Weve had a friendship thats evolved throughout my 12-year tenure here.. Lundquist, who has spent the last years calling SEC on CBS games, said he pushed back the procedure to participate in broadcasts for March Madness, the Masters and the PGA. "You've been great for golf. He felt like he settled into a good routine as the networks No. "We had a five-story building at 10thand Brazos in downtown Austin," Lundquist says. ", "My assignment was to be in the control room at noon," Lundquist says. THE SITUATION: With another, more pedestrian opening-round 70, Woodss attempt to complete the Tiger Slamholding all four major championships concurrentlyhad gotten off to a mild start, and he began the day five shots behind leader Chris DiMarco. Social media sites light up with vitriol when Lundquist calls a game, which is not necessarily unusual. The shooting had taken place just 200 miles away. "And I shot all my own film back then," Lundquist says. 2023 Leaders Group. Verne! Lundquists final CBS broadcast will be Dec. 10s Army-Navy game. Jarvis MossAGAIN! After 14 years, Lundquist says he does not miss doing NFL games at all. Nicklaus re-paid the favor over the weekend. Hes been calling lots of sporting events ever since. Sunday at the 2021 PGA Championship has produced more momentum swings than an a typical NBA game and more highlights than some as well. Jauan Jennings! Over the Christmas holidays in 2000, however, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus made a decision that changed Lundquists career path. I think thats what legendary play-by-play guys do. He was paired with Dan Dierdorf as the networks No. Adding mph to the swing without changing dynamic loft will produce a higher shot. Davis gets a block. During his following three years at KTBC, he thought a lot about the events of Nov. 22, 1963, how Cronkite had covered them and what it all meant. In 1963, he joined KTBC-TV/Radio Austin as weekend TV sports anchor and afternoon-drive radio host and was soon named full-time sports anchor. It aired weekday evenings on the ABC station, WFAA-TV, from 6:30 to 7:00, in north central Texas. For a man who originally thought hed follow in his fathers footsteps and become a Lutheran minister, Lundquist says hes enjoying himself now more than at any of the other stops hes had along the way. [14] Lundquist's patented belly laugh and his contagious enthusiasm for the events he covers have made him one of the more prominent and recognizable on-air talents in network TV. ? Verne Lundquists famous call came about 15 seconds after Woods played the chip and as the ball hung on the edge of, then fell in, the cup for birdie. And as you will see, Tonya had a little drama with a shoelace. He has upheld the highest of standards as he assumed this role. Another one to copy: Woodss high-hands, low-clubhead finish (above right). The. Augusta National has played an outsized role in creating the man, the myth, and the legend, from Woodss iconic triumph in his professional Masters debut in 1997, to three more green jackets in a five-year span at the turn of the millennium. But this beingone of Vernes last SEC games, it gave him a great memory. Personal Quote: About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South. The iconic broadcaster will call the SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Florida at 4 p.m. Saturday, the final SEC contest of his storied career. Now, he was surrounded by about two dozen CBS staffers, watching to see whether an Ohio State loss might pave the way for Auburn to represent the SEC in the BCS championship. In April 2005, the. Thank you! Probably his signature call, Lundquist was at the 17th hole at Augusta National when Jack Nicklaus made a charge at The Masters in 1986. THE TAKEAWAY: Whether its a putt to win the fourth flight of the club championship, to break 100 for the first time, or to finally beat Dad, you need to be like a hit man, says Manzella. I was blessed with my fathers pipes and also blessed, I think, with a lack of fear of addressing an audience. [15], He is among the key voices of NFL Films, and in past years had called regional NFL games for CBS, NBA games for CBS and TNT, and TNT's Sunday Night Football telecasts. [24], Despite his retirement from calling college football and basketball, Lundquist remains active as an announcer, continuing to call The Masters and the PGA Championship for CBS Sports since 2018. Lundquist has had many broadcasting partners over his long career, including: Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:48, 1992 NCAA Men's Basketball East Region Finals, 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Washington, D.C. While he knows exactly whats at stake, he never overdoes it. It will be a play that lives forever in the minds of sports fans everywhere. Jauan Jennings! [35], Well, this bizarre real life movie continues. From Jack Nicklauss birdie putt on 17 at Augusta National in 1986 to Tiger Woods epic hole 16 chip shot 19 years later on the same course. Family (1) Spouse "I guess you could argue, Well, lifes gotta go on, " Lundquist says. It's 1994 and Fox Rules. Lundquist attended Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois in 1962. Its a sign of a full release. 