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7 off his back . 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. [2] His parents were doctors and had moved to London for work. I averaged 11 ppg, 12 ppg, and 16 ppg of the bench for a loaded Clippers team. [8] He was also eligible to play for the Nigeria national team. 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. And though Mr. Boom Dizzle opted out in 2008 and tried to start a super-team with Elton Brand in Los Angeles (weird sentence! Green was signed out of free agency to a multi-year contract. In short, nobody loves this relatively new-ish duo. He was our smile because it happened franchise player. [23], Azubuike has three siblings: Nonzo, Nesochi and Adaeze. One game later, he was a starter. The second-year center suffered a right ankle sprain earlier this month while on assignment with the G League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars. Rounding up all the Warriors and NBA news from around the web. 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 actually connected me with NBC Sports Bay Area. 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-Warriors coach Don Nelson when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. Radio doesnt show age. He got up under Andre [Iguodala]., Fitzgerald asked, Well, whats the main sport in Argentina?, Azubuike answered, Soccer, thats what I was thinking. That remains to be seen. His presence will add a new dimension to our TV broadcasts, and we are thrilled with the addition.. [1] Azubuike finished his prep career with 3,530 points, 89 points short of the all-time state scoring mark. It ended badly, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. I really couldn't find much and was wondering if I'm missing something? Azubuikes yes-man persona is a jarring shift from the presence of Barnett, who did yeomans work smoothing down Fitzgeralds cloying edges. Rivers, a former Knick, fired back in an Instagram comment after the game. "He's an energetic, athletic guy that's a very good 3-point shooter. After the blockbuster trade that sent Dunleavy and Troy Murphy to Indiana, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington soaked up many of Azubuikes minutes, and he played sparingly in the teams playoff run. Just to be clear, were not trying to get anyone actually fired here, even in this hypothetical dream scenario. Ridiculous stuff. How close we are to bringing lights back. 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. "3 grand, that's it?" "Utah Jazz take Kansas center Udoka Azubuike at No. He loves the game, he loves the players, and he very clearly loved his old job. But Kelena's an analyst for the Warriors local broadcast station now, offers some pretty good insight. It is kind of whole new thing when compared with the studio. Others are cautiously optimistic that by 2029 or so, Fitzgerald and Azubuike will really start to gel and find their rhythm. Endure it, and think what could have been, had the Warriors not put the universally beloved Jim Barnett out to pasture. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. [32] On February 22, 2020, Azubuike scored 23 points and had a career-high 19 rebounds in a 6461 win over top-ranked Baylor. Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. And Im grateful to the Warriors, to (co-owners) Joe Lacob and Peter Guber for giving me this opportunity. [18] He was awarded All-Big 12 third team by the conference's coaches[19] and second team by the AP. In 2012, he caught the attention of recruiters with Basketball Without Borders and was offered a scholarship to . To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. Hes found a workaround from being phased out, still plies his wisdom and his trademark avuncular wit on the radio side of things. Fitzgeralds homerism isnt the genuine, charming if sort of silly homerism of a drunk but passionate fan. Let Barnett explain triple-threat positioning or what Bill Russells favorite sandwich was as Baron Davis waxes rhapsodical about Laura Dern or what it was like to shame the entire country of Russia when he posterized Andrei Kirilenko. Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? 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. 7 jersey to Carmelo Anthony. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. [14] He returned for the NCAA tournament until KU's loss to eventual champion Villanova in the Final Four. Im very happy and grateful to still be employed, Barnett told The Chronicle. While his NBA career was cut short by a devastating freak injury less than three . Barnett was too appreciated by the Warriors public to ever truly belong to Lacob. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Net Worth: Undisclosed. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. Images via Getty Images; Illustration by Charles Russo, Horoscope for Saturday, 3/04/23 by Christopher Renstrom, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Even Salesforces tower HQ isnt safe from office cuts, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, In search of vegan food, I found a world-class Mendocino inn, Escape to Long Beach, Washington before the summer crowds, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about small forward Kelenna Azubuike on ESPN. Of course, it must be said that Barnett would not approve of this column. After that, Fitzgerald and Azubuike laughed while they mocked the accent of the Argentinian Campazzo. 