Duke Basketball Deity Reflects on His Illustrious Career
The name Christian Laettner is synonymous with March Madness. Whether you loved or hated how the Duke University basketball phenom carried himself, you watched. That's precisely what a large gathering did in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Westgate as Laettner reflected on his career in Durham during a question-and-answer session on the eve of the 34th anniversary of Duke's upset win over the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels.
The Blue Devils were 9-point underdogs after losing to the Rebels the year prior in the most lopsided final score in NCAA Tournament history. That 1991 game is considered the Valhalla of Upsets in college basketball history.
When the UNLV faithful asked what the difference was from the year prior, the 55-year-old answered quite simply.
"The difference was (point guard) Bobby (Hurley) was healthier, and we were all a year older, and Grant Hill was there, and that made a big difference," Laettner said. "Because you guys were great both years."
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Laettner was known for his performances during March Madness. He still holds four NCAA Tournament records, including the most games played with 23. One of those games was an East regional final against rival Kentucky that came down to the final second. After a full-court pass and a catch with his back to the basket, Laettner turned around and put up a jump shot that went into the hoop, forever etched in sports fans' minds.
His career at Duke culminated in accolades such as ACC Player of the Year, Consensus All-American, College Basketball Player of the Year, and, most importantly, two NCAA DI Championships.
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