SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Carmelo Anthony learned tough lessons coming of age playing basketball on playgrounds in Brooklyn and Baltimore.
It culminated with him becoming one of the sports’ purest scorers and most decorated players ever.
Walking onto the stage for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday to chants of “Melo! Melo,” Anthony took his place alongside basketball’s immortals.
“Pardon my language, but damn,” Anthony said, tearing up. “Tonight I just don’t step into the Hall of Fame, I carry the echoes of every voice that ever told me I couldn’t. ... I had to build a new road. I had to write a new ending.”
Carmelo Anthony, right, speaks during his enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame as Dwyane Wade, left, and Allen Iverson listen on Saturday in Springfield, Mass. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Anthony was part of a quintet of players that were inducted into the Hall on Saturday as individuals, joining Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles. Together they were part of 11 WNBA or NBA championship teams, captured 15 Olympic gold medals, made 37 All-NBA or All-WNBA appearances and were named as All-Stars 45 times in their careers.
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“I never got an NBA ring. ... But I know what I gave to the game,” Anthony said.
Anthony and Howard were dual-enshrinees as members of the 2008 Olympic men’s basketball team that became known as the “Redeem Team,” after winning gold at the Beijing Games that summer after only capturing a bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2006 FIBA world championships. Howard and Anthony joined 2008 team members Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the late Kobe Bryant who were already enshrined as individuals.
Dwight Howard, right, is presented by, from left to right, Patrick Ewing, Robert Parish, Dominique Wilkins and Shaquille O'Neal, during his enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday in Springfield, Mass.
This year’s class was rounded out by Chicago Bulls coach and two-time NCAA champion Billy Donovan, Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison and longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford.
The inclusion of Bird, Moore and Fowles’ enshrinement marked the first time three WNBA players will enter the Hall of Fame in the same year.
Bird said being on the stage Saturday made her appreciate the journey she'd made from Syosset, New York, predicting in her high school yearbook that she'd one day become a professional soccer or basketball player.
“There was no logical place for a kid like me,” she said.
Maya Moore speaks during her enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday in Springfield, Mass.
Saturday also was a showcase of how interconnected that trio of women were. Bird and Moore with two NCAA titles each at Connecticut. Fowles was also instrumental in the final two of Moore’s four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx. All three played together and won gold medals for the U.S. on the Olympic team.
All the members of Redeem Team were in attendance, with the exception of Kobe Bryant, who passed in 2020.
LeBron James, who was 23 years old in 2008, said the tone for that team was set by the Lakers great.
“We just wanted to get to his level and make him proud,” James said.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski said the mission of that team was clear from the moment the star-laden team was assembled.
“Our goal was to win the gold medal, but also to win the respect of our country again,” said Krzyzewski said.
Sue Bird speaks during her enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday in Springfield, Mass.
Moore believes her basketball career, replete a run of college and WNBA championships and MVP trophies, was simply a prelude to her post-basketball calling: building what she called “championship communities.”
“Now that I’m in the Hall, I believe I have become Auntie Maya,” she said.
Moore retired before the 2019 WNBA season to focus on social justice issues and helping overturn the wrongful conviction of her now-husband, Jonathan Irons.
She devoted her speech to imploring today's generation to use their platforms to promote change in their own communities.
“Figure out what motivates you every day you get out of bed,” Moore said. “I want to challenge you up and comers, every day to seek out joy and connection.”
Howard, one of four players with three Defensive Player of the Year awards, became known for the playful way he expressed himself on the court. He showed all those attributes during a speech that honored the sacrifices of his parents, notably how his mother endured seven miscarriages before delivering him on her eighth attempt.
“My mother lost seven children and he allowed me to bring sunshine into her life,” he said. “I’m just honored to stand in front of you as one of the greatest basketball players ever.”
Howard was inducted by Dominique Wilkins, Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing and Robert Parish. He also acknowledged other great centers as well, including Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dikembe Mutombo. Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of Russell’s enshrinement.
His speech took playful jabs at his “Superman feud” with Shaquille O’Neal and included an imitation of Stan Van Gundy, his former Orlando Magic coach.
But he concluded his remarks with a message to his children, imploring them to chase their dreams.
“You only die once but you live every day,” Howard said.
Arison thanked former Heat players in attendance, including James, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Alonzo Mourning for their contributions to what has become known as “Heat Culture” during his stewardship of the team.
