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
This place is phenomenal. The fans are right on top of the players. You feed off that adrenaline. I really think this environment is a vital part of what's happening here.
This is a very special atmosphere in the Big East. The people are right on top of the floor. It's not like the pro atmosphere you have at places like Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands. This is the essence of college basketball.
I don't think there's any doubt that he's one of the 15 top players in the history of the ACC.
I'd say Illinois, Michigan State and Indiana will probably be the top of the class. But one thing is this year, the league has a lot of balance. When I mention Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State, they are probably the best teams but they aren't going to dominate.
You don't have to go to Harvard to figure out that the Big East is the best league in the country. You don't have to be a genius. A dummy like me can figure that out. When I look at my coach of the year candidates, Jamie Dixon is in my top five. Jamie has done a fantastic job. He has lost some heartbreakers on the road, but that's because winning on the road in the Big East is so difficult. They've been able to win at home. And that's the key when you play in a tough league. You better win your home games.
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.