Nantz Returns to Final Four as Barkley Takes Aim

HOUSTON, Texas — Jim Nantz made a notable return to the NCAA Final Four on Saturday, where he was met with playful jabs from former colleague Charles Barkley. Nantz, who retired from covering the NCAA tournament in 2023, couldn’t resist attending this year as his alma mater, the University of Houston, competes for the championship title.

Upon entering the arena, Barkley wasted no time in poking fun at Nantz, quipping, “It ain’t like he got a job. He quit ya’ll. He got plenty of free time on his hands.” The friendly banter between the two sports icons highlighted their long-standing camaraderie in the broadcasting world.

Nantz, although retired from NCAA coverage, still plays a key role in sports media, continuing to cover the Masters for CBS. His broadcast partner, Ernie Johnson, reminded viewers during the coverage that it is indeed Masters Week next week. Barkley responded swiftly, “That’s next week,” keeping the lighthearted exchanges flowing.

The stakes of the evening are high for both broadcasters, as Nantz’s Houston Cougars face the Duke Blue Devils. With Houston’s emergence in the Final Four, Nantz is poised to enjoy a competitive edge over Barkley, whose Auburn Tigers were eliminated by the Florida Gators earlier in the tournament. Should Houston win, Nantz will revel in bragging rights over his friend.

Ryan Phillips, a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, has a background in digital media spanning over a decade and aims to capture quirky moments like this in the world of sports. His work reflects not only the excitement of the games but also the personalities that enhance the viewing experience.