#kenny_smith

Charles Barkley Teases Kenny Smith After NBA Analyst's Illness Forces Replacement at NCAA Tournament Kenny Smith, a former NBA star and longtime college basketball analyst, was absent from NCAA Tournament coverage on Friday after his team, the University of North Carolina, suffered a shocking 82-78 loss to 11th-seeded VCU. The upset, which saw the Rams overcome a 19-point deficit, marked UNC’s first back-to-back exits in the round of 64 since 1985. Smith, a former Tar Heels standout, abruptly left the CBS studio following the defeat, sparking speculation about his emotional state. Fans and commentators joked that the loss might have been too much for him to handle, with one user quipping, “Is he under the weather or crying about the UNC loss?” Another remarked, “That’s funny. Kenny seemed fine when Siena was winning. What a pro!” However, the absence of Smith was not due to the loss itself. A day later, as the Round of 64 coverage began, fans noticed a significant change: two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery had replaced Smith on the main desk. Montgomery, who previously won titles with the Minnesota Lynx, is now a studio analyst for CBS’s WNBA coverage and also serves as an activist and part-owner of the Atlanta Dream. The switch prompted questions about Smith’s status, but the situation was clarified when host Adam Zucker announced that Smith had been unwell and shared a get-well message with viewers. Smith’s absence was attributed to illness, as he had taken ill during the Michigan-Howard game on Thursday. The incident marked the second broadcasting-related illness in the NCAA Tournament this year, following the case of play-by-play voice Brian Anderson. Anderson, who was noticeably hoarse during Tuesday’s First Four game between NC State and Texas, was replaced by Jason Benetti on CBS and TNT.#university_of_north_carolina #kenny_smith #charles_barkley #cbs #vcu

Renee Montgomery Continues to Substitute for Kenny Smith on CBS Coverage March Madness viewers tuning into CBS Sports’ coverage of the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament likely noticed the continued absence of longtime analyst Kenny Smith from the broadcast. For the second consecutive day, Montgomery stepped in to fill his role, with the network attributing Smith’s absence to illness. The network confirmed that Smith missed Friday’s coverage due to sickness, marking another day of Montgomery’s involvement in the broadcast. Montgomery, a former WNBA standout, has consistently delivered strong performances in her broadcasting duties across various events. Her presence on Saturday’s coverage highlighted her ability to adapt to different roles while maintaining the quality of analysis expected from CBS Sports. However, fans and analysts alike have expressed hope that Smith will recover soon and return to the broadcast. The network has not provided specific details about the nature of Smith’s illness, leaving uncertainty about when he might rejoin the coverage. While Montgomery’s contributions have been well-received, the absence of Smith has sparked discussions about the impact of his absence on the broadcast. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on his condition, with some speculating that he may return for Sunday’s games. The situation underscores the reliance on substitute analysts during unexpected absences and the importance of having a versatile team to maintain the integrity of the coverage. As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on the games themselves, but the absence of a familiar voice like Smith has been a notable aspect of the coverage. Montgomery’s continued involvement ensures that the broadcasts remain engaging, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.#cbs_sports #kenny_smith #march_madness #ncaa_men_s_tournament #renee_montgomery

Kenny Smith Absent from Day 2 of CBS NCAA Tournament Coverage Kenny Smith, a key figure on Inside the NBA, was absent from day two of CBS’ NCAA Tournament coverage due to being “under the weather.” His replacement for the studio segment was Renee Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion who transitioned into broadcasting. Smith participated in the first day of coverage but left the set after No. 1 Michigan’s first-round victory over No. 16 Howard. His exit coincided with VCU’s upset of his alma mater, North Carolina, in a game that ended 82-78. Smith’s departure from the set sparked speculation, with many suggesting it was tied to North Carolina’s loss. The Tar Heels fell to VCU in the first round for the second consecutive season, marking the first time since the 1960s that the program had back-to-back opening-round exits. North Carolina struggled in the final stretch of the game, surrendering 23-8 to VCU. Head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities, noting that while they had open shots and executed plays, they missed eight free throws. Davis also praised VCU’s resilience, highlighting their ability to mount a comeback despite being down 19 points. Davis emphasized that the loss was not due to a lack of effort, stating, “We had shots at the basket. We had executed plays. And we miss eight free throws. Sometimes the ball doesn’t go in.” He also credited VCU for their determination, calling their comeback “resilient” and acknowledging that mistakes by North Carolina contributed to the defeat. The loss drew criticism from ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg, who criticized Hubert Davis and the North Carolina program for failing to meet the standard expected of the school.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #kenny_smith #vcu #reneemontgomery

