# @unlincoln on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhAVgPDl2w
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/58553615-unlincoln-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/214627f216.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-05T20:11:51.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** University of Nebraska-Lincoln (@UNLincoln) — https://gondola.cc/UNLincoln

## Caption

There’s legendary — and then there’s kentpavelka.

From classics like "Got it!” “Dagger!” and “Bang-a-rang!” to the now iconic "Make room for daddy!” Kent’s exuberant radio calls have become anthemic to the scenes and sounds of huskermbb — especially across this historic season.

Regardless of the score lines or win totals, the legendary broadcaster’s game plan hasn’t changed over his 51-year career.

“I’ve just tried to do this season what I’ve always done: replicate the feel of what’s happening on the floor. Throughout my whole career, I’ve tried to do things the right way, with all my dedication, energy and soul. It's great to know that it's still resonating.”

Long before his voice echoed across the airwaves or was clipped and shared on the internet, Kent was a young, avid Husker fan tuning in to every radio broadcast he could. In his fandom, he saw a future.

“When I was in junior high growing up here in Lincoln, I fell in love with listening to Husker radio,” recalls Kent, who worked at KRNU and local stations while earning a broadcasting degree from Nebraska. “From age 13, I had my plan all worked out about what I wanted to do with my life — and I'm still doing it.”

For the fans, students, players and coaches, Kent’s voice is a fixture of the program. And while he puts in days of meticulous prep to nail every detail, even he’s been left speechless during the fervor of this season.

“With the Illinois game, I just got stuck,” he laughs, recalling the buzzer-beater win that reduced him to joyous screams and jokes about passing out. Other moments, like when Nebraska entered the top 10, required some planning.

“‘Make room for daddy!’ I might’ve given a little thought beforehand. I’m just glad I could use it.”

That his work is being shared and celebrated by basketball fans nationwide means a great deal to Kent — both as a broadcaster and a lifelong sports fan.

"I think the essence of sports is that it brings people together. That's what I always try to do: bring people in and help people feel like they're here.”
...
Kent Pavelka is a '71 broadcasting alum from Lincoln. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@unl.edu. #ImAHusker

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## Tags

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