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Kevin Harlan’s Daring Deflection and Iconic Play-by-Play During March Madness
Kevin Harlan stands out as one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. For decades, he has provided play-by-play commentary for NFL, NBA, and college basketball games, showcasing his exceptional ability to capture the moment.
Currently, Harlan’s voice resonates throughout the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, where he recently called the intense match between No. 6 seed Ole Miss and No. 11 North Carolina. His keen observations and quick thinking made this game particularly memorable.
During the first half, Harlan faced an unexpected situation that truly tested his reflexes and broadcasting skills.
A Moment of Action
As Ole Miss built a commanding 41-23 lead over North Carolina, with only two minutes remaining in the first half, the energy in the arena skyrocketed. An attempt by a Rebels player to save an errant ball from going out of bounds turned chaotic when a Tar Heels player inadvertently deflected it.
The deflected ball sped towards Harlan, who was focused and prepared at his broadcasting station along the sideline.
Harlan’s Reflexes on Display
In a split second, Harlan’s quick reflexes came into play. He described the action as it unfolded, narrating in real time, “Saves the ball with a leap. Knocked out of bounds, deflected by me, and off to the side.” His arm shot out to prevent his broadcasting partner, Stan Van Gundy, from being struck by the ball.
After the moment passed, Harlan turned to Van Gundy and asked, “It was going right for you, did you see that?” His infectious enthusiasm added an extra layer of excitement to the broadcast.
Van Gundy couldn’t help but admire Harlan’s quick thinking, responding with a smile, “Great deflection!” It was a moment of camaraderie, showcasing the chemistry and fun that defines live sports broadcasting.
Struggles for North Carolina
As North Carolina entered the tournament, they faced considerable scrutiny. Being the final team selected for the NCAA Tournament, they had to compete in the
