When 68 teams take the field, it’s always a treat to watch! March Madness is just around the corner, and we just cannot wait. Teams like Auburn and Duke will look to carry on their regular season dominance, while other programs will be more on making a come-up. But what is it like to watch a game in the stadium?
Of course, it’s exhilarating! Bright lights, wooden courts, and the best of the best battling it out for glory. You never know what might happen during a March Madness game — overtime thrillers, buzzer beaters, and fairytale endings are familiar territory for the tournament. But before the national tournament kicks off, each conference has its own tournament. And according to analysts and broadcasters alike, it’s not an easy task for media professionals. When we think of media, we think of cameras around the court. Show hosts sitting in a box near the wooden floor, commentating the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of the sport. However, a recent tweet by national analyst and broadcaster Jeff Goodman showed an opposing story.
He reposted a photo taken by On3 reporter Drew Galloway, who pictured the view that media professionals get during the Big Twelve tournament. “This is why media shouldn’t even bother going to Big 12 tourney. Much more beneficial to just watch on TV.” Goodman said about the picture. The seats that media professionals get in the Big 12 tournament are sub-par, super far away from the action.
This is why media shouldn’t even bother going to Big 12 tourney.
Much more beneficial to just watch on TV. https://t.co/Nb4Jqrmva7
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 11, 2025
It is definitely an issue to have even the auxiliary seating so far away. Being a reporter or broadcaster means that on-court access and a having a hawk eye is important. However, the seating doesn’t mean that their privileges are limited. They get on-court time and decent access to the players, they’re just seated at the top.
This year, the broadcasting crew by TNT and CBS has changed a little. There are some notable additions, and quite a few noticeable snubs. Let’s talk about a couple of names that should have been there on the list, but aren’t.
Who missed out on March Madness commentating? What’s new with the broadcasting lineup?
Recently, CBS and TNT announced their list of reporters and analysts for the NCAA Tournament. It was filled with familiar faces like Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, who will be expanding their NBA duties to college. However, there were a few undeserving snubs as well.
Firstly, and the most importantly, there is no Avery Johnson in this year’s lineup. Much to the ire of fans, he is not commentating for this year’s NCAA tournament. The former Alabama head coach added a pop of color to the March Madness commentary, and he will be definitely be missed this year!
Not only that, a lot of new combinations are being tested out. With Jalen Rose’s addition to the squad, he is being paired with Andy Katz, a new squad altogether. Avery Johnson’s direct replacement, however, is Steven Smith joining Tom McCarthy’s table. Lisa Byington got herself a new partner in crime as Robbie Hummel would join her throughout March.
It will be interesting to see how the tournament progresses going forward. The commentary and analysis is going to be a level apart as sixty- eight teams will be looking to duke it out for the national title. What do you think? Who will win the March Madness tournament?
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