Now the team faces the unenviable but necessary task of replacing the irreplaceable. Someone has to try to fill Big Pat’s irreplaceable shoes.

Hornets statement on Big Pat Doughty’s replacement

On the subject of replacing Big Pat, Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations for the Hornets, is quoted by WSOC-TV: “While we still mourn the loss of beloved Pat Doughty, we are looking for someone to carry on his legacy – with the same passion and energy he brought to the arena every night. Big Pat will always be a part of the Charlotte Hornets organization, and we hope to honor his vibrant spirit in the person we select as stadium announcer to carry the torch.”

What needs to happen to replace Big Pat Doughty?

There’s an old saying that goes, “You don’t want to replace the legend. You want to be the one who replaces the one who replaced the legend.” Take it from someone who tried it in the radio business a long time ago: It’s tough. Still, someone’s got to do it. My advice would be, and this is tough (I worked as a PA myself), to always pay homage to the spirit of Big Pat, but don’t try to imitate Big Pat. He was one of a kind. Your job is to be yourself. Also realize that for at least the first year or so, you’ll be constantly compared and no one will like you. Eventually, though, you’ll settle in and make the job your own (if you’re lucky). Officially, the Hornets website has the following information. All interested candidates must apply using the application form below, which includes submitting a professional public speaking resume, a professional website or video clip (no social media accounts or pages), and a self-recording of the readings provided.

Charlie Nance is the afternoon drive co-host (with his wife) of “The Charlie and Debbie Show” on WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple has been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a four-time finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Prior to Charlotte, Charlie (with Debbie) hosted successful morning radio shows for more than a decade in Greenville, SC; Augusta, GA; and Birmingham, AL. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about lottery winnings, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.