LOOK: Dick Vitale responds to Coach K's message on cancer recovery
Earlier this week, emotions ran high when ESPN’s Dick Vitale returned to the commentary table. Things felt right once again with Vitale’s voice once again providing the soundtrack to a college basketball game.
Following Vitale’s return, he felt the love from millions — including one of the sport’s all-time greats. In what’s his final season coaching Duke, Mike Krzyzewski took time out of his schedule to give some words of encouragement to Vitale.
“Hey Dick. So good to see you back. I know you were very emotional, but that’s so darn good,” stated Krzyzewski. “For all the people fighting cancer, the families that are helping cancer fighters. It was such an encouraging time.
“For our game, no one does it like you, my man. No one does it like you. I’m always impressed with you. But yesterday, your knowledge of all the events that were happening, I don’t know — you were getting chemo treatment, a whole bunch of stuff. But you’re right on-top of things. As always. That’s why the game’s benefitted so much. Get your rest, and hopefully we can see you a lot during the season.”
After seeing the video from Coach K, Vitale couldn’t be more grateful. He quote-tweeted the video — sharing how appreciative he was of the legend’s message.
“Appreciate so much that u have taking time to share your words of encouragement,” tweeted Vitale. “Thanks so much!”
It was amazing hearing Dick Vitale back on the call for some of the biggest games in college basketball. As the season progresses, the sport will only benefit from the return of his presence.
WATCH: Dick Vitale makes emotional return to UCLA-Gonzaga broadcast
Entering his 43rd season with ESPN, Dick Vitale received jarring news heading into the 2021 college basketball season. After years of holding charity events, spreading awareness and raising money for cancer research in honor of his friend, legendary coach Jim Valvano, Vitale learned that he too had been diagnosed with cancer.
However, after undergoing treatment for lymphoma, Vitale made his long-awaited return to the sidelines as No. 1 Gonzaga played No. 2 UCLA in Las Vegas.
The broadcast turned emotional rather quickly, as Vitale predicted it would. He fought through tears shortly before opening tip-off.
What a moment. After receiving clearance from his doctors to call the UCLA-Gonzaga game, a rematch of the historic Final Four matchup from last season, Vitale released the following statement through ESPN:
“My family and I are absolutely jumping with joy. Knowing I’ll be courtside with all my buddies and calling No. 1 versus No. 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 four 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.”
Surely, hearing his voice on the sidelines again is a thrill for college basketball fans, too.