College basketball fans across the country are happy to see Dick Vitale back on the sideline calling games. The ESPN analyst has been battling cancer again recently. While his treatment and recovery have kept him away from the sport for most of the season, he has been able to attend some high-profile matchups.
On Sunday, Vitale was in Waco, Texas to watch the Baylor Bears take on the Villanova Wildcats. Before the game, he was recognized by the crowd and received a standing ovation. It was a moment that left the talkative analyst speechless and in tears.
After the game, Dick Vitale expressed his gratitude to the fans in multiple tweets.
This is the second time this season Vitale has been moved in such a way. Three weeks ago, he was alongside Dave O’Brien in Las Vegas to watch Gonzaga’s victory over UCLA. It was his first TV appearance of the season, and he could not contain his emotions as he thanked fans for supporting him in his fight against cancer.
Dick Vitale is a huge piece of the soul of ESPN’s college hoops coverage. He has been the marquee voice on television talking about the sport for the majority of most fans’ lives and the entirety of these players’ lives. Seeing such a warm reception is not surprising.
He is receiving chemotherapy to treat lymphoma and melanoma. The six-month plan began in November. Dick Vitale has to receive a doctor’s clearance before each game he plans to work for ESPN.
