When I was growing up, I wanted to be a coach. I had people telling me you can't do this, you're not a great player. Be realistic. When I got rejection letters from colleges where I wanted to coach, my mom would say, "You are going to make it someday. You have something special within you and that is your spirit for life which will help you get to the top."
Dick VitalePeople that don't know me think that basketball is my life 24/7. Trust me, there is much more to my life. My number one priority in my life is my family.
Dick VitaleReally, UCLA's a great place as well, but they don't have the kind of environment they have here. The fans here have a passion.
Dick VitaleYou'd have to live in a cave not to know about the Carrier Dome. It put Syracuse on the map.
Dick VitaleCoaching to me is the ultimate high, especially when you have a game plan and you see that game plan executed to perfection. To see those players take what you put in front of them in preparation and turn it into a masterpiece - it doesn't get any better than that.
Dick VitaleIt was tough getting fired by the NBA. I really didn't know where I was going, until [ESPN] called me. I said, "Hey, 'ESPN?' Never heard of it. It sounds like a disease." Now I have that same disease as a sports fanatic. All this sports madness we didn't have years ago, now I'm very blessed and fortunate to be part of it.
Dick Vitale