Al McCoy, often called the dean of NBA play-by-play announcers and the "Voice of the Phoenix Suns" for 46 years, spoke to the Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests at a luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch Golf Club's Pavilion. When introducing McCoy, Rotarian Jim Bruner shared that both of he and Al McCoy grew up in Iowa farm country and were Des Moines Iowa Drake University alumni.  
 
Early in his career, McCoy was a sports announcer in Chicago, Buffalo and Phoenix. McCoy recalled his experiences of announcing for the Phoenix Suns during the 1976 NBA Playoffs with the Boston Celtics and in 1993 with the Chicago Bulls. He noted that the Suns, who started at the Fairgrounds against Seattle in 1968, have, after 50 years, earned the fourth-best win/loss record in the NBA. 
 
During his talk, McCoy noted that it is interesting and fun times for sports, especially basketball. He addressed and/or answered questions about player salaries; short careers of players; exciting worldwide game travel; young age of NBA draftees; prominence of the 3-point shot; growth of drive-time game radio listeners; official/referee retirements and replacements; role of agents; and more. He often noted that "teamwork" is the complete answer to winning and making it to the playoffs.  
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale programs, membership and upcoming speakers at meetings, see www.scottsdalerotary.org
 
Dr. Honora Norton
 
Photos:
  • Al McCoy shares his thoughts on importance of teamwork