Dick Vitale Praises Central Regional Coach Who Beat Cancer

BERKELEY, NJ — A Central Regional's coaches contributions haven't gone unnoticed. Just ask one of basketball's most prominent voices.

Legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale praised Central boys basketball coach Mike Clemente. The Golden Eagles coach tweeted the video of Vitale on Saturday, when Central Regional hosted a Coaches vs. Cancer tournament.

"Hey Michael, it's me, Dick Vitale," he said. "My brothers told me so much about the unbelievable job that you have done in trying to bring awareness to help people battling cancer."

The cause is personal for Clemente. The coach orchestrated Central Regional High School's first Coaches vs. Cancer tournament in 2017. Then he was diagnosed the following July with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Clemente underwent extensive chemotherapy before defeating the disease.

Central Regional's second Coaches vs. Cancer took place January 2018. The showcase raised $20,000 — $18,000 more than the inaugural year. Read more: A Coach's Cancer Battle, A Central Regional Community Rising

The school's tournament has raised more than $45,000 in three years. The fundraising total for this year will be announced this week.

This year's tournament benefited the V Foundation — a cancer-research charity created by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, who played and coached at Rutgers.

Vitale, an ESPN broadcaster, also shares Jersey roots. The Passaic native went to Seton Hall. Vitale also coached for Garfield High School, East Rutherford High School and Rutgers before leading the Pistons. He led two East Rutherford teams to state championships.

Now Vitale has another Jersey connection, recognizing Central Regional's tournament. Vitale said that all merchandise on his website will support pediatric-cancer research.

Vitale closed the video by telling Clemente, "you're awesome, baby."

Watch below:

Click here to donate to Central Regional's Coaches vs. Cancer showcase.

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