the whole night.. Hell miss the rest of the 2021/22 season. 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. Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. Hes too good to only be calling away games on the radio. What ever happened to Kelenna Azubuike? Klay Thompson scores 27 as Warriors keep rolling in 108-99 win over Pelicans. He was our smile because it happened franchise player. Kelenna Azubuike talks life after basketball. B. Diddy in the bay once again. 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?! In his last season, he played with Cleveland Cavaliers for $1 Million.. After retiring from Basketball, Azubuike started working with . Hes found a workaround from being phased out, still plies his wisdom and his trademark avuncular wit on the radio side of things. Some FAQs Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? [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. I hope I can do this for many years to come.. 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 . [13] Azubuike never played in a game for the Knicks. 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. 62. Barnett elevates yapping about a basketball game into something dignified and illuminating, something affirming. Warriors replace Jim Barnett with Kelenna Azubuike as TV color analyst [1] Azubuike averaged 10.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 97 career games at the University of Kentucky, shooting a 48.5% field goal average for his college career. Barnett was too humble. The couple recently made headlines after getting married earlier in October 2022. Hes going to be good. Its altogether too simple to decry him as a homer. He eagerly embraced the idea of working alongside play-by-play veteran Tim Roye on radio broadcasts. Regular Season, Playoffs, All-Star) It ended badly, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. Barnett, 75, has been with the Warriors since 1984. [1], Considered a four-star recruit by Scout.com, Azubuike was listed as the No. Usher in the broadcaster empowerment era. He got up under Andre [Iguodala]., Fitzgerald asked, Well, whats the main sport in Argentina?, Azubuike answered, Soccer, thats what I was thinking. 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. [6] Azubuike played with the Denver Nuggets in the 2006 Toshiba Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 16.4 points and finished tied at tenth in the league in scoring. Lex 18 caught up with Kelenna this weekend to see how is handling life after . Nellie loved Azubuikes shooting and athleticism, but mostly he hated Mike Dunleavy Jr. Others are cautiously optimistic that by 2029 or so, Fitzgerald and Azubuike will really start to gel and find their rhythm. Values are based on current season type (i.e. [1] Azubuike was named to the 2005 SEC All-Tournament Team after averaging 18.0 points in three contests. So, Im eternally grateful., Said Barnett: Im glad I was able to help him get into this profession. [4][7], After going undrafted, Azubuike was signed by the Golden State Warriors on 2 January 2007. He was waived by the Knicks on 28 February 2011. Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. Kelenna Azubuike says Carmelo Anthony paid him $3,000 to take his No. 7 "3 grand, that's it?" Youll be surprised by the new Forbes rankings, Stephen Curry produces high-end movie, lowbrow TV, How Curry's 3-point shooting changed the game. Jan 22, 2021. How old is Udoka? 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. Later, when Azubuike moved into broadcasting, one of his first calls was to Barnett. 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. Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West. Azubuike has also worked as an analyst for the NBA on ESPN Radio since 2022. He retired after playing the 2011-12. 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. Barnett fully expected to move into an ambassadors role with the team at the time. Kelenna Azubuike debuted 15 years ago - Golden State Of Mind 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. He is expected to practice with the Legends on Friday and could play for them as early as Saturday night against the Reno Bighorns at home, sources said. Baron Davis joining Barnett as his commiserating-mate is an obvious choice on multiple levels. 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? [28], Kansas won all nine games Azubuike played including against top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan State. Kelenna Azubuike signs with Dallas Mavericks - ESPN.com The second-year center suffered a right ankle sprain earlier this month while on assignment with the G League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars. Williams played in only eight games with the Mavericks after leaving his team in Israel to sign with his hometown team on Dec. 21, averaging 3.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 8.1 minutes.