Introduction to the Road to the Final Four
Jim Nantz, the iconic voice of CBS Sports, is embarking on a road trip to Indianapolis to watch his beloved University of Houston play in the Elite Eight. Nantz, a University of Houston alum, is determined to see his team play for a berth in the national semifinals. He plans to leave his house in Nashville at 6 am Sunday morning to make the four-hour-plus drive to Indy, where Kelvin Sampson’s No. 1 seed will play No. 2 seed Tennessee.
A Dedicated Fan and Father
Nantz had wanted to attend Houston’s thrilling 62-60 win over Purdue in the Sweet 16, but his 11-year-old daughter Finley had a track meet on Friday, and his 9-year-old son Jamo had a number of youth baseball games over the weekend. As frequently as his CBS responsibilities take him away on weekends, Nantz treasures the time he gets to spend with his family. In fact, he spoke to PaperCity while driving to Jamo’s second baseball game of the day on Saturday night.
Kelvin Sampson’s Brilliant Coaching
Nantz and his son Jamo watched the game against Purdue, which was decided by an inbounds play that Sampson drew up. Nantz’s mind went to the coach who has changed everything for the University of Houston. "My first thought was all about Kelvin," Nantz says. "I thought that was a chance for those who don’t know already to see what a brilliant coach he is. For him to draw up that play, to have practiced it the day before, man, his team responds. They just know what they’re doing. They play so hard. It’s a reflection of the coach."
A Hall of Fame Moment
Nantz believes that Sampson belongs in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, regardless of whether he wins a national championship or not. "That was not our best performance," Nantz says of the Purdue game. "And we still figured out a way. It should bode well for tomorrow and the rest of the way." Nantz thinks that Houston’s ability to win a game when they’re not in peak form is a good sign for their chances of winning a national championship.
Inside Jim Nantz and His Son Jamo’s Growing UH Bond
Nantz plans to bring his son Jamo to the Final Four in San Antonio if Houston advances. He wants to share the experience with his son and watch the games together. Nantz will be in the stands with his fellow Cougar fans, wearing UH gear and cheering his heart out. He’s excited to be there with his longtime friend Otis Birdsong and to see his team play.
Milos Uzan’s Impressive Season
Nantz is particularly impressed by the development of point guard Milos Uzan, who has come a long way since the beginning of the season. "I love that kid," Nantz says. "I’m just so impressed by him. And to see his development is just another reflection on great coaching and how valuable it is." Nantz believes that Uzan’s improvement is a testament to Sampson’s coaching and the team’s overall growth.
Conclusion
Jim Nantz is ready to embark on his road trip to Indianapolis to watch his beloved University of Houston play in the Elite Eight. With his dedication to his family and his team, Nantz is excited to see what the future holds for the Cougars. As he heads to Indy, he’s filled with anticipation and enthusiasm, eager to cheer on his team and see them advance to the Final Four.
