Billy Packer, late broadcasting legend, remembered for iconic 'Simon says championship' Arizona call
Billy Packer, a legendary college basketball broadcaster for decades, has passed away at the age of 82.
Arizona basketball fans will best remember Packer for 3 words. As Miles Simon held the ball when the final seconds ticked off the clock in Arizona’s national title win over Kentucky in 1997, Packer chimed in, “Simon says – championship,” of the game’s MVP.
It’s one of the broadcaster’s most famous calls.
“Simon says, championship.”
Maybe the most iconic call in Arizona basketball history.
RIP Billy Packer 🙏🙏pic.twitter.com/FTidPXqFbR
— TorresOnArizona (@TorresOnArizona) January 27, 2023
“Simon says… championship!” was one of the iconic calls of my childhood. What a legend. https://t.co/eqva9hrJvp
— The Iron Giant (@grogg) January 27, 2023
“Simon says… championship.”
Legend in this town. Will be missed. https://t.co/FUcQHHWeqW
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) January 27, 2023
“Simon says championship.”
A line forever a part of Arizona basketball lore.
RIP Billy Packer 🕊 pic.twitter.com/0wjkPLTBlD
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) January 27, 2023
My favorite 🏀 call in #FinalFour #MarchMadness History “Simon says … championship” when Miles Simon led my Arizona Wildcats to the 1997 NCAA title Beating their 3rd #1 seed – #RIP Billy & thanks for the memories! #WildcatForLife https://t.co/F4kEeDxgSu
— Doc Kevin Lee Elder (@DocKevinElder) January 27, 2023
Packer spent over 30 years calling college basketball games, getting his start in 1972. From 1974-2008, he was the lead college basketball analyst for NBC Sports (1974-81) and then CBS Sports (1981-2008).
