His early broadcasting experience might have been in the Big Ten had the son of former Green Bay Packers chief executive Bob Harlan followed through on his dream of attending the University of Wisconsin.

However, former CBS announcer Gary Bender helped steer Harlan to the University of Kansas to study under veteran sportscaster Tom Hedrick. As a freshman, Harlan quickly went to work as pregame, halftime and postgame host of KU football broadcasts. After graduating from KU in 1982, he did play-by-play of the Jayhawks basketball team for one season and hosted the coach’s show for several years.

From 1986-89, Harlan broadcast Missouri football and basketball games and got to know MU assistant athletic director Joe Castiglione, now OU athletic director.

"We got to be very good friends to the point that I was in his wedding,” said Harlan, known for his smooth deep voice and precise game description.

Harlan, 49, a Mission Hills, Kan., resident, said covering the NCAA Tournament — including broadcasting four games in one day — is one of the hardest assignments of his career, which includes broadcasting NFL and NBA games for more than 20 years. He didn’t get a break Thursday when the first game, BYU’s 99-92 victory over Florida, went two overtimes.

"Unlike every other broadcast you do year round, this becomes a war of attrition,” said Harlan, who is teaming with analyst Dan Bonner, a former Virginia player. "You just hope you can survive.”

In 2005, the last time Harlan broadcast NCAA tourney games from the Ford Center, the Jayhawks were upset in the first round by Bucknell. He’s expecting a longer run for them this time, noting KU is well deserving of the favorite’s role.

"When they lost at Oklahoma State, I think that kind of woke them up a little bit,” he said. "I think they all realize what’s at stake here.”

These might not be Harlan’s last broadcasts this season at the Ford Center. He said he’d like to cover Thunder playoff games for TNT with broadcast partner Doug Collins. A former Minnesota Timberwolves broadcast voice, Harlan got to know Thunder coach Scott Brooks from his playing days with the T-Wolves.

"I always knew that he had a different angle and perspective of the game,” he said. "I always thought he would coach some day, and sure enough, here he is, one of the best in the league.”