Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 29, 1993 TAG: 9304290154
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press and Knight-Ridder/Tribune reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
After learning of Valvano's death Wednesday, Dick Vitale sobbed while talking about his close friend and broadcasting partner.
"Jimmy was so gifted and so talented," Vitale said from Sarasota, Fla. "He had a special way of bringing a smile to everyone's face."
Valvano, 47, who coached long shot North Carolina State to the NCAA men's basketball championship in 1983, died in Durham, N.C., after a 10-month battle against cancer.
"Watching him the last year endure all the pain was amazing," Vitale said. "But he could still smile and light up a room."
Friends and colleagues recalled a man of courage, charisma and character.
After N.C. State beat Houston in the NCAA title game on a last-second dunk by Lorenzo Charles, Valvano ran around the court looking for someone to hug. The scene typified his heart-on-the-sleeve style, which helped motivate players and inspire co-workers throughout his coaching and broadcasting careers.
Bill Foster, Valvano's coach at Rutgers, said "Jimmy V" loved to be the center of attention.
"After we won an NIT game at Rutgers, there was a big crowd waiting when we got back home on the bus," said Foster, now athletic director at Northwestern. "As we got out we were cheered and hugged, and the guys were being kissed by the cheerleaders. Jimmy went around the bus and climbed back in so he could come out again."
Wherever he went, Valvano made friends.
"Every time I looked at him, I always wanted to reach out and hug him," said Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda, who knew Valvano for 15 years. "He was the kind of guy who seemed to bring happiness wherever he went. He brought laughter, and he had a magnetic personality."
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Thurl Bailey played on N.C. State's 1983 championship team.
"He instilled in us never to give up, that in life you have to strive for the best," Bailey said. "He will be remembered as a man with unmatched spirit and love for others."
When news of Valvano's death spread, similar sentiments poured in from the many corners of basketball and life where his personality and vibrance stretched.
"We all lost a dear friend today," said Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Valvano had been hospitalized at Duke Hospital for more than a week in the final stage of a fight he didn't know he faced until last summer.
In the final months of his life, as he struggled against cancer, Valvano became a national symbol for the fight against the disease. He spoke eloquently and touchingly about the need for more cancer research. His legacy will be multi-dimensional.
"Not only did Jim have a great coaching career, speaking career, family and friends, but in this last year he was a role model of courage to the countless thousands afflicted with life-threatening diseases. His memory will be one of the highest determination and courage during this suffering," said North Carolina coach Dean Smith.
by CNB