Does Anyone Miss Billy Packer?

[Faustus]

You know, I was sitting around watching a lot of college bball games today, and near the end of the Memphis-Tennessee game on CBS it suddenly dawned on me that this was the game he likely would have called had he not been sent out to the Pasture For Angry Old Color Commentators. Instead there was Greg Anthony, who was reasonably good, certainly articulate, absolutely not railing incessantly about what mistakes were being made but rather positive comments about what players could be doing instead. He wasn't intrusive, and he did not grate.

And then it dawned on me further that I had watched A LOT of baskeball this season, and only now had I remembered that the crusty old curmudgeon was finally gone from the scene. It's not like Packer has been replaced by brilliant successors - most the people thrown out there by CBS, ESPN and Fox are still pretty unremarkable. Only Bobby Knight, who has shown like a star in the firmament, stands out among "new" commentors. But I surprised myself at how completely I had already forgotten the former presence of Billy Packer. I don't think I've even seen his name invoked this year on this forum. Does anybody miss him? Has he done any non-CBS games this season? Forty years the guy must have done TV games, but like a puff of smoke... gone. And I don't miss him.

[Ben63]

Does anyone miss Billy Packer?

No.

[DukieInKansas]

I misread your title and wondered who "Miss Billy Packer" was. Must be time for bed.

[captmojo]

No. I haven't thought of him all season until you mentioned him now.

[camion]

Well, I had a toothache once.

[Faustus]

Dukie In Kansas,
The mental image of Billy Packer in a prom dress has deeply disturbed my otherwise pleasant Sunday morning. Thanks

[davekay1971]

In a word, "NO!"

At least, not until Clark Kellogg starts commentating the final four...

[OZZIE4DUKE]

To quote myself in replying to a question on the Off Topic board if anyone was watching the ice skating last night:
"No. Make that HELL NO!"

[Devilsfan]

About as much as I miss my pre root canal tooth.

[Lavabe]

No.

[Faustus]

Ozzie's post now has me picturing Billy Packer in a tutu on ice. I wish you all wouldn't do this to me :,

[Wildling]

No! It's been such a nice season not having to hear that know it all say "they should have done this" after the play has already happened.

[DukePA's Mom]

I read a short time ago Packer will be doing the NCAAs with Bobby Knight. Hope it isn't true but if it is, I don't think Bobby Knight will hold back on his thoughts if Packer starts in on his junk, as he usually does. Might be interesting.

[_Gary]

Good golly, no!!!

[rockymtn devil]

I read a short time ago Packer will be doing the NCAAs with Bobby Knight. Hope it isn't true but if it is, I don't think Bobby Knight will hold back on his thoughts if Packer starts in on his junk, as he usually does. Might be interesting.

They are doing analysis of the tournament (not calling actual games) from a casino in Vegas. It's on a cable network (not ESPN) and not CBS.

[UncleBill]

Yes, but my aim IS getting better.

[dukebballcamper90-91]

I don't think it would be called missing, but that something that is going extremely different, hearing Jim Nantz calling the final four with somebody else. I hope they get enberg to pair up with him. Greg Anthony is ok but when it comes time for the final four I want to hear a veteran calling it. I think that is what has crushed the NBA for me, no more Costas, snapper Jones, Stockton and those guys that use to do the finals. ABC is crap compared to when it use to be on NBC or CBS.

[tbyers11]

I don't think it would be called missing, but that something that is going extremely different, hearing Jim Nantz calling the final four with somebody else. I hope they get enberg to pair up with him. Greg Anthony is ok but when it comes time for the final four I want to hear a veteran calling it. I think that is what has crushed the NBA for me, no more Costas, snapper Jones, Stockton and those guys that use to do the finals. ABC is crap compared to when it use to be on NBC or CBS.

CBS will have Clark Kellogg calling the Final Four along with Nantz. He's not my favorite announcer but I don't really find that much objectionable about him either. He definitely calls the game with a more positive vibe than Packer, but then again who doesn't.

[DukePA's Mom]

I'm happy Packer won't be calling the NCSSs but I'm not wild about Nantz either. Wish GMan had been considered.

[hurleyfor3]

Wait, Greg Anthony did that game? The UNLV Greg Anthony, who fouled out against us in 1991? Did we ever manage to foul Packer out in a big game? If not, that's an improvement. I like being reminded of that game.

I had forgotten about Packer myself, but that's easier to do when you don't live in ACC country in the first place.

I'm not sure about Kellogg. He seems to know a lot about players, but what about game situations? IE: unc is down three in the national semifinal with 30 seconds to go. What are Roy's options? What does he usually do? What should he do? Packer was great at this; not so sure about the basketball-faced breakfast-cereal magnate.