To celebrate 30 years of SLAM, we’re featuring the 30 most influential men’s college teams from our past 30 years. Stats, records and chips are not the main factor here, it’s all about their contribution to the cultural fabric of the game.
Over the next 30 days, Monday through Friday, we’ll be featuring full list here. We also have an exclusive retro collegiate collection out now that pays homage to the threads of each squad. Shop here.
Think of the NBA All Star Dunk Contest, imagine witnessing it for an entire season. Simply known as “Dunk City”, in 2013 The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles literally soared and took college basketball to new heights with their circus-like dunks every game.
A true story of an unstoppable underdog, the Eagles shocked the world after defeating two teams no one ever imagined they could beat. Their debut in the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. After years of underachievement, the No. 15 Eagles stunned the basketball world by knocking off No. 2 Georgetown 78-68. The Dunk City charm was not limited to that. With a convincing win over No. 7 San Diego State in the second round, they became the first No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
This team’s energy throughout the season was unmatched. There wasn’t really any structure, it was just go out, yeah, and play, but play as a team. The Eagles 13 team was not easy to follow in the paint with a lot of iso and drop off.
At the heart of it all was the walk-on, yes I said walk-on, who turned into super-athlete Sherwood Brown. Who was named the A-Sun Player of the Year and went on to prove he was that guy in March Madness. Along with Brown, a group of exciting players like Bernard Thompson and Chase Filer, who contributed their own unique skills, turned Dunk City into a show full of highlight reels.
Beyond the wins and losses, “Dunk City” became a phenomenon. Dunk City, born of circus-like lobs and “emphasized finishes,” changed the name of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles men’s basketball team.
Although the Eagles faced Florida, ending their magical run with a 62-50 loss. The season ended with a 26–11 record, leaving an indelible mark on FGCU basketball history.
The nickname “Dunk City” will forever be something to remind fans of. A time where the gods soared.
Photos via Getty Images.
