Flynn Clayman's Rise as a Mid-Major Basketball Coach Before becoming a prominent figure in mid-major basketball, Flynn Clayman was a rising assistant coach at one of Utah’s six Division I universities. Now, as the head coach of the High Point Panthers, he is making waves in the NCAA tournament, leading his team into the second round against fourth-seeded Arkansas. The 37-year-old coach’s energetic presence and unconventional approach have captured the attention of fans and even former NBA star Charles Barkley, who jokingly suggested that Barkley might use his remaining college eligibility to play for Clayman’s team. Clayman’s journey to this point has been marked by steady progression. He joined High Point, a private Methodist-affiliated university in North Carolina, less than three years ago. However, his ascent began earlier, during his first job as a graduate assistant at Southern Utah University (SUU). There, he met his wife, Katie Clayman, who is now also an assistant women’s basketball coach at High Point. Their partnership has played a significant role in his success, as Katie’s experience and dedication complemented Clayman’s coaching style. The Panthers’ senior point guard, Rob Martin, described Clayman as “insane,” a term he quickly clarified was meant in jest. Martin praised Clayman’s ability to motivate his players, noting that the team’s hard work and trust in their coach have been key to their recent success. “He brings it each and every day,” Martin said. “Our guys love him. We work hard. Super proud of him for believing in us, trusting us to go out there and make the plays.” Clayman’s reputation as a passionate and innovative coach has also earned him recognition from peers.#high_point_panthers #flynn_clayman #charles_barkley #katie_clayman #southern_utah_university
CBS Had To Replace Kenny Smith For Friday's NCAA Tournament Coverage CBS viewers might have noticed a change in the studio setup during Friday’s NCAA Tournament coverage. Kenny Smith, the longtime analyst, was replaced by Renee Montgomery, a former NBA and NCAA champion, who joined Adam Zucker and Charles Barkley at the desk. Zucker mentioned that Smith was “under the weather” for the second day of the tournament’s first round. Smith left the studio early on Thursday, departing just before the end of the Howard-Michigan game. The situation was severe enough to keep him at home overnight, though the exact cause remains unclear. Barkley, Smith’s longtime broadcasting partner, humorously addressed the situation, joking that Smith might have taken the day off to enjoy a beach vacation. “Keep your shirt on at the beach, Kenny,” Barkley quipped, after the rest of the desk wished him well. The tweet, shared by Awful Announcing, highlighted the lighthearted moment, with the hashtag #MarchMadness and #NCAATournament. While Smith’s absence could be due to illness—given his age of 61—some fans speculated he might be struggling emotionally after his alma mater, North Carolina, suffered a dismal day. The Tar Heels’ performance took a sharp turn, starting with fans initially mocking arch-rival Duke for losing to a 16-seeded team, Siena. However, Duke advanced to the Round of 32, while UNC’s own team was eliminated by an 11-seeded VCU squad. This marked UNC’s second consecutive one-and-done exit in the Round of 64 under head coach Hubert Davis. Fan reactions quickly turned to humor, with some suggesting Smith’s absence might be due to emotional distress rather than illness. One user joked, “Is he under the weather or crying about the UNC loss?” Another remarked, “That’s funny. Kenny seemed fine when Siena was winning.#ncaa_tournament #kenny_smith #charles_barkley #adam_zucker #rene_e_montgomery
Charles Barkley’s Weight Loss and Ill-Fitting Suits Spark Online Memes Charles Barkley, the 63-year-old former NBA star, has undergone a dramatic weight loss of 85 pounds over the past few years, transforming his physique significantly. However, his recent appearances have drawn attention for his ill-fitting suits, which have become a source of humor and criticism online. Despite his physical transformation, Barkley’s wardrobe choices have raised eyebrows, with many noting that his suits appear oversized and unflattering. The 11-time NBA All-Star, who was listed at 250 pounds throughout his professional career, gained over 100 pounds by 2020, reaching a weight of more than 350 pounds. His weight loss journey began in 2023 with the use of GLP-1 medications, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, and he has since become the face of Ro, a pharmaceutical company. These drugs, originally designed to manage diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone released after eating, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness. While primarily intended for diabetes treatment, many users, including Barkley, have adopted them for weight management, alongside improved diet and increased physical activity. Barkley’s recent return as a March Madness analyst highlighted the issue. During a studio appearance, his suit was described as baggy, with sleeves that hung loosely and a head-to-body proportion that appeared disproportionate. Social media users quickly took notice, comparing his look to a child wearing his father’s clothes. Memes and tweets mocked the situation, with one user writing, “People thought he looked like a kid wearing their dad’s suit.” Another joked, “Why does Charles Barkley look like a child wearing their father’s suit? Someone get this man a tailor 😭 #MarchMadness.#charles_barkley #zepbound #march_madness #mounjaro #ro_pharmaceuticals
