"The game was a hit out of the gate, captivating players with its digitized graphics (with the heads of real NBA players) and fantasy gameplay where players could become "on fire." At the heart of the NBA Jam gaming experience was the voice of its announcer, Tim Kitzrow. Turmell and the game's sound team had realized they needed a voice that could match the game's energy and cut through the din of an arcade, without the budget for a professional NBA commentator."
"an improv comedian and journeyman actor, who was initially hired by Midway for pinball voiceovers - it was just a fun side gig. He had no idea that his work on NBA Jam would make such a lasting impact on the industry. Kitzrow modeled his energetic, flamboyant delivery on NBA announcer Marv Albert, infusing it with his own ad-libbed, short, and punchy catchphrases like "REJECTED!" and the game's most famous line, "Boomshakalaka!"-which was suggested by an artist and inspired by funk group Sly and the Family Stone."
NBA Jam, created by Mark Turmell at Midway in 1993, launched during the Chicago Bulls' dynasty and captured basketball's energy with high-octane fantasy gameplay. The game featured digitized player heads and mechanics like players becoming "on fire." Tim Kitzrow provided an energetic, improv-influenced announcer voice initially intended for pinball voiceovers. Kitzrow modeled delivery on Marv Albert and ad-libbed punchy catchphrases such as "REJECTED!" and "Boomshakalaka!" The game's audio and presentation cut through arcade noise and contributed to NBA Jam's immediate popularity and lasting cultural impact.
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