There are few voices in sports as instantly recognizable as Dick Vitale’s. The Hall of Fame broadcaster, cancer survivor, and eternal ambassador for college basketball brought his trademark energy to Lexington this week, visiting new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats.
Vitale, 85, has covered Kentucky games for decades, narrating some of the program’s biggest moments with his “diaper dandy” enthusiasm. After missing time during recent cancer treatments, Vitale made a triumphant return to the broadcast booth last season, calling marquee matchups like Duke–UNC and Kentucky–Alabama. His presence was missed, and fans — even those divided on his over-the-top style — welcomed him back with open arms.