March Madness' Greatest Cinderella Stories: Underdogs Who Captivated the Nation
When the Long Shots Hit: The Wildest Cinderella Stories in NCAA History
March Madness has long been a stage where underdogs defy expectations, capturing the hearts of fans nationwide. Often overlooked and underestimated, these Cinderella teams have delivered some of the most thrilling moments in NCAA tournament history. Let's revisit some of the most remarkable Cinderella runs, examining their journeys, standout performances, and the players who transitioned to the NBA spotlight.
🏀 1983 N.C. State Wolfpack
Seed: 6
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 3 Virginia (featuring Ralph Sampson) and No. 1 Houston (with Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon)
In 1983, N.C. State, led by the charismatic coach Jim Valvano, embarked on a remarkable journey to the national championship. Their tournament run included a victory over top-seeded Houston in the finals, a game that ended with a buzzer-beating dunk, leading to Valvano's iconic celebration.
NBA Impact:
Thurl Bailey was selected 7th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1983 NBA Draft and had a productive NBA career.
🏀 1985 Villanova Wildcats
Seed: 8
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 1 Michigan and No. 1 Georgetown
Villanova's 1985 squad holds the distinction of being the lowest-seeded team to win the national championship. The Wildcats showcased exceptional shooting, particularly in the championship game against Georgetown, where they executed a near-perfect game plan to secure a 66-64 victory.
NBA Impact:
Ed Pinckney was drafted 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1985 and enjoyed a solid NBA career spanning over a decade.
🏀 1986 LSU Tigers
Seed: 11
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 3 Memphis State, No. 2 Georgia Tech, and No. 1 Kentucky
LSU's 1986 team became the first 11-seed to reach the Final Four, a feat achieved by defeating the top three seeds in their region. Their run was characterized by close victories and resilient performances.
NBA Impact:
John Williams was selected 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1986 NBA Draft and had a notable NBA career.
🏀 1988 Kansas Jayhawks
Seed: 6
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 2 Duke and No. 1 Oklahoma
Known as "Danny and the Miracles," the 1988 Kansas team, led by Danny Manning, captured the national title despite being a 6-seed. Manning's outstanding performance throughout the tournament, including 31 points and 18 rebounds in the championship game, was instrumental in their success.
NBA Impact:
Danny Manning was the first overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Clippers, and became a two-time NBA All-Star.
🏀 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions
Seed: 11
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 3 New Mexico State and No. 2 Michigan
Loyola Marymount's 1990 run to the Elite Eight was marked by an emotional journey following the tragic passing of star player Hank Gathers. The team honored his memory with inspired play, including a 149-115 victory over defending champion Michigan.
NBA Impact:
Bo Kimble was selected 8th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1990 NBA Draft.
🏀 George Mason Patriots (2006)
Seed: 11
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 6 Michigan State, No. 3 North Carolina, No. 7 Wichita State, and No. 1 UConn
In 2006, George Mason University emerged from obscurity to make an unforgettable run to the Final Four. Their journey included a stunning overtime victory against top-seeded UConn, a game that showcased their resilience and determination. Despite falling to eventual champions Florida in the semifinals, the Patriots' run remains a testament to the unpredictable magic of March Madness.
NBA Impact:
While the Patriots' roster didn't produce prominent NBA stars, their collective effort exemplified the essence of team basketball and inspired future underdog stories.
🏀 Davidson Wildcats (2008)
Seed: 10
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 7 Gonzaga, No. 2 Georgetown, and No. 3 Wisconsin
Led by the sharpshooting sophomore Stephen Curry, Davidson College captured national attention with its electrifying run to the Elite Eight in 2008. Curry's scoring prowess was on full display, averaging 32 points per game during the tournament. Their journey ended with a narrow loss to eventual champion Kansas, but not before solidifying Curry's status as a rising star.
NBA Impact:
Stephen Curry was drafted 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2009. He has since become a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion, revolutionizing the game with his three-point shooting.
🏀 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams (2011)
Seed: 11
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 6 Georgetown, No. 3 Purdue, No. 10 Florida State, and No. 1 Kansas
VCU's 2011 tournament run was nothing short of historic. Starting from the "First Four," the Rams embarked on a journey that led them to the Final Four, marking one of the rare instances a team advanced from the First Four to the Final Four . Their up-tempo play and defensive tenacity under coach Shaka Smart made them a formidable opponent.
NBA Impact:
While VCU's roster didn't produce high-profile NBA talent, players like Larry Sanders made their mark, with Sanders being drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2010.
🏀 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (2013)
Seed: 15
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 2 Georgetown and No. 7 San Diego State
Dubbed "Dunk City" for their high-flying style, Florida Gulf Coast University became the first 15-seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in 2013. Their electrifying play and emphatic dunks captivated audiences, making them one of the most memorable Cinderella stories in tournament history.
NBA Impact:
While FGCU's players didn't transition prominently to the NBA, their tournament performance elevated the program's profile significantly.
🏀 Saint Peter's Peacocks (2022)
Seed: 15
Notable Victories: Defeated No. 2 Kentucky, No. 7 Murray State, and No. 3 Purdue
In 2022, Saint Peter's University etched its name in history by becoming the first 15-seed to reach the Elite Eight. Their tenacious defense and clutch performances, particularly from standout guard Doug Edert, propelled them past basketball powerhouses and into the national spotlight.
NBA Impact:
As of now, Saint Peter's players have yet to make a significant impact in the NBA, but their tournament heroics have left an indelible mark on college basketball lore.
These Cinderella stories remind us of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of March Madness. They embody the spirit of competition, where determination and teamwork can overcome the odds. As the landscape of college basketball evolves, these underdog tales continue to inspire and captivate fans, preserving the magic that defines the NCAA tournament.
— The Bandicoots