The voice of Billy Packer was one every men’s college basketball fan heard for decades.
In fact, the late broadcaster who died this week — as announced by his son Mark late Thursday night — was on the mic with NBC and CBS for every single men’s Final Four from 1975 to 2008, a total of 34 (!). There are countless calls that he was a part of (some of which you’ll see below).
The Sports Emmy winner and member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame was beloved, and so many tributes poured in on Twitter, from friends, fellow broadcasters and others.
Here’s a roundup with a bunch of them from social media:
So sad to learn of the passing of Billy Packer who had such a passion for college basketball. My 🙏🙏🙏 go out to Billy’s son @MarkPacker & the entire Packer family.Always had great RESPECT for Billy & his partners Dick Enberg & Al McGuire-they were super.May Billy RIP .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 27, 2023
“I think Billy will go down in history as one of the greatest analysts in the history of sports television.”
Jim Nantz reflects on the life and legacy of his dear friend and longtime colleague, Billy Packer. pic.twitter.com/ulnTzKUcoX
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 27, 2023
Billy Packer's greatest moment as a college basketball analyst will always be saying, "Miles Says Championship…" as Arizona's Miles Simon clung to the ball at the end of the 1997 national title game. pic.twitter.com/pVyC6SWc27
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) January 27, 2023
Billy Packer worked on 34 Final Four broadcast teams throughout his career at both NBC and CBS.
This is my favorite. https://t.co/925DAmIOMP
— Erik Gray (@ErikGray) January 27, 2023
RIP to the great Billy Packer. Billy was an All-ACC guard at Wake Forest under Bones McKinney, and later the voice of college basketball in the ACC and nationally. His voice and perspective were synonymous with the game. Packer should be in the Naismith Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/CeXiaIXFFz
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 27, 2023
Billy Packer was a giant as a college basketball analyst. Basketball star, successful businessman and a great family man, Billy was a part of every Final Four telecast from 1975 to '08. He was a big part of the meteoric rise of March Madness. He was a good friend. RIP.
— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) January 27, 2023
RIP Billy Packer
Every Kansas fan remembers this call from the 2008 semifinal vs North Carolina: “this game is over.” https://t.co/fzYt1WXs03 pic.twitter.com/iFws2nVOJv
— Joe (@ByJoeDavis) January 27, 2023
The voice of college basketball, covering @MarchMadnessMBB for over 3️⃣ decades, the man was simply one of the best to have ever done it. With love and sympathies to his family and friends, another iconic voice of my childhood, gone. RIP Billy Packer. 🙏🏀pic.twitter.com/KWZ4ZztbAu
— Nick J. Hines “Sarge” 🇺🇸 (@Hinesite) January 27, 2023
One of the iconic calls in Maryland history:
"OH HE STEAL"
RIP Billy Packer pic.twitter.com/qeUVeRjQmd
— Maryland Terrapins (@umterps) January 27, 2023
Billy Packer was part of the soundtrack of my youth. Godspeed to a legend. pic.twitter.com/PwmZNOrLkN
— Jake Query (@jakequery) January 27, 2023
Very sorry to hear about Billy Packer. Knew he'd been sick, but still sad news. We used to constantly, but I think he was best college hoops TV analyst ever. Told you what he thought, was usually right and never cared if people didn't like his analysis. Always enjoyed his company
— John Feinstein (@JFeinsteinBooks) January 27, 2023
For me Billy Packer will always be the epitome of college basketball announcing. My career in announcing began in part because of him. He was smart, fun but never loquacious and as deeply knowledgeable as anyone in the business. We will miss you, Billy! https://t.co/YzAuJ5nkAP
— Len Elmore (@LenElmore) January 27, 2023
