CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets weren't always the best team to watch during the 2023-24 NBA season, but they might've been the best show on TV every night they played, thanks to broadcaster Eric Collins.
Collins and Charlotte basketball legend Dell Curry came in at No. 5 in sports media website Awful Announcing's local announcer rankings. The New York Knicks were ranked No. 1 with veteran play-by-play man Mike Breen and analyst Walt Frazier coming in first for the second time since 2016.
Collins and Curry scored an average A score from voters and moved up from 14th in 2020. A full breakdown of the votes showed Charlotte's duo picking up 221 A's, 119 B's and 84 C's. Collins just wrapped up his ninth season as Charlotte's play-by-play voice. He replaced legendary Charlotte broadcaster Steve Martin in that role.
Collins' incredible calls haven't gone unnoticed, as he became an internet sensation with some of his best moments. He was also named the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year in 2023 by the National Sports Media Association. The honor was posted with a highlight reel featuring some of Collins' most dynamic calls.
And it doesn't have to be an epic Brandon Miller dunk or La'Melo Ball highlight to get Colins going. It could be something as simple as a player's first career free throw. Even when the Hornets are getting torched, Collins can't help but keep things entertaining for the fans at home.
Collins told NBA TV he first learned his calls were going viral during the pandemic season when teams were playing in empty arenas.
"I don't see myself ever doing anything else," he said. "Basketball and sports, it's my passion, and there's nothing else to compare it to."
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.