"We are ecstatic to be able to continue our great relationship with CST in providing 65 regular-season games to our fans in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana," Chad Shinn, Hornets executive vice president of Basketball, said in a statement. "We are anxious for the season and for our team to give the fans a great show this season."

Some of the top games televised by CST include the first road broadcast against Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics (Nov. 1), all three games against Kobe Bryant and the champion Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 8, Dec. 1 and March 29), both games against LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers (Feb. 23 and March 24) and both home games against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs (Jan. 18 and March 1).

St. Tammany Parish residents will have access to the 65-game schedule on CST only if they are Dish Network subscribers.

Play-by-play announcer Bob Licht and color analyst Gil McGregor will call the broadcast. Victor Howell takes over as sideline reporter for Jordy Hultberg, who desired less travel but will remain with the 24-hour regional sports network. Licht begins his fifth season on CST, McGregor will call his 22nd season of Hornets Basketball. Scott Snyder is the producer of the telecasts and Gary Kirby will serve as director.

Before each game, CST will televise " Hornets Tonight," a 30-minute pregame show.

Also returning to CST is "The Byron Scott Show," a weekly 30-minute telecast.

"CST is thrilled to be entering into our eighth season of Hornets Basketball," said Rod Mickler, vice president of Cox Sports Television.

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John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or at (504) 826-3405.