No, James "JB" Brown, the acclaimed sports broadcaster, did not play in the NBA.
James "JB" Brown's Basketball Aspirations
While James "JB" Brown is a well-known figure in sports broadcasting, his journey to the television screen was indeed unconventional, marked by a collegiate basketball career and a pursuit of professional play that ultimately fell short of the NBA.
- Collegiate Career: Brown played collegiate basketball at Harvard University.
- NBA Tryout: After his college career, he sought an opportunity to play in the NBA. He participated in an open tryout for the Atlanta Hawks but was unsuccessful in making the team.
- Transition Period: Following this, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he transitioned outside of sports, working for companies such as Xerox and Kodak before eventually beginning his illustrious career in sports television.
This experience highlights that although he had a significant basketball background and aspired to play professionally, James "JB" Brown did not ultimately compete as an NBA player.
For more details on his career, you can refer to his biography on the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame website: James “JB” Brown On-Air Talent Year Inducted
