THE DICK VITALE CENTER COURT CLUB

May 15, 2007

Florida Gator Wrap-up

Hey, Florida goes back to back with national titles for the first time since Duke did it in 1991 and 1992 - and the big question that was being pondered was whether or not Billy Donovan would head to Kentucky and be the replacement for Tubby Smith who went to Minnesota.  Many basketball people felt that Donovan would return to Lexington where he served at one time as an assistant under Rick Pitino.  Obviously, he would have been the number one choice, but my gut feeling was different. As I stated over and over on ESPN, I believed that Billy would return to Gator Country where he and his wife Christine are very comfortable.  Kentucky, no doubt, has the best facilities in America and its fans have a unique passion for basketball, but why would Donovan leave a scene where he is adored, thought the world of, makes mega dollars and has a boss in Jeremy Foley who will provide any of the resources necessary to continue Florida as one of the blue chip programs in the nation.  Case Closed - Billy Donovan stayed and Billy Gillespie became the new head coach in Kentucky.

Congratulations must go to Gators Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Taurean Green for returning to school after turning down big time dollars to go to the NBA last year and winning this year's national championship. I know I will always remember these kids for being so unselfish and always placing the team in front of individual honors - that, my friends, is rare in today's and age.

Gillespie in Kentucky

NBA Draft News

We cannot be shocked that the two best diaper dandies in the nation, Greg Oden of Ohio State and Kevin Durant of Texas, decided to make themselves eligible for the NBA draft.  Can you blame these kids?  They undoubtedly will be instant multi, multi millionaires and believe me, they will be instant factors on the NBA level.  Many say the big question is who will be number one -  and my feeling is Oden will be the choice because he is so rare. By that, I mean that he is a true inside low-post center who will be the coming of another Patrick Ewing, who became a Hall of Famer with the New York Knicks. 

Now, that we know of those that have filed for the NBA draft it looks like North Carolina, Memphis, Michigan State and Louisville could be the best of the best.  Down in Louisville Country, Rick Pitino was rewarded with a multi-year extension and an increase in salary plus a bonus. Can you blame them?  This guy is without a doubt a future Hall of Famer.

Maverick Meltdown

Hey, take a look at the NBA and it was a shock that the Dallas Mavericks who won 67 games were bounced out in the first round by their former coach, Don Nelson and the Golden State Warriors.  Dirk Novitski, the superstar of the Mavericks was named this years "Most Valuable Player" in the NBA.  However, all through the off season he will hear the critics over and over again talking about his meltdown during the playoffs.  What does that remind you of?  Well, to me, a sports fanatic, I believe it is a reminiscent of several years ago when Alex Rodriguez won the MVP in MLB with the Yankees, but was crucified because he did not perform at the same level during the Yankees' quest of a World Title.  That, my friends, is life in the big, big leagues.

Join the Team to Beat Cancer

Getting back to college hoops in a day and age where we hear about egos and people always thinking of ME, ME, ME; I want you to know about a beautiful bunch of guys that are working on the sidelines in college hoops.  Committing to be a part of  my Dick Vitale Gala on May 18th at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, Florida  honoring Coach K for his humanitarian efforts are other coaches such as Rick Pitino of Louisville, Tom Izzo of Michigan State, Gary Williams of Maryland, Kelvin Sampson of Indiana, Bill Self of Kansas, John Calipari of Memphis, Tom Crean of Marquette, and Mike Brey of Notre Dame.  Yes, my friends, these guys give up their time, money and they always reach out to lend a helping hand. We are so proud that the event will have approximately 600 guests in attendance at $1000 per ticket with all dollars going to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research.    I would encourage you to join our team to beat cancer and support our research grant by calling 1-800-4-Jimmy V.  Any contribution is greatly appreciated and will help fight this dreaded disease.

Happy Hoops !

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