Phoenix Suns organization, fans, hosts react to Al McCoy’s passing

Al McCoy, the longtime voice of the Phoenix Suns, passed away on Saturday at the age of 91.

The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy served 51 seasons as the voice of the Suns, cementing his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA with his unforgettable calls of some of the most memorable moments in Suns history.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Al McCoy. pic.twitter.com/4EuSKmzVDV

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 21, 2024

“As a father, he taught us the value of respect, loyalty, hard work, and love – both on and off the court,” the McCoy family said in a statement. “His passion, dedication and kindness touched countless lives, and while he may be gone, the impact he made will be felt for generations to come.”

Here are some reactions from around the league on McCoy’s passing:

Suns organization pays tribute

pic.twitter.com/T430dwfCcT

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 21, 2024

Owner Mat Ishbia: “From his first call in 1972 to his last in 2023, Al McCoy was there for every defining moment in our history. He was the heartbeat of our organization, a cherished friend, a mentor to many and a legend whose voice brought countless unforgettable moments to life for generations of Suns fans. We are heartbroken by the passing of our beloved Al, the voice of the Phoenix Suns for over five decades. Our thoughts go out to Al’s family, friends and to our entire Suns community.”

Head Coach Mike Budenholzer: “We lost one of my heroes. I can still hear Al’s voice in our living room and backyard calling the plays of Sweet D, Westy and Double A … SHAZAM!!! He brought the Suns into my life, like he did for generations of kids across Arizona. Al was an icon and he will be missed”

All-Star Devin Booker: “I had the privilege of Al McCoy narrating the first eight years of my career. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor my second season, and it was then I really understood what a special talent he was. And over the course of my career, I’ve learned what an even more special person he was. We will miss Al, and I am so glad our legacies in Phoenix are forever connected.”

Ring of Honor member Steve Nash: “I got to work with the great Al McCoy for 10 incredible years. His energy and spirit were unmatched, and I’ll never forget all the conversations and laughs we shared. He was the teammate that never wore a jersey. He loved his Phoenix Suns as much as anyone and his legacy will endure the generations of Suns fans to come. Lots of love to the one and only Al McCoy.

Ring of Honor member Charles Barkley: “This is a sad day for the Suns and the Suns family. Al McCoy represented everything that is great about Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns and people who love basketball. I was blessed and honored to work with Al and I’m gonna miss him.”

Arizona Sports hosts react

Kellan Olson, co-host of Arizona Sports at Night: “Not going to be able to describe in a tweet what Al McCoy meant to me as a basketball fan growing up in Arizona but what I can say is he was always kind to interact with. Don’t really get starstruck around the arena but always did with him. RIP to the all-timer.

“One night I was accidentally sitting in his usual pregame media room seat. As he walked in, I immediately jumped and offered it, only for Al to say it wasn’t his. I said, ‘S*** Al, the room is named after you. Every seat is yours.’ I was serious but he declined and laughed it off.”

Dave Burns, co-host of Burns & Gambo: “In the mid 70’s Al was my gateway into this love of Suns basketball. I can recall arranging the rabbit ears of an old TV to watch the game and hear his unmistakable call. As a young broadcaster in the early 90s I honestly can’t recall my first encounter with him; I was so nervous to meet him. Thank you Al. Rest in peace.”

Reactions, stories from the Suns community

We extend our deepest condolences to Al’s loved ones and the entire @Suns family. There will never be another like him. 💜🧡 https://t.co/0KByAP5j4c pic.twitter.com/NMXAzTVlpc

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 21, 2024

SHAZAM! ⚡

A touching tribute to the late, great Al McCoy from @ChrisGaragiola on today's broadcast. 💜🧡 pic.twitter.com/D1N5Ht0vFE

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 22, 2024

Al McCoy was a great mentor and friend. The best broadcaster in Arizona history, and one of the all time great NBA announcers. Al was kind, thoughtful, and gracious with his time. Was grateful to have spoken to Al recently and to hear the peace in his voice.

— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) September 21, 2024

Suns legend Al MCoy has passed away at the age of 91. Al was like a second dad or extra grandad to a lot oof us. He traveled with us, ate with us, drank with us, told us to stop bitching at the refs, hugged us, & loved us. We loved him back. Rest, Al.💜🧡pic.twitter.com/K7hDNjx53R

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) September 21, 2024

I was never much into sports growing up. But I always listened to Al McCoy when my mom drove me home from school on the car radio. A larger then life personality from such a kind hearted little frame. I’m going to miss Al. https://t.co/h32pGbIDQP

— Ineedmorcowbell (@Moarcowbell) September 21, 2024

This is very sad. As a kid when it came time for bed and the Suns were playing, I’d tune my little yellow radio on 620 to and doze off to the sound of Al McCoy announcing the game. He was part of a lot of people’s lives in that kind of way. RIP https://t.co/Rq7n9i14uZ

— Mike Slaven (@mcslaven) September 21, 2024

I got to meet Al McCoy during the Cronkite Sports Broadcasting Bootcamp in 2019. He was truly an icon, especially for a kid that grew up listening to his voice.

Thank you for all you’ve done for the game of basketball and beyond. God bless you Al McCoy. pic.twitter.com/kZvYQFJCAk

— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) September 21, 2024

“Heartbreak Hotel.” RIP to the greatest basketball announcer of all time. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in Phoenix, Al McCoy’s radio play-by-play made me fall in the love with the @suns and the game of basketball. The Stanton family has many fond memories of listening to Al. https://t.co/kPJYFZ4u73

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 21, 2024

I never got to hear much of Al McCoy because I never lived in Arizona. But that’s kind of the point: He was part of a generation of basketball announcers who became so entrenched as the voice of his team that he was entertwined with the history of the team. He was a great one RIP https://t.co/AIkPAO9JGG

— Phil Lueck (@cool_hand12) September 21, 2024

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