Dick Vitale is returning, Hubie Brown is leaving, and Lee Corso is still going. For those who appreciate older generations, this weekend will be one to remember. Vitale, 85, is set to make his return for Saturday’s Duke vs. Clemson basketball game after nearly two years of absence due to multiple cancer diagnoses. Meanwhile, Brown, 91, will be calling his final NBA game on Sunday when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Milwaukee Bucks on ABC. Although college football is several months away, we eagerly anticipate seeing Corso, 89, this fall.
Vitale, Brown, and Corso have long been integral to our sports-watching experience, making it hard to envision a time without them. They have provided us with wisdom, context, and unparalleled enthusiasm. We’re fortunate to have had their presence, and it’s high time we commend ESPN for treating these seasoned broadcasters with the respect they rightly deserve. The Worldwide Leader in Sports has allowed them to age gracefully in an industry that doesn’t always prioritize such care. We all wish we had employers who were that considerate.
Saturday, Hall of Fame broadcaster @DickieV will announce an #NCAAMBB game for the first time in nearly 2 years
🏀 6p ET | No. 2 @DukeMBB vs @ClemsonMBB | ESPN
🎙️ Dave O’Brien, @CoryAlexanderVA, Dick Vitale pic.twitter.com/URqmyI0kN3
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 3, 2025
While it would be easy to replace them with younger, cheaper voices, ESPN has recognized the irreplaceable value of these veterans. Their distinctive presence adds a level of credibility that is unmatched. There will never be another Vitale, Brown, or Corso; their absence is profoundly felt, particularly in the case of Dick Vitale.
Vitale is almost synonymous with college basketball; his hypeman style has made him a household name at ESPN. We have missed his energy and passion due to his health struggles and, without him, the college basketball season seems incomplete. His return on Saturday is a much-anticipated moment for a sport that continues to need his infectious positivity. It’s awesome, baby.
Conversely, Hubie Brown’s approach is more analytical and straightforward, aimed at educating viewers. Each game leaves you feeling more informed, and ESPN’s decision to let him share his passion for the game on air for so long is truly commendable. The same can be said for Lee Corso, who is a staple on College GameDay, and fans look forward to seeing him don the mascot’s head. His relationship with his GameDay colleague Kirk Herbstreit is wonderfully touching.
Ahead of Hubie Brown’s final #NBA broadcast on Sunday, colleagues shared sentiments on his impact: https://t.co/OyhzfJ6CCe https://t.co/FPEeYkAWXz
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 5, 2025
In America, getting old can be challenging. With a youth-driven culture dominated by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, it’s easy to forget the value of experience. Yet, sports often bridge generational divides, with fandom frequently passed down like a family heirloom. Grandparents and parents have watched and listened to Vitale, Brown, and Corso, perhaps instilling in younger generations an appreciation for these broadcasting giants. ESPN deserves recognition for continuing to support these icons, accommodating their health hurdles, and offering them a platform. While Brown is saying farewell, eventually, so too will Vitale and Corso, but let’s keep the spotlight on them for as long as we can.
