Renee Montgomery stepped into a prominent role on CBS/TNT’s March Madness coverage today, filling in for Kenny Smith in the New York studio set. Host Adam Zucker welcomed viewers alongside analysts Montgomery, Clark Kellogg, and Charles Barkley, tipping off the day’s broadcast by noting that Smith was under the weather and sending a lighthearted get-well message on air.
Where is the Jet?
Smith’s absence came after he exited early from Thursday’s late-night studio coverage, notably missing from the desk following the conclusion of the Michigan-Howard game. The timing fueled online speculation, as Smith’s alma mater, the North Carolina Tar Heels, whom he had boldly picked to win the national championship, suffered a stunning first-round upset. UNC blew a 19-point lead before falling to VCU in overtime, a heartbreaking early exit that left fans and observers joking about “convenient” illness tied to the loss. While no official confirmation linked the two directly, the coincidence became a talking point across social media and sports commentary.
The March Madness coverage on CBS and TNT Sports had already seen some health-related adjustments earlier in the tournament. On Tuesday, play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson powered through a hoarse performance during the First Four matchup between NC State and Texas, calling the game alongside Barkley and Dick Vitale in a rare on-air reunion. Despite battling evident vocal strain, Anderson was replaced by Jason Benetti for subsequent assignments on CBS/TNT, though he is expected to return to duties on Saturday.
In the studio today, Barkley kept the mood playful, teasing his longtime Inside the NBA colleague Smith by quipping that he should “keep his shirt on at the beach”—a classic Barkley jab that drew laughs and highlighted the camaraderie among the crew even amid absences.
Get to know Montgomery
For Renee Montgomery, this appearance represents one of the biggest platforms in her growing broadcasting career, especially with the massive audience drawn to the NCAA Tournament’s first-round action on Friday. Montgomery is already a familiar voice in women’s basketball circles, serving as a studio analyst for CBS’s WNBA coverage and contributing to TNT’s coverage of the Unrivaled league. Her insights bring a fresh, experienced perspective to the desk, informed by her accomplished playing career in the WNBA, where she won two championships.
Beyond the court, Montgomery has established herself as a trailblazer off it. As a current part-owner of the Atlanta Dream, she holds a stake in one of the league’s franchises, blending business acumen with her basketball expertise. In 2020, she opted out of the WNBA season to dedicate her time to the Black Lives Matter movement and broader societal reform efforts, using her platform to advocate for change and social justice.
Montgomery’s rise in media has been steady and impressive, transitioning from player to analyst with poise and depth. Appearing alongside legends like Barkley and Kellogg on one of sports’ biggest stages during March Madness offers her a prime opportunity to showcase her knowledge of the game, both men’s and women’s, while reaching millions of viewers who might not regularly tune into WNBA broadcasts. Her presence adds diversity and a modern voice to the traditionally NBA-heavy analyst lineup, enriching discussions on strategy, player development, and the evolving landscape of college basketball.
As the tournament progresses through a packed Friday slate of games, Montgomery’s contributions help maintain the high-energy, insightful coverage fans expect from CBS and TNT. Whether breaking down upsets, bracket implications, or standout performances, she brings credibility earned through championships, ownership, and advocacy, making her fill-in role not just a substitution, but a meaningful spotlight moment in her career.
