Brian Wheeler was the radio play-by-play voice of Blazers basketball from 1998-2019. (Courtesy of Portland Trail Blazers)

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Former Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster Brian Wheeler, the team’s radio voice from 1998-2019, has died. He was 62 years old.

The Trail Blazers said Wheeler, affectionately called Wheels, passed away on Friday after a long illness.

Prior to his 21 seasons in Portland, Wheeler had stints with the Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics and Chicago Bulls.

“Boom shakalaka!” He is known for his exclamation. Wheeler was named Oregon Sportscaster of the Year in 2007.

“His love of the game and passion for the Trail Blazers came through in every radio call and made every game exciting for every listener who tuned in.” the team said in a statement. on Saturday.