Since the 199192 season, the team has played its home games at Vivint Arena. 3 William Street Tranmere SA 5073; 45 Gray Street Tranmere SA 5073; 36 Hectorville Road, Hectorville, SA 5073; 1 & 2/3 RODNEY AVENUE, TRANMERE It gets Jessica Alba back in the building. Azubuike underwent successful surgery today to repair multiple ankle and foot ligaments in his right foot to stabilize the Subtalar joint. That remains to be seen. [3] On January 28, 2016, he announced his choice to play college basketball at the University of Kansas.[11]. Details on the contract were not disclosed. He looked like a soccer player there., Then, Azubuike mocked Campazzos accent and said, How can you call this? ), there are zero hard feelings. Appreciating Klay Thompson filling in the superstar shoes. But because my last name, its an easy diss and cop out. Go full super-team. The season cant get here soon enough.. While his NBA career was cut short by a devastating freak injury less than three . We have been suffering in silence, but discussing John Mayers underrated guitar chops at the close of the Warriors-Wizards game is the straw that broke the camels brain. Media column: Al Davis '30 for 30 review; Warriors' Kelenna Azubuike settles in. And still do now! 7 jersey to Carmelo Anthony. Im not really concerned about the difficulty of following Jim. The paths of KD and Kyrie: How one month changed three franchises and two superstar legacies, Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Curry, Iguodala probable to return vs. Lakers, Grizzlies' Clarke tore Achilles, out for season, 'Not going out this way': Nets, down 28, stun C's, Kerr touts 5-0 homestand: Dubs 'turned a corner', KD: Mavs tilt, Kyrie meeting 'just another game', Sources: Dragic joining Bucks for rest of season, Nets filling out big-man depth with Noel signing. [22], He joined NBC Sports Bay Area in 2015, covering Warriors games as a studio analyst for the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows. He obviously brings some history with the Warriors and their rise to prominence; Azubuike was Stephen Currys teammate on the 2009-10 team. Pairing Barnett and Davis would automatically catapult the Warriors broadcasting team to must-listen TV, leapfrogging mere respectability on their journey back from the dregs. The Denver Nuggets are the only NBA team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit multiple times in the same year (2020). [2] In his first high school game he was matched up against fellow future Kansas Jayhawk Joel Embiid. Azubuikes yes-man persona is a jarring shift from the presence of Barnett, who did yeomans work smoothing down Fitzgeralds cloying edges. In short, nobody loves this relatively new-ish duo. 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. After finishing his junior season in college, Azubuike declared himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft, eventually going undrafted that year. Others are cautiously optimistic that by 2029 or so, Fitzgerald and Azubuike will really start to gel and find their rhythm. It ended badly, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. Fridays news ended lingering uncertainty about Barnetts future with the Warriors. Azubuike mocked Argentine Facundo Campazzo with an accent and they both implied Austin Rivers' contract was a product of nepotism. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. That was clearly a foul. Hed still be great, or at least pretty good in that role. Im looking forward to it. Kelenna David Azubuike (born December 16, 1983) is an English/American former professional basketball player. But most of us endure it. 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. Warriors TV announcers Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike targeted the Denver . We've received your submission. 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. 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. [16] His field goal percentage broke the single-season record for Kansas and the Big 12 Conference. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? I dream light years. [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]. His father, Fabian, was a police officer, and his mother, Florence, was a middle school teacher. Pilfer Mark Jones from the Kings. They all but outright. 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]. Hes handsome, educated and has a gift for words.. Azubuike was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents Kenneth and Chi Azubuike. Azubuike (ankle) has been ruled out for Fridays game against the Clippers, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Of course, it must be said that Barnett would not approve of this column. 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. 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. Values are based on current season type (i.e. Utah JazzUdoka Azubuike / Current team (#20 / Center)The Utah Jazz are an American professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City. Theres a better way to live. Azubuike answered, "Soccer, that's what I was thinking. As shambolic as the broadcasts have been these Barnett-less years, were now used to a somewhat unorthodox approach. or is he playing somewhere else? The Fitz bingo card is the worlds most sadly reliable bingo card, and were subject to it every game, whether it be the fetishization of four-year college players, insisting the first home game after a road trip is still a road game, describing shots from a few feet beyond the arc as being heaved from Millbrae or Hayward or Redwood City, or mentioning to a queasy extent the beautiful smile of Andrew Wiggins. Its always a minorly uplifting sight when the camera fleetingly catches him calling Warriors games. Jan 22, 2021. blancs50 4 yr. ago. But its been the great honor of my life to plot this coup on his behalf. 