Since 1979 we have been hearing the voice of Dick Vitale. He has been a part of ESPN’s history and for the first time in his career, he will not be calling the UNC/Duke game. The game will take place tomorrow evening at 9pm; the rivalry will be anchored by Jay Bilas and Dan Shulman. Vitale has been quiet since the news, but he recently opened up and discussed how missing college basketballs biggest night has affected him.
“I told them that I cannot lie when a writer asks me what’s my feeling not doing the game,” he said. “I said I have to be honest. And my honest reply to you is, obviously, I’m a loyal, team player. I will go where my bosses tell me to go.
“But in my heart I will absolutely miss being a part of North Carolina-Duke.”
“It’s been a special part of my basketball and my announcing career,” Vitale said. “And I will never forget the magical moments that I’ve had, being able to be part of such an incredible of rivalry.”
Vitale has once said that he hopes to be TV broadcasting’s oldest anchor. He hasn’t lost his spunk nor his “boom baby!”. This game obviously means a lot to him. Hopefully ESPN will give him the opportunity to call the 2nd matchup between UNC/Duke which takes place in March.