Greg Gumbel’s CBS partners wished him well Sunday night while the Selection Sunday staple missed the bracket reveal — and will be out the entire tournament — due to “family health matters.”
“I am Adam Zucker, and we would all like to send our best to our friend and colleague Greg Gumbel, who will sit out this year’s tournament due to family health matters,” Zucker said before revealing the 68-team field. “Greg, of course, has been a fixture of our March Madness coverage for the past quarter century and we look forward to having him back, right here, next year.”
Gumbel, 77, is usually the host of the show and has become synonymous with the NCAA Tournament.
He has worked for CBS Since 1998 after a successful run with NBC.
“It’s somewhat surreal that he’s not to my right,” CBS analyst Clark Kellogg said to Zucker. “He’s been there for a couple of decades. Praying and hoping Greg that you will indeed be back in 2025.”
Former Villanova coach Jay Wright, who coached the Wildcats to two national titles, recalled how seeing Gumbel always brought joy to his program.
Villanova did not qualify for this year’s tournament as the Big East settled for just three teams in the field.
“Every time we met with our team, I just couldn’t wait for Greg’s face to come up there,” said Wright, who stepped down following the 2022 season. “I knew it was officially March Madness and everyone one in the room did, so Greg, we’re thinking of you buddy, we love you.”
The final member of the Selection Sunday crew, Seth Davis, also wished Gumbel well.
The Athletic reported that Ernie Johnson is expected to help fill in for Gumbel during March Madness.
“(Gumbel)’s been my studio partner for 20 years, he’s one of my best friends in the world, he’s watching and he’s thinking, ‘Stop talking about me’ and read the teams, Mr. Zucker, if you please,” Davis said.
With that comment, Zucker wished Gumbel well and then unveiled the bracket, beginning with the East’s top seed and overall No. 1 seed UConn.
“It’s an honor to fill in for Greg today and we all miss you buddy and let’s give Greg Gumbel our bracket, huh?” Zucker said. “Everybody. Let’s officially tip off March Madness.”