1 play-by-play guy, but his is the voice of some of the greatest moments in sports history. Not only is he an incredible journalist and broadcaster, but he is one of the most loveable and kind human beings on the planet. 12, Second Shot. If its not the greatest golf shot in history, it may well be the most dramatic. IN YOUR LIFE, have you seen anything like that? What's more, he has married thrice and shares a son with his third and present wife. I guess you could argue, Well, lifes gotta go on. But I thought it was desperately inappropriate., "And I can remember standing there as a young man really immersed in grief thinking. From Dallas, Texas, the flash apparently official: President Kennedy died at 1 p.m. Central Standard time, 2 oclock Eastern Standard time, some 38 minutes ago. He would go on to become a fixture of the NFL on CBS over the next decade, working extensively with Terry Bradshaw and Dan Fouts and occasionally with John Madden and others, before CBS lost the NFC package following the 1993 season. Before a raucous crowd of 108,000, Florida receiver Jabar Gaffney caught a controversial touchdown in the final seconds to win the game. Previously, he has worked for ABC Sports, TNT, and WFFA. DALLAS When you arrive at Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport, you always notice the sprightly atmosphere that prevails. Lundquist did attend seminary in Illinois for one year. 1.3M. Even if Verne Lundquist didn't want to watch SEC on CBS broadcasts next fall, they'll be a good way for him to pass the time while recovering from back surgery. HOW ABOUT THAT!? But what he really wanted was to be an athlete. BSM Staff Verne Lundquist stepped away from the SEC on CBS back in 2016, and now believes he knows when his time covering The Masters will come to an end as well. Feb. 3: Joan Cronan In September of 1967, Lundquist caught on in Dallas, where his career started to take off as a sports director at TV station WFAA making $180 a week. [29], Lundquist was a play-by-play announcer in the NBA Live 98 video game[30] and was also the play-by-play announcer in the College Hoops 2K8 video game. Discretion!. Lundquist played basketball and baseball and was a disc jockey at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. Or, try to, at least. THE SITUATION: Theres a good chance he doesnt get it inside DiMarcos ball. So said color analyst Lanny Wadkins, assessing Woodss predicament as he prepared to play his chip from long and left of the 16th green. Writer John Ourand and Executive Editor Abraham Madkour discuss Verne Lundquist's career and the many memorable calls he's made. And Verne has always delivered in spades when that moment finds him, says Silver. Every time people saw that guy on television, Tex wanted them to think Cowboys, said Greg Aiello, the NFLs senior vice president of communications, who worked for the Cowboys in the 1980s. ", The agricultural report began at 12:25. In 2005, Tiger Woods was dueling with Chris DeMarco and he hit his tee shot over the green. In addition to his role at WFAA, Lundquist spent four years as pre/postgame and halftime host for the Dallas Cowboys on KLIF-AM, including for the famed Ice Bowl NFL Championship Game in 1967. More than two decades of archival stories, profiles, research and data. Daily updates aggregating the stories and spin from more than 600 outlets across the globe. His father was a Lutheran pastor and President of the Nebraska Synod of the Augustana Lutheran Church. 2 NFL broadcaster. [25][26][27], Currently, Lundquist resides in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. When Miller threw an incomplete pass, the CBS contingent exploded in cheers. Craig Silver, CBSs coordinating producer for college sports, who has worked with Lundquist since the 1980s, sounds the same theme. Whoa, Nellie! As the friendship has evolved, so, too, has Lund-quists close association with the Southeastern Conference, a conference that has posted college footballs biggest TV ratings during the past several years. Heres a sampling of some of the reaction: Verne Lundquist on 16. Verne is a willing assist man. They would call one ofthe Regional Finals and were split up when Raftery went to the A team with Jim Nantz and Grant Hill in 2015. When Nicklaus made the birdie putt at No. 12 (left) with a two-putt birdie on the par-5 13th hole. Lundquist jumped out of his chair, high-fiving everyone around him CBS producers and production assistants. I wanted to be a national-TV-network play-by-play guy, and he said, If I give you the radio job, the networks will find you because were gonna be pretty darn good in the next decade. So I turned down the job in L .A., and I stayed in Dallas. