Rankin: 'Voice of Suns' Al McCoy touches many lives, including mine

It only seems appropriate the Phoenix Suns honored Al McCoy on Easter Sunday.

The franchise has truly been blessed to have him as the “Voice of the Suns” for 51 seasons.

The 89-years-young McCoy was honored at halftime of Phoenix’s final regular season game Sunday at Footprint Center as he's planning to retire after the 2022-23 postseason for the Suns.

The sellout crowd of 17,071 stood the entire time.

The video presentation had fellow Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and Suns greats past and present — Charles Barkley, Steve Nash and Devin Booker — express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for him.

Then McCoy proceeded to deliver a tremendous speech with new team owner Mat Ishbia and former owner Jerry Colangelo, the man who hired McCoy, by his side along with the Gorilla mascot.

With class and distinction, McCoy thanked his family, the team, radio partners and the fans. He concluded with a message that got the loudest cheer of the day.

“But wait a minute, just a minute,” he said as the crowd when from roaring to silent to hear him. “We have got a lot basketball games to win, right? So, let’s go. SHAZAM!"

The Suns presented him a framed No. 51 jersey. He hugged Colangelo and got a special greeting from Booker, who didn’t play Sunday, but took time to hug the man who has been there since Day 1.

Well deserved. Congrats.

Oh, and one more thing.

Thank you, Mr. McCoy.

When I first started covering the Suns right before the 2018-19 season, it was a whirlwind.

First day on the job — media day. Right after that — training camp in Flagstaff.

Things didn’t slow down, either.

New city. New Coast. New coach.

Robert Sarver fired the general manager before the season and the Suns experienced their second-worst season in franchise history.

So, it was non-stop from the jump, but there was one constant — talks with Mr. McCoy.

I knew of him, but I didn’t really know how much he meant to not only the Suns fan base, but the community. The only thing I knew was he always had encouraging words for me.

He has no idea how much those talks meant. They helped keep my spirits up, especially when I felt lost in the midst of traveling, learning and covering an NBA team.

I also figured if the media room at the arena was named after him, he must be a big deal.

It’s probably time for Phoenix to name a street after him by the arena by the way.

Maybe even a statue. Chick Hearn has one for the Lakers.

Shazam! Make it happen, Suns.

For many, he’d be on the Suns’ Mount Rushmore with Barkley, Nash and Booker.

My apologies. I digress. Where was I?

Oh yeah, 2018-19 season. It was a struggle the entire year for me.

Felt like I was behind all the time, wasn’t seeing or feeling any progress, but McCoy was always supportive.

Through those talks, I got to know him and learned who he really was. That made those conversations even more meaningful.

As I grew into the position, I felt more comfortable talking basketball with McCoy. We exchanged insights before the games, and I always left learning something new.

McCoy missed some games this season due to health issues, but he’s back and ready to close out his final year with a bang. He’ll come in the media room, pull up a chair and he and I and play-by-play announcer Jon Bloom, who does the road games, talk Suns and more.

I’m going to miss those talks for real, but I’ve got his number.

He’s the guy who some might mistake as nerdy if they based it on his early pictures.

The glasses. The hair. The easy like Sunday morning smile.

Please. He’s way more than that.

McCoy keeps it 100% when talking hoops. He’ll point out what’s wrong with the team, but McCoy will acknowledge good play and give credit where credit is due.

And he’s got some swag, too.

The Suns play these videos of the players walking in slow motion through an open area towards the locker room.

You’ll see Booker, Deandre Ayton. Chris Paul.

Well, a recent one had McCoy gliding through sporting a sweater and pants.

The crowd went crazy.

Then he pointed into the camera.

The crowd went even crazier.

It’s been a heck of a ride that could continue into June if the Suns handle business.

However long is left, enjoy it, appreciate it and be thankful McCoy has been “The Voice of the Suns” for half a century and change.

I’ll forever be grateful for the five years I’ve gotten to know him.

Congrats, Mr. McCoy.

Thanks for everything. Happy Easter. God bless.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Thank you': 'Voice of Suns' Al McCoy touches many, including myself