Dick Vitale
Dick Vitale
Richard John "Dick" Vitale, also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN. He is known for catchphrases such as "baby" and "diaper dandy", as well as enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games, and has authored nine books and appeared in several movies...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSportscaster
Date of Birth9 June 1939
CityPassaic, NJ
CountryUnited States of America
Coaching to me is the ultimate high, especially when you have a game plan and you see that game plan executed to perfection. To see those players take what you put in front of them in preparation and turn it into a masterpiece - it doesn't get any better than that.
John Wooden has been a vital force in the lives of many with his inspirational messages. He represents all the elements necessary to be a winner in the Game of Life, which makes him the perfect person to write this book filled with lessons. Coach Wooden has been a mentor to people in every walk of life.
What has happened at Indiana, every game becomes a final exam. You are judged by your most recent performance, and that makes it tough for everybody in the program. It's tough enough to try to win without having that kind of pressure.
In my 27 years of calling games for ESPN, I have never ever seen a player take more verbal abuse than he has taken.
Brewer can create his own shot. He's a great player offensively and defensively and he's going to be a lottery selection. But he could use another year to work on his range as a shooter.
At the beginning of the season, when you thought of Pittsburgh you thought about a team that was regrouping. I didn't think they would be 17-3 at this point. I'm excited to do this game.
There's no doubt that they've been a real surprise. This team has amazing camaraderie. They play together; they've done a phenomenal job.
(The tournaments in) '93, '97 and '99 are the only three years that three No. 1 seeds made it to the Final Four.
I think if they can get eight (ACC) wins, they've got a great chance. I think it's mandatory to win one of the next two. And obviously a win over Duke would be absolutely an eye-catcher.
I think he's done a phenomenal job and hasn't got the recognition he's deserved for a guy that's proven he can win in a tough situation. I'm kind of surprised his name hasn't popped up before now.
I think his comfort zone will happen next year when he can go back in the post. Because right now he's trying to do things he didn't do in high school. Obviously, he's a talented player. He shows moments out there of passing ability, post-up ability, rebounding ability -- that he's outstanding.
We're really thrilled about it because we got lots of great story lines.
I'd like to see some of the teams that got in play in the Big East or ACC and go 9-7, 8-8 in those leagues. Don't tell us you're picking the best 34 at-large teams.
Obviously, off the court, he's had some issues. He would be the first to say, 'Why? Why did I do that?' But one, his players graduate; two, they learn how to be men; and three, they learn how to contribute in life. Look at all those Indiana graduates contributing to society.