Dick Vitale, college basketball's top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season -- just after the network's September 1979 launch -- following a successful college and pro coaching career. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate, sometimes controversial -- but never boring -- style. In February 2004, Vitale was named a finalist for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor.