Renee Montgomery, a former standout in UConn women's basketball and the WNBA, took center stage in the national sports conversation over the weekend. She filled in for Kenny Smith on the CBS studio desk in New York, lending her expertise to the analysis of college basketball during the men's NCAA Tournament's Round of 32.
Joining forces with Adam Zucker, Clark Kellogg, and Charles Barkley, Montgomery brought her unique insight to the table. Not one to shy away from bold predictions, she forecasted that UConn would fall to the top-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight-a call that caught the attention of fellow UConn national champion Ryan Boatright. Boatright, known for his competitive spirit, expressed his surprise on social media, playfully calling out Montgomery for her choice against their alma mater.
Dan Hurley, UConn's head coach, acknowledged Montgomery's rising profile in the media world. He sent her a video message celebrating her contributions to the UConn program, which Montgomery shared, highlighting a lesser-seen, passionate side of Hurley's character.
Reflecting on UConn's storied history, Boatright and his 2014 teammates pulled off one of the most memorable runs in NCAA Tournament history. As a No. 7 seed, they toppled higher-seeded teams, including No.
2 Florida and No. 8 Kentucky, to claim the national title.
Boatright, a key player in that journey, was known for his sharpshooting and tenacity on the court.
Despite going undrafted in 2015, Boatright carved out a successful career overseas, most recently playing in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Montgomery's career took her to the WNBA, where she became an All-Star and two-time champion. Her impact extends beyond the court as she now co-owns the Atlanta Dream and continues to provide insightful commentary on the game she loves.
Montgomery's transition from player to media personality showcases her deep understanding of basketball, and her presence on the CBS desk was a testament to her growing influence in the sports world.