When Giants Ruled the Tournament
Text by Elizabeth McGarr
March 24, 2008
From Bob Kurland to Patrick Ewing traditional back-to-the-basket big men have played a pivotal role, towering over the low post—and their often helpless opponents. For years the center was the centerpiece, and no team could harbor championship hopes without a true titan blocking the basket on one end of the floor and scoring at will on the other
JERRY LUCAS, Ohio State
After leading the Buckeyes to the championship—and winning MOP honors—in 1960, the 6' 8" Lucas followed up with sensational junior (24.9 points and 17.4 rebounds) and senior (21.8 and 17.8) seasons that both ended with title-game losses to rival Cincinnati.
FINAL FOUR MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYERS
Until the mid-80's, centers (IN BOLD) had an outsized impact on the Big Dance
[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]