Ian Eagle is truly one of a kind. Recently, Awful Announcing readers ranked him, along with Bill Raftery and Grant Hill, as the best broadcast booth in all of sports. While recency bias may play a role in this ranking, Eagle has seamlessly stepped into the spotlight following Jim Nantz’s era, proving to be the maestro of a dynamic announcing trio that continues to impress.
As an expert play-by-play announcer, Eagle understands the importance of rising to the occasion, especially during March Madness. He shared insights with Nick Kostos on the You Better You Bet show aired on the BetMGM Network, emphasizing that his job revolves around creating memorable moments that resonate with the audience over time.
Ian Eagle with us @YouBetterYouBet talking about what makes a great play-by-play call @awfulannouncing pic.twitter.com/E6RN2U6YcQ
— Nick Kostos (@TheKostos) April 3, 2025
“That’s how I’m always viewing through that lens,” says Eagle. “If something is great, I want and hope that when it’s replayed five years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, people will say, ‘Oh my goodness. The play and the call, in combination, in collaboration.’ The objective of my job is to get people to connect with the moment through creativity and memorability.”
Eagle continues, “Of course, it’s about game flow and command. Doing as many games as I do — a mix of NBA and college games — prepares me for surprises in the moment, so it’s rare when I feel unprepared.”
“THE STORYBOOK SEASON CONTINUES FOR AUBURN! THE TIGERS ARE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR! IT WILL BE ALL CHALK ON THE RIVER WALK!” – Ian Eagle 🏀🎙️🦅 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/lhtUU0eaiM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 30, 2025
“Pettiford pirouettes… OOOH HE’S ON A HEATER! PLUS THE FOUL!” – Ian Eagle
“HOO!… We saw him dance, pirouette… AND A LITTLE NYLON BY THE SOUTHPAW!” – Bill Raftery 🏀🔥🎙️ #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/sqImanP5xN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 29, 2025
“OOOOH THE RAZZLE DAZZLE FROM DENVER JONES!” – Ian Eagle 🏀🔥🦅🎙️ #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/ITS6BmGgES
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 29, 2025
IAN EAGLE AND BILL RAFTERY ARE A MATCH FOR THE MADNESS! WHAT A SEQUENCE!
“WE GET THE FULL CARR WASH!” 🏀🔥🦅🎙️ #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/6JexTQMQGh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 29, 2025
“There’s a rolodex of calls in there,” Eagle explains. “I don’t know which one’s going to come out. However, my reactions are authentic, and I aim to evoke similar feelings in the audience, whether they’re at home, in a bar, or with friends. That’s the essence of what this job is about.” He concludes, “Approaching each game in this way remains unchanged, even as the stakes and viewership rise.”
