HC Jon Scheyer pens down heartfelt letter as legendary Duke broadcaster Bob Harris dies: "Will be remembered forever"
Former Duke radio play-by-play announcer Bob Harris died on Wednesday in hospice care while suffering from Alzheimer's. The announcer called 1,392 Blue Devils games over a 41-year career.
Harris retired in 2017 as the longest-tenured play-by-play broadcaster in Atlantic Coast Conference history, became part of the fabric in Durham and was inducted into both the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame (2018) and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2006).
Duke coach Jon Scheyer shared a statement on his Instagram stories paying his respects to the storied announcer.
"We lost a Duke legend today with the passing of Bob Harris. Bob called almost 1,400 men's basketball games and his passion for Duke was contagious. I feel lucky to have had Bob on the call during my four years as a player and I know four decades of Duke players feel the same way," Scheyer wrote.
"Bob's positive energy and warm friendship was an absolute constant. He was always incredibly proud and excited to be our voice. His iconic calls and lifelong love for Duke will be remembered forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family."
Bob Harris part of Duke's rich history
The 81-year-old Bob Harris had a decorated career as an announcer, winning the North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year award three times during his 41-year career.
He called 13 Final Fours and all five of the Duke Blue Devils' national championship wins under Mike Krzyzewski. He called 471 consecutive games and was part of 16 ACC Tournament wins for the institution.
Krzyzewski paid his tribute to the longtime announcer via the program's website.
"Duke lost another one of its greatest treasures with the passing of Bob Harris," Krzyzewski said. "For decades as our radio play-by-play broadcaster, Bob told the story of Duke Athletics better than anyone. He was much more than an announcer to all of us. He was a family member who absolutely loved Duke and everything it stands for.
"We are so thankful that it was his voice that shared our journey each season with so many Duke fans around the world. He was adored by so many of them. The Krzyzewski family offers our deepest condolences to Phyllis and their loved ones. It was my honor to call Bob my friend."
Tributes for Bob Harris have poured in from all over the college sports world with sportscaster Dick Vitale also paying his respects.