Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Jedidiah Jones as the new public address announcer. Jedidah Jones, a North High School alum and student-athlete, dreamed of being a professional basketball player. As one of Jones’s basketball coaches at North High School commented, his deep voice always made people do a double-take whenever he spoke. “The question was always, is that his natural voice? It reminded you of Barry White. It is intense and smooth,” he said.
Jedidiah was a radio host for Jazz88 and KBEM-FM through the North High radio program. He received the 2016 Broadcaster of the Year award and earned scholarships. Jones’s voice has paved the way for him to get into professional basketball. It did not come as he wanted, but his voice made his dream come true with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Recently, rolling out had the opportunity to speak with Jones.
What was the audition process to be the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The process was quick yet strenuous. In 2-3 weeks, I went from sending them a video online to being inside the arena. I beat out 200-300 people for this position.
What was your previous experience?
The funny thing is that this was my first experience as a PA Announcer. They knew that and saw that I had the potential to do great things with my natural talent and voice.
How have your previous experiences prepared you for the role of public address announcer?
Though I have yet to experience being an announcer, I was heavily involved in acting before this. At one point, I was signed to a talent agency and management team nationally in California. So, acting is a part of the job as an announcer.
Do you have someone who is mentoring you in this new role?
Shawn Parker is my mentor! He was the previous PA announcer before me, and during this process, he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I owe everything to him because he is the person I often take after when I announce games.
What has been the process of developing your style?
The process has been slow and steady. I’m trying to say certain things over the mic and see what sticks. Shawn Parker, Kyle Speller, and John Mason have influenced my style.
What does a game day look like for you?
Typically, I arrive at least two hours before tip-off for a game day. I review my reads, get pronunciations down, and then I’m ready.
How do you handle the pressure of live broadcasting, knowing every word you say is being heard by thousands of people?
At first, it wasn’t easy. Knowing that people out there will nitpick about anything drove me insane. Sometimes, I’d search on Twitter to see what people were saying, but now, it’s nothing. There is nothing to it but to do it!
How do you make your commentary informative and entertaining?
I use my voice in as many ways as possible. I use my regular voice when doing regular reads and articulate my words as thoroughly as possible. Spiritually, I turn into a wolf when it’s game time, which is why my style is so aggressive and booming. I go through a transformation before starting lineups and into game-time announcements.
