Palmetto High's Jordan Smith has career night against 7th ranked Michigan

Ever since he was a little kid, Palmetto High product Jordan Smith has always dreamed about playing basketball on the big stage.

The sophomore got his chance on Tuesday when South Carolina State traveled to take on Big 10 power and seventh ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Smith made the most of the opportunity pouring in a team high 19 points. The sharp shooting guard drained five of nine from 3-point land. Overall he connected on six of 13 shots and did his damage in only 24 minutes on the floor.

Unfortunately, South Carolina State suffered a 93-59 drubbing from the Wolverines, but it is a night the 6-2 Smith will remember and hopes to add a lot more big games after transferring to SCS following a year at Brevard College.

"I opened a lot of eyes. I was feeling good," Smith said. "I just want to continue to play well and help get our team going. To play and to start at Michigan was very special to me. I want to build on this."

Vitale Gala reaches $1.7 million mark but donations still coming in

The Dick Vitale Gala raised $1.7 million this year at its annual event to raise money for pediatric cancer research, but Dickie V. says people are still contributing and the number could go higher.

Vitale said the Gala raised $2.1 million last year thanks to an anonymous donor who gave $500,000 after the Gala was over. This year he is hoping to reach that $2 million mark again.

"Things have been great. We've raised $10.3 million since we started this eight years ago. It's awesome," Vitale said. "We've had great responses from the coaches and many of the people who were there. Many said it was the best event they've ever attended and it certainly is for a good cause."

Today is 20th anniversary of Jim Valvano's famous "Don't Ever Give Up" speech

March 4th commemorates the 20th anniversary of Jim Valvano's memorable ESPY speech in which he announced that with ESPN, he would be forming The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Foundation kick-offs its 20 year anniversary this year and the money it has funded through donations have helped enormously in the battle against cancer that Dick Vitale has spearheaded.

The V Foundation has contributed to the fight against cancer with made many grants and donations. One significant example is a recent breakthrough by Dr. Reuben Harris and Dr. Douglass Yee of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.

Their work with others over the years has led to the discovery of an enzyme that is believed to be the probable source of many genetic mutations in breast cancer. If scientists can find a way to block this enzyme, it may slow or stop the cancer from growling, researchers say.

The discovery, reported last month in the prestigious journal Nature, could pave the way for better ways of diagnosing and treating the disease, said Harris, who led the research.

The researchers found an enzyme called APOBEC3B that they say is the "probable source" of DNA mutations that are found in the majority of breast cancer cases.

"Mutations cause cancer. The enzyme appears to act like a 'genetic fuel,' causing cells to mutate and turn cancerous,” Harris said in announcing his findings to media outlets.

f an enzyme (A3B for short) that is the probable source of many genetic mutations in breast cancer. If scientists can find a way to block this enzyme, it may slow or stop

Final numbers in: Vitale Gala hits the jackpot

With the final numbers in, the Dick Vitale Gala hit the jackpot breaking the $2 million barrier for the first time since its inception seven years ago in raising money for pediatric cancer research in conjunction with the Jimmy V Foundation.

It took in a record $2.1 million following its fund raising finale at the May 18^th Dick Vitale Gala. Net proceeds from the event will benefit All Children’s Hospital and provide memorial grants to the University of Florida Shands Hospital in memory of Caleb Jacobbe and the Moffitt Cancer Center in memory of David Heard.

“This year’s gala certainly would bring a smile to the face of Jimmy V as we lived by his motto that every day should be filled with laughter, thought and tears,” Vitale said. “There was no doubt that was achieved by our sold-out crowd of over 800 (at the Gala). Words cannot describe the feeling to know that we more than reached our goal.

“This year we were able to raise more than $2.1 million. There’s nothing we can do to bring back the precious children who lost their lives to this terrible disease, but with your help, we will work to fight cancer for future generations. I simply would like to thank everyone who made this possible. You are all AWESOME BABY WITH A CAPITAL A!”

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment.

The Foundation said it awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

“The record proceeds from this year’s Gala is a testament to the incredible work Dick has done for The V Foundation and pediatric cancer research,” said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and Jim Valvano’s brother. “The Gala’s success over the past seven years has been truly outstanding.”

