Former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski reminisced on Jim Nantz’s career.
Monday night’s National Championship was the final college basketball game in the career of CBS‘ Jim Nantz and former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski said farewell to his longtime friend in a social media video.
“Thank you for being such a special friend,” the Hall of Famer said. “Not just to me, but to college basketball.”
Nantz broadcasted his 32nd Final Four last weekend in Houston, his hometown, as the Connecticut Huskies defeated San Diego State for its fifth championship.
“For over three decades you’ve been the voice of the Final Four,” Krzyzewski continued.
S/O Jim Nantz! Legendary run calling the Big Dance. On the call for all 5 Duke national titles too! 👊🎙️🏆 pic.twitter.com/NsAR2CsxlT
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 4, 2023
The 63-year old iconic broadcaster will only be retiring from calling college basketball as he will continue his work for the network on PGA Tour events and NFL games.
“You were there for my first National Championship in 1991. How great was that for me to have you there.”
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Duke defeated Kansas to win its first championship but shocked the basketball world in the National Semifinal when the Blue Devils defeated UNLV one year after the Runnin’ Rebels thrashed Krzyzewski’s team by 30 points, 103-73, in the title game.
“You were there for all five of mine,” Coach K continued.
Duke basketball coach shares fondest memory of Jim Nantz
Jim Nantz became such an iconic broadcaster because of his calls of iconic moments and how he was able to bring in personal notes to solidify the moment for that particular team or player.
Mike Krzyzewski clearly has his favorite Nantz call.
“I can still hear your voice, ‘As proud father of three’ when we won our third.”
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The reference was not only to Coach K leading Duke to its third National Championship in 2001 but to Krzyzewski being a father of three daughters.
“You are a wonderful human being and you are the best that’s ever done this,” Krzyzewski concluded.
“The very best.”
Nantz will be back on the air this weekend during CBS‘ coverage of The 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.