Dick Vitale, the beloved college basketball announcer, made a triumphant return to the court Saturday night, receiving a standing ovation from the Clemson crowd as he called his first game since battling cancer. Vitale, who has been battling various types of cancer over the past few years, shared his emotional gratitude for the fans' support and his own resilience in overcoming the challenges.
Dick Vitale received a standing ovation from the Clemson crowd as he called his first game of the season Saturday night. Fans at Clemson showed Vitale just how much they missed him during his battle with cancer. 'Tonight, we celebrate the return of a true legend,' Clemson's in-arena announcer said, as the applause from fans grew with each word. 'For over four decades, his passion, energy, and unmistakable voice have defined the game we love.
After a two-year battle with cancer, he's back where he belongs. Courtside, calling the action and inspiring us all.' Vitale, visibly moved by the outpouring of affection, waved back to the cheering crowd. 'I want to say thanks to all the people,' Vitale said later in the game. 'The reception here has been really off the charts. I'm sorry for being so emotional. I can't tell you how excited I am to be here. ... This is like my Super Bowl. To be able to sit courtside and do a game, it beats the hell out of chemotherapy and radiation. 'And I want to say to all cancer patients out there: Please, think positive and have faith. And keep fighting and fighting.' Vitale had battled four different types of cancer in the past 3½ years. Most recently, he underwent surgery in the summer of 2024 after a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck revealed cancer. Vitale's last game assignment was April 3, 2023, when he called the international broadcast of the San Diego State vs. UConn national championship game for ESPN. His return to calling games had been postponed due to an accident at his home. He previously was set to call the Duke-Wake Forest game on January 25, which would have been his first time on air since 2023, but he announced that he had been hospitalized after a fall at his Florida home. Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season, just after ESPN's launch, and called the network's first major NCAA basketball game on December 5, 1979. He has gone on to call well over 1,000 games, and in September 2024, he was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame
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