College basketball: Dick Vitale reflects on cancer journey during ACC final

Legend College basketball Announcer Dick Vitale shed tears during Saturday night's Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Championship.

Sitting with ESPN's Dave O'Brien and Cory Alexander, the 85-year-old announcer got emotional in the final moments of the first half Duke Louisville Finals.

“It was my last match of the year and I hope I can come back next year. Perhaps even better – I hope it's even better,” Vitale said.

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“I hope my doctor will really help me with my voice.”

Vitale had surgery to remove it last summer Cancer lymph nodes From his neck. He had previously been treated for melanoma and lymphoma and was treated for radiotherapy for vocal cord cancer last year.

The Tennessee player celebrates with Dick Vitale on March 1, 2025 after an Alabama match at the Thompson Bowling Arena at Food City Center. (image)

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“It was really a miracle for me to sit here with you guys,” Vitale continued, tears. “I don't know how much it means to me. It was incredible. Three tough years. These four cancer battles. I don't want anyone.

“I say this to you, everyone is fighting cancer, listen: Always think positive, have faith, believe.”

ESPN analyst Dick Vitale before the match between Tennessee volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide on March 1, 2025. (Randy Sartin-Imagn image)

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Vitale said Saturday's ACC Finals will be his last season. He previously said in X that he could only make one game a week, due to doctor's orders.

“I'm asking Y, who doesn't play more than one game a week. That's my medical team's order after five major vocal cord cancer surgeries. I'm blessed with playing games!”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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