Copyright Athlon Sports
Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale has firmly established himself as a legendary voice in college basketball. Over the past few decades, the 85-year-old announcer has become a well-loved figure who continues to inspire through his energy and optimism. Vitale’s trademark enthusiasm took a somber turn on Friday, though. Vitale, who recently returned to ESPN after battling cancer to sign a new contract through 2028, shared some unfortunate news on social media. The former basketball coach posted about the passing of a dear friend — one who has been part of his journey since Vitale’s early coaching days. Vitale’s career as a basketball coach started in the 1960s as a high school coach in New Jersey. He entered the college ranks in 1971 as an assistant at Rutgers University under Tom Young. He then had a four-year stint with the University of Detroit from 1973 to 1977, before coaching at the professional level with the Detroit Pistons (as both head coach and general manager) in the NBA from 1978 to 1979. Vitale built numerous professional and personal relationships along the way. One of his closest friends was Richie Adubato, who, like Vitale, also came up through the New Jersey high school basketball scene. When Vitale joined the Pistons, he brought on Adubato as one of his assistant coaches. On Friday, Vitale announced the passing of his long-time friend. “Today my dear friend RICHIE ADUBATO passed away.Richie was one of our ‘JERSEY BOYS’ along with @MikeFratello Hubie Brown & yours truly who all chased dreams in coaching .Richie coached on every level – HS -College- @NBA .He’ll be missed but never forgotten .May Richie RIP!” Vitale posted on X. Adubato had extensive experience in coaching at all levels. In the NBA, he was head coach for the Pistons, the Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic. He also had stints in the WNBA, with the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics. Adubato’s family announced his passing on social media on Friday. He was 87. As Vitale stated in his post, he is mourning the loss of Adubato, whom he considers one of his closest friends, along with veteran coaches such as Mike Fratello and Hubie Brown. Together, this group helped define an era of East Coast basketball culture that produced some of the sport’s greatest minds. The basketball community joins Vitale in remembering the life of Adubato — a man whose legacy, like Vitale’s, will endure beyond the confines of the basketball court.
