Dickie V Just Dropped His Top 12… and Fans Are Going to LOVE (and HATE) Where Their Teams Landed!
July 10, 2025 – ESPN Studios, Bristol, CT
It’s that time of year again—college basketball may be months away from tip-off, but the court of public opinion is already lit up. And when legendary analyst Dick Vitale, affectionately known as Dickie V, drops his Top 12 Preseason Rankings, the basketball world listens. Loudly.
In a special primetime segment titled “Vitale’s Dozen”, the Hall of Fame broadcaster unveiled his picks for the top teams heading into the 2025–26 NCAA men’s basketball season. Known for his passionate delivery, razor-sharp memory, and heart-on-his-sleeve love for the game, Dickie V didn’t disappoint—though fans from coast to coast certainly had opinions.
The Shocking Top 5
1. Kansas Jayhawks
“Bill Self has got a diaper dandy deluxe in freshman point guard Tremaine Foster,” Vitale shouted. “This team is DEEP, baby! I’m talking Final Four or bust!”
2. Duke Blue Devils
Despite losing two lottery picks to the NBA, Duke returns three starters and brings in the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class. “Jeremy Lawson is a PTP’er—Prime Time Player—and he’s gonna be a household name by January!”
3. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats cracked the top 3, a surprise to some. But Dickie V cited their blend of veteran guards and elite length. “These guys are like a SWAT team on defense—block city, baby!”
4. Connecticut Huskies
Back-to-back Final Four appearances earned UConn respect. “Danny Hurley’s crew is super scintillating, and let me tell ya—they’re hungry!”
5. North Carolina Tar Heels
Fueled by the return of their top three scorers and a versatile freshman class, the Tar Heels drew praise from Dickie. “It’s Michael Jordan’s house, and these guys are ready to protect it!”
Fan-Fueled Fireworks
But the real drama came from who didn’t crack the top 5—and who made the list at all. Social media erupted the moment Vitale revealed Michigan State at No. 8, and Gonzaga at No. 11, while leaving Kentucky out entirely.
“I’m sorry, Big Blue Nation,” Vitale said, visibly wincing. “They’ve got talent, but chemistry matters! And right now, Kentucky’s roster looks like a pick-up game at the YMCA!”
Within minutes, “#DickieVDISRESPECT” was trending on X (formerly Twitter), as Wildcats fans vented their fury. Meanwhile, Kansas faithful flooded timelines with Jayhawk GIFs and celebratory memes.
The Legend Speaks
After the broadcast, Vitale posted a heartfelt message:
> “I LOVE the passion from fans—it’s what makes college hoops so SPECIAL! My rankings are just one man’s view. Let’s enjoy the ride to March Madness, baby!”
The response was classic Dickie V—fiery, joyful, and full of love for the game. Even at 86, after conquering cancer and continuing to champion college basketball, his voice still ignites the sport.
Looking Ahead
With the college basketball landscape wide open and NIL deals reshaping rosters overnight, Vitale’s list is sure to evolve. But one thing’s clear: the madness has already begun—and it’s still only July.
Dickie V said it best:
> “You can love it, you can hate it—but you’re going to FEEL it, baby!”
Let me know if you’d like this styled as a social media post, narrated video script, or article for ESPN-style formatting!
