What Are Eric Collins’ Top 5 Calls of All Time?

Of every phrase an announcer has ever used in a game, this might beat them all. The excitement and child-like glee of Collins is infectious. Only he could take a shot like this and turn it into an all-time legendary moment.

Eric Collins recently explained that he uses the term “chicken salad” to represent turning something bad into something good. In this case, you might call Tre Mann a chicken salad expert!

Honorable Mention: “Kai Jones, What is This Gonna Be?” – Kai Jones Reverse Dunk

Although Eric Collins is a professional commentator and truly tries not be biased, he is a Hornets superfan at heart. That part of him especially comes out in spectacular plays and usually results in screaming, celebrating, and golden one-liners.

On this particular night, Kai Jones and his teal hair had Eric Collins feeling like a kid again. One can just imagine Collins sitting on the edge of his seat as he says, “What is this gonna be?” Jones hammers down a reverse, and Collins momentarily loses his mind. Quickly, he returns to his senses and utters his trademark phrase, “Hum Diddly Dee!”

Legendary.

No. 5: “Devonte’ Graham, Guts of a Cat Burglar!” – Devonte’ Graham Game-Winner vs the Knicks

♬ original sound – NBA

It was fitting that Devonte’ Graham finished off one of his best career games with a game-winner. Even more fitting is that Eric Collins described him as a “cat burglar.” Stealing a game in MSG is no easy task, and that is surely what Collins is referring to here.

Calls like this are what set Eric Collins apart from other commentators. I mean, who else could find a way to include the phrase “guts of a cat burglar” into a game? Every time you think you’ve heard it all, Eric Collins has a new phrase, and it’s most likely to amaze you.

N0. 4: “Running out of time. What do you got?” – Baylor vs. UCF

Although most of Collins’ fame has come from his commentary on Hornets basketball games, he also calls college football games for FS1 during the fall; clearly, he should be doing so more.

As UCF quarterback Timmy McClain scrambles for his life to complete a pass on fourth down, Eric Collins delivers one of the most electric college football calls ever. Collins is in disbelief as McClain evades multiple would-be tacklers and manages to chuck the ball downfield. The ensuing catch sends Eric Collins into straight delirium.

This call highlights Collins’ pure love for the game, no matter what sport. Be it basketball or football, Collins lives for the spectacular, and he sure has a special way of describing the action as it unfolds.

No. 3: “Good Golly, Miss Molly!! He did it!” – Jeremy Lamb Half-Court, Game Winning Shot vs the Raptors

Jeremy Lamb’s miraculous heave from half is probably the best game-winner in Hornets history. The question is, who was more excited about the shot, Jeremy Lamb or Eric Collins?

As far as game-winning calls go, there is no one else whom I would want to commentate them than Eric Collins. Hopefully, he gets to commentate on the NBA finals someday so that the whole NBA community can experience the magic of a game-winning shot with Collins on the mic.

A timeless one-liner. Pure disbelief. This call has it all. Collins sums the shot and the night up perfectly, saying, “On a Sunday night, experience the rapture… here in Toronto!”

No. 2: “Hum Diddly Dee!” – Miles Bridges Poster on Clint Capela

What does “Hum Diddly Dee” even mean? Who knows. But it sounds glorious, as was that Miles Bridges dunk.

Hearing Eric Collins yell “Hum Diddly Dee” after a play is a feeling that can be topped by few things in life. It means that something spectacular has happened. Must-see tv. Scratch that, any game with Eric Collins commentating is must-see tv. How else do you think that Hornets fans have stayed sane through the years?

No. 1 1: “From Sardis Road!” – Kelly Oubre Hits His Eighth Three Pointer in One Quarter

To fully appreciate this call, you have to understand some Charlotte lingo. Sardis Road is not some fictional piece of vocabulary floating around in Eric Collins’ head. It is a real road located in Matthews, NC, a suburb about ten miles outside of Charlotte.

Most importantly, Charlotte Christian School, Stephen Curry’s alma mater, is located on Sardis Road.

So, as Oubre lines up for his EIGHTH made three-pointer of the quarter, Eric Collins screams out, “From Sardis Road!” paying homage to the greatest three-point shooter of all time and also referencing the fact that Kelly Oubre was shooting from the logo, which seemed to him as far away as Matthews is from the Spectrum Center.

A phenomenal, energetic call. Expertly crafted delivery and a golden nugget of local history. Per usual, Eric Collins delivers a classic moment, and one that Kelly Oubre will be sure to show his grandkids.

A Moment of Appreciation for Eric Collins

When Eric Collins’ name is placed in the Naismith Hall of Fame one day, many people will remember his thrilling calls, hilarious one-liners, and infectious personality. But more than that, Eric Collins embodies the game of basketball. The man eats, breathes, and sleeps the game.

Eric Collins helps us remember that basketball really is just a game. It’s ten grown men out there hooping, having fun, and cooking up some “chicken salad.”

In a world full of hate and sorrow, I think we could all use a little bit of Eric Collins’ energy in our lives. Sometimes, when life is feeling down, just holler the phrase “Hum Diddly Dee,” and I promise you’ll feel better right away.