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Dick Vitale:
Contributor to Basketball
Dick Vitale is college basketball’s most passionate ambassador. A former high school, college and NBA coach, he has been the game’s leading voice for 29 seasons. His knowledge, talents and influence extend beyond that of a traditional television analyst.
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Consider:
- He’s an outspoken advocate for the sport and as enthusiastic a promoter of basketball as there has ever been, unafraid to offer opinions and push for reform when appropriate.
- He works dozens of the top games each season and votes on the Naismith and Wooden Awards, plus the AP poll.
- With Vitale enthusiastically leading the way, ESPN has become a college basketball fan’s best friend.
- He’s created a lexicon filled with phrases such as ‘Get a TO’ and ‘Awesome Baby’ which are now a part of the vernacular.
- He connects with fans through many mediums, providing insight for “SportsCenter,” ESPN Radio, USA Today, Basketball Times and his web site (http://espn.com/dickvitale). He’s also authored seven books.
- He’s played an integral role in building the concept of “March Madness.”
What others say
“Dick has steadfastly contributed to the growth of this great sport and richly
deserves recognition as a Hall of Fame contributor.”
John Wooden
“No one has either promoted or been better for college basketball in the last 25 years than Dick Vitale.”
Bob Knight
“I have known Dick for over three decades and have never met anyone in
our profession who loves the game more then him.”
Mike Krzyzewski
“Dick Vitale has done more to promote college basketball than any other
person in the history of the game.”
Rick Pitino
“No one has had as much of an impact on the game and as much insight
into our game of college basketball as Dick. He has created such a
positive public perception of the student athlete, the institutions, the
coaches and the game.”
Jim Calhoun
Vitale is “due another Hall of Fame induction as contributor, if not PTPer.”
Sporting News, Nov. 10, 2003
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Awards Recognizing Contributions to Basketball
 Curt Gowdy Hall of Fame Electronic Media Award for outstanding lifetime coverage of basketball (1998)- Naismith International Foundation Award in recognition of contributions to the spirit of basketball (2001)
- Ronald Reagan Media Award from the United States Sports Academy for promoting intercollegiate athletics (1997)
- Cliff Wells Appreciation Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to The NABC and college basketball (2000)
- Black Coaches Association Award, in honor of his many contributions to college basketball
- College Sports Information Directors Jake Wade Award for contributions in support of the values of intercollegiate athletics (2001)
- Magic Johnson Roundball Classic contribution to young people award
- Featured in Basketball Times as one of the five most intriguing and influential men in basketball
- National Pathfinder Award, co-presented by Indiana Sports Corporation and Indiana Black Expo, to individuals who have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of America’s youth.
Other Honors
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Enshrined in the following:
- National Italian Sports Hall of Fame
- University of Detroit Hall of Fame
- Florida Sports Hall of Fame
- East Rutherford High School Hall of Fame (Alma Mater)
- Elmwood Park Hall of Fame
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- Sarasota Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame (Where new building is named in his honor)
- Five-Star Basketball Camp Hall of Fame
- Two-time National CableACE winner: outstanding sports analyst
- Was roasted by the ACC, raising thousands of dollars for The V Foundation
- Board of Directors for The V Foundation and annual co-chairman with Mike Krzyzewski of the Jimmy V Golf Classic and organizer of annual Dick Vitale’s “Evening of the Stars” fundraiser
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Other Media-Related Contributions
- Developed The Game of Life video for youngsters, a speech that has aired on ESPN about making good decisions in life
- Also did a feature, Developing a Game Plan for Life, which encourages youngsters to stay away from the drugs and alcohol.
Contributions through Enthusiasm
 As an ambassador to the game, Dick is available to all media for comments on issues and is beloved by students at every campus he visits as he signs every autograph request. - As a high school coach, he developed camps and clinics to promote the game.
- Promotes the game as a speaker at organizations, corporations, high schools, etc., spreading goodwill about the game.
- Developed HOOPS HYSTERIA in Detroit, a 24-hour basketball marathon with the fire and police department and youth organizations.
- Created Titan Toddlers while coaching at the University of Detroit. During pre-game activities and halftime, children ages 8-10 would participate in ball handling and various basketball drills.
- In 1973, he was one of the first to use MIDNIGHT MADNESS as a promotional tool-now famous across the nation.
- Established the Dick Vitale Family Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame to assist youngsters not covered by scholarship aid.
Coaching Accomplishments
- Coached at East Rutherford (N.J.) High School from 1964-1970, winning four sectional state championships and back-to-back New Jersey state championships (1969-1970).
- Recognized as High School Coach of the Year by Daily News, The Bergen Record and the North Jersey Herald & News
- Coached at the University of Detroit (1973-77), compiling a 78-30 record and winning a percentage of .722, including a 21-game winning streak during the 1976-77 season.
- Coached the NBA’s Detroit Pistons in 1978-79.
More of what others say
“Nobody loves college basketball and nobody has done more to promote our game
than Dick Vitale.”
Jim Boeheim
“Dick’s appeal to all age groups is an amazing phenomenon.”
Lute Olson
“Everyone has an opinion on Dick, but from a coach’s standpoint, he has been a very positive person. He has helped them get jobs, keep their jobs and made people understand how difficult it is to be a college coach.”
Gary Williams
“Dick Vitale is many things to so many people, but without a doubt his devotion to college basketball is unmatched. His energy and enthusiasm create passion
among both the most rabid fans and the casual observer, taking the game to wider audiences.” Tom Izzo
“Dickie V brought entertainment to the college basketball world, and his advice to young people to stay in school, and his support and promotion of the Jimmy V Foundation has been immeasurable.”
John Chaney
“Dick Vitale’s enthusiasm and passion for college basketball has truly helped the college game. He is a great ambassador for the game and a true friend to the players and coaches involved. I respect him a great deal.”
Roy Williams |
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