Pinckney to be Sixers' color analyst

Comcast SportsNet announced yesterday that former Villanova star Ed Pinckney will succeed Bob Salmi as the color analyst on 76ers telecasts.

Pinckney, most recently an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves, will join longtime play-by-play announcer Marc Zumoff for all Sixers telecasts on Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ed back home and to have someone with his credentials join Marc Zumoff, providing Sixers fans with one of the best broadcast teams in the NBA," Brian Monihan, Comcast SportsNet senior vice president and general manager, said in a news release.

"Ed's experience in the NBA, combined with his broadcasting experience and background as a player and coach at Villanova, will provide the insightful analysis and unique perspective that Sixers' fans have come to expect from our talented crew."

Pinckney, who in 1985 led Villanova to a stunning NCAA title victory over Georgetown, spent two seasons as an assistant with the Timberwolves. Before that, from 2003 to '07, Pinckney worked under head coach Jay Wright as an assistant with Villanova.

"I am extremely excited to be back in Philadelphia and to be a part of the Comcast SportsNet family," he said.

Pinckney played 12 seasons in the NBA, retiring in 1997. From 1997 to 2003, Pinckney worked on both radio and television for the Heat.

Pinckney also previously spent two seasons as a Sixers Postgame Live analyst.

Contact staff writer Kate Fagan at 856-779-3844 or kfagan@phillynews.com.