Palestra's public address-man Kahn no stranger to the big leagues

Rich Kahn, the Voice of the Palestra, has only missed one announcing job due to illness in 35 years. And he doesn’t plan on missing his next gig, the ‘Battle for I-95.’

Kahn was surprised this week when he was told he would be back on the microphone Sunday — but instead of Tyler Bernardini and Zack Rosen, he’ll be introducing LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

James and Anthony are perhaps the biggest names on the two star-studded rosters for the NBA summer-league game, which pits Hakim Warrick’s Philadelphia-based team against Baltimore native Anthony and his All-Stars.

“It’s a very different game,” said Kahn, who has been announcing Penn basketball games since 2005. “These are great athletes. It will be fun to see them up close and see them in action.”

For Kahn, though, it will be a nice return to calling professional sports. While living in New York, he served as the public address announcer for the NFL’s Jets for 19 years and the NHL’s Islanders for 13.

“Great memories,” Kahn said of his days in New York, recounting an Islanders game in which he was hit by a puck rinkside and had to give up his duties for the night.

But nothing compares to the “Cathedral of College Basketball.”

“The Palestra is very special. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed anything as much as I’ve enjoyed the Palestra. It’s such a wonderful atmosphere,” he said.

Kahn, like many involved with Penn basketball, is excited to see the Quakers’ homecourt on display for a larger audience.

“I think there’s no better place to watch a game, to have these great players in there enjoying what we enjoy every night.”

He says he’ll start preparing for the game today, though like everyone else, he’s still waiting to see just who will be suiting up for each team.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “it doesn’t replace the thrill of college basketball.”

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