March Madness is back, and while the excitement is palpable, there's a bit of concern surrounding TNT Sports announcer Brian Anderson. During Tuesday night's First Four matchup between Texas and NC State, Anderson was in the booth alongside NBA analyst Charles Barkley and the iconic Dick Vitale. But it wasn't long before the broadcast took an unexpected turn.
Barkley and Vitale engaged in a spirited discussion about NIL and the transfer portal, but fans couldn't help but notice Anderson's struggle. Having lost his voice before the game even began, Anderson waited patiently before joining the conversation. This left fans concerned, with many taking to social media to express their worries about his condition.
"Good lord, someone please get Brian Anderson a sub so he can be ready for 1:30 pm Thursday in Buffalo," one fan tweeted, capturing the sentiment of many viewers. Others echoed similar concerns, with comments like "Poor Brian Anderson. Pathetic broadcast," and "Brian deserves a lot better than this."
Despite the challenges, Anderson is slated to call Thursday afternoon's game between the No. 11 seed South Florida and No. 6 Louisville.
He'll be joined by color commentator Jim Jackson and sideline reporter Allie LaForce. This team is also expected to cover additional games on Thursday, making Anderson's recovery crucial.
It's clear that resting his voice on Wednesday is essential for Anderson to be at his best for the upcoming games. Fans and colleagues alike are hoping for a swift recovery, allowing him to deliver the high-quality coverage he's known for.