CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Hornets announced Thursday that the team has hired Shawn Parker as its new Public Address Announcer. The Hornets say Parker will be the in-arena announcer for all of the home games at Spectrum Center. According to a news release, Parker has a decade of experience having served as the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has also worked at the college level at Tennessee State University and George Washington University. Most recently, he served as a game show host for Great Big Game Show. The Hornets say Parker will make his official debut at Spectrum Center during the Home Opener against the Miami Heat on Saturday, October 26 at 7 pm. “We’re thrilled to welcome Shawn Parker to our Hornets family,” said Hornets Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett. “Shawn embodies everything we were searching for in a successor to the beloved Big Pat. His experience, unique style and personality, and passion for the game of basketball made him the perfect fit for our organization, our fans and Buzz City. Shawn will play an integral part of our fans’ experience at Spectrum Center by providing great memories, bringing constant energy and helping to create a home court advantage for our team.” Parker is the successor to longtime public address announcer Pat Doughty, known as “Big Pat,” who died in July.  The team says Big Pat brought enthusiasm and energy for nearly two decades, enriching games for countless fans over the years.  Information on how the organization plans to honor Big Pat’s legacy will be shared prior to the team’s Home Opener.