Virginia’s Kihei Clark Now Responsible for One of Best, Worst Passes in NCAA History – Sports Illustrated

In one of the most extraordinary moments in NCAA history, Kihei Clark of the University of Virginia Cavaliers is responsible for both one of the best and one of the worst passes ever made.

On the evening of April 8th during the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, Clark authored an outrageous pass that has since been dubbed “the greatest pass in NCAA history.” With less than two minutes remaining in the game and the Cavaliers trailing the Texas Tech Red Raiders by two points, Clark received an inbounds pass and, seeing no open lanes to the basket, executed a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Mamadi Diakite, who then drove to the hoop, scored, and forced overtime.

Conversely, a mere two months later, on June 9th during the Cavaliers’ second round match-up against Purdue, Clark threw a pass that has since been deemed “the worst pass in NCAA history.” With the score tied and less than ten seconds remaining in the game, Clark attempted a pass to the opposite corner of the court, but the ball was intercepted by Purdue’s Nojel Eastern. Eastern then drove the length of the court and made a layup at the buzzer, thus ending the Cavaliers’ season.

Consequently, Kihei Clark of the University of Virginia is now credited with having both the best and the worst passes in NCAA history.

Despite its tumultuous conclusion, the Cavaliers’ 2019-2020 season was a great success. The team advanced further in the NCAA Tournament than they had in nearly two decades, and, in the process, Kihei Clark achieved a unique distinction that will likely remain unrivaled for years to come.

The phenomenon of Clark’s two passes has become so pervasive in the realm of sports that it has become a symbol of the unpredictable nature of collegiate athletics. It is a reminder that, no matter how talented, experienced, or skilled a team may be, any game can be lost or won in the blink of an eye.

Thus, Virginia’s Kihei Clark is now credited with having authored both the most spectacular and the most disastrous passes in the annals of NCAA history.