"No one has ever loved the game of college basketball more than Billy Packer. He played it to the highest level and broadcast it to the highest lever for a record number of years. That record that will never be broken. He protects the heart and soul of the sport. He is the ultimate curator protecting the integrity of the sport. Fans don't realize they owe Billy a thank you. Billy always protects the best of the game. He's a friend, a mentor and a guiding light."

CBS Sports' Jim Nantz

I first worked with Billy at a UCLA at Maryland game 37 years ago.  It was if attending a college course on basketball.  I'd never heard such crisp and concise game analysis.  When Al McGuire joined our NBC team in 1978, it was Billy who served as the perfect foil for Al's off-the-wall remarks.  I feel Packer never received due credit for McGuire's success.  Al always knew that no matter what he said, critical or crazy, Billy's preparation and knowledge would be there to cover for him; and that way a key ingredient in our broadcast team's seamless success.

What the television audience never sees is Billy's soft side.  His commentary is rigid, correct and unemotional; but in private, Billy can't talk about basketball, its coaches and players, without getting tearfully emotional.

Hopefully, he'll always have a position in basketball, perhaps as a special consultant, so that we never lose his rare insight and love for the game. Of one thing I am absolutely certain, Billy's successful career is NOT ego driven.  His personal drive is only to make the game right.  And that's how he announces it."

CBS Sports' Dick Enberg

"Billy Packer's name has been synonymous with college basketball for more than 34 years.  From his days as a student-athlete to a broadcaster, his passion for the game has helped create a generation of fans for college basketball.  His ability to analyze a basketball game and to communicate its nuances to the television audience is unsurpassed."

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive

"Billy is a great ambassador for the sport of basketball during his 27 years with CBS and certainly as a former player in the Atlantic Coast Conference.  His love and passion for the game is evident every day of his life and I admire that about him.  He always brings an interesting and informative perspective of the game to the fans. It is a genuine skill to be a great communicator and Billy has demonstrated that ability time and again.  I love that CBS has remained committed to college basketball over so many years and I believe a big reason for that is Billy Packer."

Mike Krzyzewski, Duke's men's basketball coach

"No one has done more for college basketball than Billy Packer. He loves our game and it shows."

Jim Boeheim, Syracuse men's basketball coach.

"Billy Packer has been the television face of the NCAA Tournament for 34 years.  His knowledge of tournament, including its rich tradition, is unmatched.  Billy has seen it all and earned his place in the history of the sport." 

BIG EAST Commissioner Michael Tranghese

"I think Billy has given the most professional accounting of basketball in the history of our game as a commentator.  He always gives an unbiased view, staying professional to the letter "P."  He's really broken down the game for the fans and made it very entertaining for the viewers.  Whether you were a basketball aficionado or a casual fan, you can understand the game and interpret it as it should be with Billy's analysis."

Rick Pitino, Louisville Head Coach,

"Billy Packer and the Final Four have been great partners for 34 years. His competence and love of college basketball have made this marriage to the Final Four a great success. We have all been privileged to watch and listen as a result."

Roy Williams, North Carolina men's basketball coach

What stands out for me about Billy Packer is "the fact that he is not reluctant to express a different view than is popular with people...even if it's taking on someone he personally likes...accurate or not, it's what Packer believes and I have always respected that."

Hall of Famer John Thompson

"Billy Packer has contributed as a player, coach and analyst to college basketball.  Most importantly, over 34 years he has shared his love and passion with America. He has always held himself and everyone in the college game to a high level of integrity. Billy has been a true giant in the success and popularity of college basketball."

Jay Wright, Villanova's men's basketball coach

"Billy, is not only a great sportscaster and a great basketball man, but also someone with whom I have been fortunate to develop a friendship.  I can honestly say that there is no one else I would rather have broadcast a basketball game because of the entertainment value and the knowledge of the game, that he brings to any broadcast.  Billy certainly is a great ambassador to the game of basketball and we have all benefited from his work with the sport that we all love so much. 

Jim Calhoun, Connecticut's men's basketball coach