Gus Johnson's greatest March Madness calls

Take a look back at some of Gus Johnson's most iconic calls in his time doing March Madness play-by-play from 1996-2011.
Watch highlights, game recaps and much more from the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments on the official NCAA March Madness KZbin channel. Subscribe now to be updated on the latest videos: / marchmadness
Connect with March Madness:
Follow March Madness MBB on Twitter: / marchmadnessmbb
Follow March Madness WBB on Twitter: / marchmadnesswbb
Like March Madness MBB on Facebook: / marchmadnessmbb
Like March Madness WBB on Facebook: / marchmadnesswbb
Follow March Madness MBB on Instagram: / marchmadnessmbb
Follow March Madness WBB on Instagram: / marchmadnesswbb
Follow March Madness MBB on Snapchat: / marchmad. .
#marchmadness #collegebasketball

[@squealingsalamander6546]

The Slipper still fits puts chills down my spine always

[@adamthomas8205]

My favorite call of his.

[@dragonkingsports]

That was the first year Gonzaga ever won an NCAA Tournament game and only their second time in the Big Dance

[@MrTheBigNoze]

@@adamthomas8205 mine goes to the nfl… “he’s got gettin away from the cops speed” 😂

[@mostdeadlygeist]

i was randomly paired with calvary for golf last summer. literally one of the nicest dudes ever.

[@toilet4441]

@@adamthomas8205that’s a close second for me. Isaiah Thomas’s coooooooold BLOODED is at the top for me

[@sports3117]

He deserves to return to doing March Madness play-by-play

[@patrickreilly9465]

sports agree 100% - at least he does the Big East tourney.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

He called some NBA playoff games for TNT last season... Hopefully it's a sign of things to come

[@falcon1378]

Gus needs a permanent job. He’s too good to be overlooked like how he is now.

[@dragonkingsports]

Fox has him in a contract. They’re not gonna let him go work for CBS, TBS, TrueTV, and TNT

[@alexlogan202]

Please God no

[@nom5358]

always really got a kick out of “and we’re going to overtime. IN LEXINGTON. HAHAAAA.” greatest sportscaster ever.

[@craigsmith3182]

One of those calls was followed by CBS cutting to James Brown in the studio saying……”Gus will be out of the hospital in time for tomorrow’s game”😂

[@aaronhumes6267]

Was actually Greg Gumbel but great call

[@AlanFernandoGamino]

Greg Gumbel said that quote, the night after the 1st-Night of the Sweet 16 games.

[@czrmalone4441]

Crazy seeing lebron watching curry, he had no idea curry would go on to be one of his biggest rivals

[@tom_shredz]

Lebron: “I was watching curry in college and I knew he’d be my biggest rival in the NBA Finals. I said to my friend, ‘he’s gonna be the NBA 3 point leader all time’”

[@timob1681]

​@@tom_shredzI mean he literally signed Curry's jersey with "greatest shooter in NC" or something so you aren't far off

[@TheCrazyeyeskillah]

This is how games should be called. He’s never biased, just genuinely excited to watch and call these games.

[@ryangluszewski3319]

Never biased? You ever see him call a university of michigan game?

[@BGYMix]

Gus Johnson's commentary is how we react at home; he matches the same level of intensity MM fans have for the game

[@christiansoldier77]

Gus Johnson made a free throw seem like it was the greatest thing he ever saw

[@justaguy328]

Gus Johnson is how my heart sounds during these big moments. I think that's why he's so loved by sports fans. His calls are so intense and emotional. It's so awesome!

[@btnhstillfire]

Hes one of the few that can match the emotions. Hes a fan calling games. Hes all of us…Love him.

[@forrestmackey2316]

HIT THAT FROM THE PARKING LOT !! The shot that changed Vermont basketball forever ❤! Proud moment for us Vermonters chills every time ! forever in the history of the madness with our great coach Brennen !!! great team with great young men ! What a time it was .. thank you gus and Len on the call

[@Xariama]

Y'all had Coppenrath on that team, didn't you?

[@WumbMasta]

@@Xariama yup

[@forrestmackey2316]

@@Xariama we did and he was a native Vermonter very proud of that . However the hole team was a team . They cared for The community each other the university they Represented what the coach was to our community and feels about our state and community. all the players on the team were amazing and so unselfish. Just a pleasure to watch them all those years until win a tournament game it’s indescribable help that feeling still to this day brings chills. I wish Michigan State got upset because I believe if they had it would’ve been a good game and potentially made the next round but that’s why we play the game and that’s why the tournament is a tournament and gave us our shot. I can tell you this the whole state was Locked locked in on that night of the bars houses it was amazing. and like I said just still think that will be on the highlights forever still brings tears to my eyes that are small state and our little program made it after all those years of losing.

