7 Shocking Facts About Bob Hansen: From Iowa Final Four Freshman To Michael Jordan’s Unsung NBA Champion

Robert "Bobby" Hansen II is a name synonymous with Iowa basketball, but his career trajectory is far more expansive and surprising than many fans realize. This former sharpshooting guard carved out a nine-year tenure in the highly competitive National Basketball Association (NBA) and earned one of the most coveted rings in sports history before transitioning into a decades-long career as the beloved voice of his alma mater.

As of late December 2025, Hansen continues his influential role as the color commentator for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team, a position that allows him to bring his unique professional insight and deep connection to the program to thousands of listeners every season. His journey—from a freshman on a legendary college team to an NBA champion alongside the greatest player of all time—is a fascinating tale of perseverance and clutch performance. Here are seven of the most surprising and essential facts about his life and career.

Robert "Bobby" Hansen II: Complete Player Profile & Biography

• Full Name: Robert Louis Hansen II
• Nickname: Bobby Hansen
• Date of Birth: January 18, 1961
• Place of Birth: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
• Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
• Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
• High School: Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines, Iowa)
• College: University of Iowa (1979–1983)
• NBA Draft: 1983 / Round 3 / Pick 54 (Selected by the Utah Jazz)
• NBA Career: 9 Seasons (1983–1992)
• NBA Teams: Utah Jazz (1983–1988), Sacramento Kings (1988–1991), Chicago Bulls (1991–1992)
• Championships: 1992 NBA Champion (Chicago Bulls)
• Current Role: Color Commentator for Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball (since 1993)

The Iowa Legend: From Final Four Freshman to College Standout

Hansen's collegiate career at the University of Iowa began with a bang, immediately cementing his place in Hawkeyes history. He arrived in Iowa City as a highly touted local prospect and quickly made an impact under legendary coach Lute Olson.

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1. He Was a Key Freshman on Iowa's Last Final Four Team (1980)

In a surprising and historic run, the 1979–80 Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team reached the NCAA Final Four, a feat the program has not replicated since. Bobby Hansen was a freshman on that squad, playing a crucial role alongside stars like Ronnie Lester and Kenny Arnold. This experience, coming so early in his career, set an incredibly high bar for his entire professional life and gave him a taste of elite-level competition.

2. He Was a Third-Round Steal in the 1983 NBA Draft

Despite his college success, Hansen was not a guaranteed first-round pick in the 1983 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Utah Jazz in the third round, 54th overall. For a player who would go on to have a nine-year NBA career and win a championship, being a third-round selection highlights his ability to outperform expectations and proves he was a significant "steal" for the Jazz franchise. His selection came in a draft class that also featured legends like Ralph Sampson, Clyde Drexler, and Doc Rivers.

The NBA Journey: From Utah Jazz Starter to Chicago Bulls Champion

After being drafted, Hansen spent the majority of his career as a reliable, tough-nosed guard known for his defensive intensity and ability to hit the open shot. He was the definition of a dependable role player, a trait that made him invaluable to contending teams.

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3. He Spent His Best Years as a Core Member of the Utah Jazz

Hansen played his first five seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he developed into a reliable part of the rotation. In the 1987–88 season, he played a career-high 81 games, averaging 7.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. His time in Utah overlapped with the beginnings of the legendary John Stockton and Karl Malone era, establishing him as a foundational piece of a future powerhouse franchise.

4. He Was Traded to the Chicago Bulls for a Championship Run

The most famous chapter of Hansen's NBA career came in the 1991–92 season. He was traded mid-season from the Sacramento Kings to the Chicago Bulls. This move placed him directly onto a team poised for greatness, led by Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson.

5. He Won the 1992 NBA Championship Alongside Michael Jordan

As a member of the 1991–92 Chicago Bulls, Hansen earned an NBA Championship ring. While he was a reserve player, his veteran presence and reliable performance off the bench were crucial to the team's depth and success during their second consecutive championship run. This championship remains the pinnacle of his professional playing career, a rare achievement for any athlete, let alone a former third-round pick.

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The Voice of the Hawkeyes: A Decades-Long Second Career

Hansen's playing days ended in 1992, but his connection to the game—and specifically to the University of Iowa—was far from over. His post-playing career is arguably as significant and enduring as his time on the court.

6. He Has Been the Iowa Hawkeyes Color Commentator Since 1993

Following his retirement from the NBA, Hansen immediately transitioned into the broadcast booth, becoming the color commentator for Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball radio broadcasts. This role, which he has held for over three decades, has made him the familiar and trusted voice of the program for generations of fans. His longevity in the role provides a unique continuity and historical perspective to the broadcast.

7. He Took Over the Role Due to the Passing of a Broadcasting Legend

Hansen's entry into the world of sports radio was prompted by a somber event: the passing of his friend and broadcasting legend, "Hot Rod" Hundley. Hundley, a former NBA player and long-time commentator, was a mentor and the reason Hansen decided to pursue a career in radio. This personal connection highlights the deep roots and respect Hansen has for the profession and the mentors who guided him.

Bob Hansen's Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

Bob Hansen's career offers a masterclass in maximizing potential. He was never the primary superstar, but his consistent effort, high basketball IQ, and clutch play earned him a spot on two of the most historically significant teams in basketball history: the 1980 Iowa Final Four team and the 1992 Chicago Bulls championship squad. Entities like the Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, Lute Olson, and Michael Jordan all feature prominently in his narrative, demonstrating his wide-ranging impact.

His current role as the Iowa Hawkeyes commentator ensures his voice—and his legacy—remains fresh and relevant to the current college basketball landscape. Fans tune in every game to hear his insightful commentary, solidifying his status not just as a former player, but as a central, authoritative figure in the modern history of Iowa basketball. He is a living bridge connecting the Hawkeyes' past glory to its present-day aspirations, bringing his championship pedigree to every broadcast.