It is Jimmy V Week and as the sports world remembers the life of one of it’s own we can all reflect on loved ones that have been taken or affected in some way by cancer. During Jimmy V week millions of dollars are raised to help fight cancer through cutting edge research and other programs. On Thursday morning Bob Valvano was interviewed by phone on ESPN. He talked about some of the new research programs and even talked about a guy in Louisville with brain cancer who’s life had been extended due to research from funds of the V Foundation. This organization is making a difference. Jimmy V Week culminates next week with the Jimmy V Classic and our Cardinals will again be a part of this special event.

The Jimmy V Classic is one of my favorite events of the college basketball season. No Championship is on the line, and no tournament berths are at stake. Instead, the basketball world comes together for one night to celebrate the life of one its own, and help to save the lives of many more. It is rare that there is a charity where 100% of everything you contribute goes to research and the Jimmy V Foundation does just that. They received an endowment which allows them to give all of the donations to fight against cancer, not to pay bills. As I am sure is the case with many of you, a lot of people I know have been touched by cancer including my family. Some have fought and won, others have fought and lost. I hope for a day when we can eliminate the second group and everyone fights and wins. The Jimmy V Classic has been played since 1995.

That last time the Cards were in this event was back in 2006. That was a time when Louisville’s luck wasn’t as good in The Garden as it is nowadays. They played Arizona in their first and only appearance in the Classic losing that game 72-65.

An old rivalry will be renewed when Louisville makes its return to MSG for the V Classic. The Cards and Hoosiers will do battle for the first time since playing a game on February 1st 2003. It was the Cards that came out victorious in that game 95-76. The game will mark the 17th meeting between the two schools in history with IU holding a 10-6 advantage. The teams have met three times since 1990 with IU holding a 3-1 edge in those games. The game is not part of an ongoing series but is instead a one-game contract between the two schools. Coach Pitino has been working hard to get a home and home series with the Hoosiers but that hasn’t came about yet. Let’s all hope that the game on December 9th will spark up the old feud enough to make this a annual meeting.

I’m looking forward to next Tuesday and I’m glad that the Cardinals are going to be a part of helping such a worthy cause. Be sure to visit the Jimmy V website this week or next and make a donation. I can’t think of a better way to spend your money this holiday season.