Just under two months after announcing he’s cancer free, Dick Vitale returned to Knoxville returned to Knoxville to announce Tennessee basketball’s top 10 matchup against Alabama.
When Vitale arrived in Knoxville on Saturday morning, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and Volunteer players had a surprise for Vitale. Vol players and coaches combined to donate $10,000 to the V Foundation for cancer research in Vitale’s honor.
“The guys wanted to do something for you. They took a picture earlier today and decided to use a little bit of their NIL money and we got you a check here for $10,000 for the V Foundation in your honor,” Barnes told Vitale.
the legend in the building!
in honor of @DickieV‘s return to Rocky Top, our coaches and student-athletes are proud to make a $10,000 donation to @TheVFoundation pic.twitter.com/602jrOZ3hG
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 1, 2025
Vitale has been one of the top supporters and leaders of the V Foundation since its foundation in 1993 to honor legendary North Carolina State head coach Jim Valvano who passed away in April of that year at the age of 47 after a battle with cancer.
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Barnes and Vitale have long been friends but their friendship has gone to a new level in recent years since Vitale’s cancer diagnosis.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been incredibly supportive of Vitale during his bout with cancer. Vitale previously shared that Barnes would text him a prayer every morning throughout his battles with cancer. The Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, which Vitale is a board member for, honored Barnes at both the 2023 and 2024 V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Gala.
The Tennessee-Alabama game was the fourth game that Vitale has broadcasted this season since becoming cancer free. Tennessee played a video honoring Vitale at the under 12 media timeout in the first half and the 22,392 on hand at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center gave Vitale a standing ovation.
The Vols and Crimson Tide gave Vitale a fantastic game to announce as Jahmai Mashack’s 35 footer as time expired lifted Tennessee to a 79-76 victory over the Crimson Tide.
