10 GREAT MARCH MADNESS MONSTER DUNKS
“I like the dunk. It’s a high percentage play.” -Guy Lewis, Head Coach, Phi Slamma Jamma
10. Vince Carter, North Carolina- 1996
In honor of Championship Week we include this one-handed monster in-bounder from Vince Carter in the 1996 ACC Tournament. Carter was one of the greatest- if not the greatest- dunker of the modern era and this clip shows why: incredible rise, timing, mid-air dexterity and the strength to go get it and finish with authority in traffic.
9. Stanley Robinson, UCONN- 2009
Perhaps you remember this instant classic follow-up slam from Robinson in the midst of UCONN’s late bid to close the gap against Michigan State in the national semis. Big bonus here for the element of surprise. You never saw this one coming- it was sudden and it was EPIC. Most of all, though, it’s the perfectly timed guttural sound effect that sets this one apart.
8. Durrell Summers, Michigan State- 2009
This time it’s Stanley Robinson on the wrong end of a Durrell Summers power thrust in the very same game. The Dunk giveth and the Dunk taketh away.
7. Hakim Warrick, Syracuse- 2003
Two words: WING SPAN.
6. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma- 2009
Griffin had several monsters in the 2009 Tourney. This one shows him at his Vince Carter-esque best. He might not be as athletic as Carter, but Griffin’s strength makes him one of the great power dunkers of the modern era.
5. Darrell Griffith, Louisville- 1980
Gotta give a nod Dr. Dunkenstein. This isn’t necessarily one of his best, but the clip is nevertheless highly entertaining. Take note of the alarmingly unsexy outfits of the Louisville cheerleaders and stick around for the replay to hear Al McGuire’s timely reference to Griffith’s mid-dunk “disco move.”
4. Earl Watson, UCLA- 2000
Time out for a brief tribute to the alley-oop, one of the pivotal developments in slam dunk history. In this case it’s the passer making the spectacular play as much if not more than the finisher. Nobody had better touch than Earl Watson, particularly in this 2000 tourney dismantling of Maryland.
3. Darvin Ham, Texas Tech- 1996
The ultimate power dunking bona fides.
2. Benny Anders, Houston- 1983
While Darrell Griffith’s “Around the World” dunk doesn’t quite stand the test of time, the offerings of the early 80’s travelling dunkfest known as Phi Slamma Jamma have aged remarkably well. Watching the crowd and announcers wet their pants with excitement over Griffith’s dunk in 1980 while a modern audience views it with a barely stifled yawn, one would think that the bar has just risen over time. Old clips are fun for their short shorts and high socks but surely the players of the 80’s had athletic limitations that have been far exceeded today. Maybe that’s a valid assumption, but it doesn’t apply in the case of the Houston Cougars circa 1983. Obviously there was some sort of internal culture with this set of players that embraced and nurtured the art of the dunk. Not only did the team produce world class dunkers among NBA talents like Drexler, Olajuwon, Michael Young and Larry Micheaux, but the Cougars had a sixth man named Benny Anders who, according to Drexler, was the best athlete of them all. The interesting thing about Anders is that he so loved the dunk that he neglected other areas of his game, never developing as a complete player, never becoming a starter, and eventually quitting the team in 1984 in response to a lack of playing time. But for anyone of a certain age who saw him play, Benny Anders goes down as one of the great dunkers of all time and is every bit as memorable a member of the Phi Slamma Jamma fraternity as Olajuwon or Drexler. Watch here as Anders takes a perefect angle for maximum dunkability, extends himself completely and then snaps back down on the rim like a coiled spring. Favorite part: Anders lies on the ground for a few seconds to milk the moment then gets up and about 00:12 on the clip watch as he pats Louisville’s Charles Jones on the ass after just dunking in his face on national television. A few seconds later, around 00:17, Anders is still milking, pointing to the crowd. Can you imagine a Duke guy acting like that? Probably not, because you can’t imagine a Duke guy dunking like that. I’m half-surprised Anders didn’t walk out to center court and take a bow. As far as I’m concerned he fucking should have. God bless you, Bennie Anders, wherever you are today.
1. Clyde Drexler, Houston- 1983
Clyde Drexler was a circus freak dunker and my nominee for the title of best ever- college, pro, tourney, regular season, whatever. The nickname Clyde “The Glide” isn’t just a convenient play on words. It pretty much sums up the visual effect of Drexler’s game. Whereas Jordan famously had the ability to hang in mid air, Drexler could literally glide, taking off impossibly early and rising upward as if moving along an invisible conveyer belt on an upward plane. Upon arrival at the rim, Drexler finished the job as swiftly and powerfully as anyone, always earning a perfect 10 style points in the process. Arms and legs flailing, a great Drexler dunk was like a shark attack- sudden, violent, decisive.
TOURNEY COUNTDOWN: TEN GREATEST LEGENDS OF MARCH MADNESS
We kick off our Tourney Countdown with a little historical perspective: the ten players who have posted the most impressive NCAA tournament performances over the course of their college careers. Interesting to note that nobody on this list postdates 1992. That’s a sign of the times- anyone of this generation remotely as dominant as the players on this list is going one and done or straight to the pros. The era of the 2-4 year sustained postseason presence is fading fast. All the more reason to take a minute to highlight the greats of bygone times…Click pics to enlarge.
