Charlotte Hornets play-by-play announcer Eric Collins called the college football season opener between Ohio and Nebraska this past Saturday. Collins, known for his energetic calls during NBA games, provided commentary as Nebraska pulled away for a 49-21 victory.
What did Eric Collins do in the offseason?
Eric Collins has kept a full schedule this summer. He started by covering AUSL softball for CBS before moving to broadcast a Major League Baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Texas Rangers. The college football kickoff was his latest assignment. During the Ohio-Nebraska game, Collins delivered one of his signature calls on a 51-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Colandrea to Mekhi Nelson. Nebraska dominated the second half, outscoring Ohio 35-8 after leading just 14-13 at halftime.
Collins joined the Hornets broadcast team in 2015. He has now spent 11 seasons with the franchise. He works alongside analyst Dell Curry, who began his broadcasting role with the team in 2009 after a 10-season playing career with Charlotte. Their partnership is a staple for fans following the team's schedule.
Why does this matter for the Charlotte Hornets?
Collins's versatility highlights his value beyond the NBA hardwood. His recognizable voice reaches a wider sports audience during the summer months. This exposure can indirectly benefit the Hornets' brand as the new NBA season approaches.
Fans checking the standings will hope this is the start of a stronger trend.
What comes next for the Hornets?
The NBA offseason is a time for player development, potential roster moves, and preparation. While Collins is calling other sports, the Hornets organization is focused on basketball. The team's performance will be scrutinized when training camp begins. Building consistency will be key after a mixed bag of results to end the previous campaign.
Key players will need to step up, and the coaching staff will be evaluating the roster closely. The hope is that the energy Collins brings to the broadcast booth translates to energy on the court. Every game matters in the push for playoff positioning, and a strong start can set the tone. The work done now, both on and off the air, prepares everyone for the challenges ahead.
