Mike Bibby was a freshman starting point guard, and Jason Terry was a sophmore 6th man on this #4 seeded Arizona team with no starting seniors that stormed to the National Title, defeating three #1 seeds on the way.
In 1997, Arizona defeated the University of Kentucky, the defending national champions, 84-79 in OT to win the NCAA National Championship. Prior to winning the championship in 1997, Arizona stormed back from 10-point deficits in the Southeast Regional First Round and Second Round against #13 South Alabama and #12 College of Charleston, respectively winning 65–57 and 73–69. The Southeast Regional Semifinal pitted against overall #1 Kansas (34–1) which had defeated Arizona the year before in the 1996 West Regional Semifinal. However, Arizona came out fast and stunned the Jayhawks 85–82, then prevailed in overtime against Providence 96–92 in the Elite Eight to clinch a berth in the Final Four. Arizona then beat #1 seed North Carolina 66–58 in the Final Four, which turned out to be Dean Smith's last game as a coach. Arizona also accomplished the unprecedented feat of beating three number one seeds in the same tournament. One hell of a surprising ride for an Arizona team that did not win the PAC-10 title that season.
Now, one of these former Arizona teammates in their familiar roles will add an NBA title to their NCAA Championship.
In 1997, Arizona defeated the University of Kentucky, the defending national champions, 84-79 in OT to win the NCAA National Championship. Prior to winning the championship in 1997, Arizona stormed back from 10-point deficits in the Southeast Regional First Round and Second Round against #13 South Alabama and #12 College of Charleston, respectively winning 65–57 and 73–69. The Southeast Regional Semifinal pitted against overall #1 Kansas (34–1) which had defeated Arizona the year before in the 1996 West Regional Semifinal. However, Arizona came out fast and stunned the Jayhawks 85–82, then prevailed in overtime against Providence 96–92 in the Elite Eight to clinch a berth in the Final Four. Arizona then beat #1 seed North Carolina 66–58 in the Final Four, which turned out to be Dean Smith's last game as a coach. Arizona also accomplished the unprecedented feat of beating three number one seeds in the same tournament. One hell of a surprising ride for an Arizona team that did not win the PAC-10 title that season.
Now, one of these former Arizona teammates in their familiar roles will add an NBA title to their NCAA Championship.
