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DICKIE V ONLINE NEWSLETTERPremier Issue – December 8, 2006 JIMMY V CLASSIC NEWSI just completed the Jimmy V Classic as Arizona and Oklahoma State left with victories over Louisville and Syracuse, respectively. I can tell you that what makes this event so special is that dollars are raised to continue Jimmy V’s dream of finding a cure for cancer. Over 60 million dollars has been raised by the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This incredible fundraising level now enables 100% of every cash dollar that is collected to go right to research because of an endowment that will cover administrative costs. I encourage all of you to call 1-800-4-JIMMY-V to make a donation to this incredible organization, as the life you save could be someone you love. I am also incredibly proud to announce that Madison Square Garden and ESPN have worked together once again to extend the contract for the Jimmy V Classic. The extension will allow the Jimmy V Classic event to be held at the mecca, Madison Square Garden, for a minimum of two more years. BOB KNIGHT & DIAPER DANDIESHey, did you know that Bob Knight, who will ultimately be the most winningest coach in the history of college basketball, made three phone calls for advice on coaching when he was initially hired years ago at West Point? Those calls went to Hall of Famers: Claire Bee of LIU and John Lapchick of St. John’s, plus one more to his former coach at Ohio State, Fred Taylor - not a bad trio of coaches from whom to seek help and advice. Now, Bob Knight makes regular calls to 91 year-old Pete Newell for coaching conversations and insights. Hey, this year has given us many instant impact diaper dandies. These are kids who just come right out of high school to the collegiate ranks and waste no time in becoming stars. How good is the class of 2006? I feel it will ultimately go down as the deepest freshmen class of all time. The three best that I have seen this far are: Greg Oden of Ohio State, Kevin Durant of Texas and Chase Budinger of Arizona. 1979 has one of been one of my favorite classes as it featured Isaiah Thomas, James Worthy, Ralph Sampson, and Dominique Wilkins - not bad, baby, but not as deep as the class of 2006. DORIS BURKE INFOHey, did you know who the star was of the Providence Friars Ladies Team when Billy Donovan was hitting threes playing for Rick Pitino and the Friars? My colleague, the astute, knowledgeable and outstanding analyst, Doris Burke. WOLFPACK NEWSSomething tells me that Sydney Lowe of North Carolina State is going to be a great hire for the Wolfpack. He brings a passion and love for the uniform and I know his former coach, Jimmy V, has to be smiling up in heaven as I am sure he is very proud of Sydney and his accomplishments. COACH K HONOREDDuke’s icon and superstar of coaching, Mike Krzyzewski told me recently that a day does not go by that he is not thinking about the assembly of his USA Olympic Team. He stated finding the right combination of players that can develop a rhythm, both offensively and defensively are vital. HOOPS HEAVENIf you are a hoops fan, you must see a game on the Triangle in North Carolina. Try to visit the museum the Dean Dome, and watch the Tar Heels perform, as you will feel as if you are walking into Yankee Stadium where all the monuments are featured in the centerfield area. At the Dean Dome, you will get goose bumps seeing all of the jerseys of the greats that have worn the North Carolina uniform, a la Michael Jordan. Then, I would encourage you to make a journey just eight miles down the road to Cameron Indoor Stadium and you will feel as though you are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. However, one major difference between the two is that Duke gets to the winner’s circle and the Cubs are still searching for success. JIMMY V EVENT IN SARASOTA, FLORIDAI can’t wait for May 18th as our Dick Vitale Gala for the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research will honor the deserving Mike Krzyzewski for his dedication to the V Foundation. The date is May 18th and the event will be held at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. Tickets will be limited to only 400 guests and will be available at $1,000.00 per ticket. Tickets are sure to go quickly for this great cause as we will all join together to beat cancer. STOP ON BYIf in the Sarasota / Bradenton area, you can come by and visit and talk to hoops with “Yours Truly” by visiting the Broken Egg either in Siesta Key or at their new location in Lakewood Ranch. Stop by and chat if you are in the Southwest Florida area. COLLEGE HOOPS IS THE BEST, BABY!Is there any doubt that college hoops is light-years ahead of college football? Think about the nightmare where kids from Florida and Michigan had to sit and watch and wait for a computer system and voting tallies to take place to determine who would play OSU for a National Title. Also, in football there is no way that the Goliath programs like, Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame, Southern Cal would lose to programs of the stature of Butler, Oral Roberts, etc. Yet, it happens in basketball. Just call up the coaches at Indiana, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Gonzaga after Butler won the NIT Pre-Season tournament. Also, ask Bill Self about Oral Roberts after they went to the winner’s locker room after beating the JayHawks in Allen Fieldhouse on the Kansas campus. Speaking of great places to watch a game, if you are a basketball junkie, then you need to get to Rock Chalk Jayhawk-land. It is a special place my friends, very special. GREAT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYSFor the holiday season, there is a wonderful book available by Denzel Washington titled “A Hand to Guide Me”. It offers personal stories of inspiration from successful athletes, business people, sports figures, political leaders, and many other people from all walks of life. The book’s proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America....and it even features a personal story about those who inspired me during my life! It is a great book that supports a great cause. Happy Holidays & Happy Hoops !
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