NCAA Tourney through the Years

Former SI photographer Rich Clarkson has been to 53 NCAA Tournaments, beginning in 1952. Here are some of his favorite shots through the years. The first time North Carolina coach Dean Smith appeared in the NCAA Final Four, he was a member of the 1952 Kansas team that won the national title. Here, Smith (white jersey) chases a loose ball in the semifinal with Santa Clara. Kansas went on to win 74-55.Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.

Kansas coach Dr. Forrest "Phog" Allen gives final instructions to his team before its 80-63 victory over St. John's in the championship game. Future North Carolina coach Dean Smith (facing camera) was a junior at Kansas.

San Francisco's Bill Russell gets a ride off the court after defeating La Salle, 77-63, to win the title in Kansas City. Russell was named most outstanding player after scoring 47 points.

Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain (13) in action against North Carolina in the national title game in Kansas City. UNC won 54-53 in triple overtime.

Ohio State's Jerry Lucas (11) and Cincinnati center Paul Hogue during the Buckeyes' 70-65 overtime loss in the 1961 title game.

Jerry Harkness (15) helped Loyola get past Cincinnati 60-58 in overtime for the national title in Louisville.

UCLA guard Walt Hazzard (42) during the Final Four at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. UCLA defeated Duke 98-83 for the title.

UCLA guard Gail Goodrich (25) attempts to get a shot past Michigan's Cazzie Russell during the Final Four held in Portland. UCLA won 91-80 to take the title.

Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp (with basketball) and his players watch as Texas Western receives the championship trophy. Kentucky lost 72-65 after Texas Western's Bobby Joe Hill had successive steals to turn the game around.

UCLA center Lew Alcindor shoots his trademark sky hook during the Final Four semifinal game in Los Angeles. Also pictured is UCLA forward Mike Lynn (35), guard Allen Lucius (42), Houston forward Elvin Hayes (44), center Ken Spain (14) and guard Don Chaney (24). UCLA defeated the Cougars 101-69 to meet North Carolina in the championship game.

Artis Gilmore blocks a shot at a Final Four semifinal held in College Park, Md. Jacksonville defeated St. Bonaventure 91-83 to face UCLA in the championship game.

In what he calls his favorite photo, UCLA coach John Wooden accepts congratulations and thanks from Sidney Wicks following the team's 68-62 victory over Villanova during the 1971 Final Four. Wicks was a starter on three Bruin championship teams.

UCLA center Bill Walton takes a shot during the Final Four in St. Louis. UCLA defeated Memphis 87-66 for the title.

N.C. State's David Thompson lofts a shot over Bill Walton during the 1974 Final Four.

Michigan State guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson dunks over Indiana State's Bob Heaton during the national title game in Salt Lake City. Johnson was named Most Outstanding Player after Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75-64.

Larry Bird lofts a shot over Jay Vincent during the 1979 NCAA finals against Michigan State.

Isiah Thomas swoops in for a layup during the 1981 national championship game. The Hoosiers defeated the Tar Heels 63-50.

North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan sinks the game-winning shot in a 63-62 national title thriller against Georgetown in New Orleans.

Houston's Akeem Olajuwon (34) and Louisville's Rodney McCray battle during a Final Four semifinal in Albuquerque. Houston won 80-68 in overtime and Olajuwon was later named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Patrick Ewing of Georgetown goes up for a signature dunk during a Final Four semifinal in Seattle. Georgetown defeated Kentucky 53-40 to advance to the championship game.

Indiana guard Keith Smart tries to squeeze a shot past Syracuse's Rony Seikaly during the Final Four championship in New Orleans. Indiana defeated Syracuse 74-73 for the title and Smart was named MVP for the tournament.

Oklahoma forward Harvey Grant tries to catch up with Kansas forward Danny Manning during the championship game in Kansas City. Kansas defeated Oklahoma 83-79; Manning was named tournament MVP.

Michigan guard Jalen Rose shoots a jumper over Antonio Lang and his Duke teammates in Minneapolis. Duke defeated Michigan 71-51 to win the national title.

Kentucky guard Tony Delk avoids UMass' Edgar Padilla during a Final Four semifinal in East Rutherford. Kentucky defeated UMass 81-74 to meet Syracuse in the final game.

Arizona's mascot celebrates after the Wildcats defeated Kentucky 84-79 in overtime for the national title.

Utah guard Andre Miller gets past Kentucky center Jamaal Magloire in San Antonio. Kentucky ultimately prevailed 78-69 for the title.

UConn players celebrate after knocking out Duke to capture the national championship.

Michigan State guard Mateen Cleaves makes a pass during a Final Four semifinal in Indianapolis. The Spartans defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 53-41 to meet Florida for the title. Cleaves was named MVP of the tournament.

Florida center Udonis Haslem splits Michigan St. forward A.J. Granger and forward Morris Peterson on his way to the basket during the national championship game. The Spartans defeated the Gators 89-76.

Duke forward Mike Dunleavy makes his third straight three-pointer in the second half against Arizona during the national championship game in Minneapolis. Duke won 82-72.

Jawad Williams puts up a shot against James Augustine of Illinois during the title game at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. North Carolina won 75-70.

Florida's Joakim Noah pumps his fists in celebration after making a basket during the national championship game in Indianapolis.The Gators defeated the Bruins 73-57 for the title.

Ohio State's Greg Oden shoots over Chris Richard during the Buckeyes' 84-75 loss to Florida in the national title game in Atlanta.

An overhead look at the opening tip of the Memphis-UCLA Final Four semifinal in San Antonio. Memphis won 78-63 to advance to the championship game.

Mario Chalmers sinks a three-pointer to send the title game against Memphis into overtime. The Jayhawks went onto defeat the Tigers 75-68.