[@SeaTK610]

@@forrestmackey2316 Yippy Yapp, wow good look making it this year goof ball

[@Idylhours]

Gus is a national treasure.

[@alexlogan202]

He's fools gold

[@ctwwtc8761]

Hes a clown

[@Angel-GodzSon]

Indeed....👍💯🙏

[@calebroe8990]

"Uuuuh, Aaaaaah"-Gus Johnson

[@christophergreen4616]

The UCLA comeback on the Zags call is still my favorite. Never gets old.

[@rotcoke652]

Out of all the games I've watched in the NCAA tournament for some reason the memory that sticks with me the most is that 2006 UCLA Gonzaga game, with Morrison in tears jersey pulled over his head after the game. The raw emotion & pain of defeat.

[@thetwoboyz4542]

Same with me. I mean it’s an all time March moment so not much of a surprise

[@JoseHernandez-tc1to]

That game was classic, and his commentating with such adrenalin I will never forget.

[@ThePatriots010304]

Number 13 single handedly cost them the game. He was brutal down the stretch.

[@broaddusmarines]

The UCLA vs Gonzaga game alone should put Mr. Gus Johnson in the Hall of Fame.

[@TheBandicootNerd131]

We need Gus Johnson back calling March Madness games

[@MrTheBigNoze]

It’s a travesty he doesn’t call more games in any sport, nothing better than hearing him excited for big plays

[@TJ89741]

My all time favorite is Batista with the CAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTCCCCHHHH

[@ryanc9888]

I can’t believe Curry played at Davidson 15 years ago, time really does just fly by

[@SlamTheSlammer]

That Princeton UCLA sequence is one of my all time favorites. That coach for Princeton is The Godfather of one of the most talent equalizing offenses since before the shot clock era.

[@jedimasterjoe5386]

You can see the currant Princeton coach jump up after the last shot

[@ChickenFriedDryEraseMarkers]

I've never been super into college basketball. But forwhatever reason, I was that year of that UCLA v. Gonzaga game. Duke was ranked 1 but was an early exit, and Florida beat UCLA in the championship. And the first game I watched was this UCLA game, and I remember it well. Jordan Farmar was the star of the team. I remained a Jordan Farmar fan for the rest of his nba career. He never blew up to be a star or even a consistent starter. But I still had one of his Laker jerseys as a kid. Never became special but is a HOF'er in my heart forever.

[@chrisloomis1730]

I love hearing how much fun Gus Johnson is having calling these games.

[@rustybeachwood4613]

You are what is wrong with sports

[@matthewcarey3148]

Aw man the Princeton back door play. That’s just fun basketball.

[@Mudcat3434]

"He got it! He got it!"

[@rxg6948]

Gus Johnson is a horror movie, you get chills down your spine when your hear him call a game.

[@stonecoldku4161]

His love of sports is evident in every game and every call he makes. He has an incredible ability to say the right things in the biggest moments and the March Madness tournament always has the biggest moments. It is the best post season in all of sports and I miss his calls during it.

[@brandonsteffen1749]

So many Memories 😊 Gus Johnson is a National Treasure

[@pdbailey1488]

The fact Curry didn’t take that last shot is unreal

[@danieljones3846]

He was getting mugged

[@ThePatriots010304]

Kind of hard when you're triple teamed.

[@fredm.2699]

Don’t forget, they needed two to tie.

[@fredm.2699]

@@ThePatriots010304one opponent was on the ground/fallen. Something better has to happen than passing to the guy 36 feet from 3. As always, Curry hits everything except when you really need it.

[@Kanders190]

"They beat the defending champions 43 to 41!" Congrats to those that had the under. Good lord.

[@basedmenace1727]

Gus is the GOAT and you can’t change my mind.

[@BigTeix]

The most underrated announcer, makes you feel joy for moments you wouldn’t have cared about .

[@perfectsense3240]

“Last chance to dance!” is a friggin classic

[@palmtreeguy4706]

This man is a National treasure

[@JBgobears]

Let's connect some dots here: * Gus Johnson calls NBA games for TNT in 2022 * Jim Nantz announces 2023 will be his last year calling college hoops * Official NCAA KZbin account posts video of Gus's greatest calls Conclusion: Gus is coming back, folks. The slipper still fits.

