ESPN makes major announcement about college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale
On Friday, ESPN announced some news that college basketball fans can only describe as awesome, baby! The network, via releases, says that beloved college hoops commentator Dick Vitale will return to calling games on Jan.
25, joining play-by-play man Dave OBrien for Dukes game at Wake Forest.
Vitale has not called a game since April 3, 2023, as he battled and was cleared from another form of cancer, this time affecting his vocal cords.
The 85-year-old broadcaster has survived four different types of cancer over the past three years.
I am absolutely ecstatic and I cant believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months, Vitale said in the release.
Its been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.
I cant thank Jimmy Pitaro and all of my ESPN colleagues who I consider my second family enough for the love they showed me through such a tough time.
I just hope that I can offer the people some basketball insights that can bring even more excitement to the game.
Vitale has been with ESPN since 1979, calling ESPNs first-ever NCAA game.
Hes called over 1000 games in his career and has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
There is no better ambassador for the sport of college basketball than Dick Vitale.
Even while navigating his own health challenges, Dick continued to look for ways to give back and help others, inspiring us all, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in the release.
Dick is one-of-a-kind and we cant wait to have him back doing what he loves most on ESPN on January 25.
The contest between Duke and Wake Forest will tip-off at 4:30 p.m.
on Saturday, Jan.
25 and air on ESPN.
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