(MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES NEWS RELEASE) – It was announced today that Hank McDowell is retiring from his role as radio analyst for the Memphis Grizzlies, a position he has held for the past 13 seasons.
A Memphis native, McDowell graduated in 1981 from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), where he was a two-time team MVP (1980, 1981) for the Tigers. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1981 NBA Draft and played six NBA seasons – reaching the 1986 NBA Finals as a member of the Houston Rockets – before finishing his playing career in Italy and Spain. In addition to serving alongside Grizzlies radio play-by-play Eric Hasseltine since 2006, McDowell’s broadcasting career includes 13 seasons as a TV and radio analyst for the Tigers’ men’s basketball team.
“Hankhas gone through so much last few months, and he has done so with grace andcourage and strength,” said Grizzlies Team President Jason Wexler. “Fans allover Grizz Nation routinely tuned in to hear Hank’s game analysis the past 13years. He is special not only to Grizzlies basketball and Tigers basketball,but to Memphis as a whole. We will miss having him as a part of our broadcastteam.”
“After 13 seasons, Ihave decided to hang up my head set and retire from broadcasting,” McDowellsaid. “It was not an easy decision. After my recent surgery and the realizationthat I have spent 50 years in basketball as a player, coach and as TV/radioanalyst for the Tigers and Grizzlies, I’ve decided that now is a good time tosmell those roses. It’s been a great run and the last 13 seasons alongside EricHasseltine and the crew have been some of the best moments in my life. I’d liketo thank the Memphis Grizzlies for the honor of being an NBA broadcaster in thecity that I grew up in. Thank you Memphis for listening.”
