For 46 years, Dan Roberts was the only public address announcer the Utah Jazz ever knew, with his catchphrase “how ‘bout this Jazz?” becoming his signature catchphrase for generations of Jazz fans.
Roberts retired from the Jazz at the end of last season, but on Wednesday the University of Utah announced that he will assume the public address announcer role for Runnin’ Utes men’s basketball this season.
Though it has been nearly five decades, it is actually a return to a previous role for Roberts, as he was the PA announcer for Utah basketball from 1975 until the Jazz arrived in the Beehive State in 1979 from New Orleans.
“I’m honored and excited to be back home with the Runnin’ Utes where it all started,” Roberts said in a news release announcing his hire.
In the spring just before he was to call his last Jazz game, Roberts said, “It’s been a habit and now it’s all at the end, so I’ll wrestle with that for a while,” as Deseret News Jazz beat writer Sarah Todd reported.
Roberts rejoins the Runnin’ Utes at a time when the program has turned to a former player, Alex Jensen, to try to turn things around for a team that finished 11th in the 16-team Big 12 Conference last season and hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2016.
“We are pleased to welcome Dan Roberts back as our public address announcer for Runnin’ Utes games,” said Utah deputy athletics director/chief revenue officer Patrick Nowlin in the news release.
“A household name among Utahns, Dan’s return to the Jon M. Huntsman Center will further elevate the gameday experience for our fans this season.”
The Runnin’ Utes will hold an exhibition game against Nevada at home on October 17 and officially open the 2025-26 season on November 3 at home versus San Jose State.
The Jazz announced last week that they have hired Marque Denmon to replace Roberts.