PHOENIX – MAY 29: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers is interviewed by Craig Sager after defeating the Phoenix Suns 111-103 in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center on May 29, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers will play the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ESPN announced on Tuesday that TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager will receive the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs on July 13:

This is a selection that everyone will agree on, as Sager has spent the last few years battling leukemia and we sadly learned in March that his cancer is no longer in remission. However, he’s still kept at it doing as much reporting as he can for the NBA on TNT and doing a fantastic job at it as he always has.

Perhaps no story illustrates why Sager is the perfect choice for this award more than one that just took place in the last two weeks, as Sager drove 3.5 hours from Houston to San Antonio to cover Game 6… in the middle of chemotherapy.

Sager — now in his 24th season as a reporter for the NBA on TNT — has always been a fan favorite as a reporter for not only being terrific at his job of reporting news on the sidelines, but for his awesome personality as well, which can be gathered simply by looking at his colorful attire. And even fellow NBA reporters showed how much respect they have for Sager, by wearing flashy attire to show their support for him in April.

Sager released a statement in response to learning that he will receiver the Jimmy V award:

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, like so many other people, my life changed forever,” said Sager. “Over the last two years, I’ve done everything in my power to live my life as normally as possible. But at times, you need support and I’m so thankful to everyone who has been there for me.”

Sager continued: “One of those pieces of inspiration has come from Jim Valvano himself. I have his speech saved on my phone and, now 23 years later, its impact lives on with me and countless others. There is no greater honor than receiving this award and I am very humbled.”

He also spoke about receiving the award during TNT’s NBA Tip-Off show on Tuesday night:

So, congratulations to Sager for receiving this well deserved award, and we look forward to seeing him being recognized for it at the ESPYs in July.

[ESPN Media Zone]

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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