It has been reported and confirmed, that Shane Battier, former Duke standout who recently retired from the NBA after spending the last three seasons with the Miami Heat, will take a turn in the booth this fall as a college basketball analyst.
“After a fulfilling run on the basketball court, I am absolutely thrilled to join the ‘Worldwide Leader in Sports’ in ESPN,” Battier said. “I hope my experiences as a successful collegiate and professional basketball player will add meaningful insight into the dynamic arena of the sports world. I am looking forward to bringing a sense of candor, humor and perspective to all of ESPN’s listeners, readers and viewers.”
Battier has always possessed a strong understanding of how to play the game, as demonstrated by his “staying power” — the ability to stick around in a league where most guys last three to five years. Like many others to have graduated from Coach K’s program in Durham, Battier has a high basketball IQ and a tangible work ethic. He is a team player through and through, and understands how each player serving his niche in a team system is the fastest route to a ring. He should know, he was a leader on the 2001 NCAA champion Blue Devils, and came off the bench as a solid 3-D guy for the Heat during both of their championships in 2012 and 2013.
This is a great hire for ESPN, and we look forward to seeing Battier calling games from center court for the 2014 season.