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Top 10 NCAA Hoop Cinderella Men

by Jim Weber
HOFN.com Exclusive

#4 Bryce Drew (Valparaiso)

Bryce Drew
Courtesy of Valparaiso Athletic Department

It's simply known around Valparaiso as "The Shot."

With 2.5 seconds remaining in the 1998 first round against Ole Miss and trailing by two, No. 13 Valparaiso pulled out the miracle play it practiced once a week – "Pacer."

Guard Jamie Sykes inbounded the ball to forward Bill Jenkins past midcourt, who shoveled the ball to Drew. The buzzer-beating 3-pointer and swan dive that followed turned into one of the most memorable moments in tournament history.

The All-American son playing for his father carried the Crusaders on his back again in the next round vs. Florida State. Drew scored 22 points and hit two crucial free throws in an 83-77 overtime win, sending Valpo to the Sweet Sixteen where they fell to Rhode Island.

#3 Bobby Joe Hill (Texas Western)

Bobby Joe Hill
Courtesy of UTEP Athletic Department

Now credited as the game that broke the color barrier in college basketball, Bobby Joe Hill was the star of the 1966 championship game against Kentucky.

Finishing with a game-high 20 points, the 5-foot-10 Hill will always be remembered for steals on consecutive possessions that led to two layups.

Texas Western went on to win 72-65 and Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp credited those steals as the turning point of the game.

Hill averaged over 20 points per game during the Miners' run to the title.

After his death in 2002 at the age of 59 due to a heart attack, over 600 people attended his funeral to mourn his passing and a columnist for the El Paso Times called him the most beloved athlete ever to play in El Paso.

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