Dick Vitale selected for Little League Hall of Excellence

Dick Vitale (center) honored by Little League

Just when you think there can't be another Hall of Fame for Dick Vitale it happens.

The ESPN college basketball iconic TV analyst recently learned that he is going to be inducted into the Little League Hall of Fame in Williamsport, Pa.

It will be the 11th Hall of Fame for the Lakewood Ranch resident. Actually it is officially called the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum Hall of Excellence and was established to recognize Little League graduates who have become outstanding citizens and role models as adults

"It's the greatest thrill to be there and something I want to share with my grandkids. I am absolutely ecstatic," Vitale said. "The first uniform I ever had was with the Garfield Little League in New Jersey in 1951. I am going to be like a little kid at the ceremony with my autograph pad."

Vitale is slated to be inducted during the Little League World Series between August 16th and 26th. He is being inducted for his work in community affairs, particularly for the Jimmy V Foundation that raises money for pediatric cancer research.

"I am not getting in for baseball, but I will tell you I was one heck've little leaguer" Vitale said. "I once had a perfect game with two outs in the last inning and the ball was hit through the first baseman. I could pitch. I learned how to throw a curve when I was 13 and by the time I was 15 my elbow hurt so much I couldn't get velocity anymore on my fastball."

Vitale praises Rudd's decision to return to USF

Victor Rudd's decision to remove his name from the 2012 NBA draft and return to USF is one of the best off seasons moves, according to ESPN college basketball super analyst Dick Vitale.

"He would not have been a first round pick and needs a lot more seasoning. He has talent, but needs to show more consistency in his game," Vitale said.

The 6-8 sophomore wing man played his first season for USF after transferring from Arizona State and was an integral part of the Bulls magical run to the NCAA tournament.

Rudd was USF's second leading scorer at 9.3 points per game and averaged 4.8 rebounds. He played his best basketball in the post season helping the Bulls reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament and the Big East Conference tournament quarterfinals averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds.

"Based on this process and the feedback that I received after putting my name in the NBA draft pool, I've decided that it's in my best interests to return to USF," Rudd said.

Vitale called it a wise decision, noting if you are not a first round pick you don't receive a guaranteed contract. But he was adamant that Rudd needs to play an entire season at high level and develop his game where he is consistently among the top players.

"Victor has to show he can play at a high level for an entire season. He showed promise during the end of the season, but he needs to do it for a longer period of time," Vitale said.

Needless to say, USF head coach Stan Heath is pleased to have Rudd back. His return means the Bulls will have four of their top five leading scorers and three of their top six rebounds for next season.

Dick Vitale All-Access Special airs tonight on ESPNU

The Dick Vitale All-Access show will air tonight at 6 p.m. on ESPNU prior to the Duke-North Carolina he will call for the 40^th time in this storied rivalry.

The sports network is calling the half-hour piece a “never-before-seen-look” at Vitale, one of the most recognizable voices in sports television and Lakewood Ranch resident.

ESPN cameras followed the basketball icon around the past two months and filmed Vitale at some of his favorite spots, including the Broken Egg restaurant in Lakewood Ranch.

They also videoed him playing with his grandchildren in his Lakewood Ranch home and moving around the area going from Sarasota to Lakewood Ranch as many onlookers treated him like a national hero.

Cameras also followed Vitale for a typical college basketball work week, which included NC State and North Carolina game on January 26^th and two days later as he announced the St. John’s at Duke game with Brent Musburger.

When he is not hanging with family and or calling games, Dickie V sets up his self made office at the Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch where he works to raise money for the Jimmy V Foundation in his fight against pediatric cancer.

The All-Access Dickie V will also re-air next Wednesday at 5 pm and 6:30 and at other to be determined times.

ESPN comes to Bradenton to film Dick Vitale special

ESPN will be in town with cameras rolling this week as part of a special it is doing on Dick Vitale, Lakewood Ranch's most famous citizen and college hoops guru.

