Dick Vitale Breaks Down During ACC Championship Game, Reflecting on Cancer Journey

College basketball icon Dick Vitale was overcome with emotion during Saturday night’s Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship, as he reflected on his arduous cancer battle and the joy of being back courtside. Having announced he was cancer-free in December, this moment felt nothing short of triumphant for the beloved 85-year-old announcer.

Sitting alongside ESPN’s Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander, Vitale grew emotional during the final moments of the first half of the Duke-Louisville final. "It's my last game this year and I'm praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better – maybe even better," he shared, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who supported him throughout his health struggles.

Vitale underwent surgery last summer to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck, adding to an already challenging history of battling melanoma, lymphoma, and vocal cord cancer. The treatments have been grueling, including radiation therapy, but his resilience has been nothing short of inspiring.

In a tearful moment, Vitale said, "It's been like, to me, a miracle really to sit here with you guys. I can't tell you how much it meant to me. It's been unbelievable. A tough three years. Those four cancer battles. I don't wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks." That last line? Raw, real, and exactly the kind of blunt truth we need to hear.

Vitale also shared a message of hope for others fighting cancer: "Think positive always and have faith and believe." Despite his struggles, he remains a beacon of positivity, showing us all what it means to keep fighting.

Saturday’s ACC final marked Vitale’s last game of the season, following strict medical orders that limited him to announcing only one game per week. On X, Vitale explained, "Those asking why I am not doing more than 1 game per week – it is the orders of my medical team after 5 major vocal cord cancer surgeries. Blessed to do a game!" It’s clear that even one game is a victory for him.

Vitale’s story is a testament to perseverance and gratitude in the face of unimaginable challenges. Here’s hoping we see him courtside next season, stronger and louder than ever.