Dick Vitale underwent successfull throat surgery today. ESPN announced that he will be sidelined until February. Like a true competitor Vitale tried to play through the pain, but in the end the surgery was the only option. Whether you like his style or not, he has been one of the biggest supporters of college basketball. He has helped the game explode over the past twenty years. Many do not know that he was a successfull college coach at the Univesity of Detroit. His team set standards that have still not been matched.
However, I remember him most for the lectures he gave at Five Star Basketball Camper. As a junior in high school I sat mesmerized for over an hour listening to him motivate and extol the finer points of the game. In fact, it was his enthusiasm and love for the game that inspired me to be a coach. For those of you who think he is all show, you need to think again. He has a bigger heart than he does mouth (no disrespect intended).
Our prayers and well wishes are with you Coach Vitale. I can’t wait to see you on the sideline again.
