Favorite moments in Duke history

[hurleyfor3]

Gotta be 79-77.

Edit: I just googled 79-77. The first result was a Duke basketball game, but not the one I was thinking of.

[RelativeWays]

Loved this one (my senior year):
-Chris Duhon going coast-to-coast in the Dean Dome to beat UNC with a buzzer-beating reverse layup in 2004

Thats what I was going to pick. I remember joking with a UNC fan at work after that game. What made it for me is how he said if he had been at the Dean Dome, he would have thrown a shoe, a drink, marbles, anything to stop Duhon's layup. It was an image that brought many smiles to my face.


Not to mention the win in Cameron over UNC in 05 You could literally see the question marks over peoples heads after that busted play by Felton and McCants

[Olympic Fan]

Just to clarify the question about Heyman slugging Larry Brown in 1961 ... it wasn't quite like that. Duke was about to win and Brown drove for a meaningless layup with seconds left -- Heyman grabbed Brown with both hands to prevent the layup. A foul, but nothing dirty and by grabbing him, he prevented Brown from going down hard, so nothing dangerous.

Brown responded by throwing the ball at Heyman's face, then following it up with a punch. Only THEN did Heyman punch out Brown. He got in one good punch before Donnie Walsh (the future NBA exec) sucker punched Heyman from behind, knocking him down to the court. At that point about six Carolina players jumped him and started pounding him. Damned if Art didn't fight his way to his feet and start giving as good as he got.

Sorry to be picky here, because it's kind of a sore point. At the time, it was reported that Heyman threw the first punch. Bubas took the unusual step of calling a press conference, then rolling film of the sequence to prove that Brown struck first (and Walsh sucker punched from behind). The really unfair thing is that the ACC handed down the same punishment for Brown, who started the fight, Walsh who came off the bench to slug an opponent from behind and for Heyman, who was merely defending himself. All three were suspended for the rest of the ACC regular season schedule.

Which brings up a question that's been bugging me -- I know it's off-topic, but why was Gerald Henderson not allowed to sit on the Duke bench during his suspension after elbowing Hansbrough? Georgia Tech's Zach Peacock was allowed to sit on the Tech bench when he received a one-game suspension last year under exactly the same rule. And Chris Paul was allowed to sit on the Wake bench for the first ACC Tourney game in 2005 after he was suspended for punching Julius Hodge in the groin. And three years earlier, Hodge was allowed to sit on the State bench when he was suspended for slugging Steve Blake from behind.

I know it's a small thing ... but just as I'm still angry about Heyman's unfair punishment 47 years ago, I want to know why the conference forbid Henderson from sitting on the Duke bench during his suspension -- just as every other player who has been suspended by the ACC over the last decade was allowed to do???

By the way, a few memories for the old-timers (you guys have covered the Krzyzewski era in great detail) --

-- The game that made me a fan for life, Carroll Youngkin pouring in 30 points against Doug Moe as Duke stunned UNC in the 1960 ACC semfinals (and Doug Kistler outplaying Len Chappell the next night as Bubas won the title in his first year).

-- Heyman and Mullins outplay Bill Bradley in December of '62. Bubas later said the game made him sick to his stomach, wondering "What might have been ..." Bradley, who signed a letter of intent to Duke, scored 24 for Princeton -- Mullins had 28 and Heyman 27 for Duke. A month later, Rod Thorn, who also almost came to Duke, visited Cameron and Duke simply blew the Mountaineers away.

-- Mullins hitting from over midcourt and finishing with 43 points as Duke beat a great Villanova team in the East Regional semifinals.

-- Robbie West beating Carolina from the top of the key on the day when Duke Indoor Stadium was dedicated as Cameron Indoor Stadium.

-- Dick DeVenzio destroying UNC in Bubas' last home game -- his retirement had been announced the night before. I was also in Carmichael the time he hit the shot from his own foul line to beat UNC's frosh at the buzzer.

-- Watching the undefeated freshman team play in Bucky's first year ... ah, what promise -- too bad just two of the five lasted four years.

-- Watching Gary Melchionni burn No. 3 Maryland for 39 points out of the Mongoose -- one of the few bright spots in a dark era.

-- The great joy of the 1978 team. Two academic All-Americans (Spanarkel and Gminski) and two wild childs -- Banks and Dennard. Everything they did was magic.

