The popular lead play-by-play announcer in NCAA tournaments, Jim Nantz, announced his retirement after 33 years of service in the event for CBS Sports Network after becoming the most enthralling basketball commentator.
Jim started his career for CBS as a studio host in NCAA football in 1985 and later established his proficiency in golf, tennis, and even in olympic games. However, he became a phenomenon for his play-by-play commentary in NCAA basketball starting in 1990.
Finally, last night, he bid his farewell in an iconic way after the Connecticut Huskies clinched this year’s championship over the San Diego State Aztecs.
What did Jim Nantz say in his retirement announcement?
The 63-year-old legendary commentator has seen some of his close friends depart in the last several months, and one of them is Billy Packer, his longtime colleague in March Madness. and it may be for this reason that his farewell became way more emotional than he expected.
“Just remember: everybody has a dream. Everybody has a story. Just try to find that story. Be kind,” Jim said as the Huskies celebrated their national championship at NRG Stadium.
“The other thing, I mean by this is not to try to play off, ‘Hello, Friends.’ To you, everyone in the college game, our CBS family, my family, all the viewers—thank you for being my friend,” the two-time sports Emmy award winner became emotional.
"Thank you for being my friend"
Jim Nantz with some amazing words as he wraps up his final National Title Game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NtxPkxzcAp
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 4, 2023
The broadcaster will continue his commentary on the NFL, PGA Tour, and Masters for CBS, but the NCAA Tournament will miss this voice for the time being. His retirement from March Madness was particularly difficult for basketball fans.
In his illustrious career, Natz has won the NSMA National Sportscaster of the Year award five times, the Curt Gowdy Award, the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, the GCSAA Old Tom Morris Award, and eventually became an NSMA Hall of Famer in 2021.
It will be hard to imagine college basketball without Jim Nantz and his iconic commentary. The fans will miss him, and we at SportsZion would like to express our gratitude for all those iconic moments he created with his words. Thank you.
