Most people — myself included — seem to have overlooked this annual tradition, but apparently CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz gives his necktie away to a senior on the winning team after every NCAA Tournament national championship game.
After Villanova’s thrilling win over North Carolina Monday night, Ryan Arcidiacono was the lucky recipient.
.@CBSSports broadcaster Jim Nantz gave his tie to @NovaMBB senior
Ryan Arcidiacono (@RyArch15). Here's why…. pic.twitter.com/GRnGdQpxrh— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) April 5, 2016
Nantz was happy to explain the bizarre tradition.
“It’s a personal Final Four tradition. The tie symbolizes a lot to me,” he said. “My father, who taught me to tie a tie. I just felt, years ago, that I wanted to do something to honor a senior on the team that wins the title, to give them something to bring home.
“I bring a new tie to the game every year, and I find a player who I’m inspired by everything about them. What they do on the floor, what they do in the classroom. That was an easy one tonight.”
Arcidiacono, to his credit, said he was “in awe” of the gesture from Nantz.
I think what Arcidiacono meant to say was that was the weirdest thing that has happened to him during his career at Villanova, and possibly his life.
Look, I understand Nantz is trying to do something nice. But after an incredible game that ended on a dramatic buzzer-beater (watch the video), there’s just something incredibly egotistical and awkward about giving away your tie like it’s some sort of trophy. Kudos to Arcidiacono for not laughing.