10. Austin Carr, Notre Dame- 1969-1971
The only player on our list not to reach the Final Four, Carr never got past the Sweet Sixteen. He did, however, post a 41.3 scoring average in seven career games. Carr owns three of the top five single game scoring totals in tournament history including an all-time best 61 vs. Ohio in 1970.
9. Jerry West, West Virginia- 1958-1960
Little known fact: West played forward in college. Sure he averaged 30.6 in nine career tournament games, but you might be surprised to learn that he also averaged 13.8 rebounds. The future NBA logo led the Mountaineers to the championship game in 1959, earning tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP) honors even in a losing effort.
8. Glen Rice, Michigan- 1986-1989
Michigan’s all-time leading scorer was epic in 1989, scoring a single tournament record 184 points in leading the Wolverines to their only national title. Rice played in four tourneys, averaging 23.7 along with 6.3 boards and 2.7 assists en route to a 10-3 record.
7. Elvin Hayes, Houston- 1966-1968
The “Big E” led Houston to consecutive Final Fours, running into the UCLA buzzsaw both times after knocking off the Bruins in a January, 1968 regular season showdown with Jabbar in the Astrodome that was dubbed “The Game of the Century.” Hayes never got past Jabbar to claim a title, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. He was spectacular in 1968, posting tournament averages of 31 points and 19.4 boards.
6. Danny Manning, Kansas- 1985-1988
Perhaps the greatest one-man show in tournament history, Manning led Kansas to two Final Fours in three years, winning it all in 1988. His supporting cast was so suspect that the team was coined “Danny and the Miracles.” In the ’88 title game Manning went for 31 points, 18 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks.
5. Bill Bradley, Princeton- 1963-1965
Imagine a time where Ivy League teams went to the Final Four and featured the best player in the country. Now we’re going, as Chris Berman would say, back back back. Bradley, the erstwhile senator from New Jersey and 1965 tourney MOP, averaged 33.7 points and 12 boards in nine career games, posting a 91.6 FT percentage (87/95) and bombing Wichita State for 58 in his final career game back in the day when the Final Four featured a “consolation game” for the losers in the semis.
4. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati- 1958-1960
Robertson helped build a dynasty at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to consecutive Final Fours in ’59 and ’60. In ten career games he averaged 32 points, 13 rebounds and 9.4 assists, putting up 56 against Arkansas as a sophomore and posting a mad triple-double (39-17-10) against Louisville in the ’59 Final Four.
3. Christian Laetner, Duke- 1989-1992
In one of the more remarkable feats in sports history, Laetner went to four Final Fours, reaching the championship game in ’90 and then winning titles in ’91 and ’92. In four years of college he played in 23 of a possible 24 NCAA tournament games. Duke’s record in those games: 21-2.
2. Bill Walton, UCLA- 1972-1974
Walton played in an era when freshman were ineligible, limiting him to three Final Fours. He won two titles, posting an 11-1 record, averaging 21/14.7/3 and an all-time best 68.6% from the field. In the ’73 championship game he was near perfect with 44 points on 21 for 22 shooting.
1. Lew Alcindor, UCLA- 1967-1969
Before changing his name to Kareem and becoming an NBA great, Alcindor was the most unstoppable force in college basketball history. Three national titles, three tourney MOP’s, a perfect 12-0 career record, and averages of 25/16.8/2 make Alcindor the best performer the month of March has ever seen.
-Chris Marakovitz
ROCK BOX SPORTS
COMING SOON:
-Ten Great March Madness Monster Dunks
-Players to Watch in 2011 Tourney
-Who is This Year’s George Mason: Breaking Down the Mid Majors
-Bracket Breakdowns
-Analysis and Predictions Throughout the Tourney
Tourney Countdown: Ten Players to Watch in March
John Wall could be a household name by April 6
Last week we looked at ten legends in the history of March Madness. This week we consider ten who have the chance to do something special in 2010.
10. Omar Samhan, St. Mary’s (California)
Samhan is that rarest of commodities in the college game today: a big man with offensive skill. The 6’11 senior is money in the paint, averaging 21.5 a game on .546 shooting. No slouch on defense either, he is a high-motor player who pulls down 11 boards a game and blocks 2.9 shots.
9. James Anderson, Oklahoma State
Anderson is an offensive machine, drilling shots from all over, creating off the dribble, and getting to the stripe with regularity. With the Sooners running their entire offense through him, he’ll have ample opportunity to shine in March, as he did all season long (fifth in the nation in scoring at 22.6 a game.)
8. Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
If you saw Maryland’s late season win over Duke, we don’t have to tell you about Vasquez. The 6’5 senior from Caracas averages 19.5 a game and is fifth nationally in assists. Vasquez plays with great emotion and is fearless with the game on the line, an excellent formula for March glory.
