Jim Nantz has become — make that has been — the face of CBS Sports for quite some time. That will again be evident over the next few weeks, when the veteran broadcaster, who called the Super Bowl last month, completes a remarkable two-month span by working the Final Four and The Masters.
No broadcaster has called all three events: Nantz is about to do it for the second time in three years.
Nantz is the midst of what his NCAA Tournament partner, Clark Kellogg, called “A Hall of Fame career.” On May 3, Nantz will be honored as the National Sportscaster of the Year for the third straight year and fifth time overall.
Nantz has not worked a college basketball game since last year’s championship between North Carolina and Michigan State, but he said he has been busy prepping for his return during this weekend’s Big Ten semifinal and final games.
CBS Sports held its annual NCAA Tournament media day this afternoon, and I caught up with the New Canaan resident afterward to discuss his busy schedule and to get some hints for those of you about to enter office pools.
It figures Dave Ruden would like a guy like this…..he’s arrogant, and always has to use catch phrases. “As good as it gets!” …”Just when everybody says you-can’t, you can. U-Conn wins the national championship.” etc….blah, blah, blah……REHEARSED…
Dave…you have leads in your head before the game starts. You sidle up to coaches and refs before games begin. You cover the teams who are succesful and are a total frontrunner. Let me guess…you must like the show “Friday Night Lights”….the way you handled the Turner Baty situation.
Comment by John — March 9th, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
Best show on TV John. Don’t like it. LOVE it! And you are right about Jim doing some rehearsing. As a matter of fact he was talking about some of his golf calls today and how you have to have some things planned depending on what ‘could” happen — just like writers do. It is called being prepared. As far as Jim being arrogant, whatever the exact opposite of arrogant is, I can tell you that is what Jim is. You are the first person in fact I have ever heard use that word to describe him.
And you got me on sidling up to coaches and refs before the game too John. It’s called getting information and being prepared.
Comment by Dave Ruden — March 9th, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Dave,
Great Job on the interview! I have seen Mike F. of the WFAN interview Jim Nantz, this is right up there. As a sports fan, I like what you write. You tell it let it is. You will always have people who disagree with you, but you tell the truth. I don’t think Jim is arrogant, he is great at what he does. That is why he has been at his job for so long. By the way Dave, you are always prepared at what you do. Keep up the good work, and don’t let the arrogant people get to you.
Comment by Donald C — March 9th, 2010 @ 10:41 pm
Thanks Donald. I don’t mind criticism at all, I was more amused that what was directed at both Jim and I came for doing what our jobs require us to do.
Comment by Dave Ruden — March 9th, 2010 @ 10:53 pm
Dave,
Whoever John is so wrong on this topic it’s a disgrace ! I had the privilege of meeting Jim Nantz several years ago. He was the most friendly cordial person of celebrity status I have ever met. It is also no secret that he is the Anti – Arrogant broadcaster. Just a good guy who does an OUTSTANDING and awesome job with broadcasting.
As for the shots at you, wow……surprised at that too. Both you and Nantz are good guys who do their jobs and do them well.
What a rediculous blog by John and one that has absolutely no merit.
Thank you.
Full
Comment by Full Disclosure — March 10th, 2010 @ 12:18 pm