Charles Barkley, a celebrated NBA icon, has evolved into a prominent figure during the NCAA Tournament each March, known for his humorous commentary and candid reactions. This year, however, fans have taken notice of a noticeable change in his physique—Barkley appears significantly leaner than in recent years. Barkley has openly discussed his weight-loss journey, revealing that he shed 62 pounds since 2023. He attributed this transformation to a weekly injection of Mounjaro, a medication containing tirzepatide, alongside regular physical activity. He emphasized that the drug helped regulate his appetite and improve long-standing habits, which he had struggled to manage for years. A pivotal moment in his health shift came after a blunt warning from his doctor, which motivated him to prioritize his well-being. Barkley has consistently framed his goals as living longer and feeling better, rather than focusing solely on appearance. However, his journey has not been without challenges. In 2025, he revealed that a previous attempt to use a GLP-1 medication led to significant weight loss but was interrupted by supply issues, resulting in weight regain. This experience prompted him to restart his health efforts with Ro, a company collaborating with him. Barkley’s story resonates because it reflects the complexities of weight loss. His progress has been uneven, marked by periods of success and setbacks, which makes his journey relatable to many. The visibility of his transformation has also highlighted the role of GLP-1 drugs, which mimic hormones like GLP-1 and GIP to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and reduce hunger signals. These medications, when combined with lifestyle changes, can aid weight loss.#nba #charles_barkley #march_madness #mounjaro #ro
NBA icon who vanished from CBS desk after March Madness upset suddenly absent in studio next day Following UNC’s stunning upset loss to VCU in the first round of March Madness, Kenny Smith left his CBS Sports desk—and the NBA icon was absent from Friday’s NCAA Tournament coverage. Smith was replaced by Renee Montgomery for Friday’s March Madness coverage. Smith’s absence from CBS and TNT Sports’ coverage of March Madness came just a day after he abruptly left his desk. On Thursday, Smith’s alma mater, UNC, fell 82-78 to VCU as the 11th-seeded Rams stormed back from a 19-point deficit to secure a shocking upset win in the NCAA Tournament. Terrence Hill Jr. led VCU with 34 points, including 20 in the second half. As he covered March Madness alongside Charles Barkley and Clark Kellogg, Smith left his desk in frustration following UNC’s loss. The former UNC standout had earlier appeared in bracket segments with Barkley before the game and had even picked UNC to reach the Elite Eight. The Tar Heels were eliminated in the Round of 64 for the first time since 1985, the year Smith played on the team. During that season, he averaged 12.0 points and 6.2 assists for a UNC squad featuring future NBA players like Brad Daugherty, Joe Wolf, Jeff Lebo, Dave Popson, and Steve Bucknall. Speculation suggested Smith’s departure may have been triggered by the loss, though some questioned whether he was unwell. On Friday, Smith was replaced by Renee Montgomery at the main desk in New York as viewers tuned in for the Round of 64. Host Adam Zucker, joined by Montgomery, Kellogg, and Barkley, introduced the day’s coverage and noted that Smith was under the weather. Zucker shared a get-well message, while Barkley teased his longtime “Inside the NBA” partner with a quip about keeping his shirt on at the beach.#kenny_smith #charles_barkley #vcu #unc #rene_e_montgomery
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
