Longtime Wake Forest Radio Analyst Mark Freidinger Dies at 76

Freidinger called over 1,000 Demon Deacons basketball games during his 35-year career.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Wake Forest University announced on Sunday that longtime men's basketball radio analyst Mark Freidinger has passed away at the age of 76. Freidinger called Wake Forest games from 1990 to 2025 and worked alongside play-by-play announcer Stan Cotten for most of his career.

Why it matters

Freidinger was a beloved figure in the Wake Forest basketball community, known for his big personality, passion for the game, and decades-long partnership with Cotten. His passing marks the end of an era for Demon Deacons fans who grew up listening to his broadcasts.

The details

In addition to his radio analyst duties, Freidinger also served as an assistant coach for the Wake Forest men's basketball team from 1981 to 1985, helping the program achieve three seasons of at least 20 wins. He later worked as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas under Larry Brown from 1985 to 1987 and was a member of the San Antonio Spurs' scouting department while calling games for Wake Forest.

  • Freidinger called Wake Forest men's basketball games from 1990 to 2025.
  • He retired before the start of the 2025-2026 season.

The players

Mark Freidinger

A longtime radio analyst for Wake Forest men's basketball who called over 1,000 games for the Demon Deacons during his 35-year career.

Stan Cotten

The current play-by-play announcer for Wake Forest men's basketball, who worked alongside Freidinger for most of his career.

Carl Tacy

The former head coach of the Wake Forest men's basketball team, whom Freidinger served as an assistant coach under from 1981 to 1985.

Steve Forbes

The current head coach of the Wake Forest men's basketball team, who mourned the passing of Freidinger.

John Currie

The athletics director at Wake Forest University, who praised Freidinger's lasting impact on the program.

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What they’re saying

“'Dinger was one of a kind. He had such a big personality and a passion for basketball. I was so lucky to have him by my side. It's been an honor to be his friend and partner over the years.'”

— Stan Cotten, Wake Forest play-by-play announcer (on3.com)

“I speak for our entire program in mourning the passing of Mark Freidinger. Some of my most cherished memories from my time at Wake Forest were spent with Dinger just hearing his stories and sharing his experiences in this game we all cherish. We will miss him greatly.”

— Steve Forbes, Wake Forest men's basketball head coach (on3.com)

“Mark Freidinger left a lasting impact that will go well beyond his four decades in the game of basketball. His passion and knowledge of the game and for Demon Deacon basketball was evident for every single game he called over his legendary 35-year run as an analyst. Our hearts are with the entire Fredinger family.”

— John Currie, Wake Forest athletics director (on3.com)

The takeaway

Freidinger's passing marks the end of an era for Wake Forest basketball fans, who will remember him as a beloved figure with a deep passion for the game and the Demon Deacons program. His decades-long partnership with play-by-play announcer Stan Cotten and his impact as both a radio analyst and assistant coach will leave a lasting legacy on the university.