The NCAA News - News and Features

March 17, 1997

I basketball available via CBS Radio

For the 16th year, millions of college basketball fans will listen to NCAA Division I men's and women's tournament action via the NCAA/ CBS Radio Network in cooperation with Host Communications, Inc.

Play-by-play action of 21 men's games, including all three games of the Final Four, will be broadcast live to more than 480 affiliate stations across the United States. Live coverage of the Women's Final Four will be broadcast to a 190-radio station network. In addition, more than 400 radio outlets will tune in worldwide on the Armed Forces Radio Network.

This year, the NCAA/CBS Radio Network provides daily updates of men's first-round competition, play-by-play at four first- and second-round sites, four of the eight regional semifinals, four regional finals, and all three games of the Final Four in Indianapolis. Live reports from the remaining sites will be broadcast as well.

John Rooney and Marty Brennamen will handle play-by-play duties at the Final Four. Rooney is the voice of the Chicago White Sox, while Brennamen is best known for his work as the radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds. ESPN commentator Ron Franklin will serve as host for the championships coverage. Former Seton Hall head coach Bill Raftery will provide color analysis during the Final Four.

Calling the Women's Final Four in Minneapolis will be Bob Davis, voice of the Kansas Jayhawks, and Debbie Antonelli, a former player at North Carolina State and current analyst for Big Ten women's basketball.

In addition to game coverage, the NCAA/CBS Radio Network will host three nationwide call-in shows during the tournament. The first show airs Sunday, March 9 -- "Selection Sunday" -- beginning at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern time). The show, which will air following the announcement of the 64-team men's field, provides listeners with the opportunity to talk to top coaches about the tournament.

The second call-in show airs at 3 p.m. March 29, before the two men's national semifinal games. The third call-in show airs before the national-championship game March 31.