Nothing better than spending New Year’s Eve with my family.  We started our festivities at Da Ru Ma Japanese Steakhouse.  There was 15 of us – me and my wife, my two daughters and their families, my brother in law and his wife, and my son in law’s dad and girlfriend.  Then we headed to my daughter’s house to watch the ball drop in NYC.  I hope 2012 is filled with as much health and happiness as 2011!

What about Hoosier nation and Big Blue Nation.  Yes, Indiana with that scintillating win over Ohio State, the #2 team in the nation.  You better believe it was party galore in Bloomington.  They have wins over the #1 team in the country, Kentucky, and the #2 team, Ohio State.  Hoosier basketball is back baby.  You better believe there was celebration in Big Blue Nation.  Kentucky with the hard fought win over their rival, Louisville.  Yes, Calipari continues his record of never being beat at home since his arrival in Lexington.  Now its time to sit back and to dream and think about the future.  One simple word of advice, always treat people how you want to be treated.  And never hold a grudge.  My resolution is to age gracefully and to be able to still act like a kid.  Happy New Year!

Last night we got a taste already of what it is like to play in  conference play.  So many teams have loaded up on cupcakes and easy wins.  But now we separate all the contenders from the pretenders.     We watched a Georgetwon team that is much better than anticpated as they beat Louiville at Louisville.  Yes a very impressive win.  And what a freshman they have, who has not received any recognition.  Remember this name, Arnold Porter.  Indiana was undefeated until they went to Spartan territory and were beaten by Tom Izzo’s Spartans.  Yes my friends, a little taste of what it is like to play in conference play.  A key –  you better win at home, because it will be so difficult to win in conference competition.

It was that time of year again – time for our annual Christmas party at our home! For the past several years, my wife and I have opened our home to a handful of youngsters from the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club.  They come for an afternoon of food, fun and presents! This year we had a surprise visit from Santa at the house. The kids had a blast ripping open their gifts and enjoying time with Santa.  There is nothing better than being able to bring a smile to youngsters during the holiday. I have been so blessed in my life and I feel fortunate to be able to give a little somethng back.

I am out in Los Angeles and I just wrapped up doing a TV spot for Bridgestone Tires.  They are doing a number of commercials involving sport personalities.  I had an absolute blast doing my shoot. I can’t thank the kind people from Bridgestone Tires for treating me and my wife so kindly.  I can’t wait to see the finished product!

It was an emotional homecoming back at the University of Detroit.  Seeing my former players such as Terry Tyler, John Long, Wilbur Ross, Earl Curlton, Dennis Boyd, Laval Perry, Wilbur McCormick, Dan Palmer, Jeff Whitlow, Rich McDermott.  And former coaches, David Gaines and Mike Brunker.  I can’t thank athletic director, Keri Gaither and head coach, Raymond McCallum, for making this all possible.  It was great meeting the President of the University Dr. Antoine Garibaldi at the ceremony at the Detroit Golf Club.  All of the people were so nice to me.  I was brought to tears in the press conference.  I am so indebted to these people.  If it weren’t for the University of Detroit giving me a chance as an unknown coach out of New Jersey,  there would be no Dickie V on ESPN, no Hall of Fame.  So I say, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this incredible night and homecoming.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/university-of-detroit-mercy-honors-coach-turned-analyst-with-dick-vitale-court-at-calihan-hall/2011/12/05/gIQATd3tXO_story.html

http://www.detnews.com/article/20111205/SPORTS0203/112050341/1133/sports/Dick-Vitale-credits-stay-in-Detroit-for-igniting-his-career

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011112060425

http://detnews.com/article/20111206/SPORTS0203/112060354/1004/SPORTS/Dick-Vitale-thanks-UDM-as-court-bearing-his-name-is-dedicated

Monday December 5th will be one of those nights I will always cherish and treasure.  One of those nights that will become a memory just like getting inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the National College Basketball Hall of Fame.  Very, very special days.  These days don’t happen without the support of many people.  Obviously, over the years I’ve had the support from my family and friends. And there certainly are so many people that have been a vital part of my career. Whether it be in the coaching profession, all the players and assistant coaches, and all the people behind the scenes.  In the TV world,  it starts with the administrators, the play-by-play people, the directors and producers. But this is going to be a very emotional night for me.

This is always a special week, as it is Jimmy V Week.  The V Foundation’s campaign to raise dollars hits a real peak as it climaxes with ESPN’s double header at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 6.  The games will feature Villanova versus Missouri in the first game and the second game will be Marquette versus Washsington.  During halftime of the second game I will give my annual speech about the V Foundation and the need to raise dollars to battle this dreaded disease. Jimmy V must be smiling up in heaven knowing the people with the V Foundation have raised over $100,00,00 thus far.  Please, if you would like to help, please call, 1-800-4-JIMMYV.