Steve Mix, who played nine seasons for the Sixers (1973-1982), has doubled that total as an analyst, entering his 18th season of television commentary.

"It's been a lot of fun. There are always new things to talk about as players and coaches come and go, and technology improves," said Mix, 56, adding that he "lucked out" 18 years ago when Hubie Brown left the Sixers' analyst job to return to coaching.

Mix said the Sixers' come-from-behind opening night victory over the Boston Celtics will be an indication of what the team does all year, calling the Sixers "exciting" and a "good group of guys."

Mix and play-by-play announcer Marc Zumoff are entering their 11th season together. A graduate of the University of Toledo, Mix and his wife of 34 years, Maryalice, still live in Toledo, Ohio. During the season, Mix keeps a residence in Manayunk.

Mix has four grown children, two boys and two girls, including daughter Courtney, who played for the Villanova women's basketball team.

National honor

Congratulations to the WIP 610-AM morning show with Angelo Cataldi, Al Morganti, and Rhea Hughes which was named as one of the top 12 radio sports shows in America by "Sports Illustrated."

Everything's coming up Rosen

Former PRISM personality Larry Rosen returned to town last week for the Eagles game as a member of the Baltimore Ravens organization.

In his fifth season with the team, Rosen is the senior director of broadcasting, production, and game operations, appearing on radio and television broadcasts.

"Though I miss Philly, it's a blast,'' Rosen wrote in an e-mail. "I have a Super Bowl ring and have many great relationships down here."

Classic Philly

ESPN Classic will highlight some of the most memorable Philadelphia games and teams tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m.

Some of the highlights include: "1983 NBA Finals, Game 4 - Sixers at Los Angeles Lakers" at noon; "NFL Yearbook: 1980 Eagles" at 3 p.m.; "SportsCentury: Villanova vs. Georgetown" at 5 p.m.; "1974 Stanley Cup Film: Flyers vs. Boston Bruins" at 5:30 p.m.; and "1980 World Series: Phillies vs. Kansas City Royals" at 7:30 p.m.

'A' team is back

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth and Pam Oliver will do the Eagles-Steelers game at 1 p.m. Sunday on Fox.

He's g-o-o-od!

Merrill Reese, radio voice of the Eagles and co-owner of WBCB 1490-AM, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th annual "Achievement in Radio" awards Tuesday.

Hall of Famers

Comcast SportsNet producers Jon Slobotkin (Phillies and college basketball) and Shawn Oleksiak (Sixers) will be inducted into the Temple University Communications Hall of Fame this month.

Halftime show

Turkey drumsticks will be traded for the real thing when John Cougar Mellencamp performs at halftime of the Detroit Lions-Indianapolis Colts game on at 12:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day on CBS.