The television network is filming a documentary half-hour piece on Vitale for a program called "All-Access with Dickie V" to air on ESPNU on February 7th prior to the Duke-North Carolina game basketball game.

On Friday, the ESPN crew and Vitale will be at the Broken Egg Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant in Lakewood Ranch between 9 and 9:30 am and spend most of the morning there. It is located on 6115 Exchange Way.

ESPN and Vitale will be at the Broken Egg in Siesta Key on Thursday at 9:30 am and later that morning at the Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch.

The public is invited to meet Dick Vitale personally, receive an autograph and take photos with him. They might get a chance to see themselves on the ESPN special that will air nationally.

"Dickie V" eats at the Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch nearly every day and considers it his home away from home.

The Broken Egg helps Vitale raise money for the V Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research through private donations and sales of various items, including books. Some of the families touched by Vitale have eaten breakfast with him at the restaurant and shared their emotions.

Dick Vitale Gala will have new wrinkle this year

You can always expect the unexpected from Dick Vitale, especially when it is something that is going to generate excitement.

This year is no exception. The 2012 Dick Vitale Gala to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research will be hosting an after party that will have live music.

The Dick Vitale Gala, which raises money for pediatric cancer research and has been vital in saving the lives of so many children, will be held May 12th at the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton.

The Gala, in its seventh year, will be honoring former Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams and current Villanova head coach Jay Wright along with former head football coach and current ESPN analyst Lou Holtz.

We will begin the evening with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. For the first time in the gala's history, we will be hosting an after party with live music. Tickets are available now for sale and begin at $1,000 per ticket.

USF knocks Dickie V's Seton Hall out of top 25

In beating then 24th ranked Seton Hall last week, the University of South Florida men's basketball team might have impressed the planet's best known basketball guru.

Our own Dick Vitale is a graduate of Seton Hall and its 56-55 loss to USF knocked the Pirates out of the AP national rankings.

The Hall (15-3), as it is known up in New Jersey, was in the top 25 for the first time since the 2000-01 season. Unfortunately the stay didn't last long and the Pirates didn't make it in this week's rankings.

But maybe this is more about USF, which appears to have its best basketball team since Stan Heath took over the program five years ago.

USF's tenacious defense held Seton Hall to its second lowest point total of the season, which is impressive considering the Pirates low of 49 came to undefeated top ranked Syracuse.

USF ranks second in the Big East Conference and 21st overall in scoring defense allowing 58.2 points per game.

Dick Vitale tribute nets needed dollars for cancer research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the New Jersey Friends of V, announced that two recent New Jersey events___the Inaugural Jimmy V New Jersey Dinner and the Duffy Alberta Charity Golf Classic, netted more than $100,000 for cancer research.

The Jimmy V New Jersey Dinner was dubbed “Welcome Home Dick Vitale” and honored the longtime supporter of The V Foundation and New Jersey native, Dick Vitale. It resulted in a bonanza of good will and much needed bucks for cancer research.

During the sold-out event, East Rutherford’s Mayor and Vitale’s former player, Jim Cassella, announced that an East Rutherford playground and basketball court will be named in Vitale’s honor.

“I was in awe and emotionally touched when I discovered that the basketball courts and playground in East Rutherford would be named in my honor,” said Vitale. “I’m also very excited about The V Foundation’s emerging presence in New Jersey and I’m optimistic about ongoing fundraising efforts in my home town.”

The Duffy Alberta Charity Golf Classic was held in Haworth, New Jersey, on October 10^th to honor Charles “Duffy” Alberta, one of Vitale’s former players who passed away in January following a battle with cancer. This event was held in conjunction with the “Welcome Home Dick Vitale” event.

"The Duffy Alberta Charity Golf Classic has given us the opportunity to honor my dad’s legacy while raising much needed research dollars to help families touched by this terrible disease,” said Chris Alberta, Duffy’s son. “By designating the proceeds from our event to The V Foundation, we pay tribute to Dick for his impact on my dad’s life and his own passion for eradicating pediatric cancer."

Dick Vitale Tennis extravaganza returns to Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

The 2011 Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic will return to the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club from Nov. 11-13, 2011.

