Clemson's big win over Duke made more special by Dick Vitale's emotional return

For almost as long as ESPN has been on our television sets, Dick Vitale has been the voice of the sport. However, a prolonged battle with throat cancer has kept him from broadcasting for nearly two years.

Fortunately, though, he returned to the airwaves on Saturday night as part of the broadcast team that called Clemson's 77-71 upset of the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils. Certainly, hearing Vitale describe all the action from Littlejohn Coliseum made the night even more special for many Clemson fans.

From the moment he entered the arena, it was clear to see how much it meant to the 85-year-old icon to be back doing what he loves. And Clemson fans greeted Vitale with a well-deserved ovation that left few dry eyes around the nation.

In a touching moment, the game production team at Littlejohn honored Vitale prior to tip-off. Both teams and the fans in attendance gave "Dickie V" a standing ovation in a moment that soon won't be forgotten.

"I want to say thanks to all the people. The reception here has been really off the charts," Vitale said while fighting his emotions. "I'm sorry for being so emotional— I can't tell you how excited I am to be here."

"This is like my Super Bowl. To be able to sit courtside and do a game, it beats the hell out of chemotherapy and radiation. And I want to say to all cancer patients out there: Please, listen to me, think positive, and have faith. And keep fighting and fighting. I know what you're going through and it's not fun."

While the focus of the evening eventually turned to the basketball game, Vitale's return was a common theme throughout the broadcast. And hearing his unmistakable voice on our television sets was a reminder of just how much the game has missed its most ardent advocate.

For decades, no one has done more to promote the sport of college basketball. Along the way, Vitale has been the soundtrack for some of the game's most iconic moments. For many, he is what makes college basketball special and he is an indelible figure in the history of sports.

Vitale witnessed another unforgettable game on Saturday night as Clemson rallied in the second half to hand the Blue Devils their first ACC loss. And hearing him call the game put a cherry on top of a night no Clemson fan will soon forget.