Agreed. It was always an unfair comparison. But aside from the Schonz, there is none other I'd prefer.
Man I loved Wheels. We were in Sacramento at the same time, he moved up here a year before I did. Back in Sac he had the best afternoon radio show, Wheels After Work. Like the way he called a game, the show was fun. He was simply great at what he did, and he gave me much joy and entertainment over the years. Never met him, but I sure feel like I knew him well. Rest in peace old pal! ❤️
I had always hoped he'd get healthy and come back. He and Schonz were 1A and 1B. Tonight you dine in Valhalla Wheels.
Fuck man. The voice of when I really became a fan. I will always remember his interview with @South East and @TBpup and I called him up to get him on the show and he was so gracious with his time. Hell of a voice. Hell of a man. RIP. We will be devastated, dejected, and discombobulated. RIP legend. Thank you for everything.
Talked with him on the phone not even two weeks ago. He said he was feeling stronger. One of the few people who called me Sly in public, but more importantly he called me his friend. RIP my friend.
Damn… Rest in peace wheels. I used to turn off the audio on the tv and play the radio simultaneously because I loved listening to Wheels. We had a family member that used to work for the Blazers and my parents had the pleasure of having dinner with Wheels a few times and always talked about how nice and down to earth he was. Another Rip City legend gone too soon.
I’ll always remember his voice after the Roy and Lillard buzzer beaters. Loved listening to him in the car when I couldn’t watch. He really painted the game beautifully with his words.
21 years is impressive. For those like me who have trouble seeing tweets: Kerry Eggers@kerryeggers Sorry to hear of the passing of Brian Wheeler, the radio voice of the @Trailblazers for 21 years (1998-2019). Brian had been in failing health for some time. He had a booming voice and a good heart. R.I.P. Wheels. #RipCity
I remember years ago I listened to a very late night radio show and he used to get on there once in awhile and I loved his takes and the host used to call him Brian “Eighteen” Wheeler. They would talk about WWF and everything. A couple years later I understood the reference when he became the Blazers play by play guy. I think he was with Chicago then. He was an icon and I can’t imagine there ever being a better radio play by play guy. He was born for that job. RIP
Got word from Antonio Harvey and Mike Barrett as well as our old executive producer Scott Zachry. Tough reading the texts, especially from MB….. said he had been texting with Coach Rice today reminiscing. Favorite picture of Wheels right here.
Also, not sure if anybody heard Calabro tonight use BOOMSHAKALAKA on our broadcast! It was pretty cool. Travis did the same on a DA play and shouted out, “GET THAT WEAK STUFF OUTTA’ HERE!” On a block!
