Dick Vitale is synonymous with college basketball on ESPN. He’s been with the network for decades now.

But, this year, as he battles cancer and a vocal cord issue, he’s had to refrain from broadcasting games in order to rest his voice.

It appears his absence will extend throughout the rest of the season, per a release on Monday:

In the above release, Vitale thanks fans and ESPN for their support during this trying time, admitting that he has been emotionally and physically frustrated while going through this situation:

You know I am an eternal optimist who acts like he’s a teenager. Yet there is no doubt these past five months have been emotionally and physically frustrating. I am so appreciative of the love and care demonstrated by the incredible members of the medical community. And I will be forever grateful for the calls, texts, and social media expressions of encouragement from friends, colleagues, fans, media and members of my ESPN family. I love people, and I’m honored to receive such overwhelming support.

Hopefully, Vitale will be able to return at full strength when the 2022-23 college basketball season tips off next fall. College basketball isn’t the same without Dickie V on the mic.