Rich Clarkson's Best Shots from the NCAA Final Fours

Photographer Rich Clarkson, who covered his 60th Final Four in 2015, recently received the Curt Gowdy Media Award given by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The award was established by the Board of Trustees to single out members of the electronic and print media for outstanding contributions to basketball. Here are some of the pictures in Clarkson's exhibit at the NCAA Hall of Champions museum in Indianapolis.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 18, 2015

Rich Clarkson's Best Shots from the NCAA Final Fours

Bill Russell (1955)

San Francisco's Bill Russell gets a ride off the court after defeating La Salle, 77-63, to win the title in Kansas City. Russell was named most outstanding player after scoring 47 points.

Gail Goodrich (1965)

UCLA guard Gail Goodrich drives against Michigan during the Final Four held in Portland. UCLA won 91-80 to take the title.

Adolph Rupp (1966)

Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp (with basketball) and his players watch as Texas Western receives the championship trophy. Kentucky lost 72-65 after Texas Western's Bobby Joe Hill had successive steals to turn the game around.

Willie Worsley (1966)

Texas Western guard Willie Worsley is pictured during the 1966 championship game. Texas Western defeated Kentucky in the final and Utah in one of the semifinals.

Lew Alcindor (1968)

UCLA center Lew Alcindor shoots his trademark sky hook during the Final Four semifinal game in Los Angeles. Also pictured is UCLA forward Mike Lynn (35), guard Lucius Allen (42), Houston forward Elvin Hayes (44), center Ken Spain (14) and guard Don Chaney (24). UCLA defeated the Cougars 101-69 to meet North Carolina in the championship game.

Lew Alcindor (1969)

UCLA's Lew Alcindor accepts congratulations from his father after winning the title in 1969 with a 92-72 victory over Purdue.

Artis Gilmore (1970)

Artis Gilmore blocks a shot at a Final Four semifinal held in College Park, Md. Jacksonville defeated St. Bonaventure 91-83 to face UCLA in the championship game.

John Wooden (1971)

In what he calls his favorite photo, UCLA coach John Wooden accepts congratulations and thanks from Sidney Wicks following the team's 68-62 victory over Villanova during the Final Four. Wicks was a starter on three Bruin championship teams.

Bill Walton (1973)

UCLA's Bill Walton before the start of the championship game with Memphis State held in St. Louis. UCLA won 87-66.

John Wooden (1975)

UCLA coach John Wooden pumps his fist after a 92-85 victroy over Kentucky in the 1975 title game in San Diego.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson (1979)

Michigan State guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson, forward Ron Charles and Indiana State forward Larry Bird during the title game, won by the Spartans, 75-64.

Magic Johnson (1979)

Michigan State guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson cuts down the net after the title game. Johnson was named Most Outstanding Player in the 75-64 victory.

Isiah Thomas (1981)

Indiana point guard Isiah Thomas cuts down the net after the Hoosiers defeated LSU 67-49 in the Final Four semifinal.

Akeem Olajuwon and Rodney McCray (1983)

Houston's Akeem Olajuwon (34) and Louisville's Rodney McCray battle during a Final Four semifinal in Albuquerque. Houston won 80-68 in overtime and Olajuwon was later named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Cozell McQueen (1983)

North Carolina State center Cozell McQueen celebrates their 54-52 victory over Houston in the championship, held in Albuquerque, N.M.

Patrick Ewing (1984)

Patrick Ewing of Georgetown goes up for a signature dunk during a Final Four semifinal in Seattle. Georgetown defeated Kentucky 53-40 to advance to the championship game.