Gary “G-Man” Gerould, the veteran radio broadcaster for the Sacramento Kings, received a distinguished honor from the basketball franchise. The Kings revealed that their media and press dining area will now be called the “Gary ‘G-Man’ Gerould Media Center” to recognize his remarkable contributions.
Gerould is embarking on his 42nd season as the Kings’ radio play-by-play announcer, a role he has held since the team’s move to Sacramento in 1985. Reflecting on his lengthy career, Gerould admits there is no clear reason for his longevity, noting how unexpected it feels to still be part of the organization after all these years. At 86 years old, Gerould is a familiar and respected presence at the Kings’ facility, frequently recognized by fans whether during games or practices.
Having broadcast over 3,000 Kings games, Gerould has witnessed every moment of the team’s ups and downs but continues to demonstrate an unwavering passion for sharing Kings basketball with fans. Sacramento Kings chairman and owner Vivek Ranadivé praised Gerould as the iconic voice of the franchise, highlighting his exceptional ability to bring the game to life and his broader influence beyond the court.
From his early days at ARCO Arena to the current Golden 1 Center, Gerould’s voice has been the soundtrack to countless memorable Kings moments, earning widespread admiration from colleagues and supporters alike. He expressed gratitude for the sense of family within the organization, a feeling he cherishes as he enters his 42nd season. Gerould fondly recalls the many owners, coaches, and players he’s seen over the decades, crediting the current leadership for maintaining a supportive environment.
Of all the seasons, Gerould treasures the Kings’ golden era under coach Rick Adelman between 1999 and 2006. He admired other more successful teams but eventually witnessed Sacramento become a top contender with players like Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac, Doug Christie, Jason Williams, and Mike Bibby. He described that time as magical because the team was not only competitive but thrilling to watch, commanding national attention.
Though the Kings have struggled in recent years, especially with injuries, Gerould remains hopeful as each new season brings fresh opportunities and questions to answer. Beyond his Kings affiliation, Gerould’s career spans over 1,800 televised events, including NFL broadcasts, Olympic coverage, and nearly four decades in motorsports with major networks like ESPN, ABC, and NBC. Starting his career in high school and progressing through local Sacramento media, Gerould has become a beloved and lasting figure in sports broadcasting.
He likens himself to legendary NBA announcers such as Los Angeles Lakers’ Chick Hearn and Phoenix Suns’ Al McCoy, feeling honored to be counted among such influential voices. Gerould is continually amazed by the caliber of athletes he covers and cherishes the challenge of capturing breathtaking moments on radio to connect fans to the excitement in real-time. His dedication exemplifies the artistry of sports commentary, striving to vividly “paint the picture” for listeners.
Fan Take:
This tribute to Gary “G-Man” Gerould is a poignant reminder of the vital role broadcasters play in shaping fans’ connections to the game. Honoring a voice that has narrated decades of basketball history underscores the deep bond between a team and its community, inspiring future generations to appreciate and elevate the storytelling side of sports.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
