Passion. That’s my favorite quality in any broadcaster.
I’ve mentioned before in this space that the best announcers are the ones you can tune into and instantly sense how the game is going. Call it The Gus Johnson Factor.
Now, passion isn’t the only way to be great—some of the best tend to be a little over the top whether it’s a barnburner or a clunker. But there’s nothing like hearing a voice rise and fall with the emotions of the game.
Moments like these are when a broadcaster can truly shine, just like the players whose names are etched into history because of magical tournament moments. Laettner, Chalmers, Smart, Drew—and even that one guy from UCLA who dashed my Missouri Tigers’ dreams by going coast-to-coast in 4.8 seconds.
It’s why they call it March Madness. The unforgettable moments—buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, heartbreak. But what often sticks with us just as much are the voices behind the microphone.
Close your eyes, and you can see the moment. Hear the call.
“There’s the pass to Laettner….puts it up….YES!” That was Verne Lundquist on Duke’s overtime win over Kentucky in 1992, when Christian Laettner caught Grant Hill’s pass and drilled the legendary buzzer-beater. Many forget just how great that game was leading up to that moment. But no one will ever forget Lundquist’s simple, perfect call.
Sixteen years later, Jim Nantz delivered a classic in the tournament. This time, it was Mario Chalmers’ game-tying three-pointer in the 2008 NCAA Championship for Kansas. With seconds remaining, Chalmers sank the shot to send the game to overtime, and Nantz’ call rose to the occasion: “Chalmers for the tie… GOT IT… with two seconds…unbelievable!”
And, of course, I can’t mention Gus Johnson without including a Gus Johnson call. His energetic style amplifies big moments, and one of his best came during UCLA’s stunning comeback against Gonzaga in the 2006 Sweet Sixteen. When Jordan Farmar stole the ball and set up Luc Richard Mbah a Moute for the go-ahead layup, Johnson roared a single word: “Dagger!”
And the best part of all? We know more legendary March Madness calls are coming. It’s what makes watching—or listening—so much fun. You never know when the next shining moment will happen.
Enjoy the tournament!
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The Best/Worst Thing I’ve Heard/Watched/Read Recently
Bringing it back to current day there is no better time of the year to appreciate sports broadcasters than right now.
When it comes to television, the overall group that works on the games in 2025 might be as good as it has ever been when it comes to overall depth.
Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill and Tracy Wolfson are as good as it gets, but there is not much of a drop off to Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson and Allie LaForce, and while I am biased because I am a card-carrying member of the Kevin Harlan fan club, his crew with Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy and Lauren Shehadi is fantastic and if it were the No. 1 team I don’t think anyone complains.
Brad Nessler could call badminton and I would enjoy it, Andy Katz is one of the most in-the-know guys in college basketball, Evan Washburn has great hair, Jalen Rose is really good, as is Brendan Haywood.
I could name them all, it really is a terrific announcing group from top to bottom and I know this – I will be hearing a lot of these folks over the next several days and weeks!
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In Case You Missed It
Make sure you are checking out John Mamola’s Meet the Podcasters series created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing where this week the feature is on Dirty Mo Media President and Executive Producer Mike Davis. The series started with Hubbard Radio VP of Digital Strategy, Jeremy Sinon.
I really enjoyed the piece on David Locke, the founder and President of the Locked On Podcast Network. John asked Locke about the process of recruiting talent in every pro and collegiate city and who he is looking for. I loved his answer:
“I want someone who is smart and passionate,” Locke told Mamola. “That is the qualification. That will carry most things in life. They could be an expert on their team, but truly smart and passionate. We pride ourselves in being the most talent-friendly media organization in the country. That’s our goal.
“When I say talent friendly, that doesn’t mean you just get to go do whatever you want. Talent-friendly is we’re going to support you; we’re going to give you coaching. We’re going to work with you so that we give you a chance for success. We’re going to provide AI platforms for you. We’re going to provide resources for you. We’re going to research the industry to know what works. Then advise you on how to do things and give you every chance for success possible. We’re hopefully the best atmosphere talent can find.”
You can read the full feature by clicking here.
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Dave Greene is a former Editor and Columnist for Barrett Media. His background includes over 25 years in media and content creation. A former sports talk host and play-by-play broadcaster, Dave transitioned to station and sales management, co-founded and created a monthly sports publication and led an ownership group as the operating partner. He has managed stations and sales teams for Townsquare Media, Cumulus Media and Audacy. Upon leaving broadcast media he co-founded Podcast Heat, a sports and entertainment podcasting network specializing in pro wrestling nostalgia. To interact, find him on Twitter @mr_podcasting.
