Jim Nantz has been calling the Final Four on CBS for nearly 40 years. UConn’s win over San Diego State was the last one for him in his college basketball broadcasting career.
When it comes to iconic broadcast figures in sports, Jim Nantz is one of them. He’s been a fixture of the NCAA Tournament Final Four games, calling each one of them since 1991. That’s 32 straight years we’ve heard his voice for the most important games of the college basketball season.
Jim Nantz is bringing out every nugget he can think of in his final NCAA Tournament broadcast. Love it.
— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) April 4, 2023
But this was the final one, as Mr. Nantz won’t be calling any more Final Four games. You can still catch him on the Masters for Golf and other CBS-related assignments though. Still, as UConn defeated the San Diego State Aztecs on Monday night, it was the true end of an era on television.
Plenty online wanted to send their appreciation for the man.
When basketball announcers are good, they’re the best in sports. Jim Nantz and Bill Raftery are some of the best to do it.
— Doctor Twerp (@LilMikeyMcD) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz has been the voice behind countless memories of the men’s NCAA Tournament.
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 3, 2023
As he takes off the headset for March Madness, several key figures of the game pay their respects. pic.twitter.com/3FICYgfpDx
For the final call of his last Final Four, I’m hoping Jim Nantz goes out with: “and the Huskies kick some Aztec!”
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz, our friend. Thank you for your professionalism and for making the NCAA Tournament the best sporting event of the year.
— Myck Miller (@MyckMiller) April 4, 2023
I was there when Jim Nantz began his work at CBS and did his first NCAA Tournament. He has had a brilliant run.
— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz saying goodbye to the tournament has me hurting pic.twitter.com/AQQJHqu9KT
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) April 4, 2023
Nantz has enjoyed plenty of moments in the Final Four. He was on the call for Baylor’s beatdown of unbeaten Gonzaga in the national title game, Butler’s near-upset of the Duke Blue Devils a decade ago, and when Wisconsin pulled off the big upset over previously-unbeaten Kentucky as well.
"Hurley and the Huskies, have their dreams come true!"
— Owen (@Alakazam_428) April 4, 2023
The last call Jim Nantz ever makes in the NCAA Tournament.
Butler made Jim Nantz in his second to last college game stand up and take notice.
— maybe next year? (@SeanThomas39) April 2, 2023
San Diego State beats FAU at the buzzer!!!! | FULL VIDEO OF A WILD FINAL... https://t.co/dj9qc0odSF via @YouTube
A lot of cameras on Jim Nantz as the confetti falls pic.twitter.com/5K4a9k5DQL
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 4, 2023
Bill Raftery was trying to give Jim Nantz his flowers, but ever the classy one, Nantz pointed the attention back to the players on the floor, saying “this is their moment.” A lesson in humility.
— Eric Little (@TheEricLittle) April 4, 2023
Thanks for the memories, friend!
Just this tournament alone, Nantz was on the call for Lamont Butler’s game-winning jump shot in the San Diego State victory over Florida Atlantic, one of the few mid-majors of this era to get to the Final Four.
Unfortunately, Jim Nantz’s alma mater (Houston) wasn’t able to make it to the Final Four. And UConn winning in convincing fashion over the Aztecs in the national championship game prevented one last thrilling call by the great broadcaster. But there are still plenty of memories, calls, and one-liners from his career to remember. And there were certainly plenty.
Jim Nantz signs off his final #NationalChampionship game broadcast with "Thank you for being my friend." #MarchMadness
— Jordan Bondurant (@J__Bondurant) April 4, 2023