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Joel Embiid gives a bizarre intro on NBC

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 10:34 PM ET

Joel Embiid is delivering his version of “Ball So Hard University.”

Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers played on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn. The game was nationally televised on NBC as this is the first season of the network having officially won back the rights to NBA games.

Similar to NBC’s broadcasts of the NFL and “Sunday Night Football,” an introductory graphic aired in which the starters for both the 76ers and the Grizzlies gave their names as well as their alma maters. When it got to Embiid though, he delivered a rather unusual intro.

“Joel Embiid, Big Guard University,” said Embiid. Here is the video.

Joel Embiid NBC introduction

“Big Guard University”pic.twitter.com/TaJ7eqG3KA
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 31, 2025

The former NBA MVP Embiid actually went to Kansas, playing for them for one season from 2013-14. But that intro was very much in line with Embiid’s personality as he is known for his sense of showmanship (even busting out some vulgar celebrations earlier this season).

“Big Guard University” is a decent enough start for Embiid. But he still has a long way to go to catch some of the more creative NFL intros on NBC that we have seen over the years (including from one player who once said that he went to Hogwarts).

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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