Who knew a term based on a vegetable, “Onions” would become one of the most iconic phrases in college basketball? Well, worry not, fans don’t have to wait anymore. With the NCAA tournament just a week away, fans will attune to the catchphrase out loud in motion again. Over four decades of usage, but it never gets old.
The term first came into existence during the 1995 NBA season, when legendary coach and broadcaster called a play of the New Jersey Nets Guard Kevin Edwards. He hit a clutch shot late in the game against the Orlando Magic, and as the ball went through the rim, the words finally came out, “onions!”
The story behind “Onions!” in the basketball world
Ian Eagle recalls the moment vividly. “It was my first year, and the Nets were playing a game down in Miami,” he said. “And Kevin Edwards hit a big three from the corner to give the Nets a one-point lead late in the game. I had the call: ‘Edwards from the corner, three is GOOD.’ And Raf goes, ‘OOOOH, ONIONS!!!!’”
Whatever the place might be, his calls have never changed. Over the years, in every NCAA tournament, whenever someone makes a clutch shot late in the game, Bill shouts the phrase on the mic. It’s only gotten more interesting and more fiery. But what does it mean in basketball terms?
This iconic term is coined by none other than Bill Raftery, who coached the Seton Hall Pirates for 11 seasons, posting a 154–141 record with them. His broadcasting career initially started in 1982 with ESPN. Apart from this, the 81-year-old even worked as a college analyst for CBS in 1983. He later joined Fox Sports ahead of the 2013-14 season and has been there ever since.
Although being loved by millions, many have asked to refrain from using it on national TV. The most notable one involved the New York Post media columnist Phil Mushnick in 2010. He called out Bill and demanded he retire his trademark. The reason? To him, it sounds offensive.
Bill Raftery addressed this issue on The Dan Patrick Show, surrounding the controversy around his signature catchphrase. When asked about its supposed vulgarity, Raftery downplayed the criticism, insisting that he never intended for it to be suggestive in any way. “It’s about toughness,” Raftery said. “As you know, having many moments when there’s nothing in that beautiful head of yours, things pop out.”
Despite facing backlash, Bill continues to entertain people through his commentary. In NCAA, every moment is crucial, and the one who gives voice to these clutch moments is none other than Bill himself. However, before all of this, his astonishing career as a player is something every fan must know.
The Star Who Never Took the NBA Stage
Bill Raftery grew up in Orange, New Jersey and spent his early days growing up in Kearny. As for his background, he grew up in a catholic family with Irish immigrant parents, Francis and Margaret. In 1959, he graduated from what is now known as St. Cecilia High School, where his early basketball talent became apparent.
Bill ended up as the all-time leading scorer making history with an incredible 2,193 points, a record that stood strong for nine years, while earning the all-state honors as he led his team to the state championship in his senior season. His stints didn’t stop there as it further carried onto college, where he played in the Atlantic 10 conference.
Afterwards, Raftery played for the La Salle Explorers men’s basketball team. And as a freshman, he recorded an impressive 370 points, following it up with a team-leading 17.8 points per game in his sophomore year. In his overall career, the 81-year-old played 50 games averaging 14.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. By the end of his senior year, Bill got drafted for the NBA.
The New York Knicks picked Bill in the 1963 NBA draft as the 82nd overall pick in the 14th round. Unfortunately, he never made an appearance in the NBA, at all. He then headed further in basketball but this time as a coach for the Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Bill Raftery may have never played in the NBA, but his influence on basketball is undeniable. From his record-breaking days as a player to his unforgettable calls behind the mic, he has truly become timeless over the years.
The post Which Commentator Says “Onions” & What Does It Mean in Basketball? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