How the Charles Barkley–Dick Vitale Pairing Came Together The broadcast will mark the first time Dick Vitale has called an NCAA tournament game. Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale will be on the call together alongside Brian Anderson for truTV’s coverage of Texas–NC State in the First Four round of the NCAA tournament on Tuesday night. It didn’t take much effort to pair the legendary analysts. After the news broke in late 2024 that ESPN would license the iconic Inside the NBA studio show from TNT, Barkley and Vitale were talking with each other and came up with the idea of working together on some games. “It was pretty easy on both sides. It came together pretty quickly because we all looked at each other and thought this is a really good idea and we should take advantage of this,” ESPN’s SVP of production Tim Corrigan, who oversees the network’s NBA coverage, told Front Office Sports. “When you have two legends and they’re synonymous with the sport of basketball, pro and college, there’s always going to be an intrigue and an interest on both sides.” CBS was also looped into the discussions, as Warner Bros. Discovery Sports partners with the network on the NCAA tournament. The two might be a combined entity by next year’s March Madness, as Paramount is set to purchase WBD pending regulatory approval. Tuesday night’s First Four matchup will be the second game Barkley and Vitale have worked together after they previously called Indiana-Kentucky alongside Dave O’Brien on ESPN in December. Notably, it will also be the first NCAA tournament game that the 86-year-old Vitale has called in his storied broadcasting career. CBS had explored the possibility of adding the former Detroit coach to its coverage in the past, but it never came to fruition.#paramount #ncaa_tournament #charles_barkley #dick_vitale #tim_corrigan
Dick Vitale to Make NCAA Tournament Broadcasting Debut with Charles Barkley Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale will make his NCAA Tournament broadcasting debut on Tuesday when No. 11 seed NC State faces No. 11 seed Texas in the First Four game in Dayton, Ohio. The winner of that matchup will advance to the first round to face No. 6 seed BYU in Portland, Oregon on Thursday. Vitale will call the game alongside Brian Anderson, Charles Barkley, and sideline reporter Jenny Dell. This marks the first time Vitale will broadcast an NCAA Tournament game in his career, though he and Barkley previously teamed up for Indiana’s matchup against Kentucky earlier this season. CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant highlighted the significance of the broadcast, stating that Vitale “has meant so much to the game of basketball” and that having him call the game with Barkley will be “must-see TV.” The collaboration is expected to draw significant attention as the First Four kicks off the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Vitale, 86, made his return to television last year after a nearly two-year hiatus due to battling four types of cancer. His return was initially scheduled for a game earlier in 2025 but was delayed by an accident at his home. Vitale has been a staple of ESPN’s basketball coverage since the 1979-80 season, calling over 1,000 games throughout his career. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Beyond his broadcasting career, Vitale has been a prominent advocate for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation, raising tens of millions of dollars over the years. His contributions to the sport and charitable efforts have solidified his legacy as one of college basketball’s most influential figures.#ncaa_tournament #cbs_sports #charles_barkley #first_four #dick_vitale
Cutino Mobley shares the biggest lesson he learned from Kobe Bryant: "Believe in your work" Cutino Mobley, reflecting on his time training with the late Kobe Bryant, emphasized the importance of trusting in one’s preparation. During their offseason sessions in Philadelphia, Bryant often pushed Mobley to apply the skills they practiced on the court during actual games. Mobley recounted how Bryant would grow frustrated when he hesitated to take open shots, a moment that left a lasting impression. Bryant, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, never settled despite his five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections, and two Finals MVP awards. He constantly sought ways to refine his game, a mindset he passed on to younger players like Mobley. The former NBA player recalled Bryant’s mantra: “Believe in your work.” During Mobley’s early NBA years, Bryant would challenge him, asking, “Why are you taking a thousand shots a day and then passing up a shot when you get it? What’s the matter with you?” Mobley admitted he once struggled with this philosophy, partly due to the high-caliber competition he faced with the Houston Rockets, where he shared the court with legends like Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Mobley explained that he initially hesitated to shoot frequently, fearing he might miss opportunities due to the presence of such elite teammates. He described the mental adjustment required to balance confidence with the reality of playing alongside top-tier players. Beyond Bryant’s influence, Mobley highlighted how other mentors, including Alvin Williams and Rasheed Wallace, helped him embrace the value of showcasing hard work.#kobe_bryant #cutino_mobley #philadelphia #charles_barkley #scottie_pippen
