Southeastern Conference hoops fans might have noticed a few familiar faces on SEC Network this winter as former SEC basketball stars Amanda Butler (Florida), Andraya Carter (Tennessee) and Mo Williams (Alabama) joined the network’s talent lineup as commentators for the 2017-18 season. Learn more about each in this gallery.
Jonathan Cervantes contributed to this post.
Analyst: Amanda Butler
SEC Ties: Florida player (1990-94), Florida head coach (2007-17)
Next SEC Network appearance: Jan. 18, SEC Now, 11 p.m. ET, with Dari Nowkhah and Mo Williams
Butler on joining SEC Network: “I’m excited to join an amazing group of people who I respect tremendously. It’s an honor and privilege to play a role in promoting the game on such an incredible platform as the SEC Network. SEC Women’s Basketball never disappoints. As a competitor, fan, coach or analyst, this is the league that you want to be in to experience basketball at its best. I can’t wait to really get started and see where the games take us.”
ESPN Coordinating Producer Pat Lowry on Butler: “I’ve always kept my eye on her since we are both from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. As someone who played and coached for the University of Florida, we would frequently cover and interview her. I would always walk away very impressed with her ability to break down and provide good analysis. With her SEC roots and knowing the league so well from coaching in it, I think she is going to bring us some unique insight.”
Analyst: Andraya Carter
SEC Ties: Tennessee player (2012-16)
Next SEC Network appearance: Jan. 21, WBB Auburn at Georgia, 3 p.m., with Brenda VanLengen calling play by play
Carter on joining SEC Network: “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with the SEC Network and ESPN because I didn’t have to completely walk away from the world of sports. I still have the opportunity to do so many things that I loved about being an athlete. The best part about the job, however, is being able to build relationships with awesome players and coaching staffs. There is so much involved in being able to put on a quality broadcast; the best in the business are the best at it because they know the programs so well. I’m also incredibly thankful that I have such great mentors to learn from. I can’t help but get excited when I look ahead and see the endless possibilities that come from working in this field.”
ESPN Coordinating Producer Pat Lowry on Carter: “I received calls from many people saying I needed to watch and listen to her; I was very impressed. I watched last year’s SEC Tournament Championship game with her in the TV truck. I asked her to give me her insight on what was going on during the game and the stuff she was telling me. . . I walked away so impressed by her ability to analyze and break down what was going on. The key to being a good analyst is being able to explain something, but do so in a concise manner because of the fast pace of the game. After that, I was ready to give her a shot.”
Analyst: Mo Williams
SEC Ties: Alabama player (2001-03)
Next SEC Network appearance: Jan. 13, MBB Auburn at Miss. State, 3:30 p.m., with Richard Cross calling play by play
Williams on joining SEC Network: “I’m excited about this new phase of my career. I couldn’t ask to start at a better place, where I started, the SEC.”
ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Tom McCollum on Williams: “Mo’s incredible experience in the SEC and the NBA will serve him well. He brings great energy and expertise to our team, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
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