"Classy guy who represented Duke in a first class manner": Dick Vitale saddened by Bob Harris' death, shares his reaction on X
Legendary sports voice Dick Vitale on Wednesday expressed his sadness in the wake of fellow broadcaster (and Duke University legend) Bob Harris' death. The veteran hoops broadcaster also mentioned the death of basketball icon, Jerry West, in his tweet.
"OMG a tough day when I learned that superstar JERRY WEST passed & now just learned of the passing of BOB HARRIS voice of@DukeMBB for years . Bob was so friendly over the years in my visits to Cameron & was always willing to share tidbits on the Duke players . A real classy guy who represented Duke in a first class manner . May Bob RIP!" Vitale tweeted.
Harris was a well-known and loved voice for Duke University athletics, especially for Blue Devils men's basketball. He called 1,392 games for the school and was there for 13 NCAA Final Fours and 10 total national championship games for Duke (according to The Spun). He was 81 years old.
Bob Harris' death was announced by former radio analyst Ches Wesson on an official GoFundMe page set up to help pay for the Duke broadcaster's medical care, according to MSN.com. The fundraiser, aptly called "Voice of the Blue Devils Bob Harris," has already raised over $100,000 as of Wednesday to help pay for Harris' care after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Harris had reportedly been in hospice care.
His death came on the same day as LA Lakers legend Jerry West. The two are considered pillars of American basketball culture, with Harris doing his thing in Duke and West being the literal logo of the NBA itself.
Duke University pens heartfelt message in wake of Bob Harris' death
Duke honored Bob Harris with this note from athletic director Nina King:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harris. We send our heartfelt condolences to Phyllis and the entire Harris family. Duke, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the entire collegiate athletics community has lost a true icon.
"For over four decades, Bob represented Duke with the utmost professionalism while delivering to our fans worldwide an acute account of Blue Devil football and men's basketball games. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live forever."