Jim Nantz sends heartfelt message ahead of last Final Four appearance
This year, for the final time, we will have Jim Nantz and his dulcet tones welcoming a nation of basketball viewers to the Final Four with his quintessential “Hello, friends.” After more than two decades doing the NCAA Tournament for CBS Sports, Nantz is passing the baton after the 2023 Final Four in Houston.
On Friday, the eve of the national semifinals, he reminisced about his time on the call and the memories he made. Mostly, he wants this weekend to be a celebration in a city that means a great deal to him. Nantz is a University of Houston alumni.
“It’s tough to say goodbye. I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a huge part of my life. To have this farewell in Houston, this is a very important city to me. This is my gateway city. I’m excited. I’m here to celebrate with all my friends, the times that we’ve had covering one of the great championships of American sport,” Nantz said.
He was asked his thoughts about the quartet of teams on hand this year, and spoke almost poetically about Florida Atlantic, San Diego State, Miami and UConn.
“This event is really made for dreamers. People that are given a chance to compete. The little guy. And what we have is we have a bunch of dreamers who made their way to Houston,” Nantz said. “Florida Atlantic, San Diego State, think about it. Miami, never been here before. That’s what gives life to this tournament. It can’t always be the same teams. And this is a great example, all four cases though. UConn has the history of course. They’re all four coming here bonded as much as I’ve seen any teams in my career. There’s a closeness that got ’em here.”
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The national championship game on Monday will be Nantz’s 354th NCAA Tournament game. His March Madness broadcasting career calling games will span 37 NCAA tournaments, 96 Final Four games, 32 title games and 354 NCAA tournament games. And incredible run for an iconic voice.
Nantz isn’t retiring from broadcasting, either. He’s merely stepping aside from being the lead play-by-play broadcaster for the NCAA Tournament for CBS. In his stead, Ian Eagle will step in and call the Final Four alongside the same two partners Nantz has worked with for years: Bill Raftery and Grant Hill.
But for at least one last Final Four, Nantz is going to be on the call and soaking it all in. Don’t forget to appreciate his part in helping weave the tapestry of March Madness for so long.