Basketball Guru Dick Vitale to Speak at UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo's Office of Special Events and the Division of Athletics will team up on Dec. 5 to offer a one-of-a-kind twin bill featuring a talk by basketball guru Dick Vitale, followed by a game between the UB Bulls and the Duquesne Dukes.

Vitale's talk, part of the Distinguished Speakers Series, will begin at 7 p.m. in Alumni Arena. The Bulls' game will follow at 8:15 p.m.

As a leading college basketball analyst for ESPN since 1979 and for ABC since 1990, Vitale's thorough knowledge of the game comes forth in an enthusiastic, sometimes controversial -- but never boring -- style.

He is the author of seven books, including the autobiographical sports best-seller "Vitale," and the most recent "Campus Chaos -- Why the Game I Love is Breaking My Heart."

Vitale began his coaching career at the high-school level, earning five state sectional championships, two consecutive state championships and 35 consecutive victories during his tenure at East Rutherford, N.J., High School from 1964-70. He joined Rutgers University as an assistant coach from 1970-72, helping to build the cornerstone for the university's NCAA Final Four appearance in 1976.

He served as head coach for the University of Detroit from 1973-77, compiling a winning percentage of .722. He served as a coach with the NBA's Detroit Pistons before signing with ESPN.

The Distinguished Speakers Series is presented by UB and the Don Davis Auto World Lectureship Fund. Series sponsor is the Student Association. The Division of Athletics is sponsoring the Vitale lecture.

For information on tickets, which cover the lecture and the game, contact the Alumni Arena ticket office at 645-6666.