Former Portland Blazers Radio Voice Brian Wheeler Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, November 9, 2024

Brian Wheeler

Brian Wheeler, the longtime radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Portland Trail Blazers, has passed away at the age of 62 after battling a prolonged illness, confirmed sports columnist John Canzano and media member Kerry Eggers. Known affectionately as "Wheels," Wheeler was the voice of the Blazers for 21 years, from 1998 to 2019, during which he called an impressive 1,823 games.

Wheeler's broadcasting journey began in Chicago, followed by a stint in Seattle before he ultimately settled in Portland, replacing the iconic Bill Schonely. His unique and resonant voice, combined with his passionate game calls, quickly made him a beloved figure in Portland sports. Even after stepping down in 2019 due to health issues, Wheeler continued to engage with the games, providing support and mentorship to his successor, Travis Demers.

"Wheeler was a mentor to me and really went out of his way to help me put on the best broadcast I could," said Demers, who plans to honor Wheeler's memory by incorporating his iconic "Boom Shaka Laka" into his broadcasts.

Journalist Kerry Eggers, who had a long-standing professional relationship and friendship with Wheeler, remembered him as a charismatic and lively presence in the press box. "He was funny, he was fun to be with, and he loved to play with words," Eggers noted, recalling Wheeler's creative commentaries during games and his playful banter with referees.

The Trail Blazers and the sports community at large are mourning the loss of a man who was not only a voice for the team but also a passionate sports educator. Wheeler also taught sports broadcasting at Sports Management Worldwide, sharing his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for sports journalism with aspiring broadcasters.