H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m
-------------------- August 13, 2005 Interview with Ray
Ray Clay is the former game announcer of the Chicago Bulls, and was there for their two 3peats. If you followed the Bulls during their title days you couldn't forget his uplifting voice - we didn't. We caught up with him to have a few words, and found out things only someone who was in his shoes would know. HoopsCorner: During the bulls title run days, which player was closest to the announcing crew? Ray: There were many players who took the time to interact with the scorer's table staff. Steve Kerr and John Paxson were the nicest. Dennis Rodman gave the scorer's table staff Converse basketball shoes after he signed a shoe contract with them. HoopsCorner: As a NBA game announcer is there any part of the job that the average person might not be aware of. Anything unusual associated with the job, or anything in particular the fans should pay attention to during announcements? Ray: In my case, people didn't realize that I announced the entire game. Many people thought I announced the starting line-ups and then left. As for announcing, you need to pay attention to what is going on. The referees give hand signals for the infractions and fouls, and also give the players numbers that same way. If you don't watch closely you could miss the information. In some instances, the referees were preoccupied and gave the wrong signal or player number. Sometimes we would wait to get their attention and have them correct the call. HoopsCorner: When players are preparing to go on the floor and come to the "slip not" board they sometimes do a routine: Kevin Garnett usually claps off excess hand powder and Michael Jordan used to do a little stretch routine touching his toes and the sides of his shoes. Which player has the most interesting or bizzare routine and what is it? Ray: Dennis Rodman used to bend over and stare at the floor. He sometimes got in our way and we couldn't see the plays, so we had to tell him to sit down. Many teams use talc powder to keep their hands dry. It was interesting to see the talc container travel down the scorers table as players prepared to enter the game. When the talc container was left in front of me, I would grab it and write something on the bottom in magic marker. It was usually something funny about the team or the team's trainer. HoopsCorner: What's your perspective on the league now, looking in from a different point of view as opposed to when you were involved in it? Ray: I see many players who haven't paid their dues. They don't really respect the game and are only in it for themselves. Ten or so years ago there were players like that, but not as many as today. Today's players are also trying to be too selfish and flashy. The league also seems rougher than it used to be. I think the league is letting too many hard fouls take place. HoopsCorner: The NBA has enjoyed so much exposure afforded to it by high schoolers, now that that trend will be erased, how do you think it will affect the college ranks and the NBA itself? Ray: I think more players should experience college life. They would be more prepared for the rigors of NBA life, and have an opportunity to grow up a little more. You would also see some players not making the transition to the NBA. The league is taking a chance on some high school players. Going to college will give them more of a chance to make or break themselves. HoopsCorner: I truly think having been an NBA announcer should be a highlight on any resume. How long were you with the Bulls and what's the process like to get such a gig? Ray: Announcing for the Bulls during the glory years was a dream come true. In my case, I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. I announced for 13 years. My first full season the Bulls won their first championship. HoopsCorner: Do you still follow the league closely? If yes, comment on what you enjoy about it the most. If not what occupies that free time? Ray: I still follow the game, but maybe not as closely. When I announced, I would try to keep up with what players were on what teams. I would listen to other announcers pronounce players names so that I wouldn't make a mistake when they visited Chicago. I enjoy seeing some of the "old-timers" still playing the game. It makes me remember what they were like when they played the Bulls. My free time is occupied by my kids. During the time I worked in the NBA, I missed many of their school activities. I enjoy watching them play sports, and attending other school functions. HoopsCorner: During the 2005 finals the San Antonio announcer sounded dull to me even when introducing the Spurs players, maybe he didn't prepare well. Did you have any special preparation or routine before games? Ray: Each announcer has his own style. Stan Kelly (Spurs) has been around since I started, and he does a wonderful job. Sometimes the teams dictate how the announcer sounds. I was lucky that the Bulls wanted a loud, upbeat introduction, otherwise I might not have been noticed as much. HoopsCorner: Would you come back to the NBA? Ray: I'm not sure. The long season was starting to get tough. I have a regular full-time job (8-5) that I worked before going to the Bulls games. Those were really long nights, and I paid for it the next day. HoopsCorner: Would you mind commenting on the whole issue with the Bulls organization, and what led to your departure? Ray: I still have many friends in the Bulls organization. We keep in touch and try to do things socially, once in a while. As for my departure; Sometimes there might be a person that just doesn't see "eye to eye" with you and would rather do things their own way. I always say, "They might be able to take your job away, but they can never take away the memories and friends that you made along the way." HoopsCorner: Anything you would like to share with HoopsCorner.com? Ray: I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be involved with the NBA during the Bulls' finest years. It afforded me many memories, and opportunities to do things that I never imagined possible. For that I am grateful, and especially for being able to work with a great group of guys and girls. Our stats crew did, and still does a great job. I am proud to be friends with them. Thank you for your time, it's been a pleasure having you. -------------------- Next: NBA secret formulas Previous: Back to school Articles index © 2001-2005 H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m, All rights reserved Terms of service Privacy policy Contact |
|
|