Imagine being one of the most successful NBA coaches of all time, with nine championships under your belt, yet you can’t escape the relentless chatter about a college basketball team from Wichita State. That’s the reality for Steve Kerr, whose life with the Golden State Warriors is constantly interrupted by the passionate fandom of his colleague, Raymond Ridder. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Ridder, the Warriors’ senior vice president of communications, isn’t just any fan—he’s a walking encyclopedia of Wichita State basketball history, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
During a recent press conference in Memphis, Kerr jokingly reached his breaking point. ‘If I have to hear one more word about Gene Smithson, Aubrey Sherrod, or Cliff Levingston…’ he quipped, his tone more playful than annoyed. This wasn’t a complaint but a testament to Ridder’s unwavering dedication to the Shockers, a team that has somehow become a recurring theme within the Warriors’ high-profile organization. And this is the part most people miss: Ridder’s love for Wichita State isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a lifeline in the high-pressure world of the NBA.
Ridder’s connection to the Shockers runs deep, rooted in childhood memories of the 1975-76 team that narrowly missed a national title. Growing up split between Kansas and California, he attended games at Levitt Arena in the early 1980s, watching legends like Antoine Carr and Xavier McDaniel dominate the court. This fandom evolved into a stellar communications career, with Ridder becoming one of the NBA’s most respected PR executives. Under his leadership, the Warriors’ communications team has won the Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award a record eight times in 17 years.
But managing media for a franchise with stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is no small feat. Here’s the controversial part: Ridder’s obsession with Wichita State isn’t just a quirky hobby—it’s his escape. ‘The NBA season is long, and you’ve got to have fun,’ he explains. Whether it’s teasing Kerr with screenshots of Wichita State’s 2016 NCAA Tournament win over Kerr’s alma mater, Arizona, or updating the team on the Shockers’ latest victories, Ridder’s banter keeps the mood light.
One of his proudest moments? Convincing Stephen Curry to mention Wichita State’s historic 35-1 season during a postgame interview. ‘Only one team never loses, and that’s Wichita State,’ Curry joked, much to Ridder’s delight. Now, with the Shockers surging in the American Conference standings and attendance numbers climbing, Ridder has fresh material to fuel the fire.
But here’s the question: Is Ridder’s passion for Wichita State a distraction, or is it the secret sauce that keeps the Warriors’ culture vibrant? Some might argue it’s unprofessional to bring college basketball into the NBA spotlight, but others see it as a way to humanize a high-pressure environment. What do you think? Is Ridder’s fandom a welcome break from the grind, or does it cross the line? Let’s debate in the comments—and while you’re at it, tell us: who’s your underdog team that keeps you grounded?