Arison also had jokes, looking toward James when he reminisced about the championship teams led by James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh by referencing James’ now infamous prediction for the trio’s success.
“In 2010, with Dwyane, LeBron and Chris Bosh we knew we could win. Not one, not two...I guess it was just two,” Arison said.
Best March Madness Cinderella stories of all time
Best March Madness Cinderella stories of all time
March Madness is full of surprises. Every year, lower-seeded teams pull off upsets and shock the basketball world. These teams, called "Cinderellas," go on unexpected runs, beating big schools and making history.
The NCAA Tournament is perfect for underdogs. It is single-elimination, meaning one bad game can end a top team's season. Cinderella teams take advantage of this. They play without pressure, gain confidence, and become fan favorites along the way.
In this article, looks at some of the best Cinderella stories in history. These teams proved that anything is possible when the tournament begins.
What Makes a Cinderella Team?
A Cinderella team is a lower-seeded team that makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Most Cinderellas are seeded No. 10 or lower and come from smaller schools. They are not expected to win, but they prove everyone wrong by knocking out top-ranked teams. Some make it to the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four.
There are a few things that help create a Cinderella team. Many come from schools with little basketball history. They do not have top recruits or big budgets like powerhouse programs. What they do have is strong teamwork, good coaching, and belief. These teams win close games, survive overtime battles, and keep finding ways to advance.
Fans love Cinderella stories because they bring excitement to the tournament. A top seed losing to a little-known school is what makes March Madness unpredictable. The underdogs play with nothing to lose, and their wins create some of the most memorable moments in tournament history.
Some of the Great March Madness Cinderella Teams
March Madness has produced some of the greatest underdog stories in sports. Every year, a team that no one expects to win goes on a deep run, shocking bigger programs along the way. These teams don't always win the championship, but they leave their mark on history. Some become legends, while others fade back into the shadows after their moment in the spotlight.
Here are some of the greatest Cinderella stories in . These teams proved that rankings and reputations don't matter once the games begin.
UMBC (2018) – The first No. 16 seed to win
For years, No. 16 seeds had never beaten a No. 1 seed. The record was 0-135. Then, in 2018, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) changed history. Matched up against Virginia, the top-ranked team in the country, UMBC wasn't given a chance. But instead of just sneaking out a close win, they dominated. The final score was 74-54, making it one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history.
UMBC's fast-paced style and fearless attitude caught Virginia off guard. Led by guard Jairus Lyles, the Retrievers pulled away in the second half and never looked back. It wasn't just a lucky win—it was a statement. Fans watching across the country couldn't believe what they were seeing.
The win put UMBC in the national spotlight, even though they lost in the next round. The team became a symbol of what makes March Madness special. went viral, and their upset is still talked about today. No. 16 seeds now know that winning isn't impossible, all thanks to UMBC.
VCU (2011) – From the First Four to the Final Four
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) wasn't even supposed to be in the tournament. As one of the last teams selected, they had to play in the "First Four," a play-in game before the main tournament. Most people thought they would lose right away. Instead, they made one of the most impressive runs in March Madness history.
VCU beat USC in the play-in game and then took down bigger programs like Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State, and top-seeded Kansas. They reached the Final Four, becoming just the third No. 11 seed to ever do so. Led by coach Shaka Smart, the Rams played aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, making the team tough to beat.
Their run ended in the , but by then, they had already made history. VCU's journey proved that even teams on the bubble can go deep into the tournament. It also helped launch Shaka Smart's coaching career, as he became one of the most sought-after coaches in college basketball.
George Mason (2006) – The small school that shocked the nation
George Mason wasn't a basketball powerhouse. As a No. 11 seed, they were expected to be eliminated early. But in 2006, the Patriots did what few mid-major schools had ever done—reach the Final Four.
Their run started with a win over Michigan State, a team with tournament experience. Then, they knocked off defending champion North Carolina. By the time they reached the Elite Eight, people were starting to take notice. Their biggest win came against No. 1 seed UConn, a game that went to overtime. George Mason pulled off the upset, earning a spot in the Final Four.
Though they lost to Florida in the semifinals, their run changed how people viewed smaller schools. Before George Mason, teams from smaller conferences rarely made deep tournament runs. After their success, mid-majors started getting more respect, and the tournament became even more unpredictable.
