Prayers Pouring In For Dick Vitale Before NCAA Tournament
03/19/2025 08:01 PM
Prayers are pouring in for longtime college hoops analyst Dick Vitale ahead of the start of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday afternoon.
The first round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is set to begin on Thursday. We'll get 16 first round games on Thursday. There will be 16 more first round games on Friday. The second round will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with eight games on each day.
Vitale, 85, loves college hoops more than anyone. The former University of Detroit and Detroit Pistons head coach has been the face of ESPN's college basketball coverage for decades. Unfortunately, he has not been on the air much in recent years.
"It's been a tough three years," Vitale said this week.
Vitale, who lives in Florida, has battled multiple forms of cancer in recent years.
The longtime college hoops analyst announced he was cancer-free at the end of 2024. Vitale has battled lymphoma, melanoma, vocal cord cancer and cancer of the lymph nodes.
Vitale returned to the airwaves earlier this season, calling a Duke game on ESPN. He was emotional.
"It's a miracle to sit here with you guys," Vitale said in his broadcasters chair, sitting in between ESPN announcers Dave O'Brien and Cory Alexander. "I can't tell you how much you've meant to me. It's been unbelievable. A tough three years, those four cancer battles."
He added: "I don't wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks."
Vitale has been sharing positive messages for everyone as he continues to beat cancer down.
"Anybody battling cancer, please listen: Think positive, always, and have faith and believe," he said.
He added that everyone should be sending phone calls, text messages and more to those who are struggling.
"It means so much," he explained. "I know it meant a lot to me in my darkest moment when I was in the hospital doing chemo and had a bad, bad day."
College hoops fans are continuing to pray for Vitale, especially during the NCAA Tournament, when he's hopefully able to enjoy himself and the sport he loves.
"You're an inspiration to many DickieV! So grateful to have you back where you belong. God Bless you my friend!" one fan wrote.
"You always have and currently still inspire millions in college basketball & sports world Dickie V! Much love from Lobo Nation in New Mexico," one fan added.
"It's ok baby....it's good to let it out. You HAVE had 3 rough years, but you're over the top!" one fan added.
"We all love you Mr Vitale ....keep up the good work....I include you in my prayers," one fan added.
Hopefully, it'll be a fun tournament for everyone. The first round gets going on Thursday afternoon at 12:15 p.m. E.T. when No. 8 seed Louisville takes on No. 9 seed Creighton on CBS.
