Jim Nantz's Illustrious NCAA Tournament Career: A Legacy Forged in "Hello, Friends"
Jim Nantz, a name synonymous with sports broadcasting excellence, has etched an indelible mark on the world of college basketball, particularly through his extensive coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His journey, characterized by his signature greeting, "Hello, friends," is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the enduring relationships he has cultivated throughout his career.
From Houston Cougar to CBS Sports Icon
Born James William Nantz III on May 17, 1959, Nantz's path to broadcasting stardom began in Charlotte, North Carolina, but he spent his formative years in various locations, including New Orleans, Louisiana, and Colts Neck and Marlboro Township, New Jersey. At Marlboro High School, he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, serving as co-captain of both the basketball and golf teams.
His collegiate career at the University of Houston proved to be a pivotal stepping stone. Although he was the worst player on the golf team, Nantz found himself surrounded by a group of competitors and winners. He was a walk-on golfer in the late 1970s. Legendary Houston golf coach Dave Williams took an interest in Nantz's dream to one day work for CBS and connected the young communications major with those he knew in the area who could help Nantz, including Guy Lewis. The Houston men's basketball head coach at the time, Lewis needed a host for his TV show that was broadcast on the local NBC affiliate. Nantz, a walk-on golfer at Houston, got his start in broadcasting thanks to a connection made by legendary golf coach Dave Williams.
Nantz credits his time as a student-athlete at the University of Houston for launching his career. As he mentioned in an interview, his career traces back to college and a group of supporters who loved on him, believed in him and gave him opportunity. Nantz was the first to give Clyde "The Glide" Drexler his nickname. To see the program reach No. 1 again under Coach Kelvin Sampson for the first time in 40 years brought his heart a lot of good.
Two of those people were his roommates and teammates: Blaine McCallister and Fred Couples, both future PGA Tour players. While McCallister and Couples came to Houston with aspirations of playing professional golf, Nantz's sights were set on CBS. Nantz and Couples used to rehearse a dream while at Houston. In their dorm room, the two would act out a scenario where Couples won the Masters Tournament with Nantz on the call.
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The Launching Pad: CBS Sports in 1985
After brief stints at CBS affiliates in San Antonio and Salt Lake City, Nantz received his big break with CBS Sports in 1985. He started at CBS as studio host of the network’s college-football coverage in 1985. He moved to the booth to call play-by-play in 1989 before moving to the NFL scene in 1991. By ’93, he was on the No. 2 NFL crew before becoming host of The NFL Today.
It was fellow Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee Neal Pilson, then president of CBS Sports, who gave Nantz his shot at the tournament he loved, putting him up in the 16th Tower in Augusta to call the action in 1985.
A Voice Synonymous with March Madness
Nantz's association with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament began in 1989, and since 1991, he has been the lead play-by-play announcer for the Final Four. For many years, he partnered with analyst Billy Packer, forming a dynamic duo that captivated audiences with their insightful commentary and engaging banter.
Nantz opens each of his broadcasts by saying, "Hello, friends".
Nantz, the renowned play-by-play voice for CBS who also broadcasts NFL games and the Masters, called his last men's Final Four on Saturday and Monday in the city.
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While broadcasting the Final Four has blessed Nantz with countless memories, calling his last one in Houston adds a layer that's hard for him not to get emotional talking about.
Memorable Calls and Defining Moments
Throughout his tenure, Nantz has delivered numerous iconic calls that have become etched in the annals of college basketball history. Some of his most memorable pronouncements include:
- "Michigan vs. Arkansas is in Hog Heaven!" (1994 NCAA Basketball Championship Game)
- "Just when everybody says you can't, you can, and U-CONN has won the national championship in its first attempt in a final!" (1999 NCAA Basketball Championship Game, Connecticut vs. Duke)
- "Florida wins! Florida wins! Mike Miller with the winner at the buzzer!" (1999 NCAA Basketball Championship Game)
- "Kansas takes the title! Rock Chalk, Championship!"
His ability to capture the drama and excitement of the moment has made him a beloved figure among college basketball fans.
