We’re almost to the end of the Missing March Madness series — only Boston Celtics veteran forward Gordon Hayward and All-Star point guard Kemba Walker made it into the month of April in the Big Dance.
As we revisit the NCAA tournament runs of current Celtics, today is the anniversary of the latter’s Final Four clash with the Kentucky Wildcats as the former Husky helped carry UConn to its third national title in one of basketball’s most improbable runs.
Walker’s UConn wouldn’t even have made the tourney had the Bronx native not caught fire at the start of the 2011 Big East Tournament, and the Huskies would not lose again while he wore the blue and white.
It was one of the worst-shooting national semifinal contests in modern NCAA history for UK, who shot less than 34 % from the field and 33.3 % from deep in the losing effort, Connecticut holding on for a 56-55 victory.
“The guys decided they didn’t want to go home; this is too much fun,” said Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun at the time (via the Associated Press).
Walker had 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in the win that would set up a meeting with future Celtics coach Brad Stevens and his team of the moment, Butler, for the national title.
