I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Lanier. Bob and I had a fantastic relationship, both personally and professionally. For a number of years, we had a basketball camp together for youngsters between the ages of 10-18, which we held in West Bloomfield. Michigan.
The camp was called the BOB LANIER - DICK VITALE ALL STAR CAMP. Also though only for a short time, I had the opportunity to coach Bob with the Detroit Pistons in the late 70’s. He was a super talent and that was obvious by his induction in 1992 into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a super Solid Gold All-American at St Bonaventure University, as he led them to the Final 4.
Despite the many knee injuries in his career, he was super successful when healthy. Unfortunately, for me as a coach he missed about 35 games my first year due to knee problems and it hurt us big time.
My last time with Bob was several years ago, when he spent a weekend at my house and attended my Gala. We had so much fun as he had a great sense of humor. I always teased him that he was a gentle giant. After his playing career, he was hired by David Stern to be an Ambassador for the NBA and he traveled all over the world, promoting the NBA while inspiring and motivating young people to get an education .
I will miss him but never, ever forget the great memories we shared together over the years.
My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates. Please GOD let BOB RIP. I loved YOU GENTLE GIANT!
Sarasota, Florida was the sports capital of the world on May 6.
The 17th Dickie V gala was a huge success as we raised over 11 million for the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research. We honored tennis legend Chris Evert, who has been in her own fight against cancer; Baylor hoops coach Scott Drew; former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson; and John Saunders courage award winner Rod Gilmore.
I was totally blown away by the generosity of our Sold Out crowd that responded in a big way to our message of how dollars are desperately needed for Pediatric Cancer Research. Wow CAN NOT BELIEVE IT as we raised $11.1 MILLION DOLLARS which certainly exceeded my expectations.
Our crowd was filled with greatness from the world of sports , business, entertainment, education , law, medicine etc.
I just want to say THANK YOU on behalf of my fantastic TEAM headed by MARY KENEALY - JANET ALLEN . A major thank you to SHANE JACOBSON CEO of THE V FOUNDATION & his staff for their incredible efforts in seeing that we get financial support for pediatrics.
It was a night filled with emotion & lived up to the words of my buddy Jimmy V that he stated in his legendary speech . Yes he said basically that everyday you should be moved to tears / laughter & thought & trust me our crowd of 900 felt those emotions during the entire night.
Yes to ALL that DONATED I say THANK YOU for using your success to help young kids in need of new medicines & treatments .
Please join our team: Donate at https://www.v.org/research/specialfunds/pediatrics/ or at dickvitale.com
May GOD BLESS YOU with health & happiness!
College basketball had more news with the transfer portal. Isiah Wong of Miami threatened to leave unless he had a greater NIL. He changed his mind and backed off of his threat. Several big schools landed veteran help. Duke added Ryan Young from Northwestern. Johni Broome went from Morehead State to Auburn.
The NFL Draft provided plenty of exciting moments. Javon Walker, a LB from Georgia, was the #1 pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.Among teams that did very well in the first round included the Giants, Jets, Eagles, Ravens and Saints. Philadelphia added AJ Brown from Tennessee in a trade.
The NBA playoffs rolled on. Milwaukee got a big win in Boston. Golden State edged Memphis and earned the victory despite Draymond Green’s ejection in the first half.
The New York Mets used five pitchers to combine on a no-hitter of the Phillies. The Yankees extended a win streak to nine games.
Congrats to Miguel Cabrera on his 3000th hit. The Rays had a nine-inning no-hitter vs. Boston. The Red Sox scored twice in the tenth before the Rays scored three to win.
The NBA playoffs have provided excitement galore. Utah rallied to beat Dallas to even the series. The Celtics were very impressive in beating the Nets three straight.
The transfer portal continued to provide more news. AAC Player of the Year went from SMU to Memphis. Kansas State’s All-Big 12 guard Nijel Pack landed at Miami.
Tyson Fury retained his heavyweight title with a TKO.