It was an emotional return for Vitale, who has battled multiple forms of cancer and underwent 65 radiation treatments over the past few years. The hall of fame broadcaster received a standing ovation from fans, players and coaches before the ACC contest. Sitting alongside Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander, Vitale teared up while speaking about how much the opportunity to return to his courtside spot meant to him. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here. I was telling Cory before, 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,” he said. “I want to say to all cancer patients out there: Please, listen to me. Think positive and have faith and keep fighting and fighting and fighting. I know what you’re going through, and it’s not fun, but to be here, this is my Super Bowl. This is my championship.”
Dickie V is back, baby! And fans at Clemson showed him just how much he was missed while he battled cancer. Vitale returned to broadcasting for the first time in nearly two years for Saturday night's Duke-Clemson matchup on ESPN and received a lengthy ovation from fans, coaches and players at Littlejohn Coliseum at tipoff. "Tonight, we celebrate the return of a true legend," Clemson's in-arena announcer said, the applause from fans building with his every 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. "Welcome back to college basketball, the ACC and Clemson, the one and only Dick Vitale." Vitale, clearly overcome by emotion, waved back to the crowd in response.
Broadcasting legend Dick Vitale was met with a loud roar from Clemson fans at Littlejohn Coliseum for his return to his broadcasting duties on Saturday. Vitale, who has not called a game in nearly two years, returned to TV for Clemson’s home game against No. 2 Duke. The Hall of Fame broadcaster has been on a hiatus since 2023 as he has battled four different types of cancer. ESPN created a montage for Vitale ahead of Saturday’s game, where he then gave a special message at the end. “I cannot believe I’m going to be calling the game,” Vitale said in the message. “Thank you to all the colleagues, all the messages, all the prayers.” “For any cancer patient that might be listening, always think positive, and have faith,” Vitale added. Vitale was also seen taking pictures and fist-bumping with fans in Clemson’s student section.
