Charlotte Hornets’ play-by-play announcer, Eric Collins, has built a strong reputation among NBA fans for his passionate calls over the years.
A recent game saw Collins in the spotlight again, delivering a memorable commentary for a highlight play by rookie Brandon Miller during the Hornets’ faceoff against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The highlight of the night came late in the fourth quarter when Hornets’ rookie Brandon Miller showed up on the radar.
Miller intercepted a pass from Lakers’ Austin Reaves, leading to an impressive coast-to-coast poster dunk over Rui Hachimura.
As good as Miller’s play was, what made it memorable was Collins’ commentary: “They are going to run that same play,” he exclaimed when Reaves made the pass. “OH, HE RIPPED IT AWAY FROM HIM, JUST TOOK IT. OHHHHHH, ECSTASY!”
Eric Collins always brings the intense calls. 🏀🎙️🔥pic.twitter.com/zzku5wedPJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 6, 2024
This wasn’t Collins’s first iconic call, and it certainly won’t be his last.
BRANDON MILLER CAN DO NO WRONG. pic.twitter.com/Z7xlBwxvVh
— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) February 6, 2024
His voice has featured on numerous highlights throughout the season, adding to the excitement of watching live basketball.
LOL incredible call — ECSTASY!!!! pic.twitter.com/DyrG3r2N6s
— Taco Trey Kerby (@treykerby) February 6, 2024
His fervor-filled style is particularly heart-warming during tense game moments.
Eric Collins is a national treasure pic.twitter.com/135ZcEu5M5
— Joe Metz (@JoeMetz34) February 6, 2024
Despite Collins’s charismatic commentating, the Hornets couldn’t clinch victory, surrendering to the Lakers 124-118.
This defeat pushed the Hornets down to a 10-39 record for the season, making it unlikely they will be the NBA’s must-see television for fans.
Despite the loss, Eric Collins’ role can’t be undermined. With his dynamic commentary style, Collins breathes life into every game, making the viewing experience a treat for the audience.
So long as Collins is behind the microphone, the Hornets’ games will remain exceptionally entertaining.
