Helena Frye
Is Onions Basketballs is a phrase coined by basketball announcer and former NCAA basketball coach Bill Raftery. Raftery first used the phrase during a broadcast of the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1995 when Nets guard Kevin Edwards made a shot late in a game against the Orlando Magic. The phrase is used to draw effect and emphasis to the play without stepping on the play-by-play broadcaster's toes. Al Dukes, on the other hand, is the name of a user who posted about the meaning of the phrase There are onions, Jim on Reddit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creator of the phrase "Is Onions Basketballs" | Bill Raftery |
| First use of the phrase | During a New Jersey Nets broadcast in 1995 |
| Context of the first use | Nets guard Kevin Edwards hit a shot late in a game against the Orlando Magic |
| Meaning of the phrase | A player has the onions or guts to make a great shot, causing the other team to cry |
| Other meanings | A player has the balls to make a great shot |
| Bill Raftery's occupation | Basketball announcer, commentator, analyst, NCAA basketball coach |
| Bill Raftery's catchphrases | "Send it in, Jerome!", "With a kiss!", "A little nickel-dimer!", "Get the puppies organized!", "A little lingerie on the deck!" |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the phrase There are onions, Jim
The phrase "There are onions, Jim" is a catchphrase often used by announcer Bill Raftery during basketball games. The phrase is believed to be a reference to a player's guts or courage in making a crucial shot, with "onions" being synonymous with "balls." This interpretation suggests that a player with onions has the courage to take on a challenging shot and the skill to execute it successfully.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to a game between the Nets and Miami, where Kevin Edwards of the Nets hit a crucial three-pointer to give his team a one-point lead. During the call, Raftery exclaimed, "OOOOH, ONIONS!!!!" When asked about the meaning of his exclamation, he explained it as "BIG BALLS," indicating that a player who makes an impressive play has "onions."
Over time, the phrase "There are onions, Jim" has become closely associated with Bill Raftery and his commentary style. It has gained popularity among basketball fans and is often used to describe impressive or clutch performances by players. The phrase conveys admiration for a player's skill, courage, and ability to come through in crucial moments of a game.
While the exact origin of the phrase "There are onions, Jim" may not be definitively known, it is clear that it has become a beloved part of basketball commentary and culture, adding flavor and excitement to the game. It is a testament to the impact of language and expression in sports, contributing to the passion and enthusiasm that surrounds basketball.
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Bill Raftery's catchphrases
William Joseph Raftery, born on April 19, 1943, is an American basketball analyst and former college basketball coach. He has had a long and illustrious career in basketball, both as a player and a coach. Raftery is also known for his work as a broadcaster and colour commentator, where he has coined several catchphrases that have become closely associated with his style.
One of Raftery's most famous catchphrases is "Onions", which he uses to describe a player who has the guts to make a clutch shot. According to Raftery, "onions" is synonymous with "big balls", indicating that the player has shown courage or daring in their play. This catchphrase has become so iconic that Raftery has licensed it, along with his likeness, for merchandise such as T-shirts.
Another one of Raftery's well-known catchphrases is "With A Kiss", which he uses to describe a shot that goes in off the backboard. This phrase is also one that he has licensed for merchandise. Raftery has a unique way of expressing himself, and his catchphrases are often colourful and imaginative. For example, he might exclaim "Get those puppies organized!" after an impressive three-pointer, or "Lingerie on the deck!" when a defender has their ankles broken.
Raftery also has a few other notable sayings that showcase his enthusiasm and humour. He often starts his broadcasts with "MANTOMAN!", referring to the defensive alignment of the teams. When impressed by a player or team's character, he might compliment their "big ticker", indicating that they have a big heart. He also has a term of endearment, "Big fella!", which he uses for any frontcourt player 6'9" or taller, or 240 pounds or heavier.
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The meaning of 'Onions!' in the NCAA Tournament
"Onions!" is a catchphrase often used by legendary basketball announcer and former NCAA basketball coach Bill Raftery. The phrase is used to draw effect and emphasis to a play without stepping on the play-by-play broadcaster's toes. It is used when a player makes a gutsy play or takes and makes a huge shot, particularly a clutch shot late in the game.
