Feb 1, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
College BasketballESPNBy Arthur Weinstein on

Dick Vitale’s return is near.

ESPN announced Monday that the popular college basketball analyst will work the Duke-Clemson game Saturday alongside play-by-play announcer Dave O’Brien and analyst Cory Alexander.

Vitale, 85, has not worked a game since the 2023 NCAA Championship between UConn and San Diego State as he’s battled multiple cancer diagnoses. First diagnosed with cancer in 2021, he was declared cancer-free a year later, but it returned in July 2023.

Fortunately, the legendary announcer revealed in December that he had been found “clean of cancer.”

“Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship!” Vitale said in an X post at the time.


Vitale had been expected to return to the booth Jan. 25 for the Duke vs. Wake Forest game, but had to postpone that after he suffered a fall.

Now, his return is imminent, and the college basketball world is pleased.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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