Jim Nantz 'Hello Friends' Houston T-Shirt is Legendary

By Brian Giuffra | Mar 08 2020

There's nothing quite like turning on CBS in early April and hearing the pastoral voice of Jim Nantz welcoming you to Augusta National with his traditional "hello friends" opening line. It's familiar, it's memorable and it makes you feel like home.

Well, Nantz had his own homecoming of sorts today, going to his alma mater, Houston, to call its game against Memphis. Not only did Nantz get to see his team win, but at least two fans were spotted with shirts featuring Nantz's trademark phrase along with a caricature of Nantz and the Houston mascots.

Students here at the @FertittaCenter in Houston wearing these shirts as Jim Nantz returns to call his first game here since he was a student. @UHCougarMBK @MarchMadnessTV pic.twitter.com/mVMf5k4jYt
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) March 8, 2020

Nantz had a successful return to Houston, not only seeing his Cougars win, but also taking in the campus.

Jim Nantz stayed at on-campus hotel overnight and planned to walk the same route - and stop by old site of his dorm that has since been razed - he did as a student at Houston in the early 80s
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) March 8, 2020

Nantz roomed with pro golfer Fred Couples while at Houston, but at this point Nantz might be more famous than the former Masters champion. Honestly, I don't think Couples would get a shirt if he returned to Houston. Meanwhile Nantz not only got the t-shirt but a standing ovation from the students. A true hero's welcome for a man who has welcomed us all into so many amazing moments with his trademark call.