The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today that Portland's own Bill Schonely,
Trail Blazers founding broadcaster, will receive the 2012 Curt Gowdy Media Award. The award is in honor of the late Curt Gowdy, legendary sports broadcaster, and is presented annually to media members whose efforts have made a significant contribution to basketball.
Bill Schonely, aka "The Schonz", was the voice of the Trail Blazers and coined the oft-repeated term "Rip City". For his important work, on May 19th, 2008, the City of Portland unanimously passed a resolution that Commissioner Leonard presented to urge the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to honor Bill Schonely with the award for his outstanding contribution to the game of basketball as a member of the broadcast media during his nearly thirty years as the voice of the Portland Trail Blazers. A little less than four years later, Bill is finally being recognized. Congratulations Bill!
Posted by Anna DiBenedetto
