College hoops game postponed after death of school’s longtime announcer

The men’s basketball game between East Carolina and Tulane was not played Saturday after the death of ECU radio broadcaster Jeff Charles, who called Pirates basketball for three decades.

Charles, 70, had been in New Orleans for Saturday’s game but died after a sudden medical incident Friday, according to WNCT.

The longtime announcer was known as the ‘The Voice of the Pirates’ and called games for the university since 1988. 

Charles called his 1,000th career game with the Pirates Jan. 4. He also called 15 of ECU’s 21 football bowl games, per WNCT.

Tributes poured in after Charles’ death was announced by the university.

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‘We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of longtime Voice of the Pirates Jeff Charles,’ ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert said in a statement Saturday. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Debby, Britt and all of his family and friends. Jeff was a true professional in every sense of the word who had a unique ability to bring the game to life and connect with listeners.

‘He means as much as anyone to ECU Football, basketball and baseball fans and we know Pirate Nation is mourning together tonight. His iconic, ‘You can paint this one purple’ will remain an integral part of ECU Athletics history.’

Rescheduling information for the game was not announced at the time of publication.