Dick Vitale - Its Awesome, Baby!: 75 Years of Memories and a Lifetime of Opinions on the Game I Love

Dick Vitale is one of the great ambassadors we have in college basketball. In Its Awesome, Baby!, Dick brings us along on the ride that has taken him to the top of his profession. Dickie Vs enthusiasm and passion continue to inspire me, coaches, and college basketball fans from coast to coast.

Villanova coach Jay Wright

Most people know Dick Vitale for his unmatched passion for basketball. And while that is certainly remarkable, what truly impresses me is his passion for life and for helping other people. Its a lesson that should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo

For more than 35 years, Hall of Famer Dick Vitale has been a primary voice in college basketball and a true friend to the sport. His latest book is a must-read for all basketball fans.

Duke Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski

There is no better ambassador for the game of basketball than Dick Vitale. His enthusiasm for the sport and the people in it is unmatched, but it doesnt stop there with Dick. He has championed a fight and used his platform like none other in helping to raise millions in the fight against cancer. He is a true PTPer for the game and in life.

Kentucky coach John Calipari

There has not been a better ambassador for college basketball over the last 35 years than Dick Vitale. Hes unique because hes been able to take his vast basketball knowledge, being a coach, to the public in a way nobody ever has before. Dick has also used his platform and popularity to do what is most dear to himto raise money to fight cancer through the V Foundation. Its remarkable what he has accomplished professionally and personally in his lifetime.

Kansas coach Bill Self

From a coaching perspective, I have always appreciated what Dick Vitale has given back to the game. I have always respected what he has given to the community through his work for cancer research. This book tells his whole story.

Florida coach Billy Donovan

In the over 40 years Ive known Dick as a high school, college, and professional coach and announcer, Ive never seen anyone sustain the passion, enthusiasm, and drive for the game of basketball that he has. He is truly a modern day inspiration.

Louisville Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino

No single individual has done more to spread the good word about college basketball than Dick Vitale. Any fan would love to read about the sports many exciting personalities and events over the years as seen through his eyes.

Syracuse Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim

An event is bigger, better, and most importantly, much more fun when Dickie V is involved. Hes a joy to be around and his love for the game of basketball is infectious. Hes forgotten more basketball than most people will ever know and is as genuine, passionate, exuberant, and thoughtful a human being as you will ever meet. Very few people have done more for college basketball than Dickie V.

UCLA coach Steve Alford

Copyright 2014 by Dick Vitale

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher.

All names, logos, and symbols that appear in this book are trademarks of their individual organizations and institutions and have been reproduced with permission. This notice is for the protection of trademark rights only and in no way represents the approval or disapproval of the text of this book by those organizations or institutions.

Requests for permission should be addressed to: Ascend Books, LLC, Attn: Rights and Permissions Department, 12710 Pflumm Road, Suite 200, Olathe, KS 66062

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ISBN: print book 978-0-9904375-3-6

ISBN: e-book 978-0-9904375-4-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014951600

Publisher: Bob Snodgrass

Editors: Mark Stallard and Claire Reagan

Publication Coordinator: Christine Drummond

Sales and Marketing: Lenny Cohen and Dylan Tucker

Publicity: Bob Ibach

Dust Jacket and Book Design: Rob Peters

All photos courtesy of Dick Vitale unless otherwise indicated

Front Cover and Larger Back Cover Photo courtesy of Kristine Foley Photography

Back Cover Photos courtesy ESPN and Dick Vitale

Every reasonable attempt has been made to determine the ownership of copyright.

Please notify the publisher of any erroneous credits or omissions, and corrections will be made to subsequent editions/future printings.

The goal of Ascend Books is to publish quality works. With that goal in mind, we are proud to offer this book to our readers. Please note, however, that the story, experiences, and the words are those of the authors alone.

Printed in the United States of America

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So many people have helped me fulfill my dreams along the path of my life, and I know how lucky I am. From the institutions who hired me as their basketball coach to all of my fantastic colleagues at ESPN, to my friends, great fans, and especially my beautiful wife, daughters, and grandkidsthis book is for you. Thanks for putting the Awesome into my life.

Dick Vitale

For Howie Schwab, a good friend and an encyclopedia of sports knowledge who is an MVP in his profession.

Dick Weiss

For Marge.

Joan Williamson