Dick Vitale Turns 86: A Kentucky Tribute to College Basketball’s Forever Voice
LEXINGTON, Ky. — If college basketball had a heartbeat, it would sound like Dick Vitale’s voice booming, joyous, and filled with a childlike love for the game. And now, at 86 years young, the living legend’s passion is still as loud and proud as ever. But here in the Bluegrass, it means just a little more.
On his 86th birthday, Dickie V isn’t just blowing out candles he’s still lighting fires, especially in the hearts of Kentucky fans. Why? Because even in his 80s, he’s still shouting out the Wildcats as one of the most electric programs in the nation.
In his newly released “Dazzling Dozen” summer rankings, Vitale slotted Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats at No. 11, ahead of bluebloods like Michigan and just behind UCLA and Duke. It’s not just a nod it’s a vote of confidence from the game’s most enthusiastic ambassador.
“Mark Pope reloads again, folks,” Vitale said with trademark gusto. “Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison those guys are gonna bring it, baby! Watch out for Big Blue!”
A Legacy Rooted in Love—for Hoops, and for the Big Blue
Vitale’s love for Kentucky runs deep. Over the years, he’s called countless Wildcat classics, from the Pitino days to the Calipari era and now into the Mark Pope renaissance. His energy helped define Rupp Arena’s national mystique, his voice echoing over game highlights like a soundtrack to the state’s collective heartbeat.
And in this latest chapter, he sees something special brewing in Lexington once again.
“It’s a different vibe under Pope. They’ve got grit, depth, and that blue-collar swagger. Kentucky fans, you’re gonna love this team!”
Mark Pope Returns the Love
Kentucky’s new head coach isn’t shy about his appreciation for Vitale, either. Just this spring, Pope surprised reporters when he referenced Dickie V’s latest book “It’s Awesome, Baby!” during a press conference.
“I grew up watching Dick Vitale with my dad,” Pope said. “He’s part of why I fell in love with college basketball. Getting a shoutout from him? That’s surreal.”
Pope even joked that if Vitale ever wanted to drop in on a Kentucky practice, the team would roll out a literal blue carpet.
The Big Blue Nation: Vitale’s Second Family
To the fans of Kentucky, Dickie V is more than a broadcaster. He’s family. He’s the uncle who screams with joy when you hit a three, who believes in your team even when the country doubts them, and who always ends the call with a heart full of belief.
And the Wildcats’ presence in his birthday-week rankings is a testament to that bond. He doesn’t hand out praise like candy—unless you earn it. And this 2025–26 Kentucky squad? They’ve earned it.
With Oweh returning, Garrison anchoring the paint, and portal prizes like Jayden Quaintance and Jaland Lowe stepping onto the floor, Vitale sees something that reminds him of the old-school Cats. Physical. Fearless. Fun.
A Birthday Wish from the Bluegrass
So here’s to you, Dickie V from the streets of Harlan to the seats of Rupp Arena. From Mark Pope’s clipboard to every kid dreaming in blue.
Thank you for making us believe.
Thank you for calling it how you saw it.
Thank you for reminding us every March, every season, every play that college basketball is awesome, baby!
Happy 86th Birthday. The Big Blue Nation salutes you.
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