Barkley & Vitale Team Up for NCAA Tournament

NCAA Mens Tournament Kicks Off with Barkley and Vitales Rare Team-Up on truTV

The NCAA mens tournament begins Tuesday night with an unexpected broadcast crew for the Texas vs. NC State First Four matchup on truTV. Brian Anderson calls play-by-play, while Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale analyze the game. This marks only the second time Barkley and Vitale have worked together, and one of just four First Four games. Jenny Dell reports from the sideline.

The pairing results from a network swap. Earlier this season, ESPN had Barkley call a college game with Vitale, and now Vitale returns the favor by joining Barkley on truTV for this tournament opener.

Dick Vitale, the 86-year-old ESPN legend, has never called an NCAA tournament game before, despite CBS offers. Fans and peers see this as a long-overdue moment for basketballs biggest promoter.

Charles Barkley, a tournament studio regular, is excited to work with Vitale, calling him basketballs biggest promoter. Barkley credits the sport for his success and views this as a special nod to Vitales passion.

After Tuesdays game, Barkley returns to studio duties, while Vitale steps away until next season, leaving fans buzzing about this rare broadcast team-up.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to [email protected].

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/b576bfa5f32904c1