This is the only clay court college tournament in the nation and the only event of its kind that brings men’s and women’s teams in for one event.

New this year, ESPN sportscaster and Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale is adding his name to the tournament.

“This event is going to feature some of the greatest players on the collegiate level,” Vitale said. “Lakewood Ranch is blessed to have teams like these, all coming here. I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to sponsor the tournament with a banner that will hang at all the weekend events – including the party at my house. I’ll be here to introduce the players and it’s gonna be awesome baby with a capital A!”

The best college players in the country will battle it out in three days of competition.

Men’s teams include Arizona, Pepperdine, Minnesota, Miami, Florida, Ole Miss., Virginia, Alabama, and Duke. Women's teams include Oklahoma St., Mississippi St., Miami, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Baylor, Northwestern and Clemson.

“We have a waiting list for college teams that want to enter this tournament,” said Paul Lederman, Lakewood Ranch’s director of athletics. “It’s a huge win for our area, and has become a huge event in the collegiate tennis world after our successful inaugural event in 2010. We plan to bring this back every year. “

Admission to the tournament will be free and open to the public but donations will be taken for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment.

The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Dick Vitale Clay Court Classic or hanging a banner at the tournament or at the party at Dick Vitale’s house can contact the tournament team at 941-907-2255 or 941-907-2935. The full tournament schedule will be released at a later date.

IMG Academies and Dick Vitale team up for Shoot Down Cancer event

The IMG Basketball Academy along with ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale will host the Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout on October 15^th, 2011 at the IMG campus.

The event will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, started in 1993 by ESPN and legendary NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who lost his life to cancer. The V Foundation has raised more than $100 million and awarded cancer research grants in nearly 40 states.

The event coincides with October's Breast Cancer Awareness. It's purpose is to help in the fight against breast and other cancers as well as raise awareness about healthy living in young people.

All players and coaches of the IMG Basketball Academy will be participating in the shootout, and the rest of the IMG Academies community has been encouraged to join in and participation is open to the general public.

During the event, participants will shoot 150 free throws while raising money based on donations contributed. Anyone can be a part of the event by pledging per free throw, giving a lump sum or by signing up to participate (limited to 40 spots).

In addition to the free throw shootout, guests will have the opportunity to honor loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting cancer by writing their name on commemorative basketballs that will then become a part of a permanent “Shoot Down Cancer Memory Wall.”

All participants will receive Shoot Down Cancer award medals and Under Armour performance shirts for their participation. Additionally, there will be a handful of prizes given out to both participants and to guests in the crowd.

Structure
Each of the 12 baskets at the IMG Basketball Academy will consist of a 10-person team. In a round, each person on each team will shoot 20 free throws. Once all ten members of each team have completed the 20 free throws, teams will rotate to another hoop in the gym. Each hoop will include a cancer fact aimed to help raise awareness for all participants.

Prizes
Awards will be given to the following participants:

* Top 5 Individuals
* Top “Hoop” Team
* All participants will receive a medal for their involvement and support

Event Schedule
Time Description
8:00am Gym opens
8:00-8:30am Individual registrations
8:40-9:00am Opening comments and Academy viewing of the Jimmy V ESPY speech
9:00-11:30am 1st Half - 80 free throws per person
11:30am-12:00pm Halftime (appetizers for lunch)
12:00-2:30pm 2nd Half - 70 free throws per person
2:30-3:00pm Awards presentation

Some may ask why simply shooting free throws will take nearly 6 hours. The answer is simple: the structure of the event promotes patience and supporting others.

These same characteristics are symbolic of the characteristics exhibited by those who have battled cancer. Making progress in the fight against cancer takes time, patience, and persistence. Shoot Down Cancer will take time, patience, and persistence.

To make a donation to the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer event, please visit our online donation page by clicking here. To make a donation by check, please mail check to the address at right. Thank you for your participation and support of the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout.

