Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns mourned the death of Al McCoy, the team’s iconic TV and radio play-by-play announcer. McCoy covered the Suns for 51 consecutive years, the most by a broadcaster in league history. He stepped down from that role starting last season.
The Suns announced news of Al McCoy’s death on Saturday. Booker took to Instagram to share a few photos with the legendary broadcaster:
Devin Booker honors the late Al Mccoy. [photo: @dbook/IG]
The All-Star shooting guard released a statement following the Phoenix Suns’ announcement of McCoy’s passing:
“I had the privilege of Al McCoy narrating the first eight years of my career. … We will miss Al, and I am so glad our legacies in Phoenix are forever connected.”
New Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, a native of Holbrook, Arizona, had this to say:
“We lost one of my heroes. … SHAZAM!!! He brought the Suns into my life like he did for generations of kids across Arizona. Al was an icon and will be missed.”
McCoy, who passionately loved the Suns, grew close with Devin Booker over the years. The two were the only constant in the franchise since the All-Star guard’s drafting. “Book” is the only one left from the 2015-16 team, his rookie year. Through ups and downs and his rise to stardom, Booker had McCoy in Suns games for nearly his entire career.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joins Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns in honoring Al McCoy
Al McCoy was in the prime of his career as a play-caller for the Phoenix Suns when Adam Silver joined the NBA in 1992.
A few hours after news of McCoy’s passing came out, the NBA Commissioner released a statement. He joined Devin Booker and the Suns in honoring the legendary broadcaster:
“[McCoy] entertained generations of fans with distinct delivery and unbridled love for the game and was a beloved friend to so many of us in the NBA community. I send my heartfelt condolences to Al’s family and friends and the entire Suns organization.”
McCoy will not be forgotten as his class, integrity and professionalism enriched the league and its fans for over 50 years.
