NBA just lost its longest-tenured broadcaster in league history. For 51 years, Al McCoy stayed the play-by-play voice for the Phoenix Suns and on September 21st, the icon took his last breath aged 91. It remains an integral loss for the franchise, summoning multiple former Suns players, NBA stars, and others from the sports community to mourn the loss.

Former Suns star Jamal Crawford was one among the several who took to X to pay his respects and extend support to McCoy’s family. “Prayers to his family! Legend,” he wrote in the post. Now, Crawford may have played only one season with the Suns, but he witnessed one of his career’s defining moments for the franchise.

Termed as arguably the best 6th man in the NBA, there have been multiple instances that he reached the 50-point mark. But his 51-point performance with the Suns made him the oldest ever to put up such a score and the only one to reach the number in four different franchises. From the ones who had a brief stint to the players who can owe most of their career to the Suns, everyone is deeply saddened by the demise of McCoy.

That’s the impact and deeply rooted connection he had with the franchise.

“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…” stated the Suns’ owner himself. Meanwhile, the team head coach Mike Budenholzer also grieved the loss suffered. “We lost one of my heroes… Al was an icon and he will be missed,” he said in a heartfelt statement.

Yet another Suns’ avid supporter and former player to grieve over the loss of life was Eddie A Johnson. “RIP Mentor! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🥲” he wrote on X. The late 91-year-old joined called his first Suns’ game in the preseason in September 1972, leading on to become one of the all-time greats, as declared by Eddie Johnson as well. “If he (McCoy) doesn’t go down as one of the top two or three all-time, something’s wrong,” Johnson once said.

Lasting legacy of Al McCoy

The passing of Al McCoy marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting, one that spans over seven decades. Known for his voice and unparalleled knowledge of the game, McCoy’s legacy is as vast as the audience he captivated. Starting his career in 1951 while still a freshman at Drake University, McCoy was quickly identified as a rising star in the industry.

Inspired by legends like Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse, his influence grew far beyond the boundaries of Iowa. Thus eventually bringing him to Arizona in 1958. For many, McCoy’s voice became synonymous with Phoenix sports. His play-by-play calls for the Phoenix Giants, Roadrunners, and the Suns were legendary.

As a result, recognition for his contributions flowed steadily, both nationally and locally. In 2007, the Suns honored him by naming their media center after him. A tribute to his long-standing commitment to the team. And a decade later, he was inducted into the Suns’ Ring of Honor.

These accolades, alongside the Curt Gowdy Media Award and his Hall of Fame induction by the Arizona Broadcasters Association, only begin to capture the respect McCoy commanded. Al McCoy’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his listeners. His voice may have gone silent, but his legacy will continue to resonate.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.