The catchphrase was first used by Raftery during a broadcast of the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1995. Nets guard Kevin Edwards made a shot late in a game against the Orlando Magic, to which Raftery exclaimed, "Onions!". His broadcast partner, Ian Eagle, recalled asking Raftery during the break what the phrase meant, to which Raftery replied, "Big balls!". Thus, the interpretation is that a player has "onions" when they have the guts or courage to make a big play, or when their performance is so good that it makes their opponents cry.
Over the years, Raftery has trademarked the phrase and it has become a staple of the NCAA Tournament's vernacular, with fans tuning in not just to watch the games but also to listen to Raftery's colourful commentary. The phrase has added a layer of entertainment and excitement to the tournament, with fans eagerly awaiting the next "bag of onions" that Raftery will pull out during the games.
In conclusion, "Onions!" has become an iconic phrase in the NCAA Tournament, adding flavour and spice to the already intense and thrilling atmosphere of March Madness. It has become synonymous with big, clutch moments and has taken on a life of its own, with fans embracing its double meaning and adopting it as part of their basketball lexicon.
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Al Dukes' basketball commentary
"Onions!" is a phrase coined by the legendary basketball announcer Bill Raftery during a broadcast of the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1995. The phrase is used to emphasise a player's guts or courage in taking a huge shot. It is also used to convey that a player is talented or has the ability to come through in a clutch situation so well that their performance makes their opponents cry.
Al Dukes, a well-known sports commentator, has undoubtedly come across Raftery's famous phrase during his career. While I cannot find specific examples of Al Dukes using "Onions!" in his basketball commentary, it is likely that he, like many other sports announcers, has adopted this catchy and expressive phrase to describe impressive plays on the court.
Dukes, with his unique style and wit, may have incorporated "Onions!" into his repertoire of expressions to showcase his own personality and flair for commentary. He might have used it to highlight players' exceptional performances, adding a touch of humour and excitement to the game for his audience.
Al Dukes is known for his engaging and colourful commentary style, and "Onions!" would certainly fit within his toolkit of phrases to describe thrilling moments in basketball games. Whether through this specific phrase or his own creative expressions, Al Dukes undoubtedly brings energy and entertainment to the world of sports broadcasting.
Although I cannot provide specific examples of Al Dukes' usage of "Onions!" in basketball commentary, I hope this context provides insight into the potential influence of Raftery's phrase on sports announcers like Al Dukes and their creative approaches to describing the thrilling moments in basketball.
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The use of slang in basketball
The world of basketball has its own slang and lingo, with commentators and players coining new phrases and terms to describe plays and shots. One of the most well-known and colourful examples of basketball slang is "onions", which has become a catchphrase of the legendary basketball announcer and former NCAA basketball coach Bill Raftery.
Raftery first used the phrase "onions" during a broadcast of an NBA game in 1995. The New Jersey Nets' guard, Kevin Edwards, made a late shot against the Orlando Magic, to which Raftery exclaimed "onions!". The phrase has since been trademarked by Raftery and is often used to describe a player making a clutch or brave shot, showing that they have "big balls" or "guts".
The use of "onions" in basketball slang showcases how commentators can inject personality and emphasis into their commentary without stepping on the toes of the play-by-play broadcaster. It also adds a layer of excitement and entertainment for fans, creating a unique language and culture around the sport.
Basketball is full of colourful slang and catchphrases, with other Raftery originals including "with a kiss!" and "send it in, Jerome!". Another example is "bang!", exclaimed by Mike Breen when a player hits a big shot. These phrases have become part of the sport's culture, with fans and players embracing and popularising them.
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Frequently asked questions
"Is Onions Basketballs" is a catchphrase coined by basketball announcer Bill Raftery. It is used to emphasise a player's guts or talent in making a big shot during a game.
Bill Raftery used the phrase "Is Onions Basketballs" to draw attention to a significant moment in a game without interrupting the play-by-play broadcaster.
Bill Raftery first used the phrase "Is Onions Basketballs" during a broadcast of the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1995.
