March Madness 2026: As retirement from Sporting News approaches, here's my Top 10 Final Four memories

U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Famer Mike DeCourcy reflects on his best memories from America's greatest tournament.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and multiple perspectives of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic action on the court.DeCourcy's decades-long journey covering the Final Four has been defined by unforgettable moments of athletic brilliance, human drama, and the enduring passion of college basketball fans.Jenkins Today

Mike DeCourcy, a veteran basketball journalist who is retiring from his role as Senior Writer at Sporting News, shares his top 10 favorite memories from covering the NCAA Final Four over the past three decades. From witnessing Duke's historic upset of UNLV in 1991 to seeing Carmelo Anthony's dominant freshman performance in 2003, DeCourcy recounts the most memorable moments, people, and games that have defined his career covering college basketball's biggest stage.

Why it matters

DeCourcy's reflections provide a unique insider's perspective on the evolution of the Final Four and the enduring significance of this annual event in the world of college basketball. His stories offer a glimpse into the passion, drama, and human connections that have made the Final Four such a cherished part of the sports landscape.

The details

DeCourcy's list of top 10 Final Four memories spans three decades, from 1991 to 2026. Some of the highlights include: witnessing Duke's upset of UNLV in 1991, which he covered while working for The Pittsburgh Press; seeing Danny Manning's legendary performance in leading Kansas to the 1988 championship; getting to meet actor Jack Nicholson in the press room before the 1995 semifinals; and being present for Kris Jenkins' game-winning 3-pointer that clinched Villanova's 2016 national title. DeCourcy also shares personal anecdotes, such as the time he arranged a dinner with his dear friend Tom Dias to celebrate his induction into the U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame in 2012.

  • In 1991, DeCourcy covered the Final Four for The Pittsburgh Press during a time of financial uncertainty for the newspaper.
  • In 1988, DeCourcy witnessed Danny Manning's iconic performance in leading Kansas to the national championship.
  • In 1995, DeCourcy had a chance encounter with actor Jack Nicholson in the press room before the semifinals.
  • In 2016, DeCourcy was seated near the action when Kris Jenkins hit the game-winning 3-pointer for Villanova in the championship game.
  • In 2012, DeCourcy was inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame in New Orleans, with his friend Tom Dias in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

The players

Tony Delk

A member of the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats team that won the national championship, which DeCourcy covered as a journalist.

Antoine Walker

A key player on the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats team that won the national championship, which DeCourcy covered as a journalist.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats team that won the national championship, which DeCourcy covered as a journalist.

Chris Collins

A former Duke player who DeCourcy encountered on a bus ride after covering an event in the Bronx.

Mike Krzyzewski

The head coach of the 1991 Duke team that won the national championship, which DeCourcy covered as a journalist.

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What they’re saying

“This is the most fun I've had in my life. It is. It is just so much fun for me to be here, and I almost didn't get here. But I fought hard enough to do that because I wanted to be with the guys.”

— Sister Jean

“This team was built to win this tournament.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Houston Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

DeCourcy's reflections on his top Final Four memories over the past three decades provide a unique insider's perspective on the evolution of college basketball's biggest event. His stories highlight the enduring passion, drama, and human connections that have made the Final Four such an integral part of the sports landscape.