Dick Vitale is set to call his first college basketball game of the season.
And it’s awesome, baby!
Vitale, the legendary announcer known for his emphatic sayings and passion for college hoops, will return to ESPN for his 43rd season when No. 1 Gonzaga vs No. 2 UCLA play in the Good Sam Empire Classic on Tuesday.
The news comes one month after Vitale, 82, was diagnosed with lymphoma. He has undergone several surgeries to remove melanoma.
Vitale is in the midst of a treatment plan that includes six months of chemotherapy, which began earlier this month, but his doctor has cleared him to call games, according to ESPN.
“At this point and time in Dick’s medical care, we feel it is safe for him to travel,” Richard Brown, MD, Medical Director of Sarasota (Fla.) Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute and Medical Oncologist overseeing Dick Vitale’s cancer treatment said in a statement.
“Although a cancer diagnosis can be challenging at times, with Dick and specifically his passion for sports, we feel it is best for him to continue doing what he loves most, calling games and being Dick Vitale.”
Vitale, the ultimate PTPer, said in a statement that he can’t wait to return calling games.
“My family and I are absolutely jumping with joy,” Vitale said in a statement. “Knowing I’ll be courtside with all my buddies and calling Number 1 versus 2, this is the best medicine I could ask for. To all of you, I simply say ‘thank you from the bottom of my heart’ for your prayers and messages, phone calls and texts.
Vitale will be alongside his good friend Dave O’Brien at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the 10 p.m. ET tipoff on ESPN.
“They gave me energy and lifted me up at a time that is not fun city – chemo for six months,” Vitale continued. “To my ESPN family, starting with Jimmy Pitaro – I love you all. I’m so proud to start my 43rd year on Tuesday. Lastly, to the fans – you have given me a career that has exceeded any dream I’ve ever had.”
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