Watching the 2001 title game for the umpteenth time, and man, that was a damn great team. Both teams were outstanding. Also, Billy Packer was terrible at hiding his disdain for Duke. His commentary is hot freaking garbage. Calling us "Duke University" and talking about the referees and the crowd. I really believe this game contributed to Duke receiving increased hate, and Packer was a massive part of it.
Billy was pretty damn rotten that night and I say that as someone who liked the old curmudgeon. He was Snarky, Smarmy, and you’re absolutely right that he contributed to it big-time. Remember that one comment he goes: “and Mike Krzyzewski said great job and he was referring to his players.” 🙄
Wonder how many CBS execs he gave a heart attack to in the first half of the 2008 final four with his infamous “This game is Ovah” remark when Kansas went up 20+ points on the Heels? And you could tell Jim Nantz was nervous about such an early proclamation by his reaction to it.
Here is that exchange after a Kansas player hits a three.
Billy Packer: This game is OVAH
Jim Nantz: Is it?!
Billy Packer: It is!
Jim Nantz: Wow!
That was Packers last Final Four. And the Heels did cut it to single digits in the second half.
