Oh, baby!
This moment, this opportunity, this incredible blessing, means all me!
With tears in my eyes and my heart beating, I think about what will come this Saturday: sit on the court for Duke against Clemson, gathered with my phenomenal teammates Dave O'Brien and Cory Alexander. I would lie if I said it wasn't nervous. But more than that? I am overwhelmed by gratitude.
The last years have tried me as never before: four battles with melanoma, lymphoma, vocal rope and cancers of lymph nodes. There were moments that was not sure to sit on the court again. I went through multiple surgeries, 65 radiation treatments, exhausting chemotherapy and long stretching where I had no voice. It was a roller coaster: ups and downs, minimum, moments of doubt. But despite everything, I kept fighting. Believing. Praying.
And I wasn't alone.
The prayers, love, the effusion of the support of my incredible wife Lorraine, my daughters Terri and Sherri, my whole family, they raised me when I felt that I had nothing left.
My ESPN family – Oh my heart! For more than four decades, they have been there. The Jimmy Pitaro CEO, my colleagues, my friends, never stopped believing in me, sending words of breath week after week.
And fans – Oh, baby! Fans, the media, the coaches, the people I have never met even prayed for me, who sent messages, who gave me hope, everyone tells me the world!
Then came the words I had prayed so much to listen: my oncologist, Dr. Rick Brown, looked at me and said: “You are free of cancer!”
That was a moment of championship! And then, Dr. Steven Zeitels, after five main vocal surgeries, told me: “You are ready to do what you love.” And what I love It's talking about basketball!
Last month, I finally thought I had overcome the hump and would have the opportunity to return for the confrontation of the Duke-Wake forest. However, I was disconsolate when I suffered an accident in my house days before the game, which led to more medical concerns and uncertainty about my future. Fortunately, I'm glad to say that doctors have cleared me to return.
The last time I called a game was on April 3, 2023. The National Championship, Uconn versus the state of San Diego for ESPN International. That feels like a life does. But now? Now, I can do it again.
I have no idea how he will go. But I know this, just being there is a victory. Just getting this opportunity is a miracle. And do not make mistakes about it …
This is my national championship for 2025!
Thanks, thanks, thanks! See you on the court, baby!
