Let me begin by giving credit where credit is due. I cannot tell you how happy and shocked I was when my UNC Tar Heels stunned the Duke Blue Devils by 13 points last Saturday night – and accomplished that feat in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
As elated as I am, I must give pats on the back to Duke’s coach K. After 42 season, 5 national championships and 15 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, job well done.
When sports fans get together, someone will usually bring up the question, who’s your favorite player or tell me about your most memorable game.
As far as my favorite player? UNC Tar Heel #24 Walter Davis or as fans called him, Sweet D. My cousin Mike was the first to grab #24 for his basketball jersey. I grabbed the number of my second favorite college basketball star and that would be #44 David Thompson of N.C. State Wolfpack fame.
Now, what about my favorite college basketball game of all time? Let me take you back to March of 1974.
I have shared this story many times with fans and I always get the look “are you kidding me?” Picture this: a jam-packed Carmichael Auditorium on the UNC campus and the Duke Blue Devils have an 8 point lead with just 17 seconds on the clock. Yes, you read that right. Now, what if I told you the Tar Heels came back to beat the Duke Blue Devils? It actually happened and nearly 50 years later, I still find it hard to believe.
For those that don’t remember or have forgotten, I have the replay below.
Also, for honorable mention, I included the video from the Cardiac Pack, the N.C. State Wolfpack winning the 1983 National Championship under the direction of coach Jim Valvano. This win was yet another “you’ve got to be kidding” game endings. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.
