On This Day (1996): Darvin Ham’s Iconic Dunk Propels Texas Tech to Historic Sweet Sixteen Run
March 17, 1996, was a defining moment in Texas Tech basketball history. The Red Raiders faced the North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, and what unfolded would be remembered as one of the most electrifying plays in March Madness history. Darvin Ham, Texas Tech’s powerful forward, delivered a moment that sent shockwaves through the tournament and became the signature highlight of his career.
Midway through the first half, with the game still competitive, Ham found himself soaring through the air after catching a pass in transition. As he elevated toward the rim, UNC defenders could do nothing but watch. In one ferocious motion, Ham threw down a thunderous dunk, shattering the backboard and sending glass shards flying across the court. The crowd erupted, the momentum swung, and Texas Tech never looked back.
Before Ham’s dunk, the game was closely contested, with UNC showing why they were a perennial powerhouse. Led by coach Dean Smith, the Tar Heels had a talented squad featuring future NBA players. However, Texas Tech, under coach James Dickey, had a different energy—one fueled by sheer determination and an unrelenting desire to prove they belonged among the elite.
The dunk not only brought the game to a halt for cleanup but also changed its entire dynamic. Texas Tech, energized by the moment, went on a dominant scoring run. UNC, stunned and rattled by the shift in momentum, struggled to recover. What was once a tight game quickly turned into a Red Raider showcase.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, Texas Tech had secured a resounding 92-73 victory over North Carolina. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The victory propelled the Red Raiders to their first-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance, a milestone in the program’s history. Ham’s dunk became a symbol of Texas Tech’s rise and their ability to compete with college basketball’s bluebloods.
The impact of the play extended beyond just that game. It became one of the defining moments of the 1996 NCAA Tournament and remains one of the most famous dunks in March Madness history. It was featured in highlight reels, documentaries, and even commercials celebrating the tournament’s most unforgettable plays.
For Darvin Ham, the dunk was a springboard to a professional basketball career. He went on to play in the NBA for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, with whom he won a championship in 2004. His reputation as a high-flying, hard-nosed player was cemented that day in Dallas, Texas, against UNC.
Texas Tech fans still talk about the moment as one of the greatest in school history. It marked the arrival of the Red Raiders on the national stage, proving they could compete with and defeat legendary programs. It also set a precedent for future Texas Tech teams, inspiring generations of players to believe in the program’s potential.
The game itself was a classic example of how a single play can change the course of a team’s destiny. College basketball is full of memorable moments, but few have the raw power and emotion of Ham’s backboard-shattering dunk. It wasn’t just a great play—it was a moment that defined an era.
As March Madness rolls around each year, highlight reels replay Ham’s dunk, reminding fans of the electrifying excitement the tournament brings. It’s a reminder that in the NCAA Tournament, anything can happen—underdogs can rise, legends can be made, and in a single moment, history can be rewritten.
For Texas Tech, that day in 1996 was more than just a win; it was the day they shattered expectations—literally and figuratively. And for Darvin Ham, it was the day he brought the house down and cemented his place in college basketball lore.