[@brandonsteffen1749]

Great work here…makes me smile 😀

[@dcw3483]

Gus Johnson is in a league of his own.

[@rustybeachwood4613]

That league you speak of is called the dumpster and he is in it, because he is garbage.

[@StFidjnr]

0:32 come what may NCAA Men's Basketball will have a new champion in 1996

[@JOEYNOSEBEATS]

More of this please... Gus is that dude!

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

Gus and Raf are my favorite all time play by play guys.

[@SeaTK610]

Raf is the best

[@jimmaloney1121]

ONIONS!!!

[@andrewsebree4333]

Gus Johnson is the GOAT. I remember when the Chiefs were down in the mid 2000's. Gus seemingly called every Chiefs game that was on CBS and my dad and I fell in love with Gus. He's still my favorite and will forever be my favorite. How on Earth he isn't calling NFL games on prime time is beyond me

[@lilfolkes]

4:07 Crazy Bron was at Curry's tourny game and 7 years later they'd be playing against each other in the NBA Finals.....

[@Dewwork541]

There was a short documentary about k states 2010 run called "K states confidential". The part i remember the most was Gus Johnsons calls. Truly a commentary legend

[@Tweedergmu804]

The George Mason call is amazing and epic. Still gives me Goosebumps! Thank you Gus!

[@ianshort2935]

Turner please put this man on your crew this year

[@Angel-GodzSon]

I wish there's was a way to only hear Gus and Kevin Harlan commentate every game of every sport, lol....Those two are amazing....🙏❤️

[@Dachshund-br8pj]

i miss the unique courts at all the sites giving you a sense of place. I was especially fond of that ridiculous Cleveland State logo.

[@zjoyce1730]

The Xavier-Ohio State game was my introduction to him and I’ll never forget it.

[@AstroLonghorn]

Batista WITH THE KYYYAAAATTTCCHHHHH

[@AR18123]

2:51 Bautista with the cAAATTTCCHHH!!!

[@ryan979_]

AND THATS IT

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

March Madness was the best time of the sports year. Then we heard the words "one and done" for the first time.

[@crosscourtblazer34]

That kansas st xavier game might be the best game I ever seen and he made it feel that way

[@merehuman3035]

some of those guys got "get away from the cops" speed

[@PH4NTOMProductions1]

Heart! Break! City!

[@ht82smash42]

My inspiration to become a broadcaster.

[@HeisMertz_]

Am I the only one that gets a little emotional watching this? The pure passion for the game is amazing to hear

[@rustybeachwood4613]

You are what is wrong with Sports today

[@HeisMertz_]

@@rustybeachwood4613 you watching something amazing happen in sports “😐” lol sorry I find joy in sport loser

[@shadowwylde]

I can’t remember if it was madden or ncaa football but when I heard this guys voice he was instantly my favorite announcer. So much intensity on every call. It really gets you more into the game.

[@justinjohnson1360]

Madden 12

[@ht82smash42]

Madden 11 for me

[@user-hv6sb3kg9g]

Morrison only dude I seen cry while still in action...love the pure emotion in college. Pros used to be like that

[@Mudcat3434]

There was a NCAA Tournament game in the early 90s where the player fouled out late in a close game and he fell on his knees in front of the ref holding the refs legs just sobbing begging him to reverse the call. I don't remember who it was but it was heartbreaking to watch. They care so much and that's what makes it great, especially in a single elimination tournament.

[@chrisbutcher9626]

Yooo he’s amazing

[@tbarron1631]

Tear-jerking chills

[@elitehaxxor8025]

There's just something about college sports vs professional sports. Watching the passion and drive of kids who love the sport they play just trying to make it vs the guys who have made it and don't have much passion left for it to just become a job.

[@kevinscottbailey8335]

Gus Johnson is awesome. With that said, the call you included from the K-State / Xavier game wasn't even his best from that game. His best from that game was when Jacob Pullen hid the dagger 3-pointer in double overtime, and Gus called out "he's in shape!" All he did on the one you included it's basically make a guttural noise after Jordan Crawford hit that three-pointer to tie it.

