Dick vitale: I’m back and call the game I love

Oh, honey!

This moment, this opportunity, this incredible blessing – it means all To me!

With tears in my eyes and my heart beating, I think of what’s coming this Saturday – sitting court for Duke against Clemson, reunited with my phenomenal teammates Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander. I would lie if I said I wasn’t nervous. But more than that? I am overwhelmed by gratitude.

The last few years have tested me as never before – four matches with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cords and lymph nodes cancer. There were moments that I wasn’t sure I would ever sit down in court. I underwent several operations, 65 radiotherapy, violent chemotherapy and long stretches where I had no voice at all. It was a roller coaster – heights, low, moments of doubt. But through it all I continued to fight. Believe. Bed.

And I wasn’t alone.

The prayers, the love, the outflow of the support of my amazing wife Lorraine, my daughters Terri and Sherri, my whole family – they lifted me up when I felt I had nothing left.

My Espn family – Oh, my heart! For over four decades they have been there. CEO Jimmy Pitaro, my colleagues, my friends, they never stopped believing in me and sent words of encouragement week after week.

And the fans – oh, honey! Fans, the media, the coaches, the people I have never even met who prayed for me who sent messages that gave me hope – you mean all the world to me!

Then came the words I had asked so hard to hear-min oncologist, Dr. Rick Brown, looked at me and said, “You are cancer -free!”

It was a championship moment! And then Dr. Steven Zeitels – after five major voting operations – me: “You are ready to do what you love.” And what I love Talking basketball!

Last month I finally thought I was over the hump and would get the chance to return to Duke-Wake Forest Matchup. Still, I was the heart bridge when I suffered an accident in my house days before the game, which led to further medical concerns and uncertainty about my future. Fortunately, I am glad to say that the doctors have cleared me to come back.

The last time I called a game was April 3, 2023. The National Championship, Uconn versus San Diego State for ESPN International. It feels like a lifetime ago. But now? Now I have to do it again.

I have no idea how it will go. But I know this – just being there is a win. Just getting this option is a miracle. And make no mistake about it …

This is my national championship for 2025!

Thanks, please! See you in the Court, Honey!