Marv Albert has been the undisputed voice of the NBA for three generations of fans. The lead play-by-play man for the NBA on TNT is going back to college this week, working his first NCAA basketball game in more than 30 years.
CBS and Turner Sports are in the first year of a record-breaking 14-year deal to air the NCAA tournament. Every game will be seen on CBS, TNT, TBS and TruTv. In a conference call this week I spoke with Albert and his return to the college game. I also spoke with Jim Nantz, who will be calling his 26th title game.
Albert on going back to college » I am very excited about this new deal with CBS and Turner Sports. Having a chance to once again call games with the tradition of the NCAA tournament is something I have missed. Don’t get me wrong; I love the NBA, but that said, getting a chance to be involved with all the great storylines that make up this tournament along with the buzzer-beating shots and the upsets just gives it energy unlike few things in sports. You really just have to sit back and call these games. There is no need to hype anything.
Albert on the difference between the NBA and the college game » Look, basketball is basketball, but there is a different pace in the college game. … What makes college basketball so much fun is that it is so unpredictable and the fan passion. So to say that I am excited would be an understatement, and working with Steve Kerr is wonderful because he has been doing a great job thus far in the regular-season games he has done with CBS.
Nantz about how the new deal changes things at CBS » This deal is great because it makes a great team even better. We have worked with Turner Sports on the Winter Olympics, on PGA golf tournaments and other projects, and there has been a wonderful relationship. But I am just happy to be assured of doing March Madness for years to come.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
