ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale will call the first game of his 43rd season next week, one month after being diagnosed with lymphoma and three months after undergoing surgeries to remove melanoma. No. 1 Gonzaga plays No. 2 UCLA in the Good Sam Empire Classic on Nov. 23.
“My family and I are absolutely jumping with joy,” Vitale, 82, said in a statement. “Knowing I’ll be courtside with all my buddies and calling No. 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.
“They gave me energy and lifted me up at a time that is not fun city — chemo for six months. 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.”
Vitale's lymphoma news came weeks after he revealed he was cancer-free after being diagnosed with melanoma over the summer. His treatment plan includes six months of chemotherapy, and medical experts told him "it has a 90-percent cure rate." He has continued to write for ESPN.com and will manage his schedule around his chemo treatments.
He has chronicled his journey on Twitter, and took to social media Wednesday to say his doctor cleared him to return to calling games between chemo treatments.
"I feel great. I feel energized, I feel super, I feel no side effects. I'm hoping, I'm praying," he said.
"Basketball. It's awesome, baby!"
Vitale will be alongside Dave O’Brien at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the 10 p.m. ET tipoff on ESPN.
(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
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