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THE DICK VITALE CENTER COURT CLUB
AUGUST 13, 2007 The Passing of Skip Prosser It was heartbreaking to learn of the passing of Skip Prosser of Wake Forest. Skip represented all that you would want in a coach. He was a remarkable teacher and role model to his players. Off the court in his personal life, he was an outstanding husband and father. He most certainly will be missed in a major way on the intercollegiate level, as he was a man of great integrity. He truly represented the coaching fraternity in a first-class manner. Selecting Dino Gaudio to step in for Skip was, in my opinion, the right choice. Dino has played a vital part in Skip's coaching career and he will maintain an important level of consistency with his direction. This will give the Demon Deacons stability as the entire coaching staff which served under Skip Prosser will remain intact.
Hank Nichols to Retire It certainly was sad to learn that Hank Nichols, who has served as the head of officials, will be retiring. Nichols, who was the John Wooden of referees, has the utmost respect of all those involved in the game we love. He truly has been an outstanding ambassador for the game of college basketball. I want to wish him and his family all the best in his retirement.
My 2007-08 Rolls Royce Team Now that it has been determined who will be returning to school for the next season, let me pass along my All Rolls Royce, Solid Gold, Outstanding Super Stars for the 2007-08 Season: Roy Hibbert of Georgetown - Center Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina - Forward Brandon Rush of Kansas - Forward Chris Lofton of Tennessee - Guard Drew Neitzel of Michigan State - Guard
Speedy Recovery I want to extend my best wishes and a speedy recovery to Thad Matta of Ohio State University. We all know that he is an outstanding coach and he recently underwent back surgery. Everyone who is a fan of college basketball wants to wish him well so he can get back doing what he does best - coach.
Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company Convention What a thrill it was for me to share the microphone with some of the best speakers out there today. I had the pleasure of participating in the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this July. Over 12,000 agents and their families gathered at the Bradley Center - the home of Tom Crean's Marquette Golden Eagles - for their incredible event. During the three day convention, Colin Powell, Dan Rather and myself had the opportunity to address a wonderful group of talented and spirited people. In addition to the three speakers, entertainment was provided by Jerry Seinfeld and Sheryl Crow during the event. It was a first class convention and we all had a great time. I was certainly very proud to be part of such a great line -up of speakers and talent.
V Foundation Raises $4 Million in Napa Wine Event Bob Lloyd, Chairman of the Board for the Board of Directors for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, hosted his 9th annual Jimmy V Wine Celebration in Napa, California. I was proud to be the guest speaker at this incredible event. In the past, Duke University's Mike Krzyzewski is the speaker for the event. However, Mike asked me to step in on his behalf this year due to his commitment with getting the U.S. Olympic Team ready for the qualifying games. Bob and Kay Lloyd and their many friends were so generous in helping make the event a super success. I know Jimmy V would be so proud of his former roommate, teammate and backcourt running mate, Rutgers All-American, Bob Lloyd. No one can deny that Bob Lloyd is a genuine friend. Lloyd's picture should be right in the Webster's dictionary next to the word "friend". He truly defines what the word means.
Motivational DVDs to be ready in September 2007 I am so incredibly excited about the upcoming release of my motivational DVDs in September 2007. I recently was in the studio to record three different DVDs on topics that I cover when I travel around the country speaking to groups from athletes to corporate executives. The three topics that I feel passionate about in achieving success in the pursuit of your dreams are: 1) Winning in the Game of Life 2) The Formula for Success. Passion + Work Ethic + Good DecisionMaking = W (Win) in the Game of Life 3) Never, Ever, Believe in the Word "CAN'T" I am so excited about these new DVDs and making them available to a broader audience. They will be available for sale on my site and can be purchased individually, or for a greater value, as a package of all three.
THE NBA Draft In studying and analyzing the recently completed NBA Draft, some potential second round Rip Van Winkle's could be: - LSU's Glen Davis with the Boston Celtics - Duke's Josh McRoberts with the Portland Trailblazers - Nevada's Nick Fazekas with the Dallas Mavericks - Nevada's Ramon Sessions with the Milwaukee Bucs
Florida's Gators in the draft had three players taken in the Top 10. This is the first time that has ever been done ... congratulations goes to: Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer for this great accomplishment.
Elite 8 Pre-Season My pre-season Elite Eight are: 1) North Carolina 2) Memphis 3) Kansas 4) Georgetown 5) UCLA 6) Louisville 7) Michigan State 8) Indiana
V Foundation for Cancer Research Once again, I am reaching out to all of you college basketball lovers to help me in my goal of raising a $1 million pediatric cancer research grant in the name of Payton Wright. Payton was an adorable little girl of 5 years who recently lost her long, hard battle with brain cancer. Payton and her family were so courageous during her fight and we want to continue on her spirit by raising one million dollars to stop this dreaded disease. Please make a contribution by calling 1-800-4-JIMMY-V or by making a donation online at my website, www.dickvitalonline.com
God Bless,
Happy Hoops !
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