Chat with Dick Vitale

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dick Vitale stops by to chat some college basketball.
Vitale, college basketball's top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate style.
Send your questions now and join Vitale Thursday at 11 a.m. ET!
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Dick Vitale (11:03 AM)
I'm so excited to be going to Murray, Kentucky to call the BracketBusters game between Saint Mary's and Murray State. Both of these teams are in the top 20. The Gaels were upset last night by Loyola Marymount. This should be a great game. There is great basketball being played in the state.
mike belew [via mobile]
Is Anthony Davis really that good?
Dick Vitale (11:05 AM)
He could be the No. 1 pick in the draft and also the freshman of the year. It's tough on the opponent in preparing for him.
Hayden (Spokane)
Can Gonzaga make a run in the tourney this year?
Dick Vitale (11:07 AM)
I think they're a Sweet 16 team. I think after that they're a little limited. They're a dangerous basketball team. Phangos can shoot the three. Harris is an experienced team up front. Mark Few does a phenomenal job. They have to be more consistent defensively.
chris (Baltimore)
What's your take on coach turgeon and my terps? i get the feeling that we're heading in the right direction, and by as early as next year will have some fun games in march to look forward to!!
Dick Vitale (11:08 AM)
I think they're a program that will turn the corner when they improve the talent level. He's in a tough situation replacing a hall of famer in Gary Williams. The bottom line is he's getting the most out of his people and that's all you can ask. He's got his guys playing with intensity and emotion.
Joel (NY)
Dick, after seeing the performance of Austin Rivers versus UNC and Miles Plumlee versus Maryland, how will their emergence impact the championship hopes of Duke? Do you think they have a chance for a # 1 seed?
Dick Vitale (11:09 AM)
Duke is certainly not as athletic in the past. They rely on the 3-point shot. Miles is very athletic with 21 rebounds against Maryland. But they're going to have to make the three. That will be vital to them.
Jordan (Durham)
What happened to Carolina yesterday?
Dick Vitale (11:10 AM)
That's what happens when you play a team that's all fired up. Harrison Barnes showed why he's so highly regarded. They'll get everyone's best shot. Same with Duke. Same with Kentucky. That's why I admire those people and teams. The kids have to learn that they have to be a step above in meeting that challenge.
Alex (Louisville )
Hey Dick, My Cards bummed me out with their poor free throw shooting, even though they lost, if they keep winning like thy have been, do you think they can climb back into the top 10, or more importantly grab at least a 4 seed in the tourney?
Dick Vitale (11:11 AM)
I think the one thing with Louisville is they'll be very dangerous come tournament time. They play on the defensive end. They'll get healthy. They'll get some athleticism, which is what Pitino loves with his press. They're dangerous come tournament time.
Mark (Columbus)
Favorite bracketbuster matchup this weekend?
Dick Vitale (11:13 AM)
The one I'm going to! I'm really excited about going to Murray State. There are only two teams with one loss and they're one of them. And they're playing a good team. Saint Mary's lost to Loyola, but they have a good team. Two outstanding midmajor guards will be going head to head. They've been asking for me to be there. I'm really excited. In 33 years, I do so many Carolina, Dukes, Kentuckys and it's great to be some place here. I'm flattered and honored.
Adrian (Tupleo, MS)
Dickie V! Think Ole Miss got a shot v. the 'Cats? Reggie Buckner in my mind can slow down Davis, you agree? And if Nick Williams can make shots, I think we got a shot
Dick Vitale (11:14 AM)
You always have a shot before the game starts, it's 0-0. But I don't think Kentucky loses a game at home. The one common denominator they have is they're a good defensive team. Davis is a good shot blocker. All of the players have bought into Calipari's system. They always defend. They'll always be in the game even if they shoot bad.
Brandon (Lexington)
How amazing is the marriage between coach Cal and UK? the practice yesterday was great.
Dick Vitale (11:15 AM)
There aren't many schools that could pull that off. They have such a passion for basketball. It was a great recruiting tool. If you can pull it off, why not?
Mark (Michigan)
Hi Dick, Love the stealth Irish surprise play this season...do you think their less-talent deliberate offense can succeed against elite teams or is it a mirage?
Dick Vitale (11:16 AM)
Notre Dame has been an amazing story. Mike Brey has to be in the conversation for national coach of the year. These guys never get enough credit. I don't care what talent level you have, they just win. I saw them lose big early in the year. But they regrouped and he has utilized the strengths of the team to perfection. But they're limited talentwise to go far in the tournament.
Tim, NH [via mobile]
What do yo you think about Linsanity? Did you have a chance to see him play in person when he was at Harvard?
Dick Vitale (11:17 AM)
Never in person. I caught him on the tube. It's a great story. The story is an inspiration for a lot of guys. There are a lot of guys who play in the developmental league or on the bench and they just need an opportunity. This kid got the opportunity and he's taking it.
zach (pennsylvania)
vitale, do you think tennesse has a chance at getting in?
Dick Vitale (11:19 AM)
They lost so much from last year. They've sent a message that when they get the players they need the next couple of years they'll challenge everyone. But they don't have enough talent to make a run.
Dustin (Lexington, KY)
Hey Dicky V just wondering if you think UK will lose a game the rest of the year? Afte proving themselves against Florida and Vandy last week!! Thanks Go Cats!!!
Dick Vitale (11:20 AM)
It's so tough to project that. But it's very doubtful. When they get into the tournament, they'll meet Syracuse, Carolina, but they're not unbeatable. If they don't have their A game come tournament time, they could go home.
Connor (Indiana) [via mobile]
What do you think Indiana's chance are of making a deep run in the tourney? If this team can start knocking down some threes and playing good defense i could seem them doing well.
Dick Vitale (11:20 AM)
Indiana certainly made a mark. They've gotten to the first stage of getting to the tournament. They got their 20th win last night against Northwestern. But can they win on the road? That will come with time. Their future is really really bright.
Luke (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Who is going to win the Big Ten conference this year?
Dick Vitale (11:21 AM)
Michigan State has been an incredible story, but I think Ohio State is a great team. I would love to coach MSU's Green. He's a great player. He's about winning.
Dick Vitale (11:26 AM)
We're now getting to the time of the season where every game should be getting bigger and bigger. Teams are playing themselves into and out of the tournament. Teams need winning streaks who are close. We're going to be talking about the bubble. It will be nervewracking time. Apply the knock out punch. The DVBI is working overtime. I think this year more than any year we have a deeper group of mid majors capable of beating the giants. Butler getting to the Final Four and the title game. I would not be shocked this year if another team does it.
Dick Vitale (11:26 AM)
Also, go to my Facebook: TheRealDickVitale. You design a T-shirt and you get the most "likes" you can win some serious dollars. I'm getting ready for this game tonight. The big big game tonight. I'm excited about it. I'm excited about going to Racer Nation! Here I come baby!
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