Fifteen Years Since Laettner's Shot

It's March 28th. Fifteen years ago this happened in Philadelphia. "The Shot". Not only has it placed so many vivid memories in our minds [Hill crying, Laettner running], but it really is quite a huge moment in college basketball history. Not just because of what happened that night, but what didn't happen afterwards. I mean, think if Laettner either missed the shot or Kentucky decided to defend it.

• Duke wouldn't repeat. That means the last time we've seen a repeat champion was UCLA in 1972-1973.
• Michigan may have won it. Duke beat Michigan in the title game. Remember, that was the freshman year for Michigan's Fab Five. It they had played Kentucky [or Indiana] in that title game ... they could've won.
• And if Michigan won, knowing what we do now, it would be vacated. Because of Chris Webber and some money he was being paid, all of Michigan's participation in the 1992 tournament has been vacated. If Michigan had gone on to win the title, it would be the first time an NCAA champion was stripped of their crown.
• If Michigan did win, also, coach Steve Fisher would have two NCAA championships. That would put him tied with Dean Smith [and some others] as coaches with two titles.
• Mike Krzyzewski would also have two titles since that one wouldn't have happened.
• Or maybe Kentucky would have won the title. If so, Rick Pitino would have his 1st NCAA title and may have moved out of Kentucky a lot sooner than 1997.
• Or maybe Indiana would have won the title. Indiana lost to Duke in the Final Four, 81-78. If the Hoosiers played Kentucky instead, maybe they would have won. That would mean that Bobby Knight would have his 4th NCAA championship, tying him with Adolph Rupp for 2nd all time.