CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have made several changes to their television and radio broadcast teams in the wake of Fred McLeod’s untimely passing earlier this month.
Ahead of the 2019-2020 season, the Cavaliers have shifted former radio broadcaster John Michael to the lead television play-by-play announcer position and hired longtime WEOL commentator Tim Alcorn to take over the radio play-by-play duties.
Alcorn joins Jim Chones in the radio booth, while Michael will be alongside Austin Carr for the television broadcasts on FOX Sports Ohio.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected by the Cavaliers as the next radio play-by-play announcer for the organization,” Alcorn said in a release from the Cavaliers. “The position is truly a ‘dream job.’ It’s both exciting and humbling to be chosen.
“I’m also aware the opportunity would not have occurred if not for the untimely passing of Fred McLeod and I will strive to uphold the high standards that Fred, John Michael, Joe Tait and others established as Cavs announcers. I’m eager to get started as the Cavs embark on their 50th season.”
Prior to joining the Cavaliers, Alcorn spent nearly three decades at WEOL in Elyria, where he did everything from play-by-play for local high school sports, as well as the Cleveland Gladiators Arena Football League games and served as the pregame and postgame host for Cavaliers and Indians games.
Alcorn is a member of the Lorain County Football Coaches, Lorain County Boys and Girls Basketball Coaches Association and Elyria Area Umpires Halls of Fame, as well as the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Honor.
Michael has been the Cavaliers’ radio play-by-play voice for the past eight seasons and hosted Cavs HQ on Fox Sports Ohio and the Cavs Radio Network.
Prior to working with the Cavaliers, Michael was a rink-side reporter and pre and postgame show host for Columbus Blue Jackets games on FOX Sports Ohio.
“It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I begin this season of Cavaliers basketball,” Michael said in a release from Fox Sports Ohio. “I am honored and humbled that the Cavs organization and FOX Sports Ohio have looked to me to carry on for a special part of our family who left us way too soon.
“Every ounce of preparation, hard work and creativity that is poured into each television broadcast this season will be dedicated to the very high standard that Fred McLeod set. I am looking forward to joining my friend, Austin Carr, and helping deliver a great and entertaining season of Cavs basketball broadcasts.”