Gus Johnson: 10 Announcers Who Could Replace Him on CBS' March Madness Coverage

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Sad news touched basketball fans across the nation when word of CBS and Gus Johnson parting ways hit the media. One of March Madness' most beloved commentators, Johnson will no longer be bringing his unmatched energy to the sidelines for CBS sports. However, when someone moves on there is always a predecessor. Who are some options to take his place? 

Jeff Van Gundy

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Jeff Van Gundy is an excellent NBA commentator and an even better head coach.

Bringing his coaching expertise from New York and Houston to the sidelines, Van Gundy has a certain sense of humor that resonates with me, especially. 

Ernie Johnson

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Ernie Johnson is a great speaker and an even better play-by-play commentator.

He's found a niche doing TNT's in-studio and courtside analysis, but seeing him on CBS covering March Madness wouldn't be such a bad sight. 

Johnson has no NBA background to back up his point of view and analysis, but he knows the game well and adds a sense of humor to his madness.

Bringing EJ's Neat-O Stat of the Night to CBS wouldn't be a bad idea either, seeing as though it's still "sponsored by nobody."

Reggie Miller

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Reggie Miller's done quite a few NBA coverages, but I could definitely see him doing some play-by-play for March Madness. 

Miller brings a certain lightheartedness to the sidelines when he talks about what he sees.

He obviously knows the game very well, being a Hall of Fame snub himself, and has a great sense of humor to accommodate his unique style. 

Greg Gumbel

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Going from the Economic Report to CBS Sports, Greg Gumbel has one of the most interesting commentating style out there.

He speaks with a rather stern voice and knows his stuff more than anybody else in the market.

Greg Gumbel would be a great replacement for Gus Johnson, but he leaves big, Ronald McDonald size shoes to fill.

Walt Frazier

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With the deep vocabulary that Walt Frazier possesses, he might be able to teach the NCAA players a thing or two doing some courtside analysis throughout March Madness.

Though he only covers New York Knicks games on the New York channel MSG, Frazier knows the game of basketball inside-out and chooses his words wisely when speaking.

He says a lot in a few words and is always entertaining to listen to and watch.

Mark Jackson

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Mark Jackson brings a certain type of seriousness to the game of basketball.

He's an ex-player than knows what he's talking about and delivers that knowledge to the viewers.

It would be a big change of pace, going from the pros to the college players, but Jackson might actually be interested in going back to his older days.

Chris Webber

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There should always be room on CBS for a commentator as silky smooth as C-Web. From the court to the sidelines, Chris Webber has always brought intensity and style to his craft.

He, as well as many others on this list, is a predominantly NBA-based commentator, but he knows basketball better than many of his counterparts.

He might not have as many catch phrases as some others, but he's funny, serious, and energetic all at the same time.

Charles Barkley

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If Charles Barkley did play-by-play throughout March Madness, I would make it a point to watch every game he did.

Barkley is one of the most hilarious courtside commentators for the NBA on TNT. He's rather obnoxious and a bit slow, but he's hands down the funniest, most entertaining commentator out there. 

Barkley brings a sense of humor to the seriousness of basketball, and it would be fun to watch him watch the best NCAA players play.

Dick Vitale

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Dick Vitale will always be the staple of NCAA basketball commentators. He's always screaming and yelling with his old man's voice, but he's got a method to his madness.

Dicky-V is one of the most renowned sports commentators. He's dabbled inside the NBA, but the NCAA is his home. He'll be the first person called to replace Gus Johnson.

The old man will forever have his mojo.

Marv Albert

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Who wouldn't want to see Marv Albert do some play-by-play throughout March Madness?

It would be a step down from his NBA duties, but Albert brings some of the most energy to the sidelines that I've ever seen in a courtside commentator.

He's always deep into the game, analyzing every part of the game, and he loves raising his voice when a big play is made.

If you aren't familiar with Marv Albert's powerful, vivacious style, take a look at how he covered one of Kobe Bryant's greatest dunks and J.R. Smith's poster dunk over Gary Neal.