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NCAA Tourney People & Personalities: Webber, Hill Ready To Make Debut As Announcers

SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted former NBAer Chris Webber "debuts as an NCAA game analyst for CBS and Turner this week" during the NCAA Tournament, alongside broadcast partners Marv Albert and Len Elmore. The assignment "comes two years after the end of the NCAA-mandated 10-year disassociation period between Michigan and Webber." He has "worked hard to be prepared and engaging for viewers." Webber said that calling the NCAA Tournament "was not something he had longed to do, but he was very happy to get the assignment from his Turner Sports bosses." Webber: "I have experienced every high in college and some lows that most guys could never dream of. So when I see parents hugging kids and kids either crying or dancing, I don’t know if there is anyone in the world who can relay those emotions better than I can. I hope to tell the story that these are still 19-year olds and (I understand) the pressure they are going through. It’s good to be able to come back" (SI.com, 3/17).

KING OF THE HILL: CBS' Grant Hill said of how he, broadcasters Jim Nantz and Bill Raftery have prepared to call this year's Final Four, "We got some reps this past weekend when we had a fantastic Big 10 tournament. The great thing for me is you can’t have two better people who are extremely talented and experienced with this profession. They’ve been so supportive, so helpful. I’ve learned a great deal just in the last three or four days working with them in Chicago." He added, "The more we’re comfortable with one another, then the better the broadcast will be. ... Before the Final Four we’ll have had nine games in the tournament and three games [last] weekend, so we’ll have a good 12 games" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 3/18).

ON THE SIDELINES: In Minneapolis, Michael Rand noted CBS' Jamie Erdahl is "slated to work as a sideline reporter" at this year’s NCAA Tournament, beginning today in Jacksonville. Three years ago, she "was working high school basketball games locally" for KEYC-TV. A stint at NESN "started her on a rapid rise, and less than a year ago she began working for CBS Sports." Erdahl said that during high school she would "try to skip class to talk sports with her athletic director," adding that she "'bugged Michele Tafoya' nonstop during an internship opportunity." Erdahl added that eventually she "might like to transfer ... into a studio setting instead of the sidelines" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/18). Meanwhile, in Charlotte, Erik Spanberg noted CBS' Tracy Wolfson since the brackets were set last Sunday has "been studying the eight teams she will be seeing" at Time Warner Cable Arena. She also "worked the Big 10 tournament" for the net last weekend. Michigan State getting sent to Charlotte "helped, since she had just covered the Big 10 schools." Virginia and Duke "are familiar because they have been highly ranked all season." But others, such as Belmont, "are more anonymous." Smaller, lesser-known schools are, "for all the Cinderella hype, unlikely to play more than one or two tournament games." Wolfson for that reason "likes to emphasize interesting vignettes about those teams during early-round games, saving material on more-established schools for later in the NCAAs" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/18).

SAGER STATEMENT: Turner Sports' Craig Sager, who has been receiving treatment for leukemia during the past year, in a statement said he "will not be able to travel to Omaha this week" to work NCAA tournament games. Sager: "I've been waiting a long time to return in a full-time basis, but my doctors suggested additional testing. ... Physically, I feel great. I'd like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support throughout this journey and look forward to being back very soon" (TWITTER.com, 3/18). In Albany, Pete Dougherty reported Sager "will be replaced in Omaha by Lewis Johnson," who will work with Albert and Webber "on what essentially is the No. 2 broadcast team." Johnson, "who had been with Brian Anderson and Steve Smith, will be replaced by Dana Jacobsen" (TIMESUNION.com, 3/18).

SHOOTING FROM THE HIP: In California, Michael Lev wrote no one "gave a stronger opinion on a big stage about UCLA’s surprise inclusion in the NCAA Tournament than CBS’ Doug Gottlieb." Gottlieb said, "There’s not a reasonable person in the country who believes UCLA belongs in the 68-team field." Lev: "That’s why I like Gottlieb: He speaks his mind" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 3/17).

COACHES' COVERAGE: Turner Sports and CBS Sports have added Virginia Tech men's basketball coach Buzz Williams as a guest studio analyst for the NCAA Tournament airing across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV. Williams will join host Matt Winer and analysts Mateen Cleaves and Seth Davis for NCAA Tournament second round coverage today and tomorrow from Turner Studios in Atlanta (Turner Sports). Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Brand Marcello noted Auburn coach Bruce Pearl "will appear on ESPN to help with the network's coverage of the NCAA Tournament this upcoming weekend." Pearl "analyzed the SEC Tournament championship for the network Sunday after Auburn was eliminated in the semifinals" (AL.com, 3/16).

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