Finally, the greatest of all that I saved for last. As others have mentioned: the Freddie Lind game. If you weren't there, you can't understand. Simply the most unbelievable performance in Duke history. The loudest I've ever heard Cameron. Freddie Lind will live forever!!

[weezie]

Late to the thread but 2001, semis in Minneapolis, Duhon cracks skulls with Blake. Duke down by, what 23 at the half? Reeling through the tunnels, staggered into another unknown Dukie who grabbed me by the shoulders and told me he didn't know how we were going to do it but we were going to win that game. Love you dude, wherever you are!
And also, everything that Battier did that entire weekend. Hail Shane!

[EarlJam]

Just to clarify the question about Heyman slugging Larry Brown in 1961 ... it wasn't quite like that. Duke was about to win and Brown drove for a meaningless layup with seconds left -- Heyman grabbed Brown with both hands to prevent the layup. A foul, but nothing dirty and by grabbing him, he prevented Brown from going down hard, so nothing dangerous.

Brown responded by throwing the ball at Heyman's face, then following it up with a punch. Only THEN did Heyman punch out Brown.

Either way, long story short, Duke guy punches UNC guy. Snap! Awesome!

Seriously, thanks for that post. The context is very interesting and very much appreciated.

-EarlJam

[devildeac]

Just to clarify the question about Heyman slugging Larry Brown in 1961 ... it wasn't quite like that. Duke was about to win and Brown drove for a meaningless layup with seconds left -- Heyman grabbed Brown with both hands to prevent the layup. A foul, but nothing dirty and by grabbing him, he prevented Brown from going down hard, so nothing dangerous.

Brown responded by throwing the ball at Heyman's face, then following it up with a punch. Only THEN did Heyman punch out Brown. He got in one good punch before Donnie Walsh (the future NBA exec) sucker punched Heyman from behind, knocking him down to the court. At that point about six Carolina players jumped him and started pounding him. Damned if Art didn't fight his way to his feet and start giving as good as he got.

Sorry to be picky here, because it's kind of a sore point. At the time, it was reported that Heyman threw the first punch. Bubas took the unusual step of calling a press conference, then rolling film of the sequence to prove that Brown struck first (and Walsh sucker punched from behind). The really unfair thing is that the ACC handed down the same punishment for Brown, who started the fight, Walsh who came off the bench to slug an opponent from behind and for Heyman, who was merely defending himself. All three were suspended for the rest of the ACC regular season schedule.

Which brings up a question that's been bugging me -- I know it's off-topic, but why was Gerald Henderson not allowed to sit on the Duke bench during his suspension after elbowing Hansbrough? Georgia Tech's Zach Peacock was allowed to sit on the Tech bench when he received a one-game suspension last year under exactly the same rule. And Chris Paul was allowed to sit on the Wake bench for the first ACC Tourney game in 2005 after he was suspended for punching Julius Hodge in the groin. And three years earlier, Hodge was allowed to sit on the State bench when he was suspended for slugging Steve Blake from behind.

I know it's a small thing ... but just as I'm still angry about Heyman's unfair punishment 47 years ago, I want to know why the conference forbid Henderson from sitting on the Duke bench during his suspension -- just as every other player who has been suspended by the ACC over the last decade was allowed to do???

By the way, a few memories for the old-timers (you guys have covered the Krzyzewski era in great detail) --

-- The game that made me a fan for life, Carroll Youngkin pouring in 30 points against Doug Moe as Duke stunned UNC in the 1960 ACC semfinals (and Doug Kistler outplaying Len Chappell the next night as Bubas won the title in his first year).

-- Heyman and Mullins outplay Bill Bradley in December of '62. Bubas later said the game made him sick to his stomach, wondering "What might have been ..." Bradley, who signed a letter of intent to Duke, scored 24 for Princeton -- Mullins had 28 and Heyman 27 for Duke. A month later, Rod Thorn, who also almost came to Duke, visited Cameron and Duke simply blew the Mountaineers away.

-- Mullins hitting from over midcourt and finishing with 43 points as Duke beat a great Villanova team in the East Regional semifinals.

-- Robbie West beating Carolina from the top of the key on the day when Duke Indoor Stadium was dedicated as Cameron Indoor Stadium.

