On Tuesday afternoon, longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale took to X to announce some exciting news.
In a video, Vitale shared that he had some bloodwork and tests done on Monday and he finally received his results from Dr. Rick Brown, the Head of Oncology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida. That’s when he heard the words every cancer patient hopes to hear: “You’re cancer-free, baby!”
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Since 2021, Vitale has battled various forms of cancer in his neck and was previously treated for melanoma and lymphoma. In 2023, he underwent six weeks of radiation after tests revealed he had vocal cord cancer.
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale.Evert Nelson / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“I am ecstatic! I am on cloud nine!” the 85-year-old said with a smile. “I can’t believe it. I really am so excited, it brought me to tears when they delivered [the news].”
Vitale is a legendary figure in college basketball, best known for his enthusiastic commentary and catchphrases like “Awesome, baby!”, “Get a TO baby” and “dipsy-doo dunkeroo.”
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He began his career as a high school coach before moving to the college ranks at Rutgers, then eventually becoming the head coach at the University of Detroit.
In 1979, he transitioned to broadcasting with ESPN, where he became the voice of college basketball for decades. Even after 1,000 broadcasts, he still approaches every game with knowledge, preparation and excitement. Known as college basketball’s biggest cheerleader, Vitale has also been a tireless advocate for cancer research.
“I’m gonna have a great Italian dinner!” Vitale said towards the end of his announcement. “I feel like I won a national championship!”
Related: Dick Vitale Delivers Emotional Speech Following Cancer Battle