March Madness or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Basketball Tournament is almost here. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1939 and is known for its upsets, buzzer-beaters, and high drama, which has captivated fans and viewers alike for generations. March Madness has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans filling out brackets and following the tournament closely, even if they don’t typically follow college basketball.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 greatest NCAA Tournament Performances from a Player.
1. Christian Laettner, Duke (1992): Laettner had one of the most iconic performances in NCAA Tournament history when he hit the game-winning shot in the Elite Eight against Kentucky. He finished the game with 31 points and 7 rebounds.
2. Bill Walton, UCLA (1973): Walton led UCLA to their seventh consecutive NCAA championship in 1973, averaging 21.1 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game throughout the tournament.
3. Kemba Walker, Connecticut (2011): Walker led UConn to the championship in 2011, averaging 23.5 points per game and hitting numerous clutch shots throughout the tournament.
4. Magic Johnson, Michigan State (1979): Johnson led Michigan State to the championship in 1979, averaging 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game throughout the tournament.
5. Danny Manning, Kansas (1988): Manning led Kansas to the championship in 1988, averaging 27.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game throughout the tournament.
6. Glen Rice, Michigan (1989): Rice had an incredible run in the 1989 tournament, averaging 30.7 points per game and leading Michigan to the championship.
7. Jerry Lucas, Ohio State (1960): Lucas led Ohio State to the championship in 1960, averaging 26.3 points and 16.0 rebounds per game throughout the tournament.
8. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2003): Anthony led Syracuse to the championship in 2003, averaging 20.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game throughout the tournament.
9. Stephen Curry, Davidson (2008): Curry led Davidson to the Elite Eight in 2008, averaging 32.0 points per game and hitting numerous clutch shots throughout the tournament.
10. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston (1983): Olajuwon led Houston to the championship game in 1983, averaging 21.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game throughout the tournament.