-- Dick DeVenzio destroying UNC in Bubas' last home game -- his retirement had been announced the night before. I was also in Carmichael the time he hit the shot from his own foul line to beat UNC's frosh at the buzzer.

-- Watching the undefeated freshman team play in Bucky's first year ... ah, what promise -- too bad just two of the five lasted four years.

-- Watching Gary Melchionni burn No. 3 Maryland for 39 points out of the Mongoose -- one of the few bright spots in a dark era.

-- The great joy of the 1978 team. Two academic All-Americans (Spanarkel and Gminski) and two wild childs -- Banks and Dennard. Everything they did was magic.

Finally, the greatest of all that I saved for last. As others have mentioned: the Freddie Lind game. If you weren't there, you can't understand. Simply the most unbelievable performance in Duke history. The loudest I've ever heard Cameron. Freddie Lind will live forever!!

great memories,OF

I am really writing to reply to the question why GH was not allowed to sit on the Duke bench after his 'love tap' to Hansblabla's nose. Even K did not have an answer to that question this summer when some pre-season stuff was discussed. In a presser, he really sounded befuddled/pissed about it. This was in the same discussions of how to better promote Duke or how to better defend Duke came out when all the hating was discussed. K seemed to realize his some times aloofness or lack of access to the media really has t'd them off and he seemed willing to make himself more available. He also said something along the lines (paraphrasing) that we need to do a better job advocating or promoting Duke. I think he referenced the ESPN crap of 'what Duke player do you hate the most' came out. This is all from memory but it sounded like we were planning on doing a much more proactive job or at least active job combatting the garbage that guys like Doyel, Bradley and others have spewed our way over the last several years.

[Tappan Zee Devil]

Fred Lind. "nuff said.

March 2, 1968 - Beating the holes (I believe they were then ranked #3 in the country behind UCLA and Houston) in three overtimes at Cameron with a little used sub as the hero when he replaced the All-American center (Mike Lewis) who fouled out in the second half of regulation. An epic, iconic game. My most exhilarating Cameron moment ( although it was simply the ""Indoor Stadium" then).

Jim (T '70)

[throatybeard]

Good call DevDeac.

I think K is realizing his recent Dean-like inaccessibility may obstruct some of his own goals because of the way the press works. That's just an uniformed opinion on my part.

[devildeac]

Good call DevDeac.

I think K is realizing his recent Dean-like inaccessibility may obstruct some of his own goals because of the way the press works. That's just an uniformed opinion on my part.

Hijacking a bit here, but responding to TB as above.

It is NOT an uninformed(I assume you meant uninformed) opinion on your part. I think K and whatever PR there is for men's BB is consciously aware of the bad press and will make serious efforts to refute/combat this in the future. This is stuff in the media you may not have seen in Mississippi or now in StL.

[Duke09]

Or, as CBS announcers say...

"Duke does NOT need a three, Hurley puts one up....and makes it! Wow!"


-EarlJam

Which game was that?

My favorites are:
-Magette's dunk vs. FSU
-JJ lighting up Texas
-Duhon Coast to Coast against UNC
-J-Will "Duke needs a miracle, there's one" at Maryland

[DavidBenAkiva]

I thinkt that the whole 2000 - 2001 National Championship season was just so amazing for me. It was my freshman year. I mean, the thing was an epic saga:
1) J - Will's 56 Seconds from goat to glory - and that block by Battier!
writer's note: I watched the first half in my dorm room. We did OK. The second half, I watched across the hall. With exactly two minutes left, I went back to my room. Blake fouled out, then the miracle happened. The dorm erupted into the hallway. Everyone yelled at me to get back into my room for OT lest I jinx the team again!
2) Duke destroys UNC in Chapel Hill. This is after Battier fouled Haywood at the end of the game at home and Boozer goes down to Maryland.
3) Duke further pours salt on Gary Williams by beating Maryland in the ACC Semis and the Final Four, which was just a gut-wrenching game.
4) If I had to pick one moment, nothing beat watching the national championship game in CIS. If the Final Four were like the World Series, that would be better, so I could watch game 7 there. As it is, though, that was a hell of a place to watch a game on a big screen. Being on campus afterwards was also quite an experience. I did not go to class Tuesday for health and wellbeing issues. I'd also like to point out that they burned cars on the street in Arizona that evening. Imagine what they would have done had they won!

