Raftery tempers catchphrases for Villanova game in Rome

Bill Raftery has spent decades building a broadcasting career around spontaneous and often risqué commentary. That style faces a unique test this Sunday in Rome, where he will analyze a college basketball game attended by Pope Leo XIV.

Raftery will serve as the Fox analyst for the matchup between Villanova and Notre Dame. The game is part of the Eternal City Tip-Off, an event created to honor the first American pope. Villanova is Leo's alma mater, and Notre Dame is also a Catholic institution.

The Fox analyst told the Associated Press that he plans to refrain from some of his famous phrases in deference to the pontiff. He specifically mentioned holding back his calls for "onions" and "lingerie on the deck." He said he might still attempt "a little kiss" for bank shots, though he acknowledged the risk.

"I've got to refrain from some probably in deference to the pope," Raftery said. "But something might pop out that might cost me a day in the confessional booth." He explained that his commentary has always been spontaneous, making total control difficult.

The event in Rome is a doubleheader featuring both men's and women's teams from Villanova and Notre Dame. Raftery will call only the men's game. The four teams and their fans will hold a private audience with the pope on Saturday.

Raftery is in his mid-80s, though he keeps his exact age private, claiming he was born in April 1941 but is 86. This is his first trip to Rome since his 1969 honeymoon. He is traveling with his wife, Joan, four children, and multiple grandchildren. More than 10 family members will be present.

The veteran commentator began his broadcasting career in the 1980s after coaching Seton Hall for 11 seasons. He and Dick Vitale were pioneers in using catchphrases in college basketball. Raftery has been the lead Final Four analyst for CBS since 2015. He recently left ESPN in 2013 when Big East media rights moved to Fox.

Raftery expressed hope that the late Villanova coach Rollie Massimino could have been there to meet the pope. Massimino led the Wildcats to the 1985 NCAA title. Raftery said Massimino would have advised the pope on church, business, and basketball matters. He also noted Massimino would have had advice on food.