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

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

CBS Analyst Kenny Smith Leaves Broadcast After UNC's Upset Loss to VCU The NCAA Tournament’s opening round delivered a dramatic twist as North Carolina’s historic upset loss to VCU left CBS analyst Kenny Smith abruptly exiting the broadcast. The defeat, which ended the Tar Heels’ season in the round of 64, prompted Smith to leave the studio shortly after the game, drawing immediate attention from viewers. The incident underscored the volatile nature of March Madness, where a single game can shift fortunes and spotlight the personal ties of analysts to their alma maters. Smith, a former UNC standout and longtime CBS/TNT commentator, had been part of the studio team alongside Charles Barkley and Clark Kellogg. The Tar Heels entered the game with a 39-28 halftime lead and a 18-point advantage in the second half, but the momentum shifted dramatically. VCU, led by Terrence Hill Jr.’s 34 points and a clutch stepback three-pointer in overtime, overcame a 19-point deficit to secure an 82-78 victory. UNC’s Henri Veesaar contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds, but his efforts proved insufficient as the Rams’ resilience proved decisive. Smith’s departure from the broadcast booth sparked widespread speculation. Some viewers questioned whether he had left due to illness, while others interpreted it as a reaction to the loss. Social media reactions ranged from amusement to accusations of “typical coward behavior,” with many fixating on the vacant seat. However, Smith’s exit carried added weight given his pre-tournament confidence in UNC’s prospects. He had predicted the Tar Heels would face Illinois before a potential Elite Eight clash with Houston, envisioning a national championship showdown between Michigan and Michigan State, with the Spartans emerging victorious.#kenny_smith #vcu #unc #terrence_hill_jr #henri_veesaar

Son of Kenny Smith commits as recruit to UNC basketball Malloy Smith, the son of former North Carolina basketball star Kenny Smith, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina, joining his father and older brother in representing the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-6 senior point guard from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, announced his decision during a segment on his father’s NBA Tip-Off show, which aired on ESPN. Smith, a 3-star recruit, becomes the third member of his family to play for the program, following in the footsteps of his father, Kenny Smith, and his older brother, K.J. Smith, who graduated from UNC in 2021. Smith’s commitment solidifies North Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class, which already includes five-star guard Dylan Mingo and top-25 forward Maximo Adams. The trio is expected to join the Tar Heels in June, marking a significant addition to the program’s roster. During his high school season, Smith averaged 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, with standout performances including a single-game high of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. In a statement during his announcement, Smith emphasized the importance of family legacy in his decision. “I’ve done a lot of praying and taken a lot of time in my recruitment, and I think the best thing for me to do is to join the Carolina family,” he said. His father, Kenny Smith, was a first-team All-America selection in 1987 and later became a respected television analyst, while K.J. Smith played for UNC from 2018 to 2021. The Tar Heels’ coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, has been actively building a competitive roster for the 2026 season. With Smith’s commitment, the program continues to attract talent with strong family ties, further enhancing its reputation as a destination for elite athletes.#unc_basketball #malloy_smith #mater_dei_high_school #kenny_smith #k_j_smith

Malloy Smith, Son of Kenny Smith, Commits to UNC Men’s Basketball Malloy Smith, the son of former UNC star point guard and television personality Kenny Smith, has officially committed to the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team. The decision was announced on his father’s ESPN show, marking a significant moment for the family’s deep ties to the program. Smith, a six-foot-six guard from California, had previously considered offers from other ACC schools, including Cal, but ultimately chose to join head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels. The offer came after Smith visited Chapel Hill in February, where he felt a strong connection to the campus and the coaching staff. “I just felt like family after the visit,” Smith said following his announcement. The commitment solidifies his place in UNC’s recruiting class of 2026, joining forward Maximo Adams and guard Dylan Mingo as the third prospect to pledge to the program. Smith, who plays for Mater Dei High School, averaged 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season. Despite not being ranked on any major recruiting service’s top 100 list, his skills and potential have drawn attention from college programs. Smith’s decision to commit to UNC is particularly meaningful given his family’s legacy with the program. His father, Kenny Smith, was a standout player for UNC in the 1980s, known for his electrifying play alongside Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins on a 1984 team that reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. A midseason wrist injury during his freshman year is often cited as a factor in the team’s failure to win the national championship that season. Despite that setback, Kenny Smith went on to earn first-team All-American honors as a senior, leading UNC to a 32-4 record and a trip to the Elite Eight in 1987.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #malloy_smith #mater_dei_high_school #kenny_smith