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, PGA Championship 2021: Phil Mickelson, Verne Lundquist combine for an all-time electric highlight. Earlier that evening, the 73-year-old Lundquist called a thrilling SEC championship game at the Georgia Dome, where Auburn outscored Missouri and won the SEC title. We got off the air and I looked at Todd [Blackledge], and I said, Are they all like this? He said, Enough of them. I thought, God almighty.. During today's conversation IEG's Vice President of Strategy and Churchill Downs Vice President of Marketing, Brand and Partnerships Casey Ramage give us some insight on their analytical approach to sponsorship strategy. Lundquist's storied career at CBS will continue, but he will leave the pageantry of college football behind. So we sat and chatted and her date, Raymond Willie, said to me, Listen, I know you are single. That made the decision for me.. At 13 under, Woods was leading DeMarco by one shot when he made a miracle chip. Lundquist who lives in Steamboat Springs, CO, with Nancy, his wife of 34 years will call it a career following this college-football season, eliciting one emotional tribute after another at each stadium on this years SEC on CBS slate. THE SITUATION: Woodss bogey-bogey finish following his heroics on the 16th shocked everyone, and indeed he only made it into a playoff with DiMarco by millimeters, as the dogged competitors chip just missed going in on the final hole of regulation. Homelessness, traffic and other issues, but when it comes to commerce and industry . When Tiger poured his winning putt dead-center into the cup, it seemed the only realistic outcome. Jan. 27: Rick Hendrick Oh, my GRACIOUS! Lundquist also made a name for himself at the rink, serving as lead play-by-play announcer for figure skating at the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Olympic Winter Games. Having spent time with him over the past few years I was privy to seeing how much his CBS colleagues loved him. I dont want to say were back, but, Matthew Harding (@Matt_Harding) April 8, 2021, Uncle Verne always great to hear him calling some masters, I always wait for the four days of the year I get to hear Uncle Verne. Lundquist recalled Schramm telling him, If you go out to Los Angeles, perhaps youve heard of guys like Vin Scully and Dick Enberg and Chick Hearn. #86Masters#SECChamp25pic.twitter.com/373YXeaux7. [28], Lundquist played himself commentating on golf tournaments in the 1996 motion picture Happy Gilmore. "I would put the station on the air 5:45, 6 in the morning, and shut it down at sunset," Lundquist says. Tiger knows that making the best stroke he can make is all he can do, and the chips will fall where they mayregardless of the situation. Youll hear Ben Wright at the 15th hole, a young Jim Nantz who was stationed at the 16th, and Verne calling Nicklaus. I truly believe that the mantle of the voice of college football was passed from Chris Schenkel to Keith Jackson and then to Verne, says CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus. He shook his head and grimaced. The CBS broadcaster joined the TV coverage of the Masters golf tournament from Augusta National on Thursday, and sports fans around the country shared their joy on social media. Hes the greatest assist man in history. His arrival at CBS also marked the beginning of a 32-year run as play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports NCAA Division I Mens Basketball Championship coverage. Just play the ball back in your stance, make a short, firm stroke that brushes the grass, and keep the shaft in line with your left arm on the brief follow-through. McManus was certain this would be a good move for Lundquist. It was their first date, a blind date. During the game, he misidentified some players and called some others the wrong name. There are few broadcasters across sports who are more beloved than Verne Lundquist, affectionately known by SEC football and golf fans as "Uncle Verne." The CBS broadcaster joined the TV. [42], Dobbs heaves it. He covers his assignments like he lives his life: with honor, joy, loyalty, and, most of all, compassion. If you think that any words that I said caused the Mets to lose the division, you're an absolute idiot. ", "CBS mood positively 'electric' after reconnecting with NFL Intercepting AFC games caps network's comeback from rights turnover in '94", "One TV hoops analyst stands out by delivering informed calls", "CBS Sports' Dan Dierdorf to retire after 2013 NFL season", "Lundquist has done well by letting the action do most of the talking", "CBS' Verne Lundquist reflects on 50 years and his future: 'I don't want to stay too long', "Despite five decades between them, Verne Lundquist and Allie LaForce are just as close off the air as on", "Turner Gives the Final Four a Local Flavor", "CBS' Verne Lundquist spins tales of his favorite NCAA tournament moments", "Hot Air: Brad Sham won't call Cowboys' opener, so KRLD turns to a familiar voice", "Jim Nantz says he wants to call the Masters until he's 75 (and beyond)", "Full of stories and emotion, college football bids farewell to Verne Lundquist", "2017 PGA Championship TV blog: Slow starts have become norm", "David Feherty joins Verne Lundquist for Front Row on April 4 in San Antonio", "Scott Hamilton: The 5 most memorable Olympic figure skating falls", "CELTICS ARE HISTORY -- AND SO IS HEINSOHN", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Verne_Lundquist&oldid=1141134585, January 21, 1979: While calling the Dallas Cowboys' radio broadcast of, April 13, 1986: While calling the final round of the, February 25, 1994: While calling figure skating at the Winter Olympics, Lundquist called one of the most watched sports events in history. "But I thought it was desperately inappropriate.". I thought I did a good job. 8, Second Shot. But you know the story. Have a look and listen as Mickelson