Broadcasting legend Dick Vitale was met with a loud roar from Clemson followers at Littlejohn Coliseum for his return to his broadcasting duties on Saturday.
Vitale, who has not referred to as a recreation in practically two years, returned to TV for Clemson’s residence recreation in opposition to No. 2 Duke.
The Corridor of Fame broadcaster has been on a hiatus since 2023 as he has battled 4 several types of most cancers.
ESPN created a montage for Vitale forward of Saturday’s recreation, the place he then gave a particular message on the finish.
“I can’t imagine I’m going to be calling the sport,” Vitale stated within the message. “Thanks to all of the colleagues, all of the messages, all of the prayers.”
“For any most cancers affected person that is likely to be listening, at all times assume optimistic, and have religion,” Vitale added.
Vitale was additionally seen taking footage and fist-bumping with followers in Clemson’s scholar part.
The longtime ESPN analyst opened up about his journey battling most cancers alongside Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander, with feelings flooding by way of.
“I wanna say thanks to all of the individuals, the reception has been off the charts,” Vitale stated preventing again tears. “I can’t inform you how excited I’m to be right here. That is like my Tremendous Bowl.”
“To have the ability to be sitting at courtroom facet and do a recreation, it beats the hell out of chemotherapy and radiation.”
Vitale, 85, introduced that he was most cancers free on Jan. 8 following 5 vocal chord surgical procedures, together with six months of chemotherapy and 65 radiation therapies.
His most up-to-date surgical procedure was within the summer time of 2024, following a cancerous lymph node in his neck.
Vitale’s return comes 22 months after his recreation the place he was assigned to the worldwide broadcast for the UConn vs. San Diego State nationwide title recreation on April 3, 2023.
He has been a broadcaster for ESPN because the 1979-80 season, calling greater than 1,000 video games throughout his illustrious profession.
He was inducted into the Naismith and Faculty Basketball Halls of Fame in 2008 for his work behind the microphone.
Vitale was scheduled to return to TV final month, but it surely was delayed resulting from an accident at his residence.