For basketball fans, this weekend will mark the end of an historic era as Jim Nantz will be announcing his final NCAA men's Final Four.
The renowned broadcaster, who has been behind the mic for 32 championship contests, has become as iconic as the yearly rendition of “One Shining Moment”.
In a video posted by the official NCAA March Madness Twitter page, Nantz got emotional when was asked about feelings ahead of his last Final Four call.
“Oh, you are trying to get me to already start crying?” he asked.
Nantz went on to explain how calling the tournament has been such a huge part of his life.
“It’s tough to say goodbye,” he explained. “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. I am excited, I am here to celebrate with all my friends the times that we have had covering one of the great championships of American sports.”
Jim Nantz shares his thoughts heading into the weekend as he prepares to call his last #MFinalFour 🎙️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/BPkqOKhNJc
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 31, 2023
The illustrious announcer was then asked how he felt about the 2023 Final Four teams. His biggest takeaway was how, among all other championships, the NCAA setup affords the “little guy” the chance to compete with the bigger power programs which “gives life” to the tournament.
“This event is really made for dreamers, people are given a chance to compete. The little guy,” added Nantz. “What we have this year is a bunch of dreamers who made their way to Houston. Florida Atlantic, San Diego State and Miami - have never been here before. This is what gives life to this tournament. It can’t always be the same teams and this is a great example. UConn has the history, but it's the bonds and the closeness that has helped these teams get here.”
As was reported by the New York Post, Nantz will be replaced as the lead play-by-play voice for CBS’s college basketball coverage by Ian Eagle.
