Even for someone who has received numerous accolades over the past four decades of his life and career, the last couple weeks have been extra special for Hall of Famer Dick Vitale. Three distinct honors, all originating in the New York area, represent three different aspects of Vitale’s incredible influence. On June 13 in East Hanover, N.J., Vitale’s alma mater – Seton Hall University – recognized the long-time ESPN college basketball analyst with the Humanitarian Award. Eleven days later, at Cipriani in New York City, Vitale was honored by the American Cancer Society with the Eugene D. O’Kelly Award. Last night, also at Cipriani, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) presented Vitale with the prestigious Court of Honor Award.
This Front Row slideshow includes photos from the NABC event, all taken by Front Row’s Josh Krulewitz:
Dick Vitale delivers a passionate and moving speech. Upon reflecting on the recent stretch of awards, Vitale told Front Row: “I am absolutely in awe of these great honors. It humbles me big time because no one can get awards of this stature unless you are part of a great team. My family, my ESPN family and friends are all vital to any success I’ve had in life and they share these awards with me.”
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said this about Vitale to Front Row: “It’s hard to imagine anyone who has done more to popularize the sport of college basketball than Dick Vitale. He uses his boundless energy for greatness – for our sport and for larger causes. He is beloved by fans and all of us who live and breathe college basketball every day. Arguably the very best part about Dick Vitale is the series of little things he does every day that people don’t always see. It’s the phone calls of encouragement to those who have lost loved ones. It’s the countless inspiring meetings with sick children and their families to offer them hope. It’s even the irresistibly warm notes he sends to critics who may have publicly disagreed with his point of view. He’s an all-time great and the perfect choice for this prestigious NABC honor.”
Former ESPN President and Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer spoke about Vitale, his fellow V Foundation board member.
Duke coach Mike Krzyewski (left) and North Carolina Coach Roy Williams prepare to give the Court of Honor trophy to Vitale.
Krzyewski (left), and Williams present the Court of Honor trophy to Dick Vitale.
ESPN’s John Saunders was the emcee for the evening.
Coach Krzyewski and Vitale watch as the event begins.
Coach Krzyewski, who along with NABC Executive Director Jim Haney, nominated Vitale for the organization’s honor.
North Carolina Coach Roy Williams.
Many of the coaches in attendance posed with Dick Vitale.
Behind-the-scenes ESPN colleagues came out to support Vitale.
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