NBC Sports is bringing back the nostalgia with a special edition 'throwback' Coast 2 Coast Tuesday broadcast on March 3, featuring a star-studded lineup of legendary sports broadcasters and NBA icons. Bob Costas, Doug Collins, Mike Fratello, Jim Gray, Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas, and P.J. Carlesimo will reunite to call the game between Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, and Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with NBA Showtime preceding the action at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. This special broadcast will take viewers on a journey through time, blending the iconic graphics and elements from the 1995-96 NBA on NBC season with modern-day commentary and analysis.
These legendary commentators and analysts, who dominated the NBA airwaves during the 1990s and early 2000s, will provide insights and commentary that will resonate with fans of all ages. Bob Costas, Doug Collins, and Mike Fratello, known for their Emmy Award-winning performances, will be joined by courtside reporter Jim Gray, Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas, and P.J. Carlesimo. Isiah Thomas, a two-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, and Doug Collins, a four-time NBA All-Star and head coach, are both Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers. Hannah Storm's extensive sports broadcasting career, spanning over 40 years across various networks, and P.J. Carlesimo's nearly 40 years of coaching experience in college basketball and the NBA, further solidify the expertise of this exceptional team.
The game will be a tribute to the golden age of NBA broadcasting, with flashbacks and nostalgic elements woven into the broadcast. The iconic graphics package, score bars, and replay wipes will transport viewers back to the 1990s, while the on-court coverage will reflect the modern-day NBA. John Tesh's 'Roundball Rock', an AI-generated voice of the late Jim Fagan, and narrated features will add to the nostalgia, with teasers and introductions by Costas, Albert, and Tom Hammond.
Sam Flood, Executive Producer at NBC Sports, expressed his excitement, stating, 'Everyone at NBC Sports has so many great memories of the 1990s and NBA on NBC. We are thrilled to bring back this iconic team and celebrate the game of basketball with viewers of all ages.' The special broadcast will be led by Coordinating Producer Frank DiGraci and Director Drew Esocoff, who have directed major events like the Super Bowl. The Coordinating Producer of NBA Showtime is Adam Littlefield, and the broadcast will be directed by Jared Sumner.
