KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Phoenix Suns Announcer Al McCoy Remembers Kobe Bryant

NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Sunday.

Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years, retiring in 2016.

Al McCoy, the longtime announcer for the Phoenix Suns, remembered Bryant not just as a great player, but as a giant who contributed to the greater sport of basketball.

"He spent his time working with young players, and always had good things to say as he would try and make even players who were playing against him better," McCoy said. "And in talking to him, his love for the sport was always what was so impressive to me. He loved to talk about the game, he loved to talk about other players, and how they could become better."

McCoy says Bryant was a formidable opponent for the Suns — one of the toughest the team ever faced.

Bryant was 41 years old.

Scott Bourque was a reporter and podcast producer at KJZZ from 2019 to 2022.