Former SportsCenter anchor Craig Kilborn lends his voice to a little-known basketball visionary
The comedian, actor and former late-night TV host explains why he was compelled to portray Martin Manley, the eccentric basketball savant at the center of the ESPN 30 for 30 Podcast "Chasing Basketball Heaven"
What happens when a basketball-obsessed genius vanishes without a trace — leaving behind only a website, a mysterious legacy and a blueprint for how the modern game would be played?
That’s the question at the heart of “Chasing Basketball Heaven,” ESPN’s newest 30 for 30 Podcast. The six-episode series (click to listen here) explores the fascinating life and mind of Martin Manley, a Kansas savant whose pioneering work in basketball analytics predicted the game’s modern evolution.
His 1990s book “Basketball Heaven” laid out bold theories on the value of the 3-point shot and statistical efficiency long before today’s NBA embraced them.
But the podcast goes beyond numbers. It’s part sports story, part mystery and part psychological portrait. Journalists Nick Altschuller and Rich Levine trek across Kansas to investigate Manley’s ideas, obsessions and disappearance.
Lending voice to Manley’s writings is actor and former SportsCenter anchor Craig Kilborn (1993-96), who shares exclusive insights into the podcast.
You bring such a distinctive voice and tone to Martin Manley. What drew you to the role, and what was it like stepping into his mind?
Well, I’ve never had more fun than I’m currently having on my Instagram @mrcraigkilborn where I wax poetic about my life of chilled martinis, ascots and French restaurants. One day, I got a DM [Direct Message] from Rich Levine – who, along with Nick Altschuller — is the brains behind “Chasing Basketball Heaven.” Rich told me about the project and said he was a fan of my work. I always love giving back to young people but also, as Rich described the project, I knew it was a unique story. I thought it would be satisfying to play Martin, this quirky, opinionated character.
This podcast isn’t just about basketball it’s about legacy. What do you think “Chasing Basketball Heaven” says about how we measure impact in sports and beyond?
Analytics. Martin was ahead of his time. Not just his understanding of the 3-ppoint shot but also his Production Rating. Some have called Martin a genius.
Manley touted the importance of the 3-point shot. Who are your three favorite 3-point shooters and why?
[Golden State Warriors guard] Steph Curry – pure, quick release, almost shoots a set shot. [Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard] Mark Price – perfect form. [Basketball Hall Of Famer] Larry Bird – “You’re all playing for second place.” [Bird] dominated the 3-point contest.
The story plays out like a true-crime mystery, but with a basketball brain at the center. How does that genre twist make this podcast stand out in the 30 for 30 series?
It goes beyond sports. Martin was an eccentric character who only listened to James Taylor, only drank Pepsi … but, like a lot of us, was an NBA fanatic.
The podcast touches on legacy. When you look back at your SportsCenter run, what do you hope it contributed to how we remember that era of basketball?
I was the NBA guy when I was at ESPN. Because the games were over and I was doing highlights, I tried to make it entertaining through clever writing, humor and my general passion for the NBA. There’s a famous line, “You may get married to a woman, but basketball will always be your first love.”