Nantz was court side last year when UMBC shocked the world as the first #16 seed to beat a #1 seed. "It's the unexpected turn of events. You just can't ever predict what's going to happen," said Nantz in an interview with CBS Local at CBS & Turner Sports NCAA Tournament Media Day.
And Virginia, with the all-time turnaround title! (Nantz calling the end of the 2019 National Championship game, with the redemption-seeking Virginia Cavaliers cutting the nets.
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The "Triple" and Other Broadcasting Feats
Nantz's career has been marked by several extraordinary accomplishments. In 2007, he achieved a broadcasting milestone known as "The Triple," becoming the first announcer to call the Super Bowl, the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, and the Masters Tournament within a 60-day span.
He joins Curt Gowdy, Kevin Harlan, and Dick Enberg as the only play-by-play announcers to ever call both a Super Bowl and an NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game. (Greg Gumbel called CBS's previous Super Bowls, Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XXXVIII.) Nantz is also one of two men to host a Super Bowl, announce an NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game, and host coverage of The Masters from Butler Cabin with Brent Musburger being the other. Musburger also accomplished all three feats with CBS.
Beyond the Court: Personal Connections and Philanthropy
Nantz's impact extends beyond the broadcast booth. He has cultivated deep friendships with many figures in the sports world, including legendary broadcasters Jim McKay and Jack Whitaker. He was asked to give the eulogy at his funeral.
His commitment to honoring his father, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, led him to launch the Nantz National Alzheimer Center in 2011 in partnership with Houston Methodist Hospital.
Nantz's Enduring Legacy
Jim Nantz's career is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the power of human connection. From his early days as a studio host to his rise as the voice of March Madness and the NFL, he has consistently delivered insightful commentary, memorable calls, and a genuine passion for the games he covers. His signature greeting, "Hello, friends," has become more than just a catchphrase; it embodies his warm personality and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
As he steps away from his role as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Nantz leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire generations of broadcasters and sports fans alike. His voice will forever be associated with the excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments that define March Madness.
Nantz will call tournament games this year with Grant Hill, Bill Raftery and Tracy Wolfson. "He was one of my favorite players I ever covered. He was just such a good guy. Back in those days, my regular season obligations were different. I had a lot of Duke regular season games and I was around Grant a lot and that team that won back to back championships. I was always struck by how impressive, engaging, kind and smart he was.
While Nantz works with a great crew today, he still misses his time with his former partner Billy Packer. "The games were a blast and he had such an amazing ability to see things I'm incapable of pointing out. I miss the evenings where we would go out to dinner. It was never about basketball. Billy is a genius. He invented things. He held rights to Notre Dame football internationally. He created cycling events around the world.
The Personal Side of Jim Nantz
Nantz's first book, Always By My Side - A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other, was released in May 2008. Nantz tells personal stories from football, basketball, and golf, and how he has met people along the way who remind him of the virtues his father instilled in him. The foreword in the book was written by his friend and frequent golf partner, former President George H. W. Bush.
Nantz's father, Jim Nantz Jr., died in 2008 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; he was treated at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. In January 2011, Nantz and Houston Methodist Hospital launched the Nantz National Alzheimer Center.
Nantz was married to Ann-Lorraine "Lorrie" Carlsen Nantz for 26 years before divorcing in 2009. The couple lived in Westport, Connecticut, and had one child, daughter Caroline. In November 2009, Nantz was ordered to pay his ex-wife $916,000 a year in child support and alimony.
On June 9, 2012, Nantz married Courtney Richards in a ceremony at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, specifically at the tee of the course's famed seventh hole. Nantz and his wife have a daughter born in 2014 and a son born in 2016.
Nantz and his family used to live in a home overlooking the Pebble Beach Links that he bought in October 2011. The home's most notable feature is a 50%-scale replica of the seventh hole at Pebble Beach, located in the backyard. The backyard hole is a popular spot for visiting golfers, sports luminaries, and other celebrities.
In 2009, Nantz partnered with wine producer Peter Deutsch to launch a private wine label The Calling with its first vintage released in 2012.
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