Chris Piper to become Men's Basketball Analyst on Jayhawk Radio Network
July 29, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Chris Piper will take the seat next to play-by-play announcer Bob Davis next winter as analyst on radio broadcasts of University of Kansas men’s basketball games, officials from Kansas Athletics and ESPN Plus have announced.
The move follows Max Falkenstien’s retirement as color commentator after 60 years of broadcasting Jayhawk games.
“As I’ve said before, no one can ‘replace’ Max,” said KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins, “but Chris Piper is a broadcast professional who knows our program, and who will contribute color and insight into our men’s basketball broadcasts.”
A four-year letter winner at Kansas, Piper played on the Jayhawks’ 1988 National Championship and 1986 Final Four teams. He has served as an analyst for Jayhawk Television Network broadcasts for 14 years and for ESPN-Plus Big 12 telecasts for six years. Piper is an owner of Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware in Lawrence, which produces licensed collegiate merchandise.
“I have had the great fortune of being associated with KU Basketball on the Jayhawk TV Network for a long time,” Piper said, “and I’m looking forward to extending that association through the Jayhawk Radio Network. I will miss working with our fantastic crew on the television games, but I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Bob Davis and be with KU every step of the way. Max Falkenstien has been a friend of mine since the day I stepped on campus for KU and I am honored to follow in his footsteps.”
Piper will work with play-by-play announcer Bob Davis, who, along with producer-engineer Bob Newton, heads into his 23rd season of KU football and men’s basketball games. David Lawrence will continue to host the pre-game “Crimson and Blue Line” and post-game “Jayhawk Locker Room” shows for men’s basketball radio broadcasts.
“We’ve all enjoyed the legacy that ‘Bob & Max’ have brought to the Jayhawk Radio Network,” said Angela Haar, ESPN Plus General Manager at KU. “Chris Piper’s analysis and extensive experience, paired with Bob Davis’ play-by-play, will provide an entertaining and informative broadcast that fans will continue to enjoy.”
KU and ESPN Plus had previously announced that Lawrence will become the football radio analyst, and broadcaster Nate Bukaty will take over football “Crimson and Blue Line” and sideline reporter duties this fall.
The Jayhawk Radio Network is operated by ESPN Plus through rights granted by Kansas Athletics.
