A strong rapport between new broadcast partners John Fanta and Tom Crean was evident on Tuesday night while they called the college basketball game between DePaul and Marquette. Things took a humorous turn early in the game when Marquette’s David Joplin intercepted a pass from DePaul’s Jacob Meyer, leading to a loose ball situation that ultimately went out of bounds.
“Oh, sh–,” Crean exclaimed, pausing perfectly. “And it flies right into us, and folks,” Fanta added, breaking into laughter. Crean chimed in, “Did we get a shot of the can of pop just going all over my partner, John Fanta? I don’t know about the dry cleaning bill. He’s gonna do it. We’re gonna save his computer here real quick. I’m gonna help wipe him up, we’re gonna call the game as we go.” The broadcast then showcased a pair of Marquette baskets — one from an assist by Kam Jones to Stevie Mitchell, and another shot from Jones.
“Quite literally a Diet Coke wipeout,” Fanta remarked, showcasing the highlights of Marquette basketball. Moments later, Fanta thanked Crean “for the cleanup duty.”
Tom Crean and John Fanta already have incredible chemistry!
Someone get coach a new Diet Coke ASAP! His first one already spilled all over Fanta 😂 pic.twitter.com/4wjxAE2Xtt
— Ryan (@Rygi13) February 12, 2025
“Oh, absolutely, I can do it all, man,” Crean replied playfully. “Whatever you need.” If you weren’t chuckling by this point, you might want to check your pulse. “I love the fact that you and I just met for the first time today, and I am not gonna let you fail, John,” Crean continued. “You are not gonna be dripping in Diet Coke anymore tonight. I would have worn that Diet Coke for you. That’s what partners do.”
After the game, both men shared positive messages on X (formerly Twitter). Fanta simply acknowledged their time together, saying, “A day of hoops talk, stories and some laughs with @TomCrean,” he said. “Great to be back in Milwaukee.”
A day of hoops talk, stories and some laughs with @TomCrean. Great to be back in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/5yizy9FBQn
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) February 12, 2025
Crean echoed his sentiment and addressed the spill, stating, “Great working with @John_Fanta tonight. For the record, it was John’s @DietCoke that spilled on him. I just put myself in charge of the cleanup. John never broke stride. Incredible Pro.”
https://embeds.beehiiv.com/a79076af-c414-47ef-96e6-0322628bcaaf" data-test-id="beehiiv-embed" width="480" height="320" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border-radius: 4px; border: 2px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 0; background-color: transparent;
Great working with @John_Fanta tonight. For the record, it was John’s @DietCoke that spilled on him. I just put myself in charge of the cleanup. John never broke stride. Incredible Pro. pic.twitter.com/oF6aFv5K7x
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) February 12, 2025
The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and after witnessing their dynamic, it’s clear this is a duo we’d love to see more of—though perhaps with capped bottles of Diet Coke in the future for everyone’s benefit.
