OT- Jimmy V Classic

Submitted by stankoniaks on

Michigan State is taking on Syracuse on ESPN in the Jimmy V Classic at MSG.  Before the tip, ESPN aired the speech of Jim Valvano at the 1993 Espy Awards.  For those not familiar with the speech, Coach V had terminal cancer and gave a speech months before he passed away.  At the event Coach V established the V Foundation for cancer research.  I'm seen the video at least 20 times, but still shed a tear or two.  It's one of the best and most powerful speeches I've ever heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E

Everyone should watch it at least once...

And Go Orange!

MH20

December 7th, 2010 at 9:50 PM ^

What an amazing speech, delivered by an amazing man.  For as long as I live, I will not be able to watch it without getting choked up.

"Cancer can take away all my physical abilities.  It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul."

"Don't give up.  Don't ever give up,"

bing24

December 7th, 2010 at 10:02 PM ^

An unbelievably moving speech. I remember that like it was yesterday...makes me feel like I'm 13 yrs old again sitting next to my Dad watching the 1st ever ESPY awards. I still get teary eyed every time I hear that, never gets old.

The Baughz

December 7th, 2010 at 10:04 PM ^

Anyone else choke up everytime they see that speech? Ive seen it on numerous occasions and it gets me every time. It is definitely one of the greatest speeches EVER!

jml969

December 7th, 2010 at 10:13 PM ^

speech. Watching this and listening to his words really helps put life into perspective. My dad and I watched it- we laughed, thought and got choked up during and after this was aired.

MznbluePA

December 7th, 2010 at 10:20 PM ^

Yes, Jimmy gave a moving speech.  Sad that he died so young.  And he ran one of the foulest basketball programs ever.  Graduating few of his players.  None of the players from the championship ever graduated.  Ran afoul of the NCAA and left NCState in disgrace.  None of this ever gets mentioned when DickieV goes on about his great friend.  Glad that Michigan has never played in this farce of a tournament.

MH20

December 7th, 2010 at 10:57 PM ^

Sparty's FT shooting has been terrible so far this season (unfortunately, ours hasn't been great, either).  It's been a clunkfest thus far against 'Cuse.  Izzo has got to be about ready to go into full-on IZZO SMASH mode.

MH20

December 7th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^

In order to impose your will on someone, you actually have to, you know, hold onto the basketball.  MSU is one of the worst teams in D1 basketball this season when it comes to turning over the ball (which has to drive Izzo insane).  I think we've all seen junior high teams with better fundamentals (TOs and FT shooting).

sum1valiant

December 8th, 2010 at 12:08 AM ^

"That screen is flashing up there thirty seconds like I care about that screen right now, huh? I got tumors all over my body. I'm worried about some guy in the back going thirty seconds? You got a lot, hey va fa napoli, buddy. You got a lot."

When my time comes, I can only pray that I'll stare my maker in the face and laugh.  This is someone that truly had life by the balls, and dedicated the time he had left to touching so many other lives. 

MGoRob

December 8th, 2010 at 12:33 AM ^

So Sparty gets annihilated by Syracuse. We lose to Syracuse by only 3. You make the comparisons. I hope somebody else will on Valenti tomorrow and make him lose his cool and assplode everywhere.