ESPN Makes Dick Vitale Announcement Amid NCAA Tournament
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale and the rest of the network crew have been working through March Madness for the past several weeks.
As Vitale prepares for the Sweet 16 - having dropped his prediction ahead of the tournament and discussed the current state on the 'Pat McAfee Show" - he received a great honor.
ESPN's finest has been awarded the Dean Smith award by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.
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The network's public relations team announced the news, mentioning that the award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit and values of the late, great Dean Smith.
After receiving the great honor, Vitale spoke on the prestigious award, sharing high praise for Dean Smith.
"I have been so blessed to receive many honors but this really touched me emotionally as I had the ULTIMATE RESPECT for Dean Smith, certainly as a magnificent coach but also for his values," Vitale said. "I was always in AWE when in his company. This is a true honor to get an award with his name on it. Truly it is AWESOME BABY with a capital A."
ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Dean Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball coaches in the history of the sport.
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Smith served as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997, after working as an assistant coach from 1958 to 1961.
During his time at North Carolina, Smith helped the Tar Heels win two national championships, make 11 Final Four appearances and win 13 ACC Tournament championships.
Related: New Mexico Sends Parting Message to Rick Pitino's Son After Unexpected Departure
Related: Dick Vitale Predicts Major Sweet 16 Upset in NCAA Tournament
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