Shane Battier to join ESPN as college basketball analyst

Shane Battier, who said two months ago that he would be retiring after this NBA season barring an “act of God,” has agreed to a multi-year TV deal with ESPN to be a college basketball analyst next season.

It’s unclear yet if ESPN will use Battier, 35, as a game analyst, in the studio, or on the set of College Gameday, which is being revamped. The deal isn’t expected to be announced until after the Finals are complete.

Battier, who starred at Duke, is in his 13th season in the NBA. Thursday, his Miami Heat will attempt to win a third consecutive NBA Championship. Battier’s contract with the team is up in July..