Fairfax, Va.— George Mason University's men's and women's basketball programs welcome back notable alumni this season as color commentators for their home game broadcasts on ESPN+. Former standout players Chris Fleming '09, Jen Surlas '01, Debbie Taneyhill '92, and Will Thomas '08 will join the Patriots' broadcast team, alongside veteran play-by-play announcers Bill Rohland and Steve Kolbe.
 
These four alumni were integral members of some of the most celebrated teams in the history of the Green and Gold. Fleming and Thomas were teammates on the 2006 NCAA Final Four squad and the 2008 NCAA Tournament team. Coach Taneyhill and Surlas contributed to the program's first Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) appearance, with Taneyhill later leading the team to its second postseason berth in 2004.
 
"We are thrilled to have these respected alumni return to George Mason as part of our Patriots basketball broadcast team," said Marvin Lewis, Assistant VP and Director of Athletics. "Their unique perspectives as players and coaches, combined with their deep connection to George Mason basketball, will provide fans with insightful commentary throughout the season. It's always special when our alumni come back to contribute in new ways."
 
Chris Fleming played in 28 games during the Patriots' 2005-06 Final Four season as a freshman. He earned CAA All-Academic Second Team honors in his sophomore year and was a nominee for the prestigious Dean Ehlers Leadership Award.
 
Jen Surlas, a three-time All-CAA honoree, was one of the Patriots' most dangerous perimeter shooters. She finished her career with 213 three-pointers, placing her second all-time at Mason. With 1,492 points, Surlas also ranks in the top 10 for scoring in program history. After college, she played professional basketball overseas for three years.
 
Debbie Taneyhill began her Mason career in 1988, earning All-Rookie honors. She wrapped up her playing career with 273 assists, placing her 11th on the school's all-time list, along with several All-Academic accolades. Taneyhill stayed at Mason, working her way up from assistant coach to head coach, a role she held from 1997 to 2008.
 
Will Thomas recently retired after a 15-year professional career overseas, which he finished in Spain's top-tier Liga Endesa with Unicaja. At Mason, Thomas was a two-time All-CAA selection and a key player in the Patriots' two NCAA Tournament runs, including the legendary 2006 Final Four. He ranks 10th in program history with 1,564 points and is Mason's all-time leader in field goal percentage (.616). Thomas also earned spots on the CAA Rookie Team and was a three-time CAA All-Defensive team honoree.
 
These alumni will split the duties across the 16 men's and 15 women's home basketball games on ESPN+ this season.
 
ESPN+ has been the exclusive streaming home for George Mason and Atlantic 10 sports since a comprehensive deal with ESPN was signed in 2018.