Sports Illustrated called it the greatest college basketball ever played. It took place in the NCAA basketball tournament 20 years ago. With just moments left in the game Duke was trailing Kentucky by a point. Duke’s Grant Hill threw a pass all the way down the length of the court to teammate Christian Laettner who put in a final jump shot as time ran out. Takeaway sports contributor Ibrahim Abdul-Matin remembers that moment well — and he says it holds the key to understanding why March Madness is so special. Like British Prime Minister Cameron — who got lessons in how to fill out his bracket from President Obama yesterday — this week, the BBC’s Dan Damon is visiting New York. Here to give The Takeaway’s guest host a crucial primer into the methods and magic behind March Madness is Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, The Takeaway’s sports contributor.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!