The long-time iconic radio voice of Duke athletics, especially the men’s basketball team, Bob Harris, died on Wednesday. Harris, who was 81, spent 41 years as the main radio broadcaster for Duke, calling 1,392 Blue Devils basketball games in total.
Harris retired in 2017, calling it a career after lending his voice to 13 Final Fours, 10 national championship games, and all five of the Duke Blue Devils’ NCAA titles (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010 and 2015) under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. His career saw him win three North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year honors, while also being the longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in the history of the ACC (according to GoDuke.com).
Bob Harris had been battling Alzheimer`s disease and was in hospice care.
More details about Bob Harris’ death
Former radio analyst Wes Chesson said that Bob Harris’ wife, Phyllis, was “at his side, holding his hand” when Harris died (via MSN.com). He is also survived by his daughter, Bobbi Harris-McCoy, and her husband, Ron, alongside two grandchildren, according to the AP.
Harris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in 2020, as per the GoFundMe page set up for him. Through Wednesday, the page had raised over $100,000 to help pay for his medical expenses, with around 500 donors taking part in the initiative.
Basketball world reacts to Bob Harris’ death
Having had a hand in all five of the Duke men’s basketball team’s championship runs as its main radio broadcaster, Bob Harris left his mark on college basketball and the entire basketball world in general.
Aside from Duke University athletics penning a heartfelt note in the wake of his death, fellow iconic broadcaster Dick Vitale also shared his feelings on X:
“OMG a tough day when I learned that superstar JERRY WEST passed & now just learned of the passing of BOB HARRIS voice of @DukeMBB for years . Bob was so friendly over the years in my visits to Cameron & was always willing to share tidbits on the Duke players . A real classy guy who represented Duke in a first class manner . May Bob RIP!,” Vitale tweeted.
Hall of Fame Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski also shared a message (via The Spun):
“Duke lost another one of its greatest treasures with the passing of Bob Harris,” Krzyzewski said. “For decades as our radio play-by-play broadcaster, Bob told the story of Duke Athletics better than anyone. He was much more than an announcer to all of us. He was a family member who absolutely loved Duke and everything it stands for.
“We are so thankful that it was his voice that shared our journey each season with so many Duke fans around the world. He was adored by so many of them. The Krzyzewski family offers our deepest condolences to Phyllis and their loved ones. It was my honor to call Bob my friend.”
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