7. Jimmer Fredette, BYU
Fredette has been battling illness, but if he’s ready for March he could do something spectacular. Just as ask Arizona. Fredette put up 49 on them in Tucson in December on 16 for 23 shooting including 9 of 13 treys. That was just one of six 30+ point outbursts for the 6’2 guard, a 48% three-point shooter.
6. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
Reynolds knows a thing or two about March Madness. It was his coast-to-coast drive against Pitt that put the Wildcats in the Final Four last season. Now Reynolds is back for more, and he’s better than ever, averaging 18.9 on .488 shooting including .416 from behind the arc.
5. Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
As athletic and versatile as they come, Johnson excels on the wing and in the paint, sticking treys, mid-range jumpers, and blowing by defenders as necessary. His scoring numbers are slightly below others on this list due to the talent around him, but he’s as capable as anyone of stepping up and dominating.
4. Sherron Collins, Kansas
Collins’ scoring numbers are down to 15 a game from 18 last year, but he remains a talented ballhandler and scorer with the capacity to explode at any time. Incredibly quick, strong, able to stick the jumper, and reliably clutch, Collins could see more shots as the stakes rise.
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
Have you noticed a lack of big men on this list? Enter DeMarcus Cousins. The 6’11 freshman is the nation’s best inside player, with size and skill that few opponents can handle. Given the right matchups he stands a chance to do some serious damage in the coming weeks.
2. John Wall, Kentucky
The second half of Kentucky’s inside-outside combo, Wall is a special player with a prodigious talent matched only by his will to win. Not necessarily a great shooter, Wall creates shots for himself through sheer athleticism and he’s shown a penchant for doing so in clutch situations. Also an underrated passer.
1. Evan Turner, Ohio State
The best player in the college game, Turner may be poised to achieve greatness in March. The 6’7 junior scores 19.5 a game, dishes out 5.8 assists and grabs 9.4 boards. He also shoots .538 from the field. Turner’s presence alone makes Ohio State a legit Final Four threat.
Michigan State, North Carolina Advance to National Championship Game
By Chris Marakovitz
Saturday’s semi-final round from Detroit was full of strategic maneuvering by Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Villanova’s Jay Wright.
Wright has been criticized by some for his decision to run with Carolina. Results notwithstanding, however, the decision is defensible. Facing the prospect of having his unimposing interior decimated by Tyler Hansbrough in a half-court game, Wright decided to roll the dice and play to his strengths by letting his guards push tempo and create in the open court.
It might have worked, or at least kept things closer, had his team not shot a woeful 5 of 27 from three-point land. Had Nova shot shot anywhere near their season average of 36.8 percent, they would have nailed four more three-pointers, adding 12 points to their total. Something to think about, considering that they lost by 14.
Depth was a factor here, as the fast pace of the game left Nova’s shooters with tired shooting legs down the stretch. Still, Wright’s strategy was a sound one. Overmatched as he was, he needed some luck in the form of a hot shooting night to spring the upset. He didn’t get it, but he gave his team their best possible chance to win.
Luck had very little to do with Michigan State’s win over Connecticut. Michigan State is deeper, more balanced and even more athletic than Wright’s Nova Bunch. And State’s Tom Izzo had the advantage of facing a UConn team that had a couple of weaknesses, namely transition defense and free-throw shooting, that left them vulnerable to the right team with the right plan.
Izzo had that perfect plan, and the roster to carry it out. Coming into the game, the assumption was that State, an excellent half-court team, would slow things down and run their sets against the speedy Huskies. Considering that UConn was felt by many to be one of the best half-court defensive teams in the nation, there was some concern as to whether the Spartans would be able to avoid some debilitating scoring droughts. Most predicted a low-scoring, defensive struggle (Vegas set the over/under at a relatively low 134, envisioning the teams to score in the 60’s).
Here’s where Izzo confounded conventional wisdom. Evidently sharing the concern that his team would struggle to score in a half court game, Izzo pushed the pace, enabling his team to create in the open floor and generate some easy buckets in transition.
The decision to take their chances against UConn’s transition defense as opposed to their half-court set proved brilliant, as the Huskies big men- so menacing in the half court- struggled to keep up with the Spartan fast break.
On the defensive side of the ball, Izzo opted to put UConn, 67.8 percent free throw shooters as a team, on the line. He zeroed in on Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien, and they responded by shooting a combined 8 of 14 from the charity stripe. Kemba Walker, normally a 71.5 percent free throw shooter, obliged Izzo as well by going 3 for 9. Hard to win when three of your key players are clanking 12 of 23 free throws.
Also notice that Izzo used his deep bench early to send UConn to the line without saddling any of his key players with foul trouble. Ten of Sparty’s 25 team fouls were committed by reserves who played minimally, including Idong Ibok, who committed three fouls in six minutes of play, and Draymond Green, who fouled out in 12.
In short, UConn was a flawed team. And Izzo exploited them to perfection. North Carolina, on the other hand, exhibits no such discernable flaws. Even if Izzo does come up with the best possible game plan, it may not be enough.
Just ask Jay Wright.
