Description: 1996 NCAA FINAL FOUR PROGRAM University of KENTUCKY Wildcats 6th Title!ππΈππ» Backgroundvia Wikipedia βThe 1996 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 14, 1996, and ended with the championship game on April 1 at Continental Airlines Arena (now known as Meadowlands Arena) in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A total of 63 games were played. The Final Four venue was notable for several reasons: This marked the first time that the NCAA finals had been held in Greater New York since 1950. This was also the last (men's) Final Four to be held in a basketball/hockey-specific facility. Every Final Four since has been held in a domed stadium (usually built for football) because of NCAA venue capacity requirements. Therefore, this was also the last time the NCAA finals have been held in the Greater New York area and the Northeastern United States (for the time being). The Final Four consisted of Kentucky, making its first appearance in the Final Four since 1993 and eleventh overall, Massachusetts, making its first ever appearance in the Final Four, Syracuse, making its third appearance in the Final Four and first since 1987, and Mississippi State, also making its first appearance. Kentucky won its sixth national championship by defeating Syracuse in the final game 76β67. Tony Delk of Kentucky was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Kentucky's run to the championship was one of the most dominant in NCAA tournament history, as the Wildcats won each of their first four games by at least 20 points and won every game by at least 7 points. Massachusetts, coached by John Calipari, was later stripped of its wins, including the UMass Minutemen's Final Four appearance, by the NCAA because UMass star Marcus Camby had accepted illegal gifts from agents. Connecticut, coached by Jim Calhoun, was additionally punished monetarily due to players accepting illegal gifts from agents. The 1996 tournament was the last to feature teams from the Big Eight and Southwest Conferences; later that year the two would form the Big 12 Conference. As of 2022 they are the last Division I conferences to disband and/or merge after sending teams to the NCAA tournament.β π Ironically, John Calipari would eventually be hired as head coach for the University of Kentucky in 2009 and subsequently led the Wildcats to a National Championship in 2012. However, no dice for 13 years thereafter and let go. As we all know, with the level of talent Kentucky consistently draws every year in its recruiting class Big Blue Nation demands more than just one championship for its legendary basketball program. BBN expects excellence! ππΈππ»π About this Item Almost 29 years removed this program is still in terrific shape with just very faint signs of wear on the exterior, mainly on corners and spots on edges. It has actually never fully opened. Handled gently with care and comes from a smoke-free pet-free environment. π Be sure to consider additional items and historic gems currently available, including the matching 1996 UK Wildcats NCAA Championship Season Cup.And for those interested in Olympic memorabilia β an ICONIC 2002 Salt Lake OLYMPIC ATHLETE Jacket for OPENING CEREMONY. Citius, Altius, Fortius!βοΈπΊπΈπͺπ» Many more items forthcoming so stay tunedβ¦ >>> FAST SHIPPING π <<< As always, shipping will be adjusted for multiple purchases - combining items for all in one ship when possible. INTERNATIONAL bidders welcome. When applicable eBay Standard International Shipping will be utilized for quicker delivery at improved cost and an adjustment will be made. Bid with Absolute Confidence.Thank you for visiting!ππΈπ
Price: 14.95 USD
Location: Garden Grove, California
End Time: 2024-11-24T03:51:18.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.38 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Officially Licensed: Yes
Year: 1996
Original/Reproduction: Original
Team: Kentucky Wildcats Syracuse Orangemen
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Vintage: Yes
Event/Tournament: 1996 NCAA FINAL FOUR UK Wildcats Syracuse Orangemen U Mass MSU