holed this bunker shot for a miraculous birdie on the par-3 fifth: Phil! I got a fresh start with people that didnt know me and thus had no preconceived notions of what my limitations were. That is where Verne elected to take a fun jab at Brent,I dont work for that four letter network. Like all big cities, Dallas has problems. While the last 16 years with the SEC has given Lundquist his most recent. Just saying his name out loud makes you smile, says SEC on CBS lead reporter Allie LaForce. Grant Hill threw the baseballpass to Christian Laettner after Kentucky coach Rick Pitino elected not to guard the baseline. A breakdown of the top 5 candidates, Georgia teammates have incredible reaction to Nolan Smith's 40 time at NFL Combine, Bruce Pearl tosses headset during radio interview after Auburn-Alabama game, Oklahoma softball no-hits No. 3. Lundquist was not happy about giving up the NFL. He just reacts in the sense of the moment to succinctly put words together that have impact and draw that particular moment to a great conclusion. An answered prayer!, The only thing I think I would add is somewhere when he got to the 50, I would like to have said, Unless he falls, he scores, Lundquist said. [38], Blocked again! But one day, he paid a visit with his father to a radio station. pic.twitter.com/GwYXWFGJWP, Midwestern Uncle (@pastramiboi) April 8, 2021, Mike Foss (@MikeFossWXYZ) April 8, 2021, Uncle Verne is a national treasure #themasters, Andrew Meyers (@OldDirtyMerrs) April 8, 2021, Uncle Verne and Augusta. On 4th down and 18, Nick Marshall threw a 73-yard pass to Ricardo Lewis and the Tigers won over the Bulldogs. Merton Laveren Lundquist Jr. popular as Verne Lundquist is a veteran sportscaster who currently works for CBS. Uncle Verne's final SEC on CBS broadcast was Alabama's SEC Championship win on Saturday. Beyond that, you can see that Tiger finishes with his right arm higher than his left arm was at the top of his backswing, which helps create that moon ball trajectory. Verne and partner Scott Hamilton wereat the mic for CBS when Harding was called out to skate for the long program in the Ladies final. The Voice of America's Team We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. Loran Smith. It is not known as yet whether the President survived the attack against him. After a short stint as nightly news anchor at WOAI-TV San Antonio in 1966, he became lead sports anchor and sports director at WFAA-TV Dallas, serving for 16 years. The stars aligned for Lundquist in 2000, when he was moved from the NFL to become lead play-by-play announcer for the SEC on CBS just as the SECs dominance began and the Bowl Championship Series made college football a truly nationalized sport. Known for iconic calls on monumental sporting events like Jack Nicklaus in 1986 and Tiger Woods multiple times at the Masters, and the Kick Six game in the Iron Bowl, sports fans understand that Lundquist is often on the microphone when important storylines unfold in sports. 16 Kentucky, wins 18-0, Rara Thomas update: Felony charges dismissed for Georgia WR, per report, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, Alabama officially announces hiring of new LBs coach to Nick Saban's staff, LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, BetMGM MA Promo Code: How to Score $200 in Pre-Launch Bonuses, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? The Voice of Americas Team [31], A famous pet phrase Lundquist used on occasion is "How do you DO! He has been married to Nancy Webb since April 8, 1982. 16 Kentucky, wins 18-0, Rara Thomas update: Felony charges dismissed for Georgia WR, per report, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, Alabama officially announces hiring of new LBs coach to Nick Saban's staff, LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, BetMGM MA Promo Code: How to Score $200 in Pre-Launch Bonuses, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? He was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2003 and Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. [6] His 'Golden Voice' was the highlight of the seminary class on preaching. All rights reserved.The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Leaders Group. Lundquist made his broadcasting debut on Aug. 31, 1963, at KTBC-TV in Austin, Texas, a station then owned by President Lyndon Johnson and his wife. Affectionately nicknamed The Swede back when you could have nicknames like that, Aiello said Lundquist was identified with the Cowboys, much as he now is identified with the Southeastern Conference. At one point, when I was the No. An answered prayer! [11], Before becoming a nationwide sports commentator, from 1970 to 1974, Lundquist was commentator for the sports show, Bowling for Dollars, in Dallas, Texas. [32], Bless his heart, he's got to be the sickest man in America! "Uncle Verne" retired from broadcasting two years ago, but he still makes his annual trip to Augusta, partially to work the Masters Lundquist, who describes his announcing style as minimalist, had similar second thoughts after his call at the end of the Alabama-Auburn game, when Auburns Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. Im going to fix you up with a friend of mind and we can all go to dinner. He looked at Nancy and