Please direct any questions to:

Danny DuChene- Shoot Down Cancer Organizer
danieljduchene@gmail.com
507.412.3525

Nate Vander Sluis- Head Junior National Coach
Nate.Vandersluis@imgworld.com
941.752.2625

Blake Ulrich- IMG Academies Director of Events
Blake.ulrich@imgworld.com

Dick Vitale fest set for Friday at Cafe Gabbiano

Dickie Vitale at it again

The legendary college basketball commentator never seems to run out of ideas or energy to raise money for those cancer fighting kids he has symbolically adopted all over the world.

This Friday night he is hosting a dinner party to top all dinner parties (if that is possible with this guy) at Café Gabbiano in Siesta Key Village.

Vitale says for $95 a person can enjoy a seven course meal, including wine with the proceeds going to his Vitale Gala, which raises money every year for pediatric cancer. The first 200 persons to sign up will get in.

“Peter and Susan Migilaccio (Gabbiano owners) are donating their restaraunt and food and for this cause because they want to help people battling cancer,” Vitale said. “We will have parents there who have lost their children to cancer in honoring Payton Wright, the daughter of Patrick and Holy Wright and Adrian Littlejohn, the son of Anthony and Ivette Littlejohn.”

Anyone who desires to attend should call ahead for reservations at 941-349-1423. All proceeds will be used to benefit cancer research, Vitale said.

Dick Vitale Gala has record setting night

Final Four coaches gather with Dickie V. at Dick Vitale Gala
(L-R Jim Calhoun, Dick Vitale, Shaka Smart, John Calipari, Brad Stevens)

Dickie Vitale broke the bank at this year’s Dick Vitale Gala raising a record $1.3 million for pediatric cancer research.

It was the most money ever raised the Gala exceeding the $1.2 million that event brought in several years ago when it honored Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

“We are ecstatic that we broke the record,” Vitale said after learning of the figures late last week. “It’s absolutely amazing and I want to thank all the people from the Bradenton-Sarasota are and the celebrities who came and made this possible.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t thank enough all the stars that came on their own expense without charge and the many, many thousands of dollars they gave. I am talking serious donations. We in the Jimmy V Foundation are very happy with the final numbers.”

The scene at Vitale’s house the next day where many of the guests gathered was very emotional. Anthony Littlejohn, Lakewood Ranch assistant football coach who lost his 15 month old son Adrian Shawn to cancer on May 1^st, gave an impassioned speech thanking everyone who had helped him and his wife Ivette get through the tough times.

Vitale said plans are already under way for next year’s Dick Vitale Gala that will be held May 18^th at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. He plans to honor former college football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz, Villanova head basketball coach Jay Wright and former Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams.

Calhoun calls for no more Big East Expansion

Jim Calhoun, who led Connecticut to the men’s NCAA Basketball title this year, will be at the Big East Conference meetings his week and is saying he doesn’t want to see anymore teams added.

He believes it will mean the end of the Big East Conference as we now know it.

Expansion to improve the much maligned Big East football conference is expected to a hot topic when the meetings get underway in Ponte Vedra.

It seems everyone has Villanova on its mind and that could be good or bad from the Wildcats perspective.

An FCS (formerly I-AA) football powerhouse, Villanova has talked about moving up to I-A (FBS). However, the plan has been met with mixed reactions for a league that has been criticized for not deserving to be an automatic qualifier to the BCS bowls.

TCU comes joins the league as its 17^th team for the 2012-13 year and brings instant football credibility. But now there is talk that the Big East needs to add one or more football playing schools.

Calhoun, the Huskies coach for 25 years, calls it a bad idea.

“I don’t want to see 18 teams,” Calhoun said Friday when he was attending the Dick Vitale Gala. “The Big East is not the Southeastern Conference, but neither is anybody else. Give it time (for football). We are only 11 or 12 years old in big time football and there is a chance to be very good.”

Villanova’s plan to become a football playing member has met resistance by some football members who see it as a negative. Some of the schools being talked about to join as a football member include Houston, UCF, East Carolina.

The criticism of Villanova is that among other things it plays in an 18,500 seat soccer stadium and its proposed expansion plans are not seen as much of an improvement.

Calhoun said expanding the Big East with more football schools would likely cause the seven non-football playing members to break away and possibly form their own conference. They are Villanova, DePaul, Marquette, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Providence, St. Johns.