[@dbrianc]

GUS IS MARCH MADNESS

[@gregrice3138]

u gotta love Gus

[@marissaaguirre803]

He should be doing basketball every year I would watch his games no matter who’s playing

[@DGS2605]

Gus and Jim Ross = Dream Team

[@danielbeesley1326]

Anyone else get super nostalgic seeing that mid-2000’s era CBS graphics package?

[@adamthesportsfan2346]

The day he retires will be a sad day for the sport. He’s so synonymous with commentary in my mind

[@cflo1386]

There's nothing better than March Madness.

[@jpc0309]

YES. YES. YES.

[@Anthony-zt1zs]

Gus was THE best come March.

[@widenalgene]

Whenever he says “shot clock turned off” you know something magical is about to happen

[@leq6992]

"Batista with the CAATTCHHH" is where Gus jumped the shark for me. I loved his calls in the NCAA tourney from the mid-90s until then. Between the call on that play, and the plays immediately preceding, it felt like he was trying too hard, and wanted to make these big moments at the end of the games about him as much as what was actually happening on the court.

[@stoneybowmann]

I was at both Gonzaga games and was delirious at one, delirious at the other. Amazing win and biggest choke. The Florida call will always be loved!

[@jermanebennett1137]

I can’t wait for March Madness 😊😊 best time of the year

[@SeaTK610]

college hoops is on a downside

[@jimmyplenderleith9471]

The Slipper Still Fits is what made me a Gus Johnson fan....he's been DYNAMITE ever since. You want your game ramped up with passion? You call up Gus Johnson. If you cant get pumped up with Gus calling a game of your team...you have no passion.

[@LumberNumbers]

Man he is so good

[@chrisrindahl736]

Gus Johnson the 🐐

[@jeffreyreyes6800]

I miss gus Johnson on March madness

[@icepanda4589]

The sorentine parkinglot one is engrained into my childhood memory. I still get choked up hearing that

[@thalivinlegend11]

That K state vs Xavier game was the first time I heard him call a game, still remember where I was at to this day.... Jumping all over my apartment... Craziest game ever

[@Sportsjazzfan23]

always love hearing Gus Johnson calling tournament games… boy do I miss it wish Isaiah Thomas’s shot made it on your video but I also know it’s technically not March madness either

[@anthonymiller4197]

Gus is the man!!!

[@paulbuono5088]

I still use the phrase "Heartbreak City!" when i see someone get disappointed about something

[@Mxtthew24]

Also worth noting, every single time UCLA and Gonzaga play in the tourney it’s an instant classic every time

[@evxn4460]

last chance to dance is 10/10

[@TYHighlights]

This is why March Madness is the best sporting event in the world. It's gonna be even more wild this year with no elite teams. Can't wait!!!

[@jerrywilliams120]

Basketball is beautiful

[@theteeman]

Gus Johnson is the GOAT of Sports Announcing. One of the best all time 🐐

[@enoessien7641]

Gus is the best 🏈 🏀 !!!! #HBCU ❤️

[@Muggins92]

"It comes down to fundamentals." * *LAUNCHES AND DRAINS A THIRTY-FIVE FOOTER* *

[@coolnightskate]

Xavier - KSU was the unforgettable game for me. Just shot after shot

[@sk33t_38]

still kills me seeing Adam Morrisons Gonzaga team lose the game because they started panicking. I still wonder to this day why they inbounded it so fast, especially to the worst player on the starting 5 when Morrison was right there. So brutal.

[@555qquinn]

right, like he just had to watch as his teammates completely fumbled the game away. poor guy.

[@chrisschei5597]

"And we're headed to double overtime.... haha! COLLEGE BASKETBALL!!" 😂😂😂

[@cmehop2it383]

The one with UW when Isaiah Thomas hits the winner, "Isaiah's gonna do it himself, steeeeeep baccccccck ohhhhhhhh! Cooollllldddddd Blooded!!"

[@SeaTK610]

UDUB stinks now

[@masonflory9572]

4:04 it’s so good to see a son learning from his dad while watching his ball game

[@stevengrvp]

Look at young steph

[@bradymaher9657]

Just got done watching one of the craziest finishes I’ve ever seen. Once again it was gonzaga vs UCLA of course

[@grantbevan7528]

THE GOAT

[@mikehunt2478]

He deserves the Final Four games…

[@nelsonramos9837]

cold blooded!!!!!

[@theknow7557]

Gus can make a bowl of cereal exciting!!

[@joed7185]

Gus Johnson the GOAT!!!

[@hawkknowledge6]

bring him back