LeBron's shot spurs buzzer-beater dreams
LeBron James’ magnificent game-winner against the Magic (and because I’m at work on a long weekend) just makes me want to watch more buzzer-beaters.
That’s normal, right? One good buzzer-beater deserves another – even if it isn’t March…
Top 10 lists for college hoops buzzer-beaters circulate every year, even on sites that don’t … condone … college hoops, to say nothing of the usual suspects.
Charles Arbogast/AP |
Christian Laettner vs. Kentucky, 1992
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For starters, they’re a blast. Seeing it happen live – the few of us who were in the newsroom Friday night all yelled when LeBron sunk his shot – is marvelous, and just makes you (Read: me) want to talk about it all night and into the next day. (My wife rarely feels the same way, unless it’s about Kansas, but even she has her limits with the Jayhawks.)
But the post-shot discussion is my favorite. Where does each shot rank? How hard was it? Did he or she get lucky? And do you remember when … well, you get the idea.
So come with me and take a trip down memory lane for some of the best buzzer-beaters in college hoops history.
Start with the non-NCAA tournament shots. ESPN did a fun highlight package last year when Cleveland State beat Syracuse that featured nothing but half-court shots, and some that were even farther. (The full-court heave after the missed free throw is astounding.)
But they don’t have to be half-courters to be dramatic. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen Jeff Capel’s buzzer-beater against UNC in ’95 replayed.
Still, most of the memorable buzzer-beaters happen during the NCAA tourney. The event’s tailor-made for drama because of what’s at stake and the number of games (more chances for drama!).
This list is a pretty good rundown of the ones we all know, but there’s no video involved. And here’s a ranking of the Top 5.
But what good are buzzer-beaters if you can’t watch ‘em? Here’s another ESPN highlights package of 10 good ones, including Christian Laettner sinking Kentucky, Lorenzo Charles saving N.C. State and Valpo’s play for Bryce Drew.
So what’s missing? I always liked this Drew Nicholas shot against UNC Wilmington in 2003. Sure, the Terps were the defending champs and it would’ve been a nice upset, but there’s just something about Nicholas dribbling all around the court and hitting an off-balance shot. Clutch.
Ty Rogers’ shot to sink Drake in 2008 was pure.
Laettner vs. Kentucky is usually hailed as the greatest college hoops shot of all time, but is it strange that his jumper two years earlier against UConn in the East Regional finals is rarely mentioned? Sure, it’s a little shorter, but it also sent the Devils to a Final Four. Great shot.
I suppose if Kentucky would’ve eventually beaten Michigan State in 2005 Austin Regional finals, Patrick Sparks’ shot from the top of the key would be talked about more often. As is, it’s just a dramatic moment in part of a game.
Then again, sometimes a person’s favorite shot isn’t a buzzer-beater, just a last-second shot. I know I can’t watch this shot enough.
How long until March again?
