Those of you who grew up in the New York area, listened to, or watched Knicks games over the years are likely very familiar with John Andariese or as he was often known “Johnny Hoops.” Andariese called Knicks games as lead analyst on the radio and television broadcasts for decades, sitting alongside Marv Albert for years. His tenure with the team goes all the way back to the 1972-1973 season which just so happens to be when the Knicks last won a championship.
Andariese passed away on Monday at age 78. Recently it had been reported that he was fighting a battle with dementia.
More news via Newsday:
John Andariese, a popular longtime Knicks TV and radio analyst, died Monday at age 78, the team announced.
Andariese, who was nicknamed “Johnny Hoops,” played for Fordham in the late 1950s, starring on two NIT teams. He joined Marv Albert on radio starting in 1972-73 — the Knicks’ last championship season.
He later was MSG’s primary television analyst from 1986-98, paired with Albert for the Knicks’ successful mid-1990s run, before being replaced by Walt Frazier. But he continued on as a radio analyst through 2012.
MSG also released a statement:
We are very saddened by the news of John Andariese’s passing. John was a beloved broadcaster and New York icon whose love for the ‘City Game’ was second to none. He spent 34 years at MSG doing what he loved — calling Knicks games on radio and MSG Network — and his voice will live on with Knicks fans forever.
And tributes came pouring out over social media:
Believe it or not there was a time when #Knicks were good and Marv Albert and John Andraise provided the soundtrack #RIP Johnny Hoops
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 14, 2017
Worked with Johnny Hoops – John Andariese 4 many yrs at @MSGNetworks & @NBATV – great bkb man – better human being. RIP my friend.
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) March 14, 2017
The truly special people in sports are the ones that make you smile and make you smarter every time you see them.
Johnny Hoops was one. RIP https://t.co/gK6pKWRtvq
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) March 14, 2017
Sad to see that "Johnny Hoops" John Andariese passed away. Loved listening to him on Knicks games when I was growing up.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 14, 2017
Rest In Peace, Johnny Hoops. Thanks for teaching all of us who listened so much about the game. pic.twitter.com/8yygZIRQ09
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 14, 2017
Rest in Peace to John Andariese aka "Johnny Hoops". A Fordham legend and he was incredibly kind to all who were fortunate to work with him.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) March 14, 2017
Although he was a legendary figure in New York, Andariese will be missed by basketball fans everywhere.
[Newsday]
