Hot Rod Hundley, Former Jazz Broadcaster, Dies at Age 80

Former Utah Jazz broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley died Friday, the team confirmed. Hundley was the Jazz's play-by-play man from 1974 to 2009, a career which spanned over 3,000 games.

Team owner Gail Miller spoke of Hundley's impact on the franchise:

"

Hot Rod was the voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years and his voice was synonymous with Jazz radio. 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.

"

Before making the jump to broadcasting, Hundley spent six seasons with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. Over 431 career regular-season games, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per night. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game in 1960 and 1961.

As good as he was on the court, his work behind the mic helped make him into a legend of the game. He was on the call for Jazz games from the franchise's inception and remained after the team's move from New Orleans to Salt Lake City.

Many eulogized Hundley after his death:

Generations of Jazz fans heard Hundley's voiced beamed into their radios and televisions on a nightly basis.

The team honored him in 2010, raising a banner to the rafters of EnergySolutions Arena in addition to dedicating the press room to his announcing career.