Weekend schedule of games; The Sweet 16 starts Thursday; All talent; By Sunday night we’ll have a Final 4
By David J. Halberstam 03/21/2023
Rick Pitino could very well revive college hoops in New York. He grew up in the city if you can't tell by his strong accent.
St. John’s has made a loud decision and commitment, announcing that Rick Pitino is its next head coach. The deal goes six years. Pitino is a youngish 70. Lou Carnesecca (center/left) could be his dad, hale at 98. They were fierce rivals in the Big East. Yet Lou issued a warm statement and greeting, saying that it’s a wonderful hire for the school. “I don’t think we can get a better coach.” (Ed Cooley leaves Providence to rebuild Georgetown where Pat Ewing was canned. Imagine Ewing fired at a school he put on the country’s basketball map. And so it is.
- Love P.J. Carlesimo but he’s garrulous and talks way too much, giving his play-by-player little respect. Color commentators have to understand that on radio they get limited time. Can’t be selfish. P.J. knows the game but score and time of game is most critical.
- The quiet man, Jim Spanarkel, is a blend basketball scholar, your friend at the game and a man with occasional good one-liners.
- Jim Jackson former Ohio Stater played for 12 different NBA teams. Moving around, no problem! He’s worked for several networks too, including rights-holder CBS. You’ll hear him again this weekend. He’s one of half a dozen to do so.
- How about Stan Van Gundy. He brings knowledge to the telecast. Thank goodness, he brings depth to the telecast. Kevin Harlan is excellent on the game call and brings a natural excitement. Dan Bonner. Anybody know what he adds?
- Who is an entertaining and knowledgeable analysts, one deserving of a promotion? How about Steve Lappas? Superb!
- I’m not struck yet by Jay Wright, yet there’s room for him to grow. He’s still an on-air rookie. These pre/post basketball shows are filled with too many babblers.
- Gene Steratore will be used throughout as a rules analyst. He’s an absolute keeper on both the NFL and college hoops. CBS found a good one, recruited off the field and floor. Before Steratore, Dan Bonner had something of substance to add. Dan knows the rules better than most.
Thursday, March 23
NEW YORK, NY
TBS announcers: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Allie LaForce
Westwood One announcers: Gary Cohen, Jon Crispin
6:30 PM- #7 Michigan State vs. #3 Kansas State
9 PM- #9 FAU vs. #4 Tennessee
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LAS VEGAS, NV
CBS announcers: Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Shehadi
Westwood One announcers: Ryan Radtke, P.J. Carlesimo
7:15 PM- #8 Arkansas vs. #4 UConn
9:45 PM- #3 Gonzaga vs. #2 UCLA
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Friday, March 24
LOUISVILLE, KY
TBS announcers: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Evan Washburn
Westwood One announcers: Tom McCarthy, Jordan Cornette
6:30 PM- #5 San Diego State vs. #1 Alabama
9 PM- #15 Princeton vs. #6 Creighton
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Friday, March 24
KANSAS CITY, MO
CBS announcers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, Tracy Wolfson
Westwood One announcers: Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel
7:15 PM- #5 Miami (FL) vs. #1 Houston
9:45 PM- #3 Xavier vs. #2 Texas
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Saturday, March 25
NEW YORK, NY
TBS announcers: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Allie LaForce
Westwood One announcers: Gary Cohen, Jon Crispin
6 PM or 8:30 PM-
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LAS VEGAS, NV
TBS announcers: Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Shehadi
Westwood One announcers: Ryan Radtke, P.J. Carlesimo
6 PM or 8:30 PM-
Sunday, March 26
LOUISVILLE, KY
CBS announcers: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel, Evan Washburn
Westwood One announcers: Tom McCarthy, Jordan Cornette
2 PM or 4:55 PM
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KANSAS CITY, MO
CBS announcers: Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, Tracy Wolfson
Westwood One announcers: Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel
2 PM or 4:55 PM
We’re thankful to Eye on Sky and Air Sports for the precise weekend schedule