asked her, What are you doing Thursday night? She said, Nothing. He said, Good, youll be my date and well fix Verne up with this schoolteacher friend of mine and well go to dinner. Meanwhile, Im looking at Nancy thinking she is the prettiest thing I have ever seen in my life. Is the Pac-12 close to a new deal, or are they in trouble as more bidders back away from negotiations? They are effusive in their praise, something thats important for an announcer who has one more year left on his contract. The end of his long football announcing career brought one of the best Uncle Verne stories back to national attention the story of meeting his wife. Verne Lundquist is a genial man, son of a Lutheran minister, a man who collects people. He has embraced the passion and pageantry of college football. "Wed do a live newscast, then they would have the weather forecast. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). Birdies at holes 3, 4 and 6 let everyone know that Tiger was on the prowl as he reached the uphill par-5 eighth. [5] Lundquist played basketball and baseball and was a disc jockey at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. 17 on his way to shooting 30 on the back nine for the. https://youtu.be/nqurvDl_Ebk. [16] He called television play-by-play on Seattle Seahawks preseason games from 2006 to 2008. From Christian Laettners miracle jumper to propel Duke into the Final Four in 1992 to 11-seeded George Masons unprecedented upset of UConn to do the same thing 14 years after. When we moved Verne from the NFL to the SEC, it was not a welcomed move by Verne, but he made the SEC on CBS his own. Picture a swing where your right hand is gathering marbles from a vat in front of you, with your right palm facing up., 2005, Final Round, Hole No. Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South. By 1982, both Lundquist and ABC Sports were ready to move on. 4 play-by-play guy, Keith Jackson was No. [23], In March 2018, Lundquist announced he would not work the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament, as he was still recovering from back surgery he had in November 2017 and would retire from calling college basketball. "And my senior year, got a job as a weekend disc jockey and announcer. "I was offered a position at WOAI in San Antonio to anchor the 6 and 10 oclock newscast," Lundquist says. Timely, daily updates provide the latest developments and news relied upon by industry leaders. The call of Nicklaus birdie at 17 comes at 5:16 of this clip. Then, at 12:30 , "Hal Nelson, one of our radio newscast guys, broke into the control room and said, Put me on the air immediately. All rights reserved. Laettner hit the shot from the free throw line, Duke won 104-103 and Uncle Verne got to call a truly magical moment that lives in NCAA Tournament lore. If youre lucky, you get to forge really meaningful relationships in this business.. Lundquist left WOAI less than a year after hed started there. 15, Second Shot. [1] He graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Texas,[2] before attending Texas Lutheran University (formerly Texas Lutheran College), where he was one of the founders of the Omega Tau Fraternity in 1958 before graduating in 1962. OH NO! Lundquist and Slive have become close friends so much so that Slives daughter asked Lundquist to narrate a birthday video for the commissioners wife, Liz, a few years ago. And after 40 years, he's as ecstatic as ever. Verne Lundquist's famous call came about 15 seconds after Woods played the chip and as the ball hung on the edge of, then fell in, the cup for birdie. So he drifted into the newsroom, where he stood transfixed before the black-and-white television. And I bet he took at least one club more than he needed while choking downagain, to lower the trajectory. As part of Lundquist's retirement, he also no longer has the call during the annual. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit and the whole conspiracy was led by Harding and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly. "[49], Lundquist is on the board of directors of the summer music festival, Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Verne Lundquist prepares for a live shot for WFAA-TV at Texas Stadium, August 1982. It's been proclaimed the most exciting two minutes in sports. He began his broadcasting career as sports anchor for WFAA in Dallas [7] and in Austin for KTBC, [8] as well as being the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys. Sports Illustrated lays off 17, announces 12 new openings, shifts in division leadership (updated), Brandon Gaudin is the new Braves play by play announcer. Theres a lot to be said for having your job interview at the Bel-Air Country Club, Lundquist said. The analyst with Verne in 2005 was Lanny Wadkins. Heres hoping he and Nancy enjoy his retirement and get to spend a lot of time together. 16 Kentucky, wins 18-0, Rara Thomas update: Felony charges dismissed for Georgia WR, per report, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, Alabama officially announces hiring of new LBs coach to Nick Saban's staff, LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, BetMGM MA Promo Code: How to Score $200 in Pre-Launch Bonuses, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated?