A Final Four rich in history, moments
March 30, 2009
The NCAA men’s basketball Final Four is set, and besides fielding a deserving quartet of teams, I thought it was interesting that all four schools are known for one specific tournament “shining moment.”
Let’s take a look:
Villanova: Defeated Georgetown in 1985 in one of the greatest upsets in sports history. I worked on a documentary about this game for HBO Sports several years ago, and when you really study what VU went through to achieve this victory, it makes it that much more special.
University of North Carolina: Defeated Georgetwon in 1982 thanks to freshman Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot. Poor Hoyas.
UCONN: Defeated Duke in 1999. Truth be told, I missed this game because I went to see my wife-to-be in some high school fashion show. The sad part is, we weren’t even going out at the time! Anyway, I have seen the replay, and truly believe that what Khalid El-Amin, Ricky Freeman, Richard Hamilton & co. were able to pull off in Tampa is one of the more underrated upsets in NCAA history.
Michigan State: defeated Florida in 2000. “The Flintstones” were great. Even better is this “One Shining Moment” video that aired following their victory.
Man, is there anything better than “One Shining Moment”? I was a student at Syracuse University when the Orange (then known as the Orangemen) defeated Texas in the 2003 Finals, and will never forget watching “One Shining Moment” on the big screen of a half-empty Carrier Dome. Goose bumps central.
