When I think about Jim Calhoun, one word comes to mind -- fighter.

Now he is on his second bout with skin cancer. He had surgery on May 6th to remove a cancerous lump in his neck. Anyone who knows Calhoun understands that he will fight it and take it on in his own way. Not only is he a winner on the sideline, he will be the victor in the most important game of all, life!

They don't come more competitive than Calhoun. Look at what he has done in over two decades at Connecticut ... it is simply an amazing job. He has been the Frank Lloyd Wright for the Huskies.

How good a job has Calhoun done? He earned his spot in the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Calhoun's teams won a pair of national championships and there are only a handful of coaches in that select circle accomplishing that feat.

Calhoun has amassed 774 wins in his 36-year coaching career. A total of 526 of them have happened at Connecticut (the record is 526-200 at UConn.)

His teams have been a big-time springboard to the next level. 21 of his former Huskies have been drafted, with 14 of those going in the first-round.

Let me tell you, he is an inspiration to so many people. He had a bout with prostate cancer in 2003, but it did not set him back. He got back into the gym, doing what he does best -- coaching, motivating and inspiring people.

Calhoun represents all that is good about coaching. He is a great family man who has a passion for the school he represents and the players that put on the uniform.

Radiation will start later in the month in an effort to ensure the cancer does not come back. He will win this battle!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.