Way Back Wednesday: Kansas Basketball’s 2008 National Title Win

Mario Chalmers saved the Jayhawks in 2008 with a clutch performance in the NCAA championship game. Take a look back at one of the greatest moments in Kansas history in this edition of Way Back Wednesday.

Apr 7, 2008; San Antonio, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Mario Chalmers (15) shoots a three pointer over Memphis Tigers forward Robert Dozier (2) during the first half of the finals of the 2008 NCAA Mens Final Four Championship at the Alamodome. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

On April 7, 2008, Kansas basketball etched its name in history with a dramatic victory over Memphis in the NCAA championship game, securing the program’s third national title.

The 75-68 overtime win was filled with unforgettable moments, none bigger than Mario Chalmers’ game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation—a shot forever known as “Mario’s Miracle.”

The Jayhawks, led by head coach Bill Self, entered the game as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region, facing off against a formidable Memphis squad. The Tigers, featuring future NBA star Derrick Rose, held a nine-point lead with just over two minutes remaining. But Kansas mounted a furious comeback, chipping away at the deficit before Chalmers hit the iconic three with 2.1 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

In the extra period, Kansas seized the momentum, outscoring Memphis 12-5 to claim the national championship. Key contributions came from tournament MVP Darrell Arthur, who scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Brandon Rush, who added 12 points and six rebounds.

For Bill Self, it was a career-defining moment. In his fifth season at Kansas, Self delivered the program its first national title in 20 years, silencing critics and cementing his legacy as one of college basketball’s elite coaches. The victory also solidified Kansas’ reputation as a powerhouse, reaffirming the program’s dominance on the national stage.

The title run was more than just a win for the team; it represented resilience and determination. Kansas had been to the Final Four multiple times since its last championship in 1988, but the 2008 victory brought a long-awaited sense of fulfillment to the Jayhawk faithful.

Chalmers’ miracle shot remains one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history, and it symbolizes the grit and heart of that Kansas team.

For Jayhawks fans, the 2008 national title will always be a cherished memory, one that reinforced the program’s standing as a perennial contender.

As Kansas continues to add to its storied history, 2008 serves as a reminder of what’s possible when talent, coaching, and a never-give-up attitude come together.

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