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John Andariese, an announcer for the New York Knicks on television and radio for nearly 40 years, died March 13 at his home in Palm Beach, Fla. He was 78.
Nicknamed “Johnny Hoops,” Mr. Andariese started with the Knicks in the 1972-1973 season on WNBC-FM as a color analyst with play-by-play announcer Marv Albert, his broadcast partner in radio and television for 27 years. He moved to television with the MSG Networks, 1986-1998, before returning to radio in 1998.
Mr. Andariese, the recipient of the 2014 Curt Gowdy Media Award at the National Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, retired before the 2012-2013 season.
Born in Brooklyn, he was a three-time all-city player at St. Michael’s Diocesan High School there.
He played four seasons at Fordham University, where he was a team captain and All-Metropolitan Area pick in his senior season. He twice led the Rams to the National Invitational Tournament, and is a member of the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame and Fordham’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen, and daughters, Amy, Julie and Emily.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated March 21 at Fordham University Church, Bronx.
