Mark Pope Sends Heartfelt Message to Dick Vitale After His Final Cancer Surgery

Mark Pope wants Dick Vitale to know he has the Big Blue Nation by his side in his final battle with cancer.

This afternoon, the legendary college basketball commentator shared a video Pope sent him after his latest cancer diagnosis and surgery. Last week, the 85-year-old announced that doctors had discovered a cancerous lymph node in his neck. Today, surgeons removed the lymph node and those surrounding it. Vitale said his surgeon was “pleased” with the procedure.

“Just received a video message from @KentuckyMBB @CoachMarkPope about my recent cancer surgery,” Vitale wrote on Twitter. “I have received many prayers from BBN fans and they are truly appreciated.”

“Coach Vitale, this is Coach Pope from the University of Kentucky,” Pope says in the video. “Listen, I heard you’re back in the middle of this fight and I just want you to know that, man. You know that, but you have so many people in this world that love you, including me, that are cheering for you, praying for you and giving you all the love that they can.”

The pope also gave Vitale a reason to get well soon: an open invitation to a Kentucky basketball practice and/or game.

“Get well soon, because you have a trip to the University of Kentucky. Come join us for a practice, boy. Come watch a game. Let’s go, baby.”