PORTLAND —Longtime Portland Path Blazers radio play-by-play announcer Brian Wheeler handed away on Friday, Nov. 8 at age 62, the group introduced on Saturday.
No reason for dying was reported. Wheeler had been coping with heath points, which resulted in him stepping down as announcer 5 years in the past.
Wheeler, higher generally known as “Wheels” served because the radio voice of the Path Blazers for 21 seasons from 1998-2019. He adopted the late Invoice Schonely behind the Blazers’ mic.
Wheeler was raised within the Los Angeles space, spending his early years listening to sports activities broadcasting legends Vin Scully and Chick Hearn that will affect his future work. He attended Loyola College in Chicago, starting his broadcasting profession on campus earlier than making it to the professionals.
His 35-year broadcasting profession included stops with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and WNBA’s Monarchs, the Seattle SuperSonics, and Chicago Bulls, earlier than 21 seasons in Rip Metropolis.
Wheeler was named Oregon Sportscaster of the Yr in 2007, recognizing his influence on the state’s sports activities tradition.
His iconic trademark name of “BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA” continues to be broadly used throughout the trade and a fan favourite to at the present time inside Moda Middle.
“His love for the game and passion for the Trail Blazers came through in every radio call, making each play a thrill for every listener tuning in,” the Blazers mentioned in an announcement. “As we mourn Wheels passing, we fondly remember his post-win declaration, ‘And once again we can say: It’s a great day to be a Blazer!’ ”