Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson Engage in On-Air Pizza Debate

Discussions around regional foods, especially pizzas, often permeate sports commentary. This was evident during the Fox broadcast of the men’s basketball game between Illinois and Duke at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, where announcers Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson engaged in a lively pizza debate:

Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson debate pizza. 🏀🍕🎙️pic.twitter.com/oRl8VqOypK

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 23, 2025

It all began with B-roll footage of pizzas coming out of the oven as Johnson remarked, “This is what you do when you come to New York, folks. You’ve got to get a fresh pie. New York pizza is claimed to be the best in the world. I’m from Detroit, and I believe we have the best pizza. Anyway, Jimmy, it’s time for our favorite segment where we get to ask the All-American a question. Like Warner Wolf would say, ‘Let’s jump to the videotape!’” This transitioned into a “Hey Jimmy” segment featuring a pre-taped video of Illinois coach Brad Underwood asking Jackson, “Hey Jimmy, Chicago, Detroit, or New York pizza?”

Jackson promptly answered, “Oh, New York,” to which Johnson responded, “Oh, come on.” Jackson continued, “There ain’t no question. The square pizzas in Detroit are cool, but sometimes too thick.” Johnson then presented a pizza box with a single slice to Jackson, who jokingly replied, “I’m on a diet,” sending both of them into laughter. Johnson quipped, “If it was Detroit pizza, you’d eat it! Right here!” to which Jackson joked back, “If it was Detroit pizza, it would be like 12,000 squares.” Their playful exchange continued, with Johnson saying, “If you’re not going to eat that, hold it for me,” followed by Jackson’s remark, “People don’t know how greedy you are. Seriously, bro, like everything, not chose, remember that, not chose.”

Interestingly, despite the question originating from the Illinois coach, the discussion largely ignored Chicago-style pizza, focusing instead on Detroit and New York styles. This was paralleled by the game’s outcome, as the unranked Illini suffered a historic defeat, falling 110-67 to the No. 3 Blue Devils.

The back-and-forth between Johnson and Jackson, who have collaborated for over a decade on BTN and Fox networks, showcased their playful camaraderie. In a game that was heavily one-sided (like 85-51 for Duke early in the second half when the pizza debate sparked), the lighthearted discussion was reminiscent of humorous moments we often see in baseball and football blowouts. The pizza debate not only highlighted the game’s New York setting but also elevated the entertainment factor thanks to the dynamic between the announcers.