Mike DeCourcy is closing the book on a legendary run. The longtime Sporting News writer worked his final assignment as a full-time staffer Sunday covering the FIFA World Cup final.
What We Know: DeCourcy has covered 30 Final Fours across his Sporting News career. His run began in 1983 at the Pittsburgh Press, then continued through the Memphis Commercial-Appeal and Cincinnati Enquirer. The U.S. Basketball Writers Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2012. DeCourcy has worked for The Sporting News since September of 2000. He has also worked as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and FOX Sports as well.
What They Said: Michael DeCourcy (via Awful Announcing): “At this point, I’ve done a lot of what I hoped to accomplish in my career, and things I honestly never imagined I’d get the chance to do in my career. My wife and I moved back to Pittsburgh two years ago after having been away for 32 years. It’s our hometown, and our families live here. It’s a chance to spend more time with my wife.”
What Remains Unclear: DeCourcy’s exact roles with FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network moving forward is unknown.
What It Means: DeCourcy’s exit closes one of college basketball media’s longest tenures. Known for expanding outside just the byline, DeCourcy is one of the sport’s most respected voices. Sporting News loses a staff writer known well beyond one sport. Still, his continued Big Ten Network and Fox Sports roles suggest a gradual transition into retirement.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.