Florida Gulf Coast (2013) – Dunk City takes over March Madness
No one had heard of Florida Gulf Coast University before the 2013 tournament. As a No. 15 seed, they weren't supposed to win a game. Instead, they became one of the most exciting teams in March Madness history, earning the nickname "Dunk City."
In the first round, FGCU shocked No. 2 seed Georgetown, pulling off a 78-68 win. The way they played made the team instant fan favorites. They ran the floor, threw alley-oops, and played above the rim, something rarely seen from an underdog. In the second round, FGCU took down No. 7 seed San Diego State, becoming the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Sweet 16.
Their tournament run ended against Florida, but the team's impact lasted much longer. The energy and style they played with made them one of the most memorable Cinderella teams ever. Even though they never made another deep run, "Dunk City" remains a legendary part of March Madness history.
Villanova (1985) – The lowest seed to win a national title
Villanova wasn't a complete unknown. They played in the , a strong basketball conference. But as a No. 8 seed, no one expected them to win the championship. In 1985, they did just that, becoming the lowest-seeded team to ever win the national title.
Villanova's biggest challenge came in the championship game against Georgetown, a team that had already beaten them twice that season. To win, Villanova played nearly a perfect game. They shot 78.6% from the field, making almost every shot they took. The strategy worked, and the team pulled off a 66-64 win.
The upset remains one of the greatest moments in college basketball history. No team seeded lower than No. 8 has ever won the championship, making Villanova's run a record that still stands today.
Loyola Marymount (1990) – Playing for Hank Gathers
Loyola Marymount's Cinderella run in 1990 was different. It wasn't just about basketball—it was about honoring their fallen teammate, Hank Gathers. Gathers, their best player, collapsed and died on the court just before the tournament. The team dedicated their run to him.
Despite being a No. 11 seed, Loyola Marymount played with emotion and fire. They scored 149 points in their first-round win against New Mexico State, setting a tournament record. Then, they took down defending champion Michigan. They reached the Elite Eight before losing to UNLV, but their run was bigger than basketball.
The team's story is remembered as one of the most emotional in NCAA history. Loyola Marymount didn't win a championship, but they won over fans with their heart and determination.
Florida Atlantic (2023) – The surprise Final Four team
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) had never won an NCAA Tournament game before 2023. As a No. 9 seed, no one expected them to go far. But they played fearless basketball, taking down top teams on their way to the Final Four.
FAU's run included wins over Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas State. They played with confidence, never backing down from the moment. Their balanced team effort and strong defense made them one of the toughest teams in the tournament.
Their ended the run, but FAU proved that even smaller programs could compete at the highest level. Their success also showed that mid-major teams should never be counted out.
What Happens to Cinderella Teams After Their Big Runs?
A deep tournament run can change a program overnight. Cinderella teams get national attention, leading to more media coverage, better recruiting, and sometimes even a jump to a bigger conference. Coaches often become household names, and in many cases, they get offers from larger schools. Players who might not have been on the NBA radar suddenly gain recognition. The excitement of a Cinderella run can also lead to increased enrollment and donations for the school.
Long term, not every Cinderella team stays competitive. Some, like VCU and Butler, used their success to build strong programs that regularly make the tournament. Butler even reached another championship game after their first deep run. Other teams, like Florida Gulf Coast, were never able to recapture the magic. They had a brief moment in the spotlight but returned to being a mid-major program. March Madness proves that anything can happen, but staying on top is just as hard as getting there.
Why Cinderella Stories Will Never Get Old
March Madness is built for surprises. The tournament's single-elimination format means that one great game can take down a top team, and lower seeds only need a few wins to make history. Unlike other sports, where a series format favors stronger teams, the NCAA Tournament gives every underdog a real shot. This structure ensures that Cinderella teams will always be a part of March Madness.
Fans love these stories because they go beyond basketball. The emotion of watching a small school take on a powerhouse makes the tournament unpredictable and fun. Every year, a new Cinderella emerges, proving that rankings don't tell the full story. As long as March Madness exists, there will always be a team that defies expectations. The only question is—who will be next?
Conclusion
Cinderella teams are what make March Madness special. They bring excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments to the tournament. They bust brackets and pretty much make or break every out there.
Every year, a lower-seeded team proves that rankings don't matter once the game starts. These teams remind fans why is so unpredictable and fun.
As another tournament approaches, there will be new teams ready to make their mark. Some will pull off shocking upsets, and one may go on a deep run that no one saw coming. Who will be this year's Cinderella? Only time will tell.
was produced by and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
