Dick Vitale Shares Big News

Dick Vitale is the voice of ESPN NCAA Basketball. The 85-year-old has been with the network since the beginning of its college basketball coverage in 1979.  That’s why his lengthy absence was a rough one for his fans.

Vitale used social media to stay in touch with fans, sharing the ups and downs of vocal cord cancer that he conquered.  He was slated to return to his courtside post in December but suffered a fall delaying his return.

Let me share with those asking about my status with vocal cord cancer. It’s been tough “ mentally “each day stressing as to what is going to be the report after being scoped by Dr Zeitels in Boston Oct 16 . 🙏🙏🙏that the 35 radiation treatments wiped out the cancer .@ESPNPR pic.twitter.com/0iQPJ7efrQ

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 6, 2023

Dick Vitale Is Back On ESPN On Saturday

Vitale told his 943,000 Twitter/X followers that he is coming back to cover Saturday’s Duke vs. Clemson game.  It is his first game since the April 2023 National Championship between UConn and San Diego State.

Saturday, Hall of Fame broadcaster @DickieV will announce an #NCAAMBB game for the first time in nearly 2 years

🏀 6p ET | No. 2 @DukeMBB vs @ClemsonMBB | ESPN
🎙️ Dave O’Brien, @CoryAlexanderVA, Dick Vitale pic.twitter.com/URqmyI0kN3

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 3, 2025

On the eve of his return, he is experiencing all the emotions: joy, gratitude, and a hint of nerves.

It is hard to imagine Vitale being nervous about doing what he was created to do. We suspect it is like the bike-riding analogy. He will hit his stride right after tipoff.

Longevity, perseverance, positivity, and strength are characteristics that define Dick Vitale. Anyone who followed his journey on social media through his health challenges knows this to be true.

The other characteristic is humility. He constantly credited the prayers of family and friends and the support and care of his medical team. While that is true, he was a good patient who followed his doctors’ orders, including not speaking as part of his vocal chord recovery.

Love sharing time with fans – they have lifted my spirits especially as I prepare & wait for surgery July 11 on vocal cords . ⁦@ESPNPR⁩ To all that have been sending 🙏🙏🙏 they mean so so much . THANKS so much ! pic.twitter.com/iKdmgQe2gJ

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 26, 2023

Vitale is an American treasure so tune in to ESPN on Saturday for his jubilant return.