Blazers hire Calabro as new play-by-play announcer

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Portland Trail Blazers have hired veteran television broadcaster Kevin Calabro as their new play-by-play announcer. The announcement

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Portland Trail Blazers have hired veteran television broadcaster Kevin Calabro as their new play-by-play announcer.

The announcement Friday comes two days after the team said on-air personalities Mike Barrett and Mike Rice wouldn't return next season.

Calabro was the TV and radio announcer for the Seattle SuperSonics for 21 years but didn't join the team when it moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. He has since worked for various national media outlets, including ESPN Radio and Turner Broadcasting, while based in the Pacific Northwest.

Blazers President and CEO Chris McGowan says the team is conducting a nationwide search for a color commentator to join Calabro.