CBS Makes Decision On Greg Gumbel's Selection Show Replacement
03/16/2025 02:22 PM
Tonight's NCAA Tournament Selection Show on CBS will be missing the familiar face and voice of Greg Gumbel.
Gumbel, the longtime host of the annual college basketball bracket reveal, stepped away from his post prior to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Sadly, the legendary broadcaster later passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 78 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer," Gumbel's family said in a statement. "Greg approached his illness like one would expected he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity.
"He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten."
When Gumbel missed Selection Sunday in 2024 while dealing with his health issues, Adam Zucker filled the breach. Zucker will once again serve as the host for this year's show Sunday night.
A New Jersey native and Syracuse University alum, Zucker, 49, has been at CBS Sports since 2003. During that time, he's been a host and anchor for a variety of programs, including Inside College Football and Inside College Basketball and the CBS Sports Desk.
"I'm Adam Zucker, and we would all like to send our best to Greg Gumbel, who will sit out this year's tournament due to family health matters," Zucker said to open last year's Selection Show. "Greg, of course, has been a fixture of our March Madness coverage for the past quarter-century and we look forward to having him back right here next year."
Sadly, Gumbel won't be on the set of course. It would not shock us if there were another tribute to him during the broadcast.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament Selection Show will get underway at 6 p.m. ET tonight on CBS.
Zucker will be joined on set by colleagues Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis.
Related: Everyone's Thinking Of Greg Gumbel On Selection Sunday
