It was just minutes before the open to a 1994 Phoenix Suns preseason broadcast at America West Arena and my nerves were on high alert. Hired as a studio host the previous season, the team now asked me to fill-in and call the play-by-play on Cox Cable. Growing up in Phoenix as a young Suns ballboy and lifelong fan, I had all my friends and family tuned in.
I was a mental wreck.
"You're gonna be juss fine, juss fine. I'll be righ next ta you. Just relax 'n have fun,” Cotton Fitzsimmons said in his familiar, raspy and unforgettable voice.