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. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team to come back after being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals and win Game 7 (2016). The surgery was performed in Indianapolis by foot and ankle specialist Dr. David Porter in consultation with Jazz team physician Dr. Travis Maak. The same will apply to their telecasts and radio broadcasts. Though Azubuikes style will differ a bit from that of Barnett a natural, given the generational gap one thing that wont change is honesty and objectivity. [1], In April 2005, Azubuike announced his plans to enter the draft after his junior year, signing with agent Joel Bell and ending his college eligibility. The Dubs have won five straight and Stephs return is on the horizon! Wikipedia. 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. Kelenna Azubuike looks like a completely different player than he did last summer. The Golden State Warriors signed him for four years worth $7 Million. As shambolic as the broadcasts have been these Barnett-less years, were now used to a somewhat unorthodox approach. Then You Haven't Met Kansas' Udoka Azubuike", Potters House hoops star Udoka Azubuike commits to Kansas, "Five-star UK target Azubuike a menace to rims", Josh Jackson and Udoka Azubuike impress at McDonald's All-American Game, Udoka Azubuike honored at first stop of the Jordan Brand Classic Senior Night Tour, Kansas commit Udoka Azubuike added to World Select Team at Nike Hoop Summit, Five-star basketball recruit Udoka Azubuike picks Kansas, Four-star center Udoka Azubuike commits to Kansas, KU freshman Udoka Azubuike out for the season with wrist injury, "Udoka Azubuike out for Big 12 Tournament, KU hopeful he can return for NCAAs", "Nigeria approves Udoka Azubuike's mother's visa to travel to USA", "A former KU center analyzes the game of Jayhawks big man Udoka Azubuike", "This decade, no player has done what KU's Udoka Azubuike just did", "Devont Graham, Bill Self take home coaches' All-Big 12 basketball awards", "Devont Graham, Bill Self win AP All-Big 12 awards", "Kansas' Udoka Azubuike entering draft without agent", "Udoka Azubuike withdraws from NBA Draft. 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. Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies. Strange references. 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. Hell miss the rest of the 2021/22 season. Curry and Draymond Green are the only members of the now-defunct Hamptons Five slated to start the season in the lineup. Or again, my preferred route, ignore this half-problem entirely. And also, at least at one point, a dangerous one. Azubuike was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents Kenneth and Chi Azubuike. Azubuike spent five years in the NBA (averaging 14.4 pts a game in 2008-2009) before he had to hang up his sneakers. Kelenna Azubuike talks life after basketball - On3.com 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 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. He cannot believe they called that on him. He looked to be a very promising young player. [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. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. Some FAQs Why did Kelenna Azubuike retire? Kelenna Azubuike's star-crossed NBA journey led him to become the He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. Absolute legend. Im not trying to be Jim Barnett hes one of a kind, and nobody can do that. Azubuike answered, "Soccer, that's what I was thinking. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. 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 will transition to radio, the team said as part of Fridays announcement. Is Warriors Announcer Kelenna Azubuike Married? Son & Wife Rona Azubuike Hes too noble for this kind of skullduggery. 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. Kelenna Azubuike is a professional basketball player currently working at NBC Sports Bay Area as the Golden State Warriors television analyst. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Azubuike was the youngest of 3, with two older brothers and two older sisters. Warriors TV announcers Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike targeted the Denver . [22], He joined NBC Sports Bay Area in 2015, covering Warriors games as a studio analyst for the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows. All I know how to do is be myself.. Azubuike, 35, will partner with play-by-play broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald on TV. 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. [24] On December 4, 2018, he severely sprained his right ankle against Wofford and missed the following four games. Lex 18 caught up with Kelenna this weekend to see how is handling life after . After Azubuike retired from professional basketball, he started his career as a TV analyst. Tim is a really good guy, and does a great job. