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It can’t be a college basketball season without the legendary Dick Vitale on the sidelines calling a game. Vitale is in a battle with cancer, but that isn’t stopping the college basketball icon from calling one of the year’s biggest matchups.
ESPN college basketball analyst @DickieV gets clearance from his doctor to start his 43rd season at ESPN
After undergoing treatment for lymphoma & melanoma, Dick Vitale will be on the call for No. 1 @ZagMBB vs. No. 2 @UCLAMBB on Tuesday (10p ET, ESPN)https://t.co/0JkPUfBaEd pic.twitter.com/4BzVu7c6aR
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) November 18, 2021
ESPN reported on Thursday that the legendary broadcaster will return to the sidelines when the number one Gonzaga Bulldogs take on the number two UCLA Bruins in a heavyweight matchup on Tuesday. Vitale will be starting his 43rd year with ESPN calling college basketball games. Vitale is a mainstay in college basketball, and when you see him calling a game, you know it is a heavyweight matchup.
What a fantastic nursing staff they have at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital ! Getting me ready for my chemotherapy! Keep those 🙏🙏🙏rolling / really helps lift my spirit ! @jksports @espn_chris pic.twitter.com/EtkH89QQdQ
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) November 16, 2021
Vitale has stayed in strong spirits with his recent cancer battle and has shared his recent chemotherapy treatments with his fans on Twitter. Vitale has been a strong supporter of cancer research throughout the years, raising millions of dollars through the Jimmy V Foundation to honor his late friend and former national championship coach Jim Valvano.
Welcome back, Dick Vitale 👏
The iconic college basketball announcer has been cleared by doctors to call No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 UCLA amid his cancer battle.
➡️ https://t.co/xLX1jTnXHd pic.twitter.com/mqhgGlM24w
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) November 19, 2021
The college basketball world can hardly wait for Tuesday night to hear Vitale’s voice once again. Vitale already knows this, but it is worth repeating, Dicky V is college basketball, and everyone around the country is pulling for him in his battle with cancer.