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). Endure it, and think what could have been, had the Warriors not put the universally beloved Jim Barnett out to pasture. [16] On 20 April 2012, Azubuike played in his first NBA game since 14 November 2009, against the Golden State Warriors. [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. He instigated it. 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. On 9 April 2012, he was recalled by the Mavericks. 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. [35] Azubuike averaged 13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game as a senior. Think this kinda funny especially since its coming from a guy who has never played a game of basketball in his life, Rivers wrote of Fitzgerald under an Instagram video highlighting the announcers remarks. [1], Considered a four-star recruit by Scout.com, Azubuike was listed as the No. On January 2, 2007, the Golden State Warriors signed Azubuike to shore up their injury-plagued backcourt. I really couldn't find much and was wondering if I'm missing something? It may never get built, California snowpack hits highest level this century for March, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). 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. High School Potters House Christian Academy [Fla.]. He's previously contributed to The New Yorker, Vice, GQ and more. 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. For the 20172018 season, Kansas' coach Bill Self recruited Kansas football player James Sosinski to defend Azubuike during practice. Well, that varies from player to player, and Kelenna Azubuike, former New York Knick, realized this the hard way when Carmelo Anthony joined his then team and wanted to take the No. Ive had a great run of 34 years on TV, Barnett said. On 17 November 2009, it was announced that Azubuike would miss the rest of the 200910 season after tearing his right patellar tendon in a game at the Milwaukee Bucks. Klay Thompson scores 27 as Warriors keep rolling in 108-99 win over Pelicans. 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. His presence will add a new dimension to our TV broadcasts, and we are thrilled with the addition.. Its really an honor, and Im super humbled the Warriors believe in me, Azubuike said in a phone interview. [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. Watson has swine flu, "Knicks Acquire Randolph, Azubuike & Turiaf", "Kelenna Azubuike gets call to replace Lamar Odom", "Azubike plays in first NBA game in three seasons", "UK basketball notebook: Ex-Cats Azubuike, Mohammed take crash course in broadcasting", "NBA D-League Alum Kelenna Azubuike Heading To Broadcast Booth For D-League Showcase", "ESPNU to Televise 11 Regular-Season NBA D-League Games Starting in January", "Kelenna Azubuike to be Warriors TV game analyst; Jim Barnett to radio", "Former NBA Star Kelenna Azubuike Shares Details on New Faith Based Film 'Midrange' and Being a Christian Among Pro-Athletes (VIDEO INTERVIEW)", "WARRIORS: Kelenna Azubuike: On A Mission To Tanzania", Career Statistics at Basketball-Reference.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kelenna_Azubuike&oldid=1135532503, This page was last edited on 25 January 2023, at 06:49. Azubuike will receive a deal for the rest of this season and a team option for next season, sources said. Sorry fans of FDRs fireside chats, he just is. 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. Carol FitzgeraldBob Fitzgerald / Spouse (m. 19902016). Basketball Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. 62. Whenever one hears about ESPN dropping a new "30 for 30" documentary . [26] An MRI revealed he tore a ligament in his right hand. [1] During the 200607 season, Azubuike made an appearance on Bay Area hip hop station KMEL and conducted an interview while the station played music which he personally produced. I remember him being a stud, especially in 2K. [30] According to KU coach Bill Self, Were all very excited about Udoka making the decision not to enter the [NBA] draft. He finished his high school career as the second all-time leading scorer in Oklahoma prep basketball history after amassing 3,530 career points. Azubuike attended Victory Christian School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was recruited by then-University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith. Approx. Green was signed out of free agency to a multi-year contract. Early life. But much like modern basketball, lets consider this a position-less broadcasting team. Hes too good to only be calling away games on the radio. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. [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. Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in. 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. 