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. And now Im going to work radio. [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. Weight 270 lbs. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Azubuike moved to the United States as a child. 4 Kansas beats Dayton 90-84 in overtime for Maui title", "Kansas snaps Baylor's Big 12-record win streak", "Men's Basketball All-Big 12 Awards Announced", "Udoka Azubuike named defensive player of the year by NABC", "NBC Sports College Basketball All-American Teams". Davis, despite his relatively short stint in the Bay Area, is very much beloved. Usher in the broadcaster empowerment era. Go full super-team. 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 Clippers' offer was matched by the Warriors on July 24, 2008, allowing Azubuike to remain a Warrior.[6]. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. [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. But most of us endure it. In the 200506 season, Azubuike averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in forty-one games with the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA's Developmental League. [36] Azubuike's career field goal percentage of 74.9% is an NCAA record.[37]. 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. He eagerly embraced the idea of working alongside play-by-play veteran Tim Roye on radio broadcasts. 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). 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. Its time to pay the broadcasting luxury tax and pair Barnett, irreplaceable living legend, with Baron Davis, the bearded dynamo who taught long-suffering Warriors fans to respect themselves once again, or perhaps, for the first time. At the end of the second quarter, broadcasters Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike specifically poked fun at the Nuggets players and seemed to suggest Rivers was overpaid while being coached by his father with the Clippers from 2015-18. [12], On 9 July 2010, Azubuike was traded to the New York Knicks along with Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and a future second-round pick in a sign and trade deal for David Lee. [30] According to KU coach Bill Self, Were all very excited about Udoka making the decision not to enter the [NBA] draft. His father, Fabian, was a police officer, and his mother, Florence, was a middle school teacher. The Eastern champions have won 38 championships while the Western champions have won 32 championships. 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. Azubuike will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. [26] An MRI revealed he tore a ligament in his right hand. For sure unprofessional., The Golden State Warriors broadcasters need to honestly be stopped. Im excited to bring my personality to it and talk to fans about why things are happening. Kelenna Azubuike signs with Dallas Mavericks - ESPN.com I hoped I might work in radio after leaving TV. [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. 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. What is udoka azubuike doing now? - Toccochicago.com Barnett elevates yapping about a basketball game into something dignified and illuminating, something affirming. 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. Kelenna Azubuike | Basketball Wiki | Fandom Ive had a great run of 34 years on TV, Barnett said. [2] Azubuike lost his father to an undiagnosed disease at the age of 10. The Jazz compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the leagues Western Conference, Northwest Division. newsletter, future vice president of basketball operations. Where is Udoka Azubuike now? - Atheists for human rights Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. Azubuike spent five years in the NBA (averaging 14.4 pts a game in 2008-2009) before he had to hang up his sneakers. B. Diddy in the bay once again. Late in the second quarter, while Rivers was at the free throw line, Fitzgerald and Azubuike began discussing the 29-year-old guard and his familial ties within the league. Warriors replace Jim Barnett with Kelenna Azubuike as TV color analyst, How much are the Warriors worth? Azubuike attended Victory Christian School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was recruited . Fifteen years ago today, Kelenna Azubuike made his Golden State Warriors debut in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Privacy Policy. Its more akin to Lacob-ism, and before that, Cohan-ism. Utah JazzUdoka Azubuike / Current team (#20 / Center)The Utah Jazz are an American professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City. Since 2015, Kelenna has been a part of the station's sports team. Beginning in 2019, he became the television analyst alongside Bob Fitzgerald, replacing Jim Barnett, who had been the color analyst for the last 34 seasons and is now the color analyst on KGMZ-FM's 95.7 The Game. DraftExpress - Kelenna Azubuike DraftExpress Profile: Stats Its even the sort of splashy move that would appeal to Lacobs Light Years brain. 