Jim Valvano Classic Schedule

Jim Valvano, who was in the final stages of his fight with bone cancer, was 10 years removed from coaching North Carolina State during their memorable NCAA Championship run, but remained one of college basketball's most beloved personalities. Less than two months later, however, Valvano lost his fight.

ESPN has since been instrumental in propagating the V Foundation, which funds cancer research. This week is Jimmy V Week across the ESPN platform, and each ESPN station will be rebroadcasting Valvano's emotional speech Wednesday night at 7.

The Jimmy V Men's Basketball Classic is the culmination of ESPN's "V Week," an annual event that raises money for cancer research. The week of festivities, and the tournament, are named after Jim Valvano, the legendary NC State coach who passed away in 1993 of cancer after delivering a touching, memorable speech at the ESPY Awards. The inaugural Classic tipped off in 1995.

People are always asking me about why I seem so obsessed about raising dollars to battle cancer.

VALVANO SPEECH: Read transcript, see video of inspiring ESPY's appearance

It breaks my heart in talking to so many dads and moms whose kids are battling with the disease.

Our Dick Vitale Gala, honoring coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight, Pat Summitt and Tony Dungy has raised over a million dollars each year.

Memphis vs. Kansas, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Michigan State vs. Syracuse, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)