The 30 Most Influential NCAA MBB Teams of SLAM’s 30 Years: ‘94 Arkansas

To celebrate SLAM’s 30th anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential men’s college teams from our past 30 years. Stats, records and chips aren’t the main factor here, it’s all about their contribution to the game’s cultural fabric.

For the next 30 days—Monday through Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve also got an exclusive retro collegiate collection, out now, that pays homage to each squad’s threads. Shop here.

If we’re talking intimidation, you don’t have to look much further than the ‘93-94 Arkansas Razorbacks. Spearheaded by the 40 Minutes of Hell, the Hogs were captivating from baseline to baseline. Even then-President Bill Clinton wanted to watch the No. 1 squad in action. Bud Walton Arena became a sanctuary from November to March. A win was expected, and the Hogs never disappointed, going undefeated at home on the season.

The Razorbacks easily dismantled opponents with their youthful roster, whose pure tenacity made up for its lack of seniors. At the helm was Nolan Richardson, who imposed the renowned defensive tactic “40 Minutes of Hell.” Throughout the season, the Razorbacks would quickly become a nightmare matchup in the SEC as a persistent full-court press transpired throughout each and every contest. 

While Corliss Williamson was regarded as a “Teddy Bear” by his head coach, the 6’7 245 pound power forward was anything but on the court. He was “Big Nasty”. Defenders were an afterthought. Forget trying to front him in the post. As soon as Williamson touched the ball on the block, it was game over. The 6-foot-7 forward exuded a seamless swagger and tenacity that perfectly paired with the baggy unis he and his squad wore. The Razorbacks played big, and with every bucket and big-time play, they were nothin’ but nasty to opponents.

Yet the legacy of the ‘94 Razorbacks wouldn’t be cemented if not for their improbable success in March. Arkansas already matched up against North Carolina A&T, Georgetown, Tulsa, No. 11 Michigan and No. 9 Arizona. But the final matchup was even tougher; college phenom Grant Hill led the Blue Devils. Duke entered looking for its third championship in four seasons. Adding to the mess, the Blue Devils were riding a hot hand after a 13-point comeback in the semifinals versus Florida.

As the first half ensued, a tight contest emerged. Although the Razorbacks went into the locker room with a slight one-point lead, they would soon find themselves climbing back from a 10-point deficit. With less than a minute until the final buzzer with the score locked at 70 a piece, sophomore Scotty Thurman rose to the occasion. He caught the ball on the right wing and elevated into his jumper. Thurman let the ball fly with a high-arching shot that narrowly cleared the outstretched hand of the Blue Devils’ Antonio Lang. It was fouls and free throws for the remainder of the game.

Photos via Getty Images.