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Former Detroit Pistons coach Dick Vitale diagnosed with Lymphoma

By Dashon Blount

Mar 31, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale enjoys a moment with Michigan Wolverines fans prior to the start of the semifinal game against the Loyola Ramblers in the 2018 men's Final Four at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale enjoys a moment with Michigan Wolverines fans prior to the start of the semifinal game against the Loyola Ramblers in the 2018 men's Final Four at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dick Vitale is recognized all over the nation as the voice of college basketball. But he also served as the coach of the Detroit Pistons.

‘Dicky V’ has been involved with the college brand of hoops for a half-century this year. He’s college basketball’s elite, and a Hall of Fame enshrined icon. He reinvented the way college basketball is watched on television, with his signature catch phrases, and brilliant punchlines. He makes listening fun and enjoyable for fans of all ages.

Vitale started out as a coach.

After coaching high school in his native New Jersey, he started as an assistant coach with Rutgers University in 1971. He moved to Detroit in 1974 to become the head coach at the University of Detroit. Vitale’s coaching record was 78-30 in four seasons with the program. He also coached the Detroit Pistons for a short stint, starting with the  1978-79 season.

Dick Vitale is the center of this sideline huddle as he confers with his Detroit University players.69g1fk06
Dick Vitale is the center of this sideline huddle as he confers with his Detroit University players.69g1fk06 /

He was with the organization during the thunder and lightning days. He made his mark by becoming one of the first coaches to coach both college and professionally (although his record with the Pistons was not so hot).

He also managed to coach his Detroit collegiate athletes in his tenure with the Pistons. Vitale linked back up with local basketball prodigies Terry Duerod and Terry Tyler with the Pistons. Both played for him during his day’s at University of Detroit.

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Dick Vitale has recently went public with his bout with Lymphoma. This is now his second diagnosis,  of cancer this year. He was diagnosed with Melanoma earlier before he announced being cancer free after a procedure earlier this year.

This has turned the basketball world upside down, with teams, players and fans all sending prayer via social media. With the outcry of support for the legendary ‘Dicky V’, he’s been trending on Twitter.

He has touched so many people in his years, especially basketball fans. His colleagues admire his endless energy and youthfulness. We look forward to seeing his commentary and pizazz on our television or streaming devices again soon.

Him and his family have shown gratitude to those who’ve showed support during this time. It’s also been reported that he’ll continue to work if it’s not a scheduling conflict with medical appointments.

A history of NBA No. 1 draft choices who were traded. dark. Next

Dick Vitale is in our prayers and we all hope he gets well soon. There will be more on this story as it begins to unfold. Hopefully, positive news.

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