Renee Montgomery Takes the Reins as Kenny Smith Sits Out March Madness Coverage

If you tuned into CBS’s morning coverage of the NCAA Tournament, you likely noticed a change at the desk. Former NBA and NCAA champion Renee Montgomery joined Adam Zucker and Charles Barkley, stepping in for Kenny Smith, who is reportedly “under the weather” for the second day of the first round. Smith left the studio early during the Howard-Michigan game on Wednesday evening, and his absence continues today.

While the exact nature of Smith’s illness remains undisclosed, his longtime broadcasting partner, Charles Barkley, couldn’t resist a bit of playful ribbing. “Keep your shirt on at the beach, Kenny,” Barkley quipped, after well wishes were extended to Smith. This lighthearted moment highlighted the camaraderie between the broadcasting team, even in Smith’s absence.

Montgomery, a seasoned basketball analyst, is no stranger to the spotlight. Her experience as a player and commentator makes her a natural fit for the role, providing insightful analysis during the high-stakes tournament. Her presence ensures a smooth continuation of CBS’s March Madness coverage.

Fan Speculation: UNC’s Disappointing Performance a Factor?

However, some fans have playfully speculated that Smith’s absence might be linked to the particularly rough day experienced by his alma mater, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC suffered a shocking defeat to VCU in the first round, marking their second consecutive first-round exit. The Tar Heels’ struggles followed a day where rival Duke managed to advance, adding insult to injury.

Social media quickly lit up with humorous theories:

• “Is he under the weather or crying about the UNC loss?” one user joked.
• “That’s funny. Kenny seemed fine when Siena was winning. What a pro!” another remarked.
• “Rough. Kenny needs to get well from that UNC loss immediately.”

North Carolina concluded the season with a 24-9 record and a three-game losing streak, a far cry from their 2022 NCAA Tournament runner-up appearance. Whether Smith’s health issues are related to the Tar Heels’ performance or a genuine illness, fans are certainly engaged in the story.

Regardless of the reason, Renee Montgomery is providing excellent coverage in Smith’s absence, keeping viewers informed and entertained throughout the NCAA Tournament. For more college basketball news, check out ESPN’s College Basketball section.

This story was originally published by The Spun on March 20, 2026.