By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Legendary ESPN announcer Dick Vitale is due to return to broadcasting for the first time since 2023, the network announced Friday.

Vitale, 85, will call the Duke-Wake Forest men's college basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He will call the game alongside play-by-play commentator Dave O'Brien.

On Jan. 8, Vitale announced he was cancer-free. Vitale has battled four different types of cancer in the past three and a half years.

"I am absolutely ecstatic and I can't believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months," Vitale said in a news release. "It's been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.

Vitale thanked ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and his ESPN colleagues for their love during his recovery process.

"I just hope that I can offer the people some basketball insights that can bring even more excitement to the game," Vitale said.

In June 2024, Vitale announced he had cancer after a biopsy of the lymph node in his neck. He had surgery in early July.

Vitale's last game was on April 3, 2023, calling the international broadcast of the San Diego State vs. UConn National Championship for ESPN.

"There is no better ambassador for the sport of college basketball than Dick Vitale," Pitaro said. "Even while navigating his own health challenges, Dick continued to look for ways to give back and help others, inspiring us all.

"Dick is one-of-a-kind and we can't wait to have him back doing what he loves most on ESPN on Jan. 25."