Billy Packer, an Emmy award winning basketball broadcaster passed away on Thursday. His son 'Mark' told the press that his father was ill since last 3 weeks & been hospitalized in Charlotte. He had several medical issues but the kidney failure became the ultimate reason of his death.
Billy was a former college basketball analyst who worked for CBS Sports and later for the CBS Sports Network. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected and knowledgeable analysts in the sport of college basketball.
Packer began his career as a basketball coach at Wake Forest University before transitioning to broadcasting. He joined CBS Sports in 1974 as a color commentator, working alongside play-by-play announcer Verne Lundquist. Together, they covered some of the most iconic moments in college basketball history, including the 1976 Indiana-Michigan game that featured a last-second shot by Indiana's Mike Woodson to win the game.
Throughout his career, Packer was known for his in-depth analysis of the game and his ability to break down complex strategies and plays. He was also known for his strong opinions, which sometimes led to controversy. However, his insights and expertise were widely respected by both fans and coaches alike.
Packer covered a total of 27 Final Four tournaments and was the lead analyst for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship for over 25 years. He also covered the NBA for CBS for a short period of time.
In 2008, Packer announced his retirement from CBS Sports, but he continued to make appearances on the CBS Sports Network as a commentator. He retired from broadcasting in 2008.
Packer's contributions to the sport of college basketball and his long-standing career as a commentator have earned him numerous accolades, including being inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Billy Packer will always be remembered as one of the most respected and influential figures in the world of college basketball. His knowledge and analysis of the game were unparalleled, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
