The team that 'shocked the world' with UConn's first men's basketball national championship in 1999 was honored Sunday.
The team that ‘shocked the world’ with UConn’s first men’s basketball national championship in 1999 – a 77-74 victory over favorites Duke – was honored Sunday in Gampel Pavilion, during half-time of the game against Southern Methodist. Men’s basketball has won three national championships to date.
The starting line-up for the team that won UConn’s first men’s basketball national championship, a 77-74 victory over favorites Duke, during the Huskies of Honor ceremony on Feb. 23 in Gampel Pavilion. From left, Head Coach Jim Calhoun, forward Kevin Freeman, guard Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton, guard Khalid El-Amin, guard Ricky Moore, and center Jake Voskuhl. (Steve Slade ’89 (SFA) for UConn)Head Coach Jim Calhoun shares the moment with Khalid El-Amin, who was honored for his role in the championship. El-Amin sealed the victory for UConn with two free throws and, in his words, UConn ‘shocked the world.’ (Steve Slade ’89 (SFA) for UConn)In addition to the starting five, those honored included walk-on Richard Moore, former players Souleymane Wane, and Beau Archibald, coaching staff at the time Karl Hobbs and Tom Moore, as well as former student managers Alyssa Budkofsky and Brian Vendetti. (Steve Slade ’89 (SFA) for UConn)Plaques honoring the 1999 championship team and guard Khalid El-Amin were added to an array of men’s basketball standouts, including Rip Hamilton, the MVP of the championship team.
