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Who is the greatest commentator in Toronto Raptors history?

By Andrew Gula

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Commentators, Rod Black, Isiah Thomas, and Jack Armstrong, and Leo Rautins talk before Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 30: Commentators, Rod Black, Isiah Thomas, and Jack Armstrong, and Leo Rautins talk before Game One of the NBA Finals on May 30, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Jack Armstrong (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors – Jack Armstrong (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Jack Armstrong

John Joseph “Jack” Armstrong has been the voice of the Toronto Raptors for over 20 years. The son of Irish immigrants, the Brooklyn native lives with his wife Dena and their three adopted sons—Kevin, 22, Brain, 21 and Tim, 20. Before starting his broadcasting career, Armstrong spent ten years as the head basketball coach at Niagara University, where he was named Division 1 New York State and MAAC Coach of the Year for the 1992-93 season.

So according to our criteria, what makes Jack Armstrong a great broadcaster? For 22 years he’s brought his unique brand of infectious, over-the-top enthusiasm to Raptors games. Many people love it. For some, it might be a tad too much. Often working side-by-side with fellow candidate, Matt Devlin, Armstrong’s hyperkinetic energy perfectly complements the former’s more laid-back demeanor.

Armstrong is widely recognized for breaking down the many complex terms, strategies, contexts and minute-by-minute plays we see on the floor on any given night. When you watch a Raptors game with him on the telecast, there is a personal feel to things. Many new and casual fans, especially those who came on during the Raptors’ wild playoff run, appreciated the way that Armstrong acted like a tour guide for them.

All of these insights feel fresh and exciting because of Armstrong’s distinctive voice—a thick Brooklyn accent and in moments of extreme excitement, hoarse and verging on laryngitis. From “Hellooooo!” to “Get that garbage outta here!” you’ll always hear him hollering one of his many signature phrases. Watch enough games and they’ll be stuck in your brain for days.