Austin Rivers Joins NBC Sports as College Basketball Analyst

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Austin Rivers, former NBA player, will make his debut as a college basketball game analyst for NBC Sports on Feb. 10, 2025, during the Indiana–Michigan State matchup at 9 p.m. ET, streaming exclusively on Peacock.

n

Rivers, who concluded an 11-year NBA career in 2023, is poised to bring his basketball acumen to NBC Sports, according to a source familiar with the network’s plans. He will join play-by-play announcer Paul Burmeister to provide analysis during the game.

n

The 31-year-old Rivers, the son of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, has previously served as a studio analyst for NBA coverage. However, he has yet to appear on NBC this season, and his current role is non-exclusive, allowing him to engage with other media opportunities.

n

Starting strong at Duke University, Rivers earned first-team All-ACC honors in his freshman year before declaring for the NBA Draft. He was selected tenth overall by the New Orleans Hornets and played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets, over the course of his career. His diverse experiences in the league have equipped him with valuable insights that he has shared through his podcast for The Ringer.

n

As NBC prepares for its NBA coverage next season, Rivers’s multifaceted skills might contribute significantly to the network’s basketball programming. His debut in college basketball could serve as a stepping stone for more involvement in professional basketball broadcasting in the future.

n

“I hope they got enough roses!” Rivers jokingly remarked, indicating his anticipation for the new role.

n

Amid growing interest in sports media and broadcasting, Rivers has shown his capacity for analysis. When asked about his transition from player to analyst, he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. With his knowledge of the game and his skill in crafting engaging narratives, Rivers is expected to resonate with audiences, whether they’re college basketball fans or NBA enthusiasts.