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? If chaos is in the cards, trade up for the fun kind. The injury, plus a botched surgery that left his kneecap up against his quadriceps, ultimately ended his NBA career. Select a random fan. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. 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. Kroichick writes features on the Warriors during the NBA season, and various other topics - ranging from the 49ers/NFL and major-league baseball to college football and basketball - the rest of the year. Azubuike Emanuel Egwuekwe (born 16 July 1989) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Rivers United as a centre back. Kelenna Azubuike Net worth and Salary; Facts about his Married Carol FitzgeraldBob Fitzgerald / Spouse (m. 19902016). By Steve Berman. He was waived by the Knicks on 28 February 2011. Tuning into a Warriors game means subjecting yourself to two hype-men inelegantly bumbling into one another for 2.5 hours. It may never get built, California snowpack hits highest level this century for March, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). [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. This is cause for celebration. Simply put, hes a strange man. [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. 'Whatever seed we are, we're ready': Is there room for Cleveland among the East elite? We think Kelenna is one of the bright, young stars in the broadcasting business, Warriors President Rick Welts said in a statement. I think it will be a better season than a lot of people think, Azubuike said. [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. Barnett was too humble. The season cant get here soon enough.. Since the 199192 season, the team has played its home games at Vivint Arena. Yet a specter haunts Chase Center (and other assorted arenas) on the sidelines: Festooned to the team like an albatross is the bewildering broadcasting tandem of Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike. Aug 05, 2007, 03:48 pm. [1] Azubuike is a Christian. Barnett, 75, has on numerous occasions worked with Roye on radio, usually in postseason games on national TV. Dub Hub:Bob Myers gives an update on Andrew Wiggins absence. [20] Since then, he has been assigned to announce 11 of the 19 NBA D-League games produced by NBA TV in 2016. [5] The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Adrian Duran, MBA LinkedIn: New SECURE 2.0 529 rollover rule You know, he might just be the perfect guy to take on the team ambassador role, whatever that means. Austin Rivers blasts Warriors announcers for mocking him, accent of 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. Azubuike (ankle) has been ruled out for Fridays game against the Clippers, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. "We like him as a player," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle told reporters in San Antonio on Friday morning following the team's shootaround. (He's) the kind of athlete that we're trying to find for our team.". I hope I can do this for many years to come.. A lingering knee injury has forced former Cat Kelenna Azubuike into an early retirement from basketball. Theres no one more deserving.. or is he playing somewhere else? Azubuike has also worked as an analyst for the NBA on ESPN Radio since 2022. [2] In his first high school game he was matched up against fellow future Kansas Jayhawk Joel Embiid. Azubuike was the first call-up of the D-League season. Hes very capable and hes a class guy. Jazz center Udoka Azubuike underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair multiple ligaments in his right ankle and foot, the team announced. Azubuike (ankle) is out Friday against the Hornets. Barnett will transition to. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. His former partner, Fitzgerald, long a burr in the collective saddles of a vocal segment of Warriors fandom, is by contrast mostly a goofy propagandist. He had more dunks than any other college player going back to the 20092010 season. What can the Knicks do for an encore after the thrilling highs of 2021? And he threw down a lot of spectacular dunks. This is a carousel. Udoka Azubuike - Wikipedia 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. 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. Rivers and the Nuggets (17-16) host the Warriors on Thursday. 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. [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. He always comes equipped with the latest talking points from on high. Barnett will return for his 35th season providing opinion and insights, but his medium will change. Azubuike relocated with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1989 when his father was offered a fellowship at Saint Francis Hospital; his family became American citizens. Kelenna Azubuike (Basketball Player) - Overview, Biography Sports enterprise reporter Ron Kroichick has worked at The San Francisco Chronicle since 1995, when he came from The Sacramento Bee. Jim has been a fixture on our broadcast team for over three decades and has served as a comforting and trusted voice for our fans during several different eras of Warriors basketball, Welts said in the statement. 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).