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. [13] Udoka started every game of the regular season but missed the Big 12 tournament after spraining his left MCL. [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. Steph Curry and Zion Williamson highlight the list of players who arent available tonight. The Eastern champions have won 38 championships while the Western champions have won 32 championships. [4]In 2007-08, he averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds in 21 minutes of action. When the Warriors make their regular-season debut at Chase Center in October, there will be plenty of new faces, beginning with the teams roster. Clumsy jokes. 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. B. Diddy in the bay once again. Simply put, hes a strange man. Sign up for the Its Baron Davis. You dont have to put on makeup.. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Barnetts replacement, Azubuike, is a likeable guy (and Ive always admired his biceps) and also a competent in-studio analyst, but the synergy isnt there. 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 . Its more akin to Lacob-ism, and before that, Cohan-ism. He was not drafted, but played some preseason games for the Cleveland Cavaliers; he was waived at the end of the preseason and acquired by the Fort Worth Flyers. The teams future vice president of basketball operations was sent to the bench, while Nelson openly talked about how much happier he and Junior would be if he went and played for his dads Clippers. For more information, please see our 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. I hoped I might work in radio after leaving TV. 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). While being a two-way player yet he called me overpaid?, Seems the Warriors announcers arent too fond of Austin Rivers pic.twitter.com/KL2yIIYfs0. Something went wrong. 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. Although Azubuike hasn't played since early in the 2009-10 season because of a knee injury, Mavericks officials are intrigued by the progress Azubuike has made in his rehabilitation efforts, sources said. [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. Oops. I dont know. I enjoy breaking down what I see and just reacting on the spot, he said. He was waived by the Knicks on 28 February 2011. The Dallas Mavericks signed swingman Kelenna Azubuike to fill the roster spot vacated by Thursday's release of Sean Williams. This pairing does create one potential problem, though hardly an insurmountable one: instead of two hype-men, we may now be subject to a sensory overload of excellent anecdotes and play deconstructions, but no one to describe the action (which again, we can see with our eyes). 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. Wikipedia, University of KansasUdoka Azubuike / College (20162020)The University of Kansas is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas. His comments on myself and Facu were beyond disrespectful. The same will apply to their telecasts and radio broadcasts. Barnett spent 11 seasons as a guard in the NBA, including three with the Warriors, when he averaged 11.9 points per game. 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. Regular Season, Playoffs, All-Star) (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) / WireImage. 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. [2], He was rated by Rivals.com as a five-star recruit and was ranked as the 27th best overall player[8] while ESPN ranked him 22nd overall in the Class of 2016. [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. Jim sat in this seat for a long time, he said. Both also are scheduled to join Fitzgerald for the first telecast from Chase Center. But one can easily imagine why Barnett may have intimidated or otherwise irritated Lacob, a new, hands-on owner looking to replace the cogs and pinions of a former era with his own commissars. On 17 November 2009, it was announced that Azubuike would miss the rest of the 2009-10 season after tearing his right patellar tendon in a game at the Milwaukee Bucks. Kelenna Azubuike (@KelennA7) . Warriors vs. Pelicans injury report: So many absences for both teams. It seemed like he was going to progress into a solid player, and then poof a knee injury seems to end his career? [1] His father, Fabian, was a police officer, and his mother, Florence, was a middle school teacher. Hes too noble for this kind of skullduggery. All I know how to do is be myself.. [8] He was also eligible to play for the Nigeria national team. During Mondays game against the Washington Wizards, Azubuike even went so far as to describe Steph Curry as a big-time player. I dont know, man. The good news is its not as though Barnett has renounced calling Warriors games and embraced the life of a curmudgeonly hermit. Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. Its also something that one doesnt really have to make the case for. In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. 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. Cookie Notice Im not trying to be Jim Barnett hes one of a kind, and nobody can do that. [25] On January 5, 2019, Azubuike injured his wrist during practice. 7 off his back . Odds & lines subject to change. Azubuike covered Warrior's games after he joined NBC Sports Bay Area in 2015. Barnett elevates yapping about a basketball game into something dignified and illuminating, something affirming. Had too much integrity. Golden State Warriors television broadcast announcers Bob Fitzgerald and Jim Barnett at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Kelenna and Rona exchanged their vows in a traditional Christian wedding ceremony. Weight 270 lbs. 