Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer Marv Albert has decided to focus on the NBA exclusively in his basketball work going forward. Turner Sports earlier this week announced a long-term extension with the 74-year-old Albert, which will include him announcing regular-season NBA games, the All-Star Game and the NBA playoffs. He will no longer be calling NCAA Tournament basketball games as part of the deal. “He just felt it’s better, at this point in his career to focus, basketball-wise on the NBA,” said IMG broadcast agent Sandy Montag, who represented Albert in his talks with Turner Broadcasting President David Levy. Montag said the NCAA tourney -- especially the first round, where Albert would call four games -- can be “pretty taxing” on his voice. “Dave Levy was very supportive of Marv’s decision just to do the NBA,” Montag said. “And we all agree that is Marv’s brand. Marv is the NBA. And basketball-wise, that should be his sole focus.” Albert was entering the last year of his deal with Turner, which jointly produces and broadcasts the NCAA Tournament, when he agreed to the extension. Albert has been associated with the NBA for nearly 50 years, and Sunday's All-Star Game in Toronto will mark his 21st time calling the event.
