Former Duke star Shane Battier joins ESPN as college basketball analyst

Shane Battier has always been one of the more well-spoken and intelligent of athletes, so it’s no surprise that with his basketball days over he is turning to a career in the media. On Wednesday, ESPN made the official announcement that former Duke star Battier will be joining their NCAA basketball broadcast roster as an analyst.

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VP Mark Gross of ESPN said in a statement:

"Shane’s championship caliber of play at every level of the game adds a distinctive element to our college basketball coverage. His passion for — and extensive knowledge of — the game enhances our deep roster of talented analysts."

Battier himself said:

"After a fulfilling run on the basketball court, I am absolutely thrilled to join the ‘Worldwide Leader in Sports’ in ESPN. I hope my experiences as a successful collegiate and professional basketball player will add meaningful insight into the dynamic arena of the sports world. I am looking forward to bringing a sense of candor, humor and perspective to all of ESPN’s listeners, readers and viewers."

Jay Bilas wasted no time welcoming Battier to the family in the best way he knows how, via tweet:

Battier spent 14 seasons in the NBA as a member of the Grizzlies, Rockets and Heat. He won two NBA titles as a member of the Heat and was a member of their disappointing 2013-2014 team that got their souls crushed by the San Antonio Spurs in the finals.

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