To have fun SLAM’s thirtieth anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential males’s faculty groups from our previous 30 years. Stats, data and chips aren’t the principle issue right here, it’s all about their contribution to the sport’s cultural cloth.
For the subsequent 30 days—Monday by means of Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full record right here. We’ve additionally bought an unique retro collegiate assortment, out now, that pays homage to every squad’s threads. Store right here.
Take into consideration the NBA All Star Dunk contest, think about witnessing that for a full season. Merely often known as “Dunk Metropolis”, the 2013 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles actually soared and introduced faculty basketball to new heights with their circus-like dunks every recreation.
A real story of the underdog that couldn’t be stopped, the Eagles shocked the world after beating two groups that nobody ever imagined they may beat. Their match debut was nothing wanting spectacular. In an upset for the ages, the No. 15 Eagles shocked the basketball world by toppling the No. 2 Georgetown 78–68. The Dunk Metropolis magic didn’t cease there; with a convincing second-round win over No. 7 San Diego State, they turned the primary No. 15 to advance to the Candy Sixteen.
All through the season, the power of this group was unmatched. There was no construction actually, it was simply exit, do you, and play, however play like a group. With loads of iso and drop offs within the paint the eagles ‘13 group was not straightforward to maintain up with.
On the root of all of it was walk-on, yeah I stated it walk-on, who changed into an excellent freak athlete, Sherwood Brown. Who was named the A-Solar Participant of the 12 months and continued to show he was that man in March Insanity. Alongside Brown, a forged of electrifying gamers, like Bernard Thompson and Chase Fieler every contributing their distinctive expertise, turned Dunk Metropolis right into a present that was filled with spotlight reels.
Past the wins and losses, Dunk Metropolis turned a phenomenon. A nickname born out of their circus-like lobs and “spotlight finishes”, “Dunk Metropolis” modified the title of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles males’s basketball.
Though the Eagles confronted Florida, ending their magical run with a 62–50 loss. The season concluded with a 26–11 file, leaving an indelible mark on the historical past of FGCU basketball.
The “Dunk Metropolis” nickname will ceaselessly be one thing that followers will be reminded of. A time the place undergods soared.
Photographs by way of Getty Photographs.