Gary Stanley

Gary Stanley was an American sportscaster who was the radio play by play voice of Iona men's basketball for more than three decades and a longtime sports anchor on WCBS 880 in New York. He died in November 2026 at the age of 73, and Iona Athletics announced his death on 9 November.

Stanley began calling Iona Gaels basketball in 1985. Broadcasting on WVOX and later 93.5 WRTN, he formed a long partnership with analyst Ed Ingles, and after Ingles retired he continued with rotating partners including Bill Daughtry, Vin Parise and Kevin Hamilton. His calls followed the Gaels through Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference seasons and NCAA tournament appearances, and for many fans his voice was the sound of Iona basketball.

In New York radio he was one of the lead sports voices of WCBS 880, the all news station. He worked directly for the station for four years before moving to Shadow Traffic, later Clear Channel's Total Traffic, from whose Rutherford, New Jersey, studios he continued to deliver sports reports for WCBS. He was heard on the station for nearly 20 years until 2013.

Basketball ran through the family. His son, Casey Stanley, served two spells as an assistant coach at Iona, including time under Rick Pitino, before becoming head coach of the Westminster Griffins in Division II.

"Gary's passion for Iona and memorable presence behind the microphone made him an important part of the Gael family," Iona Athletics said. Tributes came from across sports media. Broadcaster Tim Brando recalled meeting him during NCAA tournament runs, and Ed Cohen wrote that Stanley could have done play by play anywhere and that earning his respect meant a great deal. Reporter Jaden Daly remembered many nights spent with him before Iona games lamenting the New York Rangers' struggles, and called Stanley and the late Ed Ingles two of the first friends he made covering the conference. Brando wrote simply that Gary loved Iona. The university added that his contributions would not be forgotten and sent its condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His son Casey shared his own tribute the following day. No cause of death was made public.