CBS' Kellogg moves from the studio to courtside

Replacing longtime lead game analyst Billy Packer will be a challenge, he says, but he's comfortable about giving opinions in his own style.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: March 18, 2009 - 11:27 PM

As the lead analyst for CBS' coverage of the NCAA men's basketball tournament for the past 12 years, Clark Kellogg had grown accustomed to taking a global view of the event. Catching a portion of one game, then turning his attention elsewhere, before trying to digest the action from another region.

That's why today is going to feel odd.

Instead of sitting in New York, Kellogg will be stationed alongside Jim Nantz working the East Region in Greensboro, N.C.

"This will be significantly different, and I'm not quite sure how it will be for me," said Kellogg, whose assignment includes the Gophers-Texas matchup tonight. "In 1993 I did the four games in one day working with Verne Lundquist, so I understand how that goes. But having been in that [studio] seat where you get to see all 63 games, it will require a little bit of adjusting. I enjoy being at the games, but you tend to have a little bit more myopic view when you're focused on doing your own game."

This will mark Kellogg's first tournament as CBS' top game analyst -- a position he was named to last July when Billy Packer was replaced after 27 years in that role.

Kellogg, who started in broadcasting after retiring from the Indiana Pacers in 1986-87 because of chronic knee problems, knows he is stepping into a spot that had long been reserved for Packer. In fact, he has done every Final Four since 1975.

"There is a little more responsibility that comes with the lead analyst role," Kellogg said. "Additional responsibility and stewardship that goes with that. I think I'll grow into how I approach that within my own personality and style. ... But I realize that the games, coaches and players are the show."

Kellogg, 47, did have some time to prepare for the change. He was first approached by CBS executives in May 2007, and at that point it was decided that Packer would work the 2007-08 season. A very small group was told of the plan.

"It came out of nowhere, and I hadn't given it any thought," Kellogg said. "I had hoped that if and when Billy did step aside I'd have an opportunity to be considered. I was flattered, floored and then after all that, I was excited about the opportunity."

Packer, meanwhile, has not disappeared from the basketball scene. He will have a weekly show on FSN during the tournament called "Survive and Advance." Kellogg speaks highly of Packer but admits the two have not talked since the change was announced by CBS.

"I picked his brain a few years back about his preparation because I thought he is one of the best ever about breaking down the game and not missing things," Kellogg said. "I learned a lot every time I listened to him do a game and any time I was in his presence."

Kellogg knows it might take fans some time to get adjusted to his style. Packer was never afraid to criticize, and often proved to be a lightning rod for other criticizing him because of his broadcasting style. Kellogg, who still does about 25 Pacers games on television in Indiana in addition to his college basketball duties, is more than willing to speak his mind, but certainly is different in his approach.

"You have to be a good teammate for your broadcast partner and the folks you are working with first, and then you have to begin to grow into being the lead analyst -- whatever that is," Kellogg said. "Is it me being more pointed for the sake of being opinionated? I get the No. 1 games and get the Final Four. Does that mean I have to be a lightning rod and have to change who I am? I don't know.

"I'm going to approach this with the desire to do it in excellent fashion and a way that honors the game and people I work for and work with. We'll go from there. I have never been afraid to voice my opinions when I have strong convictions, but I'm not going to say stuff just to say it."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com

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