In the week leading up to the World Legends Sports Conference in Las Vegas we have been featuring the NBA Legends who will be participating in our first NBRPA Broadcast Bootcamp.
Our last featured NBA Legend to round up this week’s ‘A Look at the Legends’ Series is Reggie Williams, whose NBA career began in 1987 with the Los Angeles Clippers. Reggie would go on to play ten seasons with the NBA as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and New Jersey Nets. After retiring from the NBA in 1997, Reggie went back to high school to coach boys’ basketball. In the next step in his long career with basketball, he’s looking towards becoming a sports broadcaster, sharing his love and knowledge of the game with sports fans around the world. Check out our exclusive interview with Reggie below!
What was your time in the NBA like? If you could describe it in one word, what would that be?
It was a dream come true – everything I expected and more! In one word: FANTASTIC!!!
What do you feel is your greatest NBA accomplishment?
Averaging 18 points in 1992 while playing for the Denver Nuggets.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had during your time in the NBA?
Being the Captain of the Denver Nuggets and defeating the number one seeded Seattle Supersonics in the first round of the 1994 NBA Playoffs. This was a history in the making because the 8th seeded team had never eliminated a number one seed.
Why do you want to get into the field of broadcasting?
All of my life I have been a sports fan, and an avid fan of basketball. I played basketball fro the age of 10 and I have loved every minute of it, even those forgettable moments. I want to share my experience and knowledge with others, while analyzing and dissecting the players and the game as it is played today.
Did you always anticipate a career in sports broadcasting following your retirement from the NBA, or was there something else you thought to do?
No, I wanted to get into coaching. I spent 10 years coaching high school basketball, as an Assistant Coach for the NBA Rookie Camps, and as an overseer for numerous basketball camps and clinics.
What do you think will make you unique in the field? Think Charles Barkley – or other analysts who have a signature style…
All of my life I have been known as a man of few words! However, when it comes to basketball, I am a beast! People tend to listen to what I have to say because I can make my point in a positive and passionate manner with a sense of charisma. I am a cross between Mike Breen and Stephen A. Smith… Smooth as silk!
If you could work with any broadcaster/reporter, who would it be?
James Brown.
If you had a chance to create your own show (or currently have one) would the title be and what would you focus on?
The title would be ‘SPORTS XTRA’ and I would focus on the everyday life of the player and his/her family. Most of the time, people are fans of the athlete; they only know them based on the sport and the team they play for. I know that athletes are made up of more than stats. I believe people would appreciate and embrace them more if they knew their lifestyle.
Our next Sports Broadcast Bootcamp for NBA Legends will be held in Atlanta this coming September. In the meantime, Sports Broadcast Intensives – featuring some of the best experts in the industry – are offered for every athlete at almost any point in their career. For more information, email our Sports SVP Bram Weinstein at bram@reelmediagroup.tv.