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The definitive book on the greatest game in the history of college basketball, and the dramatic road both teams took to get there.
March 28, 1992. The final of the NCAA East Regional, Duke vs. Kentucky. The 17,848 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia and the millions watching on TV could say they saw the greatest game and the greatest shot in the history of college basketball. But it wasn't just the final play of the game-an 80-foot inbounds bass from Grant Hill to Christian Laettner with 2.1 seconds left in overtime- that made Duke's 104-103 victory so memorable. The Kentucky and Duke players and coaches arrived at that point from very different places, each with a unique story to tell.
In The Last Great Game, acclaimed ESPN columnist Gene Wojciechowski tells their stories in vivid detail, turning the game we think we remember into a drama filled with suspense, humor, revelations and reverberations. The cast alone is worth meeting again: Mike Krzyzewski, Rick Pitino, Bobby Hurley, Jamal Mashburn, Christian Laettner, Sean Woods, Grant Hill, and Bobby Knight. Timed for the game's 20th anniversary, The Last Great Game isn't a book just for Duke or Kentucky or even basketball fans. It's a book for any reader who can appreciate that great moments in sports are the result of hard work, careful preparation, group psychology, and a little luck.
Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2012
I love this book I am a Duke fan all the way. Even if you don't like Duke or Kentucky, this is a great book.
Dukewife
Posted April 19, 2012
Ok, I'm a die-hard Duke fan, my husband was one of the original blue faced Cameron Crazies from 1982...but I have to say whether you hate or love Duke basketball this is an outstanding sports book about a once in a lifetime game. Duke was the perfect storm in 1992. They shut up the ever mouthy Kentucky obsessive fans and then simply outclassed the Michigan five (no way I'll call them fabulous). Wojciechowski writes with as much respect and passion for both KY and Duke programs. Players come alive and you can feel the excitement of each moment of the season and this game. It was a time that no longer exists in college basketball....now they play one then gone... The beauty of college basketball has certainly changed and not for the better. But Duke fans will always have those two back to back championship seasons and now have this book. Thanks for the memories of this wonderful game Mr. Wojciechowski!
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Posted April 6, 2012
This book descrbes much more than just the 1992 regional finals game between two schools with storied basketball history. The reader will be introduced and learn abouth the personalities of key players on each team. Not only do you learn about Jamaal Mashburn's journey to escape the projects but also about Grant Hill's persoanl demons despite his more comfortable childhood. The Untouchables for Kentucky is also a great story as those players helped to bring Kentucky basketball back from purgatory.
My only criticism of the book is that it glosses over much of the regulation portion of the game itself. Yes we all remember Wood's bank shot and then the legendary pass by Grant Hill and Laetner's shot...but there was much more that made it one of the greatest sports events of our time. The in-depth stories of the playersand coaches more than make up for that proble, however and I would recommend this book for any college basketball fan.
Anonymous
Posted March 28, 2012
Terrific book. Love the backstories about all the players. Duke is one of my favorite basketball teams and is tied with Johns Hopkins for my 2nd favorite lacrosse team. Inspiring story about Grant Hill. Only bad thing is there is an abnormal amount of swearing in this book. 13 years of age and up. Overall though I give it 5 stars.
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Posted March 22, 2012
Loved the back stories to all the people involved with the 1992 game. I can still remember where I was when I watched that game, and the book was a great way to relive some of the past. Was a fast read and it did a great job of going back and forth between Kentucky and Duke and how they both got their teams to Philadelphia in March of 1992. Highly recommend this book to basketball lovers everywhere.
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Posted March 16, 2012
Perfect for any college bb fan. I was a kid when the game went down and have always wanted to learn more about the inside of the programs and that game. This book quenched that thirst Big Time! An all time favorite for sure.
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Posted March 11, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much. The author did a great job of looking back at this unforelgetable game, the people involved, and the events that preceded and followed the game. It brought back a lot of memories while adding new information. I couldn't put it done.
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Posted February 16, 2012
Great book doe hard duke fan austin rivers now christi lattnear before duke all the way
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 15, 2012
Cool
0 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 26, 2012
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Posted March 21, 2012
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Overview
The definitive book on the greatest game in the history of college basketball, and the dramatic road both teams took to get there.
March 28, 1992. The final of the NCAA East Regional, Duke vs. Kentucky. The 17,848 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia and the millions watching on TV could say they saw the greatest game and the greatest shot in the history of college basketball. But it wasn't just the final play of the game-an 80-foot inbounds bass from Grant Hill to Christian Laettner with 2.1 seconds left in overtime- that made Duke's 104-103 victory so memorable. The Kentucky and Duke players and coaches arrived at that ...