We conclude our series on the 10 Greatest Conference Tourney Runs of all-time because, let’s be honest, North Carolina fans need anything to give them hope for the postseason.
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Denny Crum Podcast:
Radio Show Goes Beyond Rivalry Boundaries
Former Louisville coach Denny Crum talks about his post-coaching career and the how much he’s enjoyed co-hosting a radio show with former Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall (run time is 6:08; transcript below the jump).
Who’s Hot?
George Washington’s Yinka Dare Put Memorable Name On 1993 Sweet Sixteen Run
Every NCAA Tournament has its Cinderella and every Cinderella has their prince. In 1993 that prince was George Washington freshman Yinka Dare. The 7-foot-1 Nigerian native wasn’t difficult to notice, both for his size and unusual name. But he also could play a little basketball and helped the Colonials reach the ’93 Sweet Sixteen. He retired in 2003 but sadly died of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of just 31.
Featured Video:
Rhode Island’s Lamar Odom Puts A Fork In Temple During 1999 Atlantic 10 Championship
Rhode Island’s Lamar Odom was a college star willing to step up on the big stage. That stage was the 1999 Atlantic 10 Tournament championship against Temple. Odom took the ball down court with the score tied at 59 and threw up an ugly three point shot at the buzzer for the win. It’s safe to say he’s done well for himself since. Full Clip
In The News:
Texas Tech’s Andre Emmett Talks Missing His Bed And Why He Chose To Play In China
Texas Tech’s Andre Emmett recently dropped 71 points during a regular season game in the Chinese Basketball Association. USBasket sat down with China’s leading scorer to talk about his experience there. The highlights: he plans to return to the NBA, he chose China because of its lengthy season and the thing he misses most from home is his bed. He’s playing with China’s Shandong Lions. Andre Emmett profile
Mahktar N’diaye Podcast:
Jeremy Tyler Will Learn From Ups And Downs
With recent news that Tyler will no longer be playing with his Israeli team, more people will question the high school player’s decision to go overseas. His agent, North Carolina’s Mahktar N’diaye, talks about Tyler’s challenges this season and how it will help him in the long run (run time is 2:50).
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Featured Video:
Ryan Blackwell Sends Syracuse Into 1998 Big East Finals With Game-Winning Dagger
Syracuse’s Ryan Blackwell didn’t have an ideal shot, but when it’s March, anything can go in. After St. John’s Ron Artest tied the 1998 Big East semis in overtime, Blackwell drilled his off-balanced shot after a broken play and sent Syracuse to the title game. Today Blackwell is starting with Japan’s Osaka Evessa. And yes, that’s ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla on the sidelines for the Johnnies. Full clip | Ryan Blackwell profile
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Texas’ Terrence Rencher, ‘95 SWC Tourney MVP, Now Texas State Assistant Coach
Texas’ Terrence Rencher swatted away Texas Tech’s Mike Davis at the end of regulation, keeping the 1995 Southwest Conference Tournament title game tied. The Longhorns won in overtime, 107-104. Rencher scored 31 and was MVP. Today Rencher is still around Austin as an assistant coach at Texas State. The Bobcats start the Southland Tournament today as a No. 4 seed. Terrence Rencher profile
Top 10:
Greatest Conference Tourney Runs (Part I)
Has your team grossly underperformed this season and do they need a miraculous run in the conference tournament to make the Big Dance? Well, take comfort in our list of the Top 10 Greatest Conference Tournament Runs of all-time from BCS schools that came out of nowhere to capture the tourney crown. Our countdown is based on their seeding going in, the quality of competition in their conference and how memorable the run was.
Jerome Williams Podcast:
Iverson Knew How To Make Teammates Laugh
With Allen Iverson in the news for his reported off-the-court issues, Georgetown’s Jerome Williams shares a fact about Allen Iverson that most people don’t know. Williams also talks about his time with the Hoyas, his favorite moment in college and his reaction to the nickname “Junk Yard Dog.” (run time 8:19; transcript below).
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