New York sports fans will always remember where they were during the magical spring of ’26—when underdogs became legends, a 53-year NBA championship drought came to a glorious end, and an entire city took to the streets to celebrate the New York Knicks.
That’s especially true for two Fordham students and WFUV reporters who covered the Knicks’ historic NBA Finals run right alongside New York and national media pros at Madison Square Garden.
“It was an unbelievable experience that I do not take for granted,” said Gabby Price, who covered the Knicks’ epic 29-point come-from-behind victory in Game 4 of the series. “When you read the reports that the building was shaking, that was quite literally true.”
Price shared the Knicks beat with fellow Fordham student and WFUV reporter Owen Kelty, who covered Game 3. A New Jersey native and lifelong Knicks fan, Kelty said the experience was the best imaginable cap to his senior year.
“It was probably the best couple months of my life,” he said.
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The ‘Perfect Storybook Ending’
The Knicks’ dramatic championship run included a 13-game playoff winning streak—second best in NBA history—and several odds-defying comeback victories, topped by OG Anunoby’s instantly iconic put-back with 1.2 seconds left in Game 4.
Calling the NBA Finals for ABC/ESPN was broadcast luminary and Fordham grad Mike Breen ’83, who got his start on air as a student at WFUV in the 1980s. He described the finals as “one of the great, great moments in New York sports history.”
For Kelty and Price, covering the Knicks meant becoming a part of a storied legacy at WFUV, which has helped launch not only Breen’s Hall of Fame career but also the careers of many of the nation’s best-known sportscasters.
Kelty and Price spent the spring attending home games at Madison Square Garden, regularly covering pregame and postgame press conferences, and even spending time on the court
“You’re seeing a historic run by a team that we’ve been watching our whole lives; it’s just so special,” Price said. “And for it to happen our senior year is kind of the perfect storybook ending.”
Making Memories and Launching Careers
Beyond indelible memories, Kelty and Price—who double majored in journalism and digital technology and emerging media—gained invaluable work experience they couldn’t get anywhere else.
“You’re in an environment as a college student with all professionals,” Kelty said. You’re getting to meet these people, talk to them, know how the equipment works. That gives you the upper hand trying to get a job.”
Owen Kelty covers a Knicks home game for WFUV. Photo provided by Kelty
Price, who recently began freelancing for local sports network SNY, said she learned the most from rubbing elbows with veteran journalists.
“I’m able to see how they’re asking questions for the article they’re going to write, and seeing what they see as important,” Price said.
She also knows she won’t be fazed when the next high-profile assignment comes along.
“It’s the loudest place I’ve ever been in and probably will ever be in,” Price said about MSG during Game 4.
“I just can’t believe I was there.”