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In the end, Jim Nantz had his shining moment, too.
The CBS play-by-play announcer for the men’s Final Four signed off in the moments after Connecticut defeated San Diego State, 76-59, in the national championship on Monday – with a twist on his trademark catchphrase.
“I mean this. We’ll try to play off ‘Hello Friends,'” Nantz said, citing his welcoming salutation to open broadcasts, whether it be The Masters or a Super Bowl. “But to you, everybody in the college game, the CBS family, my family, the viewers: thank you for being my friend.”
The 2023 tournament was Nantz’s last, as he steps away from calling the college game while retaining his NFL and golf responsibilities. Nantz, a Houston native, called his 32nd and last Final Four in his hometown.
Before his adieu, Nantz imparted some wisdom.
“One thing I learned through all of this is everybody has a dream,” Nantz, 63, said. “And everybody has a story to tell. Just try to find that story. Be kind.”
“You told it better than most, let me tell you,” broadcast partner Bill Raftery – a legend himself – said.
Raftery was sure to praise Nantz during the final minute of the game, already out of reach. Afterward, analyst Grant Hill called Nantz “the GOAT.”
“We’re at a loss for sure,” Hill said.
WATCH:‘One Shining Moment’ caps off 2023 men’s NCAA Tournament
Is Jim Nantz retiring?
Nantz will not be going far — he’ll be on the call for the 2023 Masters, which begins Thursday. He remains under contract with CBS and will continue to be the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL alongside Tony Romo in addition to his golf duties.
On Monday, Nantz handled the postgame trophy presentation duties for the final time as well, with Connecticut coach Dan Hurley telling him that despite the interviewer’s best attempt, Hurley would not cry.
The minds behind the “One Shining Moment” tournament recap video gave Nantz a subtle nod with a shot from behind of the broadcaster at his seat from the floor of NRG Stadium.
Nantz was recognized during the semifinal on Saturday during a television timeout in the first half of the semifinal between Florida Atlantic and San Diego State.
Nantz has cited family as a reason for stepping away from basketball.
“I’m not retiring,” Nantz told USA TODAY Sports over the weekend. “I’ve still got about 40 weeks a year to cover the NFL, the Super Bowl and golf for another dozen years or so.”
Nantz has said he wants to call 51 Masters, and since this week will mark No. 38, he would remain on that telecast through 2036. (That Masters would also be the 100th playing of the tournament, Nantz has said.)
Ian Eagle will replace Nantz as the lead play-by-play announcer for the men’s tournament.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
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