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It’s been a rough few years for Dick Vitale, who hasn’t called a college basketball game since 2023 due to multiple battles with cancer. The legendary broadcaster officially notched his fourth victory over the disease at the end of last year, and he isn’t wasting any time making his grand return to ESPN.
Dick Vitale is practically synonymous with college basketball after spending more than 40 years as the most notable member of the many ESPN personalities who’ve covered that pastime, and his infectious enthusiasm for the sport has made him one of the most beloved figures in broadcasting.
Unfortunately, the man commonly referred to as “Dickie V” has dealt with a string of medical issues since he was diagnosed with melanoma in 2021. He discovered he was also grappling with lymphoma just a couple of months later, and the health concerns were compounded at the end of the year when he underwent surgery to treat the growths on his vocal cords and was subsequently unable to speak while recovering.
Vitale rang the bell after being declared cancer-free in 2022, but things took yet another turn when he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer the following year. He secured his third victory before mounting a fourth battle when a malignant growth was detected on his lymph node last June, which led to another surgery and more treatment that successfully eradicated the disease he revealed he had once again defeated midway through December.
At this point, no one would blame the 85-year-old legend for entering a well-earned retirement, but that’s apparently not in the cards for a man who has devoted most of his life to covering college basketball.
On Friday, ESPN announced Vitale will be calling his first game since covering the national championship showdown between San Diego State and UConn on April 3, 2023 when he dons the headset alongside Dave O’Brien for the ACC matchup between Duke and Wake Forest on January 25th.
The press release included a statement from Vitale expressing his excitement, saying:
“I am absolutely ecstatic and I can’t believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months. It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.
I can’t 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.”
Something tells me he’s going to be able to check those boxes.
It’s good to have him back.