New York just ended a 53-year championship drought on Saturday night, and while the Knicks’ locker room was filled with celebrations, one postgame moment highlighted the college roots of one of the franchise’s biggest stars.
Former Indiana head coach Tom Crean shared a photo with Knicks forward OG Anunoby following New York’s NBA Finals win over the San Antonio Spurs. The post quickly caught fans’ attention, serving as a reminder of the journey that took Anunoby from college level to becoming a pro.
Crean posted the photo shortly after the Knicks secured a 94-90 win over the Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The picture showed Anunoby wearing a Knicks NBA Champions cap and his No. 8 jersey while posing alongside Crean and family members inside the arena.
The reunion is a very special moment because before Anunoby became an NBA star, he was a lightly recruited prospect who developed under Crean’s guidance with the Hoosiers.
Over the years, Crean has frequently spoken about Anunoby’s determination and commitment to reaching the NBA.
“When we recruited him, there was no question that he wanted to be shown, told and convinced about how he could become an NBA player. It wasn’t: I want to make the NBA. It was: What is it really going to take for me to do this?” Crean previously said.
That mentality has clearly paid off.
OG Anunoby Caps Off Memorable NBA Finals Run
While Jalen Brunson got the Finals MVP honors after leading New York to its first championship since 1973, Anunoby also played a major role throughout the season.
Anunoby scored 11 points and eight rebounds in the championship-clinching Game 5 victory. He got the final rebound of the game and held the ball as the buzzer sounded, officially ending the Knicks’ decades-long title drought.
Crean’s photo got a lot of positive reactions online, with many fans congratulating both men on the achievement.
Several supporters pointed to the connection between Indiana basketball and Anunoby’s rise, praising Crean for helping develop a player who has now become a two-time NBA champion.
One insider revealed an instance from the locker room celebration.
“He grabbed the neck of it, lifted it to his mouth, tilted his head back and took a swig, as if he had discovered water after weeks stranded in the desert. But this was not water, and his body reacted as such. He started to cough. The tequila poured down his face. He screamed. As he yelped from the burning in his chest, he laughed, uncontrollably.” Katz of athletics wrote.
For Anunoby, Saturday’s celebration represented more than just another trophy. It was a journey that began years ago in college basketball, and ended with one of his former coaches there to celebrate one of the biggest moments of his career.
As the Knicks continue to celebrate their victory, the post served as a reminder of how far Anunoby has come, from Indiana standout to NBA champion.
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