Time flies like an arrow
Fruit flies like a banana

[Cameron]

I've gone over this story many of times on here before, so will refrain from posting the specifics for the 500th time, but the most elated I have EVER been--whether it be for "The Shot" when I was just a kid, Capel's miracle, the national championships, Duhon's coast to coast blue jersey reverse shot, etc--was after Jason hit that three pointer against Indiana. I felt like I was floating on a cloud of speed (not that I know what that is). The elation was outstanding, better than any feeling I have ever had. No question. And what made it a MILLION times better was the fact that I had been in a bar area surrounded by a sea of red, Hooiser fans.

I talked so much **** after that shot went down. Larry Johnson, b****es, Larry f***** Johnson! I was in Heaven. Then came the miss and the no call. (I should note, however, that my language after the shot was warranted, as I was being heckled beyond belief that night, especially when the leprechaun hit that two foot, float shot to put IU on top, his first basket of the game. Damn him.)

I went from happiest moment in my entire life to hell, in a matter of seconds. I'll never forget that initial feeling, though. We were on our way to back to back national titles.

[mepanchin]

Battier's block on Jason Gardner in the 01 Final and subsequent behind the back, barely in bounds pass into a fast break was pretty memorable

[hondoheel]

I didn't see a link to the Brown/Heyman fight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNxqafl6OtI



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y62MM_fnuuo

[EarlJam]

Which game was that?

Duke/UNLV in the 1991 Semifinal.

UNLV had just gone up by five, I think, when Hurley brought the ball down and nailed a three to cut the lead to two and deflate the momentum from the Rebel's balloon. He misses that, we lose.

That's not an exact quote from the announcers but it was something like that. They were in the middle of saying Duke doesn't need a three when Hurley, in essence, said "Frook that noise!"

-EarlJam

[mark3401]

"2. Someone else had lost during the week and it was Saturday and Duke would be #1 (for the first time in a looong time) if we could just beat a highly regarded Oklahoma team in Cameron. We jumped out to about a 30-4 lead or something crazy like that. It was insane. In my 4 years, I never, ever, heard Cameron that loud."

YES!!! That was the only game that I was was one of the first 5 people through the doors. Unbelievable. "we're #1" "we're #1". wow.. goosebumps still

[Jeffrey]

Front row, center court, tent #1 and 3rd or so guy in the door for Capel's shot vs UNC. Watched the AP guy throw his notes in the air as part of the celebration. AWESOME.

Hi L.A.,

I'm a self-made multi-millionaire with a hot younger wife! Nah... nevermind.... you win!

Best regards,
Jeffrey

[monkey]

since someone's already mentioned that ... I'll go with '97-'98 Blue Devils beating #1 ranked Arizona in the Maui Classic (which got a mention on the main page). After 3 so-so years (though our 97 ACC regular season championship was nice after the prior two), this was a statement game. And one of the first glimpses of what Will Avery could really do. Man did that win feel good.

[throatybeard]

Duke/UNLV in the 1991 Semifinal.

UNLV had just gone up by five, I think, when Hurley brought the ball down and nailed a three to cut the lead to two and deflate the momentum from the Rebel's balloon. He misses that, we lose.

That's not an exact quote from the announcers but it was something like that. They were in the middle of saying Duke doesn't need a three when Hurley, in essence, said "Frook that noise!"

-EarlJam

Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlcFqkHi6dg

Packer says: "Still plenty of time to not worry about a three, and Hurley hits one right there, because it was available."

[Bostondevil]

Just today as I was driving to pick up my son from piano lessons I was thinking about my all time favorite sports photos. The one of Tinkerbell after his senior day game with his fists raised to the heavens, his head thrown back and mouth wide open is one of the all time greats. I was still in high school and dating a guy bound for Carolina (my last, we broke up, don't worry) so beating the Heels that day was extra sweet.

Very personal memory but still, it happened in Cameron, getting Tate Armstrong's autograph when I was 12.

The Shot never gets old. I watch it on YouTube 3-4 times a year.

Sitting behind the visiting bench my freshman year and getting Michael Jordan to look up into the crowd where we all put tongue depressors in our mouths, just priceless.

Ferry putting up that shot to help seal the deal against Kansas in the '86 semis. I was at that Final Four. What happened next belongs in the all time biggest disappointment thread, not just in sports, but life.