College Basketball

College Basketball Fans Respond To Dick Vitale Returning After 2-Year Battle With Cancer As Clemson Upsets Duke

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published08 Feb 2025

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ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale displays a Vegas Golden Knights jersey he was given.

During the halftime show of Saturday’s matinee Big Ten matchup between Michigan and Indiana, CBS college basketball analyst Adam Zucker paused to present a personally profound message to Dick Vitale. 

Enduring 65 chemotherapy treatments since 2023, Vitale, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, returned to the airwaves after a two-year battle with vocal cord cancer.

“A quick shoutout to our buddy, Dick Vitale,” Zucker said. Sitting to his left, Clark Kellogg clapped and Jay Wright grinned. 

That scene was just one of many leading up to the unranked Clemson Tigers upsetting the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils, 77-71, at Littlejohn Coliseum. 

X (Twitter) users responded to fans again hearing the iconic “awesome, baby” among a series of other Dickie V-isms … 

Vitale appreciated separate messages from the CBS trio …

A day before, Vitale admitted to feeling apprehensive toward his return, knowing his victory came with an opportunity to again designate a worthy freshman as a “diaper dandy” … 

Vitale’s return came after a postponement two weeks ago. He felt ready Saturday, posting: “There were times doing chemo & radiation that I never felt this would occur. ALL the & messages inspired me to THINK POSITIVE & HAVE FAITH!” 

The Blue Devils entered Saturday on a 16-game winning streak, while the Tigers were 11-2 at home. With No. 1 Auburn losing earlier Saturday, Duke had a shot at moving up to No. 1 … 

Vitale continues to be a cancer crusader. After his friend, Jim Valvano, died of cancer in 1993, he founded the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. He’s also hosted a star-studded gala for more than 20 years, raising approximately $100 million … 

Tom Crean, the 2016 Big Ten Coach of the Year and in-law to the Harbaugh family, was one of a plethora of people who paid their respects … 

Vitale’s pregame huddle … 

Vitale joined play-by-play man Dave O’Brien and analyst Cory Alexander on the call Saturday … 

Vitale took time to thank ESPN. Vice versa … 

For long-time college basketball fans, they know of Vitale’s reputation for fawning over former Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski. The 85-year-old has been cited by detractors as “Dukie V.” His style, however, allows him to gush over anyone …  

Vitale could feel Clemson capturing the momentum in the second half: “That’s big … upset city” …  

Vitale responded to freshman Cooper Flagg, who scored just four first-half points but led a second-half surge and finished with 18 points, slipping on a drive and being called for a travel with 14.7 seconds remaining. “That’s devastating,” he said. “Look at him slide. He’s skating. He’s skating” … 

“Oh, what a first day back,” Vitale said with 18.9 seconds remaining and the Tigers holding a 73-71 win. “I didn’t think I would have to work so hard” …  

With the Tigers scoring the final seven points, the Tigers (19-5 overall, 11-2 ACC) earned a rare win over the Blue Devils (20-3, 12-1). They “improved” to 34-115 all-time in the series … 

Final score: Clemson 77, Duke 71 … 

Dickie V deserved all the attention he received Saturday …