CLEMSON. S.C. — He’s back, baby!
ESPN’s Dick Vitale received a standing ovation Saturday night at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum in his first game back as a commentator since recovering from his fourth bout with cancer.
About 30 minutes before Clemson faced No. 9 Duke, Vitale was greeted by a roar from the crowd as he arrived on the floor from a tunnel and began to make his way to his courtside seat to call the game. Clemson’s PA announcer chimed in with his best Vitale impersonation, saying “Dickie V, you’re awesome, baby!”
Vitale, 85, appeared emotional as he waived to the crowd as they stood and cheered for nearly a minute.
“I want to say thanks to all the people,” Vitale said during the broadcast, according to ESPN.com. “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 hadn’t called a game since April 3, 2023, when he called the San Diego State-UConn national championship game for ESPN, according to the network.
He has battled four types of cancer over the past four years, including vocal cord cancer. However, Vitale announced in late December he’s cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years.
“SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called & said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X on Dec. 23. “OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your (prayers). Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship!”
Vitale had surgery in the summer to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck. He was previously treated for melanoma and lymphoma, and had radiation treatments last year for vocal cord cancer.
Clemson upset Duke 77-71, ending the Blue Devils’ 16-game winning streak.
Tribune news services contributed.
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