As expected, Jim Nantz showed up to watch Houston play Duke in San Antonio Saturday, proudly donning his red Cougars jersey. Nantz’s entrance did not go unnoticed by CBS Sports, with Charles Barkley enjoying the opportunity to poke fun at the huge Houston fan. It did seem odd to see Nantz casually strolling into the arena as a fan, especially considering he has been the voice for the Final Four from 1991 through 2023.
“You knew this guy would be at this game,” host Ernie Johnson said, showcasing Nantz walking to his seat with his son. “Jim Nantz, going to watch his alma mater play Duke tonight.” Barkley quipped, “It ain’t like he got a job. He quit ya’ll. He got plenty of free time on his hands.” To which Johnson replied, “It’s Masters week, man!” having noted that Nantz has been the voice of the Masters for CBS since 1989. Barkley added, “That’s next week. He got nothing to do this weekend. Ernie, a question: Do you think if Houston wins, Jim delays his trip to Augusta?”
“I think he’ll delay it,” Clark Kellogg chimed in. Houston went on to mount an incredible comeback to beat Duke and advance to Monday night’s championship game against Florida.
“It ain’t like he got a job. He quit ya’ll. He got plenty of free time on his hands.” – Charles Barkley on Houston alum Jim Nantz in the house
“It’s Masters week, man!” – Ernie Johnson
“That’s next week.” – Charles Barkley
And it kept going from there. 🏀⛳️🎙️📺😂 pic.twitter.com/JR9bJi7K4v
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 6, 2025
There is no way Nantz would miss Monday night’s championship game featuring his beloved Cougars. Johnson commented that the veteran broadcaster knows Augusta National well, noting, “It doesn’t start until Thursday, and he’s seen the course about 70 gazillion times.”
