Former NBA player and broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley died Friday at his Phoenix home. He was 80.
Hundley was a popular fixture with the Jazz as a broadcaster for 35 years, starting in New Orleans and then moving to Utah with the team. He worked 3,051 Jazz games from 1974 to 2009 before he retired.
“Hot Rod was the voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years and his voice was synonymous with Jazz radio,” Jazz owner Gail Miller said in a statement. “The expressions he used throughout the game broadcasts are legendary. He had the unique ability to make the game come to life so that you felt as though you could see what was happening on the floor when listening to him call the games.
“Rod was a very special talent and will be missed by our family as well as Jazz fans everywhere. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Hundley family.”
Hundley averaged 24.5 points in three college seasons at West Virginia and was the first overall pick in the 1957 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, who traded him to the Minneapolis Lakers.
In six seasons with the Lakers in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, Hundley averaged 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists and also played in the 1960 and 1961 NBA All-Star games.
Hundley worked as a broadcaster for four seasons with the Phoenix Suns and four with the Lakers. He also did NBA games for CBS.
“The NBA family lost a broadcasting legend today with the passing of Hot Rod Hundley,” the Suns said in a statement. “Suns fans were fortunate to be on the other end of Hot Rod’s famous calls for four seasons at the beginning of his illustrious career, and his fun-loving personality made him a friend to many during his trips back to the Valley over the years. Tonight, the Suns’ organization sends its deepest condolences to the entire Hundley family.”
Hall of Famer Jerry West said in a statement:
“I am saddened by the news of the passing of my longtime friend, Rod Hundley. I first met Rod when I was 18 and he encouraged me to attend West Virginia University. We were Laker teammates and never lost contact.
“Rod was not only a great basketball player, but one of the best play-by-play announcers in the game. He will be missed by all those he touched through his legendary career as will his colorful storytelling.”