John Tesh’s ‘Roundball Rock’ Makes a Triumphant Return to NBC NBA Broadcasts

1. NBC declared during the Kentucky Derby broadcast on Saturday that the iconic “Roundball Rock” will be revived as the NBA on NBC theme song starting in the 2025-26 season when the network resumes NBA broadcasts.

This dynamic instrumental piece served as NBC’s theme music from 1990 until 2002.

John Tesh, the composer of “Roundball Rock,” appeared on this week’s SI Media With Jimmy Traina to discuss the enduring appeal of the tune, his renewed partnership with NBC, and the origins of the song back in 1989.

“It’s truly humbling,” remarked Tesh, “I have composed hundreds of songs, yet this one has really resonated with people.”

Tesh acknowledged that “Roundball Rock” gained even more popularity after NBC ceased broadcasting NBA games and the rights shifted to ABC/ESPN, leading to the theme song fading from basketball broadcasts.

“When I first submitted it in 1989, it was just another theme,” said Tesh. “Even during its run in the ‘Showtime Era,’ it was just another piece of music. It wasn’t until Saturday Night Live did their sketch in 2013 that it reentered the public consciousness, often evoking nostalgia for the ‘good old days.’ It’s since taken on a life of its own, and I’m just along for the ride.”

Interestingly, Tesh was on the verge of altering the original composition but decided against it after facing criticism from social media users.

“It was strange for me initially when I announced last August that we were heading to Nashville to record a new version. I was overwhelmed by responses from people demanding the original version, urging me not to change it,” he explained.

During the interview, Tesh also mentioned that his agreement to license “Roundball Rock” to NBC covers the entire 11-year duration of NBC’s renewed broadcasting contract with the NBA.

Besides discussing “Roundball Rock”, Tesh reminisced about his decade hosting Entertainment Tonight, starting his career as a local TV reporter for CBS in New York at age 22, and even dating Oprah Winfrey during the 1970s.

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2. I absolutely loathe it when individuals show disrespect towards service personnel. It irritates me when people are rude to service workers, and it disgusts me whenever someone fails to treat a service worker properly.

Despite all this, I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw a video from last night’s thrilling comeback victory of the New York Knicks over the Boston Celtics.

I was definitely in high spirits after the Knicks’ unexpected win because I also chuckled at a quip from Shaq.

Here’s how the final moments of the game were broadcasted on the Knicks’ local radio station.

3. Here are some remarkable statistics from this year’s intense NBA playoffs.

4. SiriusXM’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, known for his clean language on the air, unexpectedly used profanity during his Wednesday show due to his frustration over Sovereignty not participating in the Preakness. Although he stopped himself mid-swear, the slip was noticeable.

5. Yet another day brings another “You’ve never seen this before” moment in Major League Baseball.

6. AppleTV+ has unveiled the trailer for its new comedy series, Stick, which delves into the world of golf and boasts a strong ensemble cast.

7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: I’ve recently become enamored with a new Instagram account. Its simplicity is genius. A husband secretly records selfie videos in an attempt to become an influencer, capturing his wife’s candid reactions, which are consistently entertaining.

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Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.