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Dick Vitale visits Kentucky basketball: A summer boost for BBN

Last year Dick Vitale returned to the broadcast booth courstide, and it was great to hear the legend doing his thing. This summer, he is touring the country and visiting NCAA programs, he recently stopped in Lexington.
ByDrew Holbrook|
Alabama v Auburn
Alabama v Auburn | Stew Milne/GettyImages

Legendary sports announcer visits Mark Pope

There are few voices in sports as instantly recognizable as Dick Vitale’s. The Hall of Fame broadcaster, cancer survivor, and eternal ambassador for college basketball brought his trademark energy to Lexington this week, visiting new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats.

Vitale, 85, has covered Kentucky games for decades, narrating some of the program’s biggest moments with his “diaper dandy” enthusiasm. After missing time during recent cancer treatments, Vitale made a triumphant return to the broadcast booth last season, calling marquee matchups like Duke–UNC and Kentucky–Alabama. His presence was missed, and fans — even those divided on his over-the-top style — welcomed him back with open arms.

His Lexington stop was part of a summer tour to reconnect with programs ahead of the upcoming season. During his visit, Vitale was greeted at his hotel by Madison Sheppard, daughter of UK legend Jeff Sheppard and sister of Rockets guard Reed Sheppard. Vitale praised the Sheppard family on social media, calling former Cat Reed a “tremendous talent” and expressing excitement for Kentucky’s future under Pope.

Mark Pope, entering his second year as UK’s head coach, has brought a surge of optimism to the fanbase. Vitale’s public support — and the national attention that comes with it — adds to the momentum. Analysts already project Kentucky as a top-15 team, with a roster blending veteran transfers and high-upside recruits like Jasper Johnson.

Beyond rankings, Vitale’s visit reinforces Kentucky’s place as a central figure in college hoops. In an era when attention can shift quickly, having one of the sport’s most influential voices singing your praises matters.

College basketball is better with Dickie V in it. And judging by the pictures, handshakes, and smiles during his Lexington trip, Big Blue Nation feels the same. Cancer couldn’t quiet his passion, and his return to the court — even as a guest — is another sign that this Kentucky season will have more than its fair share of national spotlights.

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