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 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. Current Projects. Azubuike attended Victory Christian School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was recruited . [4][7], After going undrafted, Azubuike was signed by the Golden State Warriors on 2 January 2007. As I mentioned, Azubuike was a solid in-studio analyst. [18] He was awarded All-Big 12 third team by the conference's coaches[19] and second team by the AP. Trivia. 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. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about small forward Kelenna Azubuike on ESPN. [1] Azubuike is a Christian. Check out the article here via InvestmentNews Barnett was willing to criticize when the situation called for it, and Azubuike expects to do the same. 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. [33], At the conclusion of the regular season, Azubuike was named the Big 12 Player of the Year[34] and NABC Defensive Player of the Year. 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?! With Mickael Pietrus likely on the way out . Azubuike averaged 10.5 points during his career. He bridges eras and generations with absolute clarity. 8 small forward and the No. Once they do that, then anything can happen.. "[31], Azubuike scored a career-high 29 points in a 9084 overtime win over Dayton on November 27, 2019. Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. 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. With Steph Curry out (but not for much longer), Klay Thompson has filled his shoes as the Dubs no. 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. Its even the sort of splashy move that would appeal to Lacobs Light Years brain. pic.twitter.com/17FXszxmEe, Just a few minutes later, Campazzo was arguing a foul call when Fitzgerald said on the broadcast, Campazzo likes to get scrappy and then look aggrieved all the time., Azubuike chimed in, adding, See, this is how you lose your credibility. I hope I can do this for many years to come.. 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. Now, why would Baron ever, in a million Earth years, actually do this? Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. "He's an energetic, athletic guy that's a very good 3-point shooter. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. [14], On 23 March 2012, Azubuike was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. [19], In the summer of 2015, Azubuike attended the Sportscaster U. program at Syracuse University sponsored by the NBPA, training for a career in broadcasting. Azubuike called himself a basketball junkie who loves talking about the game. 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's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. Andre Iguodala might be free next season if he hasnt achieved his final form as an NFT. He cannot believe they called that on him. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The surgery was performed in Indianapolis by foot and ankle specialist Dr. David Porter in consultation with Jazz team physician Dr. Travis Maak. Hopefully roles where they can avoid unforced errors like impersonating Facundo Campazzos accent, but that remains to be seen. Barnett fully expected to move into an ambassadors role with the team at the time. Im so pumped. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Azubuike moved to the United States as a child. [13] Azubuike never played in a game for the Knicks. 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. | March 25, 2022, 3:09 p.m. Udoka Azubuike underwent surgery on his injured right ankle and will miss the remainder of the regular season, the Utah Jazz announced Friday. [2] Azubuike was a four-year starter averaging 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game his senior year. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? As part of his comeback, he was assigned to the Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Currently, his net worth is 9 million dollars. Or again, my preferred route, ignore this half-problem entirely. The Jazz compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the leagues Western Conference, Northwest Division. For sure unprofessional., The Golden State Warriors broadcasters need to honestly be stopped. Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. Barnett was too humble. On March 25, 2022, Azubuike underwent right foot surgery and was ruled out for the rest of the 202122 season.[40]. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. 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. 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. Fifteen years ago. Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. 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. [2] His parents were doctors and had moved to London for work. No NBA player has made a full recovery from this injury, it is much closer to an Achilles tear vs an ACL tear in severity. Since 2015, Kelenna has been a part of the station's sports team. 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. 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). The Clippers' offer was matched by the Warriors on July 24, 2008, allowing Azubuike to remain a Warrior.[6]. Later, when Azubuike moved into broadcasting, one of his first calls was to Barnett. One game later, he was a starter. 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. Roll out an unpredictable delightful chaos, not the bumbling paint-by-numbers sort Fitzgerald and Azubuike are currently ladling out.