He’s back! Cock Vitale is ready to go back to the

Dick VitaleFeb 6, 2025, 11:50 AM ET

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Cock Vitale, college basketball’s leading expert and ambassador, signed up with ESPN throughout the 1979-80 season. His comprehensive knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, enthusiastic style. Vitale also contributes columns to ESPN.com.Oh, baby!This minute, this chance, this amazing true blessing– it implies whatever to me!With tears in my eyes and my heart pounding, I consider what’s coming this Saturday– sitting courtside once again for Duke versus Clemson, reunited with my phenomenal teammates Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander. I ‘d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious. However moreover? I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.The previous couple of years have checked me like never ever previously– four battles with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord and lymph node cancers.

There were minutes I wasn’t sure I ‘d ever sit courtside once again. I went through numerous surgical treatments, 65 radiation treatments, grueling chemotherapy and long stretches where I had no voice at all. It was a rollercoaster– highs, lows, moments of doubt. However through it all, I kept combating. BELIEVING. PRAYING.And I wasn’t alone.The prayers, the love, the profusion of support from my remarkable spouse Lorraine, my daughters Terri and Sherri, my whole household– they raised me up when I seemed like I had nothing left.My ESPN household– OH, MY HEART! For over four years, they’ve existed. CEO Jimmy Pitaro, my coworkers, my friends, they never stopped thinking in me, sending out words of support week after week.And the fans– oh, child! The fans, the media, the coaches, individuals I have actually never even met who prayed for me, who sent messages, who gave me hope– you all imply the world to me!Then came the words I

had actually prayed so difficult to hear– my oncologist, Dr. Rick Brown, took a look at me and stated,”You are cancer-free!”That was a champion minute! And then Dr. Steven Zeitels– after five major vocal cable surgeries– told me,”You’re prepared to do what you love.” And what I enjoy is talking basketball!Last month, I finally thought I was over the bulge and would get the possibility to return for the Duke-Wake Forest matchup. Yet, I was heartbroken when I suffered an accident at my house days before the game, resulting in more medical concerns and uncertainty about my future. Fortunately, I’m happy

to state the doctors have cleared me to come back.The last time I called a game was April 3, 2023. The National Championship, UConn versus San Diego State for ESPN International. That seems like a life time earlier. But now? Now, I get to do it again.I have no idea how it’s going to go. However I understand this– just existing is a WIN. Just getting this chance is a miracle. And make no mistake about it

… This is my national championship for 2025! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! See you courtside, baby!