Sports Media Report
College basketball’s newest event has a television partner that is nothing short of iconic.
Icons of the Game – dedicated to the coaching pioneers who broke barriers and paved the way for today’s coaches – will host its inaugural doubleheader event at Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday, November 13. Both games of the twinbill – where UMass meets Louisiana Tech at 6 p.m. and Seton Hall takes on Hofstra at 8:30 p.m. – will air live on MSG Sportsnet and MSG+ in the Gotham Sports App, the MSG Networks and YES Network collaborative direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming service.
Popular NCAA basketball on-air reporter for entities like Turner Sports and Big Ten Network Andy Katz will deliver the play-by-play, with New York and Westchester Knicks analyst Tykera Carter breaking down strategies and highlighting the event’s storylines. Between-game coverage will be anchored by MSG Networks’ Westchester Knicks play-by-play caller David Resnick, who will deliver exclusive interviews with many of the Icons on-hand at Nassau Coliseum.
“We are delighted to partner with MSG Networks to bring this powerful celebration of iconic coaches and their legacies to its viewers. We are deeply grateful for MSG Networks’ partnership and commitment to elevating the message and impact of Icons of the Game in what should be a thrilling early season college basketball event,” said Jason Tilton, Executive Director of 44 Group.
The first-ever Icons event will pay tribute to several college and professional coaching legends who achieved significantly, both on and on the court. The 2024 honorees include John McLendon, Clarence “Big House” Gaines, John Chaney, John Thompson II, and more.
All four participating programs are led by head coaches – Shaheen Holloway of Seton Hall, Speedy Claxton of Hofstra, Frank Martin of UMass, and Talvin Hester of Louisiana Tech – who have established themselves as exemplary leaders on and off court, making positive impacts on their respective communities.
Icons of the Game are brought to you by The 44 Group and joined by coaching legend, Tubby Smith, supporting the event. Set to become a major annual college basketball happening, some of the nation’s top men’s and women’s program will participate in 2025.
