Bob Harris, the renowned radio voice for the Duke Blue Devils who called five NCAA basketball titles, passed away recently. He retired from his role in 2017 after a remarkable 41-year career. The Duke Vice President & Director of Athletics, Nina King, expressed deep sadness at the news of Harris’ passing and offered condolences to his family. Harris was a beloved figure in the Duke community and the collegiate athletics world, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
As a three-time recipient of the North Carolina Broadcaster of the Year award, Harris was highly respected for his exceptional talent in delivering play-by-play coverage of Blue Devil football and men’s basketball games. Former Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski also paid tribute to Harris, highlighting his significant contributions to Duke Athletics. Harris called 1,392 men’s basketball games, including 13 Final Fours and all five of Duke’s NCAA championships under Krzyzewski.
Krzyzewski emphasized Harris’ close connection to the Duke family, describing him as more than just an announcer but a cherished member of the community. Harris’ dedication to telling the story of Duke Athletics was unmatched, and his impact on fans worldwide was profound. In addition to his broadcasting career, he was also involved in calling football games for Duke, with an impressive record of 471 straight games.
Harris leaves behind his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. His passion for Duke and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch coverage will never be forgotten. The Duke and collegiate sports community mourns the loss of a true icon in broadcasting, Bob Harris.