ESPN Men's Basketball

Dick Vitale, in his 29th season as an ESPN college basketball analyst, was selected for induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 as a contributor to the sport. The announcement was made Sunday in San Antonio, site of the NCAA Final Four, by the National Association of Basketball Coaches Foundation.

The induction ceremonies will be held Nov. 23 at the College Basketball Experience and Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.

"I can't begin to describe how honored I am to be included with the greatest minds and athletes of this sport," said Vitale. "College basketball has given me a life I didn't dream was possible. After nearly 30 years at ESPN I still can't believe I'm getting paid to be a part of this game I love. I just wish my mom and dad were here to share in this accomplishment with me."

He is also a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 as a contributor to the sport. The inductees will be announced in San Antonio on Monday.

Vitale, who missed two months this season as a result of vocal cord surgery on Dec. 18, returned Feb. 6 to call Duke at North Carolina. Prior to that, Vitale had never missed a game in his 29 seasons at ESPN.

Vitale, a former high school, college and professional basketball coach, has become one of the most well-known commentators in all of sports television and played a pivotal role in the development of the concept of "March Madness."