What ESPN’s Northwestern alumni would give to present Wildcat NCAA game highlights on SportsCenter

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Anyone who loves a great underdog story has a rooting interest in Northwestern University athletics.

For years, the Wildcats football team had been the Big Ten’s doormat until its incredible Cinderella 1995 season ended in a conference title and Rose Bowl berth for the first time since 1949.

In 2017, the Northwestern men’s basketball team finally ended a drought, securing the program’s first-ever berth in the NCAA tournament (began in 1939).

The eighth-seeded Wildcats meet No. 9 Vanderbilt on Thursday afternoon in a West Region game played in Salt Lake City. Northwestern is coached by Chris Collins, son of ESPN NBA analyst Doug Collins.

Many ESPN commentators bleed Wildcat purple because they are alumni. Front Row asked some of the most fervent among them one question:

“What would you give to read Northwestern’s first NCAA game highlight on SportsCenter?”

SportsCenter bureau reporter Britt McHenry, Class of 2008:

Britt McHenry in the stands after a Northwestern loss. (Photo courtesy of Britt McHenry/ESPN)

“I would give up all celebratory watch parties and possibly my next best assignment if it meant I could wear Northwestern purple on SportsCenter and read my alma mater’s first [NCAA Tournament] highlight. But truthfully, the place I’d much rather be is in the crowd with my fellow Wildcats and dear friend Mike Wilbon, taking in every moment of Northwestern’s first tournament game. I also would give up watching the next season of “Game of Thrones” until after it’s finished. . . that’s BIG.”

Mike & Mike co-host Mike Greenberg, Class of 1989:

“I would LOVE to read the highlight of our first NCAA tournament game. But the Final Four highlights will be even better. And that’s where we’re headed, soon enough. So, I’ll wait and call dibs on that one.”

ESPN contributor J.A. Adande*, Class of 1992:

“I would put up with 20 mutes on Around The Horn if I got to lead SportsCenter with Northwestern tournament highlights. . . as long as we did it on site! Nothing, not even the call of duty, could keep me from being in the arena when Northwestern finally takes the court in an NCAA Tournament game. Just seeing that purple ‘N’ logo in the Tournament Challenge was great enough. Can’t wait to see the Purple and White in action.”

*Adande is now the director of Sports Journalism at Medill, in addition to his role as ESPN contributor/NBA sideline reporter/Around the Horn panelist.

Sportscenter anchor Randy Scott, Class of 2004:

Randy Scott at a Northwestern Football Game. (Courtesy Randy Scott)
Randy Scott at a Northwestern Football Game. (Courtesy Randy Scott)
Randy Scott at a Northwestern Football Game. (Courtesy Randy Scott)

“Hate to answer a question *with* a question, but to me this is a “What would you give to do something you worried might never happen?” So the answer is “just about anything.” When I worked the sideline holding a parabola sound dish for ESPN’s coverage of the NU-Illinois football game right around Thanksgiving my freshman year (2000), it was so cold someone on the NU equipment staff gave me a team sideline parka to “borrow.” I still have it. I’d give it back if it meant I got to read this highlight on SportsCenter.”

Sports business reporter Darren Rovell, Class of 2000:

Darren Rovell was once sports director of Northwestern’s WNUR-FM. (Photo courtesy of Darren Rovell/ESPN)

“I wouldn’t be able to do it because I would make such a buffoon of myself! I was 17 when I became a Northwestern fan and I’ve waited 21 years to see this happen.”

SportsCenter bureau reporter Coley Harvey, Class of 2007:

Coley Harvey (R) joined fellow Northwestern fans to watch the ‘Cats football team play in the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Coley Harvey/ESPN)

“Forget reading Northwestern’s first NCAA Tournament highlight, what wouldn’t I give to be in the highlight? I mean, imagine being the player who buries the shot to win that game. Go U, NU, indeed.”

First Take coordinating producer Antoine Lewis, Class of 1989

Antoine Lewis is busy with First Take but is ready to make a grand sacrifice if he could relay the news of a Northwestern Tournament victory. (Peter DaSilva/ESPN Images)

“I would give a tooth. One from the back of my mouth so it wouldn’t impact the big smile I will display after the Vanderbilt victory. ”

ESPN Digital general editor James Quintong, Class of 1997:

Northwestern men’s basketball fans now have a “cat” in the NCAA tournament fight.
(Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)

“I’ve actually been to a couple of Northwestern NIT wins, but I always knew there was something missing from my fandom over the years. It still doesn’t feel real, although seeing the school’s name on the bracket is now a huge rush.”

Showing school colors

PTI co-host Michael Wilbon, Class of 1980:

The Jump host Rachel Nichols, Class of 1995:

Rachel Nichols celebrates the Wildcats’ historic NCAA tournament berth.

ESPN NBA analyst Doug Collins speaks live on ESPN with his son Chris Collins, coach of the Northwestern Wildcats:

Around The Horn panelist Kevin Blackistone, Class of 1981, talks about the downside of his Wildcats finally making the NCAA tournament.

Tara Chozet, Bill Hofheimer, Sheldon Spencer, Andy Hall, Molly Mita, Kimberly Jarvis and Paul Melvin contributed to this post.

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