Marc Zumoff is the undisputed voice of the 76ers
Marcus Zumoff, the talented play-by-play commentator, has become synonymous with Philadelphia 76ers’ basketball. Zumoff is the voice of this fanbase.
A lot about the Philadelphia 76ers has changed over the previous 24 years, but one thing that’s remained constant, and no, I’m not referring to the wonderful fan base, or the iconic patriotic color scheme, is their voice.
Throughout my life, this voice defined Sixers’ basketball for me. The voice stuck as an integral part of every big game, or epic play for the Philadelphia franchise, and even when the team struggled to compete, which unfortunately has been the case more often or not, it “turned garbage into gold” and always did its’ part in making a Sixers’ game a viewing pleasure.
On August 17, 1994, Marc Zumoff became the official television announcer for the 76ers, and ever since that day, he’s won over the ears and hearts of an entire fanbase. The winner of 16 Mid-Atlantic region Emmy awards, Zumoff delivers each broadcast with the same energy, professionalism, and love for Philly basketball regardless of whether he’s calling a series-clinching playoff game or an otherwise insignificant game March night. Even if you can’t count on the team’s best effort, you can always count on Zoo.
With the current state of the Sixers, it’s easy to be unappreciative of the team’s treasured play-by-play guy. Yes, we’re lucky to have the likes of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and T.J. McConnell on the court night after night, but we must not take for granted the man who truly makes the Sixers come alive.
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Zumoff’s impeccable mastery of language, along with simple, yet amusing catchphrases, accentuate games perfectly. It’s hard for me not to get off my couch when Zumoff proclaims “and they rise here at the Wells Fargo Center.”, or immediately become locked in when he looks at his partner and says “Hold on Alaa, we’re coming in for a landing.” Now anytime someone cashes in an offensive rebound, in any game, I think to myself “picking up loose change.”
Whenever the Sixers leave you speechless, for better or worse, Zoo always finds a way to sums up the moment perfectly. He’s the true embodiment of our fanbase and our voice. And he continues to exceed expectations year after year.
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Through the good times and the bad, Marc Zumoff has become as synonymous with Philadelphia basketball as Allen Iverson or Dr. J., and without stepping foot on the court, always seems to deliver the goods night in and night out.