Family Ties: Rolando Lamb's Buzzer-Beater Lives On Through His Son Jeremy

Strategic Insights -

As the nation's top college basketball teams clashed in the West Regional final, a remarkable story of father-son connection took center stage. Rolando Lamb, a standout player at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1984, still recalls the details of his game-winning shot against Northeastern, coached by the legendary Jim Calhoun. Now, 27 years later, Rolando's son Jeremy is making waves in the NCAA tournament, playing a pivotal role for third-seeded Connecticut alongside Kemba Walker.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rolando Lamb's game-winning shot in 1984 against Northeastern, coached by Jim Calhoun, remains an unforgettable moment in college basketball history.
  • Jeremy Lamb, Rolando's son, has become a crucial contributor to the UConn team, averaging over 10 points in each of the team's last eight wins.
  • Jeremy credits his father's coaching and guidance for his success, particularly in developing his smooth stroke and 7-foot-4-inch wingspan.
  • Jim Calhoun has praised Jeremy's humility and ability to complement Kemba Walker's intensity, calling him a "humble" player.
  • Rolando Lamb, known as America's Character Coach, has developed a program called "How to Bring Your A Game," which emphasizes the importance of character in sports.
  • Jeremy scored the decisive basket against Louisville in the Big East tournament final, displaying his father's influence on his game.
  • Rolando Lamb declined to predict the outcome of Saturday's game, citing the unpredictability of the NCAA tournament.

Statistics:

  • 27 years separate Rolando Lamb's game-winning shot in 1984 and his son Jeremy's NCAA tournament performances.
  • Jeremy Lamb has averaged over 10 points in each of the UConn team's last eight wins.
  • Jeremy credits his father's guidance for improvement in his smooth stroke, which he developed through a 2-hour per day shooting routine.
  • 65 schools offered scholarships to Jeremy Lamb after an exceptional performance on the AAU circuit.
  • Jeremy Lamb has maintained a humble demeanor, deflecting attention to Kemba Walker after UConn's recent streak.

Sources:

  • "UConn's Jeremy Lamb tries to stay grounded amid the madness of March" (no date provided)
  • The New York Times (no date provided)
  • Sports Illustrated (no date provided)