Renee Montgomery replaces Kenny Smith in NCAA Tournament studio coverage CBS and TNT Sports faced multiple absences during the 2026 NCAA Tournament due to illness, with a notable change occurring during Friday’s Round of 64 coverage. Renee Montgomery took over the main desk in New York, stepping in for Kenny Smith, who was absent due to illness. Host Adam Zucker introduced the day’s broadcast, acknowledging Smith’s absence and sharing a get-well message. Smith had already exited late night coverage on Thursday after missing the Michigan-Howard game, leaving the set without him. Montgomery joined Zucker, Clark Kellogg, and Charles Barkley for the studio segment. Barkley humorously teased Smith by joking about keeping his shirt on at the beach, referencing their longtime collaboration on Inside the NBA. Montgomery’s substitution marked her first major opportunity in NCAA Tournament coverage, though she is better known for her work with CBS’s WNBA broadcasts. Smith’s absence followed Brian Anderson’s withdrawal from play-by-play duties on Thursday, as he was sidelined by illness. Anderson, who called the NC State-Texas game alongside Barkley and Dick Vitale, sounded hoarse during the First Four contest. He was replaced by Jason Benetti on CBS/TNT but is expected to return to commentary on Saturday. Montgomery, a studio analyst for CBS’s WNBA coverage, has a distinguished career both as a player and advocate. She won two WNBA championships during her playing days and is currently a part-owner of the Atlanta Dream. She also led social justice initiatives, including a decision to sit out the 2020 WNBA season to focus on the Black Lives Matter movement. This role in NCAA Tournament coverage represents a significant milestone for Montgomery, offering her exposure to a broader audience.#kenny_smith #charles_barkley #adam_zucker #renee_montgomery #cbs_tnt_sports
